As the most southerly region of Portugal, the Algarve is one of the main destinations of choice when it comes to exploring Europe. One of the reasons is that the Algarve offers much in the way of activities, as well as providing some of the most stunning coastlines and beaches on the continent. Thereās also the fact that the region offers a variety of distinct areas that will suit those looking for variety on their travels, and from the central location with its coastal resorts, to the east coast which is more remote and far wilder, there really is something for everyone. If youāre looking for the ultimate in luxury, then the Algarve has something for you.
Golfing time
If itās a golfing holiday that youāre after, then youāre probably already aware of the five championship golf courses that are the destination for those looking for a more upmarket holiday. If your dream holiday is nothing more than the chance to practice your golf swing, then youāre best off booking into one of the adjacent hotels, with their special offers and prioritized green fees. Many of the better hotels also offer minibus travel to the more distant courses, meaning that you get to avoid breaking a sweat until youāre struggling with your putter.
For the rugged explorer
If being pampered at a hotel and playing golf is absolutely not your thing, then you might be more interested in checking out the west coast. Ideal for surfers thanks to the Atlantic Ocean and the spacious beaches, west Algarve is underdeveloped and as remote as you can get from those well-tended golf courses. If youāre tempted but have no idea which end of a surfboard is which, never fear. Not only are there a number of surf schools available, many of them even offer free travel from the ever popular Faro Airport, meaning that you get to sit back and relax while you travel through the rugged region and contemplate the waves ahead.
The best of the beaches
It would be remiss not to highlight the sheer quality of the beaches in the Algarve. You might easily fall into the trap of heading to your nearest beach and setting up camp for the duration of your holiday, but that would be an error. With over 150 beaches to choose from, you can pick and select based on what sort of vibe youāre going for. The Praia da Marinha on the south coast is one of the best, and provides the perfect location for those all-important holiday pics. However, make time to check out Marinha if you get time, as itās regularly voted as one of the best beaches in Europe, and you donāt want to miss out on the unique cliffs that circle the glorious setting.
No matter what kind of holiday youāre looking for, itās always worth having a closer look at the Algarve. Remarkably unique, wonderfully diverse, and packed with events and sights to see and explore. Itās also worth noting that Portugal is one of the cheapest places in Europe to visit, so your holiday budget will go a lot further there than it would in other destinations!
Michael Hodgson
May 12, 2018 at 11:55 pmPortugal is high on our “must visit soon” list and Algarve sounds amazing. Not really one for golf (unless somehow a tackling component is added in … being able to tackle someone outside the putting green sounds fair to me … but I digress). More our speed would be the amazingly rugged and rocky coastline. Thank you for the tips! Added to our resource list.
Carmen Edelson
May 13, 2018 at 3:05 pmYou’re so welcome, Michael! I hope you get to visit Portugal soon.
Reese Woods
May 13, 2018 at 6:44 pmThis looks like it would be simply a dream to visit one day! I may have to add it to my bucket list!
Carmen Edelson
May 14, 2018 at 10:14 amYes, definitely add it! Portugal is amazing.
Christina
May 14, 2018 at 9:10 amOh those beaches look amazing ?! I think I may have to add Portugal to my bucket list!
Carmen Edelson
May 14, 2018 at 10:15 amThe natural landscape there is just stunning š
Natalia
May 14, 2018 at 11:11 amI’ve always wanted to visit Portugal, as I just love this kind of countries. I’d like to visit its wonderful beaches for sure … even golfing sounds appealing to me. š
Carmen Edelson
May 15, 2018 at 7:12 amThe beaches are just stunning, Natalia!
Emily
May 14, 2018 at 12:14 pmWow, this looks gorgeous! Those beaches are calling my name!!
Carmen Edelson
May 15, 2018 at 7:12 amI love Portugal’s beaches, especially in the Algarve š
Renata - www.byemyself.com
May 14, 2018 at 4:14 pmHow fun: I’m going to Portugal next month – but I’ll go from Lisbon up North to Porto. Algarve would be a nice, relaxing destination, too, but I want to explore a bit – and I’ll stay only ten days.
Carmen Edelson
May 15, 2018 at 7:13 amNow you have a reason to return! Have an amazing time!
Patricia
May 15, 2018 at 2:14 amAlgarve looks stunning! The red rocks are such a contrast sight with the blue sea and sky!
Carmen Edelson
May 15, 2018 at 7:13 amI know, Patricia! I love that contrast.
Shruti Prabhu
May 15, 2018 at 5:19 amGreat article! We would like to visit Spain and Portugal soon and those stunning pictures of Praia de Marinha might just convince us to make the detour from the usual Lisbon/Porto circuit. It sounds like an excellent place to learn how to surf too.
Carmen Edelson
May 15, 2018 at 7:13 amYes, the surfing is just great! I hope you can visit soon š
Adam Smith
May 18, 2018 at 5:04 amBeing a great golf swing lover, I really enjoy been there. I would like to thank you to present things so well. Will really looking forward to visit there soon.
Carmen Edelson
May 20, 2018 at 7:40 amYou’re welcome, Adam!
Pete L.
May 23, 2018 at 1:51 pmCarmen,
I am enjoying your blog and this is my first time commenting. I am an avid golfer and appreciate that you do dedicate some content to golf travel. Do you play golf? If so, what has been your favorite destination course?
Carmen Edelson
May 23, 2018 at 4:13 pmI don’t but my husband does and he has so many favorites! A lot in Florida, SC, Scotland, and Portugal š
Pete L.
May 23, 2018 at 4:20 pmI had not considered Portugal as a golf destination! Looks like I have some research to do.
Carmen Edelson
May 27, 2018 at 11:49 amYes, it’s a great one surprisingly!
Nigel Stringer
May 24, 2018 at 2:22 pmCarmen, great article! Algarve has some of the best beaches and golf in Europe that’s for sure and the adjacent towns and resorts will get the lions share of bed nights. Consider though Monchique just a half hours scenic drive from both west and south coasts in the Serra da Monchique. This is still the “Authentic Algarve” unspoiled by mass tourism, high rise and plastic, stunning views, village feel, quirky shopping and some of the best restaurants on offer, a “Foodies Heaven”!
Carmen Edelson
May 27, 2018 at 11:50 amI will definitely check that out, thank you so much!
Anil Kumar
January 7, 2020 at 2:54 amwow! It’s amazing to see the beaches and let me add this destination to my holiday chart so that I visit it as soon as possible. Thanks for exploring such a nice destination.
Carmen Edelson
February 10, 2020 at 8:30 pmIt’s a beautiful part of the world!
Varun Sharma
June 18, 2020 at 3:00 amwow! Amazing pictures and informative content. Thanks for sharing the blog.
Carmen Edelson
June 22, 2020 at 6:16 pmThank you so much, Varun!