Everything You Need to Know About Visiting the Algarve, Portugal

The Algarve, Portugal. Home to soaring cliffs, sea caves, golden beaches, scalloped bays and sandy islands. It’s easy to see why this area of Portugal has become such a popular tourist destination over the years. Attracting over four million visitors each year. The coastline is breathtaking, boasting epic caves and archways, waves that attract surfers all year round and views that go on and on. The surrounding nature will steal your heart, and the charming whitewashed villages are no exception.

If you are planning a trip to the Algarve, Portugal then read on for you all the most asked questions and all of our top tips to travel to this popular tourist destination.

Heading to the Algarve, Portugal? Don’t miss these top 10 spots to visit!

Where is the Algarve, Portugal?

The Algarve is located in the South West of Portugal. The area spans over 150 km from Altura in the east to Odeceixe in the northwest. The most popular parts of the Algarve lie between Lagos and Faro with the area’s coastline being a popular holiday destination.

What currency do they use in the Algarve, Portugal?

Portugal uses the Euro. Most places accept cards however, you will find more places than in the UK asking for cash only so be sure to bring some with you when you visit the Algarve, Portugal.

Can you get around Portugal without a car?

Portugal is well connected via buses and trains throughout the country, especially between the big cities. The Algarve is a little harder to get around without a car. To truly see the best of the Algarve we recommend hiring a car or even a campervan to be able to immerse yourself in nature.

Is it worth renting a car in Algarve Portugal?

If you want to make the most of your time visiting the Algarve, Portugal then it is definitely worth renting a car to explore. Driving in the Algarve is easy and far more budget-friendly than using taxis or Uber. If you don’t want to hire a car or can’t drive there are semi-regular buses that travel up and down the coastline throughout the day.

Top tip – Uber is much cheaper than local taxis in the Algarve and very quick and reliable to use. We paid on average £8 for a 25-minute journey.

Is Portugal cheap or expensive?

Portugal is considered to be one of the cheaper countries to visit in Western Europe. It is reported that Portugal is 24% cheaper to live in than the UK. Whilst travelling the Algarve, we found there to be a mixture of cheaper restaurants and ones that resembled prices in the UK. We wouldn’t say it is cheap compared to other places in Europe and the world. However, it is certainly cheaper than most parts of the UK.

How many days is ideal in Portugal?

Depending on how much space you want to cover you could easily spend 1 month in Portugal and still not see all of it. If you are sticking to one area such as the Algarve 7-10 days is a great length of time to explore the area.

How many days in the Algarve, Portugal is enough?

A full week on the Algarve gives you plenty of time to explore the surrounding nature and also spend some time relaxing on the beach. If you’re looking for a relaxing beach holiday, a 7-day holiday to the Algarve is a good choice. Of course, if you want to spend some more time exploring or relaxing you could easily spend 2 weeks here and find enough to keep you occupied.

Is Lagos or Albufeira better?

Lagos is much more authentic and has a lot more quaint restaurants and bars. Albufeira is better if you are looking for more of a party scene. It is packed full of English restaurants and bars. Lagos has many more beautiful beaches and coves nearby. Both have a beautiful beach for you to relax on. In our opinion, Lagos is better.

You can read all about the best beaches in Lagos, Portugal here.

What is the best month to visit the Algarve?

The Algarve in Portugal is known for its sunny climate and is best explored when the sun is shining. It has a long stretch of sunny weather from April all the way to October. This is when temperatures are at their highest and rainfall is at its lowest making it the ideal time to book your flight and visit the Algarve! If you’re after some hot sunshine and don’t mind crowds then the best time to visit Algarve is between June and August. The overall hottest month of the year is July with an average daily maximum of 30 C and an average low of 22 C.

If you are looking for a bit of winter sunshine and don’t mind temperatures a bit cooler then February is a great time to visit. It is the coolest month of the year with an average daily maximum of 16 C and an average low of 10 C.

Which part of the Algarve is best?

This completely depends on what you are looking for. Lagos has the best beaches and is better if you want a more traditional Portuguese holiday complete with backpacker vibes and stunning landscapes close to the city. Albufeira is more lively and energetic and has the best party scene. Perfect if you’re looking to relax on the beach during the day and go to some bars in the evening.

Is the Algarve cheap for a holiday?

The Algarve is a really budget-friendly spot to visit on holiday. Cheap flights run from all over the UK with airlines such as Ryanair and TUI. There is a huge variety of hostels and hotels along the Algarve for you to choose from starting from £10 per night (for a bed in a dorm room). The Algarve has a glorious climate, gorgeous beaches and coves and lively beach towns.

What is the number 1 beach in the Algarve?

Praia da Marinha is the most beautiful beach in the Algarve, Portugal. Walk along the 1.5-kilometre coastal walk for views over the beach and the Arco Natural, an optical that is heart shape if you sit in ‘just the right spot’, towards the popular Benagil Cave.

Praia da Marinha is located between Faro and Lagos along the Algarve coast. It is one of the most incredibly rugged beaches we’ve seen with incredible views in each direction.

Where should I stay in the Algarve, Portugal?

There are many different spots to visit in the Algarve which can make deciding where to stay a hard choice. We recommend either Vilamoura, Lagos or Albufeira. Lagos is our number one choice, packed full of quaint shops and restaurants. But, Albufeira is closer to Faro airport and is a great choice if you are looking for a huge variety of restaurants and bars. Vilamoura is a bit more upmarket and great if you are looking for a spot to relax, play some golf and enjoy the marina.

We hope that this has helped you plan your trip to the Algarve, Portugal. Any questions please let us know!