Holiday in Algarve
Area in Portugal — tips, highlights & best time to visit 🇵🇹
Country
Portugal
Type
Area
Best time to travel
May–October, mild year-round
Budget/day
70–130 €
Getting there from Germany
Direct flights from Frankfurt, Munich, Berlin, Düsseldorf, and Hamburg to Faro in about 3 hours.
About Algarve
The Algarve, Portugal's southernmost region, is one of Europe's most popular travel destinations, boasting over 300 sunny days a year, spectacular rocky coastlines, and turquoise waters. The 200-kilometer-long coast is divided into the Barlavento (West Coast) with its dramatic sandstone cliffs, hidden caves, and golden bays, and the flatter Sotavento (East Coast) with extensive sandy beaches and the Ria Formosa Nature Park. The rock formations near Lagos, Benagil, and Carvoeiro are among the most photographed landscapes in the country. The Benagil Cave, with its collapsed dome roof allowing sunlight to fall onto the sandy beach, is a natural monument of surreal beauty. Kayaking and stand-up paddling along the cliffs offer perspectives that remain invisible from land. Away from the coast, the hinterland surprises with whitewashed villages, almond and orange groves, and the Serra de Monchique, a green mountain range with a thermal spa. Silves, the former Moorish capital, overlooks the landscape with its red castle. The Algarve cuisine features Cataplana (shellfish stew from a copper pot), grilled sardines, and almond cakes. Golfers can find over 40 top-notch courses. From Faro, all highlights are quickly accessible, and with a rental car, the entire diversity of the region can be explored in one to two weeks.
Top 5 highlights in Algarve
The places you absolutely must not miss.
Ponta da Piedade (Lagos)
The golden cliffs with caves and rock arches are the most photographed motif of the Algarve.
Benagil Cave
The spectacular sea cave with a natural skylight (Algar de Benagil) is only accessible by boat or swimming.
Ria Formosa
The 60 km long lagoon area is a natural paradise with offshore sand islands, flamingos, and seahorses.
Cabo de São Vicente
The southwesternmost point of Europe near Sagres was considered the 'End of the World' by ancient seafarers – here, the force of the Atlantic meets steep cliffs.
Golf Courses
The Algarve is regarded as Europe's best golf destination with over 40 courses – many offer sea views.
Hotels in Algarve
Vergleiche tausende Hotels, Apartments und Resorts auf Expedia – mit Bestpreis-Garantie, kostenloser Stornierung und Bonuspunkten.
* Weiterleitung zu Expedia.de. Es gelten die dortigen Nutzungsbedingungen.
Pauschalreisen & Rundreisen
Berge & Meer – 170 Tage Cookie
Best time to travel for Algarve
Recommended travel time
May–October, mild year-round
Summer
Hot, 28–35 °C, nearly rainless
Winter
Mild, 12–18 °C, over 300 sunny days
How much does a holiday in Algarve cost?
Average costs per person per day
Budget
35–55 €
Hostel, Street food, Public transport
Mid-range
70–130 €
Hotel, Restaurant, Excursions
Luxury
180–450 €
Boutique hotel, Fine dining
Book a package holiday to Algarve
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Compare package holidays now5 travel tips for Algarve
Insider knowledge that makes your holiday better.
The western Algarve (Lagos, Sagres) is wilder and more authentic, while the east (Tavira, Olhão) is quieter and more traditional.
Avoid July/August if possible – May/June and September/October offer perfect weather with fewer tourists.
Book the Benagil cave tour by kayak instead of the large boat for a more intense experience.
The Algarve is best explored by rental car – trains only connect the coastal towns.
You can eat fresh fish most cheaply in the places that locals also visit (e.g., in Olhão).
Food & drink in Algarve
These specialties you must try!
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