Algarve
Portugal's southern coast is the UK's most dependable short-haul beach escape: golden coves and sea stacks around Lagos, long sandy strands near Albufeira and the lagoon islands of the Ria Formosa, all under three hours from London. Go in May, June or September for hot days without August's crowds; winter brings mild sunshine, golf and low prices.
Overview
The Algarve runs about 150 km from Cape St Vincent to the Spanish border, and Faro airport sits near the middle, so few resorts are more than an hour's drive away. The west, around Lagos and Sagres, has golden coves, sea stacks and surf; the central strip from Albufeira to Vilamoura is the package-holiday and golf heartland; the east, around Tavira, is flatter and calmer, with sandbar islands reached by small ferries. July and August are hot, busy and expensive. The Atlantic stays cooler than the Mediterranean, peaking at about 21°C off the south coast, and the exposed west coast is colder still.
Map of Algarve
Highlights
- 1Nature
Ponta da Piedade
Golden sandstone cliffs, arches and sea stacks just south of Lagos. Walk the clifftop boardwalks and the steps down to the water, or take a small-boat or kayak trip from Lagos into the grottoes when the sea is calm.
- 2Nature
Benagil and the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail
A clifftop path of about 6 km between Praia da Marinha and Vale Centeanes passes above the Benagil sea cave, whose domed roof is open to the sky. Licensed boat trips and guided kayak tours into the cave leave from Benagil, Carvoeiro and Portimão.
- 3Wildlife
Ria Formosa
A natural park of salt marsh, channels and barrier islands running about 60 km from near Quinta do Lago, past Faro, to Cacela Velha. Flamingos and spoonbills feed in the shallows, and cheap ferries from Olhão reach the car-free beaches of Armona and Culatra.
- 4Architecture
Tavira
The east's most handsome town, with an old arched bridge over the River Gilão, whitewashed houses, tiled façades and dozens of churches. A short ferry crosses to Ilha de Tavira, a long island beach with simple restaurants.
- 5Nature
Sagres and Cape St Vincent
Mainland Europe's south-western corner, where sheer cliffs drop into the Atlantic beside a lighthouse. Sagres has a clifftop fortress linked to Henry the Navigator, surf schools on wild beaches and big crowds for sunset at the cape.
Where to stay
Lagos
Lively old town with good restaurants, walkable beaches and boat trips; suits couples, younger travellers and families wanting more than a resort.
Albufeira
The biggest resort, with family hotels, all-inclusives, broad sandy beaches and the late-night Strip; the best value for a classic package break.
Vilamoura and the Golden Triangle
Marina, championship golf courses and upmarket villas around Vale do Lobo and Quinta do Lago; suits golfers and families with a bigger budget.
Tavira
Quiet and characterful, close to Spain, with island beaches by ferry; suits couples, older travellers and anyone avoiding nightlife.
When to go to Algarve
Best time: May–Jun, Sep.
Average climate in Faro
How much does Algarve cost?
Per person per day excluding flights. Return flights from London typically cost £110 off-peak and £380 in school holidays.
Visas & entry for Algarve
Shown for a British passport.
No visa needed
You can travel without a visa to the Schengen area, which includes Portugal, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This applies if you travel: as a tourist; to visit family or friends; to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events; for short-term studies or training.
The requirements for working in Portugal are different.
From the UK government's FCDO entry requirements for British passport holders — read the full page for passport validity, permits and exceptions.
Health & vaccinations
- Recommended for most travellers
- Tetanus
- Sometimes advised — depends on your trip, activities and health
- Bat Lyssavirus
- Yellow fever certificate
- No yellow fever certificate is required to enter.
- Malaria
- No malaria risk
Source: TravelHealthPro (National Travel Health Network and Centre), checked 21 October 2026. This is a summary, not medical advice.
Public holidays in Portugal
The next 12 months. Banks, offices and some sights may close, and transport and hotels get busy around these dates.
| Sun 1 Nov 2026 | All Saints' Day |
| Tue 1 Dec 2026 | Restoration of Independence Day |
| Tue 8 Dec 2026 | Immaculate Conception |
| Fri 25 Dec 2026 | Christmas Day |
| Fri 1 Jan 2027 | New Year's Day |
| Fri 26 Mar 2027 | Good Friday |
| Sun 28 Mar 2027 | Easter Sunday |
| Sun 25 Apr 2027 | Freedom Day |
| Sat 1 May 2027 | Labour Day |
| Thu 27 May 2027 | Corpus Christi |
| Thu 10 Jun 2027 | Day of Portugal, Camões, and the Portuguese Communities |
| Sun 15 Aug 2027 | Assumption Day |
| Tue 5 Oct 2027 | Republic Day |
National holidays only. Dates based on lunar calendars can move by a day or two depending on official announcements.
Know before you go
- The A22 motorway has electronic tolls only, with no booths. Take the hire company's toll transponder, or you risk fines and admin fees arriving long after you get home.
- The west coast around Aljezur and Bordeira faces the open Atlantic, with big swell, rip currents and colder water. Families with small children do better on the sheltered south-facing beaches; always follow the lifeguard flags.
Plugs, money, phrases, emergency numbers and more: see our Portugal guide.
Costa del Sol & Andalucía coast
Sicily