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Portugal · Algarve

The Algarve travel guide

Golden cliffs, sea caves and a long sunny season

Ponta da Piedade near Lagos. Photo: Arne Müseler, CC BY-SA 3.0 de, via Wikimedia Commons

2h 30mflight from London
FAOnearest main airport
24° in Augwarmest month
13° in Jancoolest month

The Algarve is Portugal's southern coast, with more than 3,000 hours of sunshine a year. The west has dramatic golden cliffs and coves, and the east has long sandy beaches and lagoons.

It's a favourite for UK families and golfers, with resorts such as Albufeira, Lagos and Vilamoura. Faro airport is about 2 hours 45 minutes from London.

Good forBeachesFamiliesGolfBoat trips

What The Algarve is known for

  • Sea caves

    The Benagil cave and its sunlit dome.

  • Sunshine

    Over 300 sunny days a year.

  • Golf

    Some of Europe's best courses.

  • Cataplana

    Seafood stew cooked in a copper pot.

Top things to do in The Algarve

  1. 1

    Benagil Cave

    Boat or kayak tours to the famous sea cave.

    Find tours and tickets
  2. 2

    Ponta da Piedade

    Rock arches and grottos near Lagos.

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  3. 3

    Praia da Marinha

    One of Europe's most beautiful beaches.

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  4. 4

    The Seven Hanging Valleys trail

    A cliff-top walk between Marinha and Vale Centeanes.

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  5. 5

    Tavira

    A pretty old town in the eastern Algarve.

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  6. 6

    Ria Formosa

    Lagoon boat trips and island beaches near Faro.

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See all tours and tickets in The Algarve

Where to stay in The Algarve

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Best time to visit The Algarve

Best value: Mar–May, Sep–Oct. May, June, September and October: hot and sunny with fewer crowds. July and August are busiest.

  • Best valueGood weather, smaller crowds
  • PeakBusiest, highest prices
  • QuietCheapest, cooler or wetter
12.9 C13°J12.9 C13°F14.2 C14°M15.8 C16°A18.4 C18°M21.4 C21°J23.4 C23°J23.8 C24°A22 C22°S19.7 C20°O16 C16°N13.9 C14°D
Bar height is the average temperature in The Algarve, °C, 2001–2025 (NASA POWER).

Getting there and around

About 2h 30m from London to FAO, and flights from most UK airports.

A hire car helps. Trains and buses link the main towns along the coast.

Find flights to The Algarve (FAO)

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Good to know

  • Kayak tours into Benagil Cave are restricted at times: book with a licensed operator.
  • The sea is cooler than the Mediterranean, around 20°C in summer.
  • Book cars early for summer.
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The Algarve FAQ

Where to stay in the Algarve?

Lagos for scenery, Albufeira for nightlife, Tavira for calm.

Is the Algarve good in winter?

It's mild and sunny, around 16°C, good for golf and walking but not swimming.

More places in Portugal

Back to the Portugal travel guide + Add The Algarve to your bucket list