Algarve tourist information, Portugal

Algarve tourist information, southern Portugal, uncovered! From people who were tourists to the Algarve for many years and are now lucky enough to be Portugal residents!

So what makes the Algarve such a great place? For the 100,000's of holidaymakers from around the world that fly into Faro airport or drive or sail from other parts of Europe each year, it's the promise of sun-drenched days at the beach, sharing in a lovely relaxed, family-oriented culture and endless options for dining out and things to do. For Algarve tourists, Faro is only a 3-hour flight from Britain, Ireland and many other parts of Europe, and airlines offer some great prices on flights to Faro and tour operators have some really good deals on Algarve package holidays throughout the year.

The beautiful sandy Algarve beaches are, of course, one of the major attractions (understandably too, because they are some of the best in the world!) but as our Algarve tourist information shows, this sunny southern region of Portugal offers so much more as well! The fantastic weather in the Algarve, which delivers dry sunny days for most of the year, makes enjoying outdoor life a way of life. The Algarve is perfect for walking, sightseeing and cycling and for all the sports you can imagine – Surfing, golf, tennis, horse riding, kayaking and even extreme sports such a skydiving, rock climbing and wakeboarding. Families can enjoy water parks (between Lagoa and Quarteira), a theme park and zoo, boat trips along the coast (with dinghy rides into the caves and some offering the prospect of seeing dolphins), crazy golf, karting and many other things to do in the Algarve.

Our 160km x 50km southern Portugal paradise is the perfect tourist destination for families, couples, independent travellers and backpackers, mixed groups and retired people. For families, we would suggest hitting the coast (that’s not difficult we know!) and for the most accessible family entertainment centre between Quarteira and Lagos. Albufeira, Praia da Rocha and Lagos are the best for partying or for a luxury holiday, try the ‘Golden Triangle’, Vilamoura or Ferragudo (an up and coming hotspot!). For culture and history, try Silves, Tavira, Lagos or Sagres and for quiet walks in beautiful countryside, visit Alte or Monchique. Independent travellers and backpackers, start Western Algarve because it’s the end with the cool culture where everyone’s welcome; just head to a bar on your first day and you’ll fit right in! For older generations, if you want to walk around with ease and avoid tackling steep hills or challenging steps down to the beach, try the flatter eastern Algarve resorts, such as Monte Gordo and Vila Real de Santo António. Have a look at our Algarve maps to see where you want to head to!

Every resort in the Algarve has its own unique character, offering totally different landscapes, experiences, activities and gastronomic delights. Since the start of Algarve tourism (only really taking off back in the 1970s!) some resorts have changed immensely (like Albufeira and Carvoeiro) and some areas have barely changed at all (Alte, Monchique, the Western Atlantic Coast). With central Algarve being the first place to ‘be hit’ by tourism there has been a mass of development, hotels, tourism-based activities and tours, bars, restaurants and shops popping up all over the place. However, areas such as the Western Atlantic Coast still hold on to their natural ‘ruggedness’ and there are still beaches where you won't find a beach bar or even a toilet!

Catering for any budget, there is a variety of Algarve accommodation from campsites, rooms and hostels, to 5* hotels, luxury resorts and fantastic villas to rent. Restaurants and bars in the Algarve that are popular with the locals offer amazing value for money and at the other end of the scale there are top end dining establishments, including Michelin Star restaurants. In terms of things to do, at the top end there are spas, champagne cruises and yacht charters, but of course, the best things to in the Algarve are free…the beaches, landscape and culture, and admission-charging historical tourist attractions are always very reasonable.

There's also a great range of Algarve events throughout the year. The Autodromo do Algarve, near Portimão, held it's first event in October 2008 with the World Superbike Championships and has a calendar of motorsports events scheduled. There are powerboat championships, car rallies, motocross events, sailing and golf championships. The Algarve also knows how to party and celebrates with festivals throughout the year. Mardi Gras (normally in February) sees carnivals across the region with the most spectacular taking place in Loulé; Liberation Day (April 25th) celebrates the end of a dictatorship in Portugal; medieval festivals are held in Silves, Lagos and Castro Marim; special Easter festivals take place in São Brás and Loulé; there is a Sardine Festival in Portimão and Seafood Festival in Olhão and of course - Christmas and New Year, with New Year's Eve parties and fireworks everywhere! During the summer months expect open-air concerts, beach parties, jazz festivals and a whole host of other events in the Allgarve Summer Programme.

With a whole world to choose from for a holiday now, it can be difficult to decide where to go, but we hope that our tourist information will assure you that if you choose the Algarve you wont be disappointed! If you are already a fan of the Algarve, or if you would like more info about it, you can register to receive our Algarve Uncovered Monthly Newsletter! It will keep you up to date with the latest Algarve news and give you information about local businesses, up and coming events and special offers every month!