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Holiday information on Algarve, Portugal

"Renowned for its bright and breezy atmosphere, world class golf courses and long swathes of golden sands, the Algarve is one of the most popular holiday destinations on the Continent".

The Algarve has drawn visitors, siren-like, to its sun-drenched shores for years – its gently shelving beaches and warm air currents make for a tempting mix of ingredients. The coastline is simply beautiful – long stretches of golden sands are washed by refreshing seas and red sandstone cliffs seclude delightful bays.

The Algarve has one of the world's finest natural shorelines – 167km of golden beaches swept clean by the Atlantic – rated by many as the best in Europe . Secluded bays framed by red sandstone cliffs give way to seemingly endless sandy beaches while the warm waters of the Mediterranean are perfect for swimming and snorkelling. The coast west of Faro is craggy, with ochre-coloured cliffs, secluded bays and delightful coves. East of Faro there are offshore islands, blue lagoons, longer and straighter beaches and warmer water.

The main shopping centres are in Faro's Rua de Santo Antonio and in Portimao where you'll discover sophisticated boutiques, elegant stores and designer goods. Local markets are held in towns and villages, such as the delightful craft market of Monchique, a quaint town sitting at the foot of a wooded hillside. Wander through its cobbled streets and peruse the stalls laden with handmade curios and mementos. Basket weaving is very popular and you can find beautiful bread and fruit baskets, shopping bags, laundry baskets, table mats and the like.

Nightlife in the Algarve ranges from quiet evenings enjoying long dinners beneath a starry sky to late night dancing beneath multicoloured strobe lights, so whether you're looking for romance or parties, you'll find a resort that's perfect for you. Praia da Rocha's main esplanade bustles with people enjoying the excellent choice of bars, restaurants and clubs. If you're feeling lucky, you could try your hand at the casino. Alvor is rather low-key, unlike Sâo Joâo and Albufeira where you will find the famous ‘Strip' with a wealth of lively open-air bars, restaurants and discos.

Away from the coast, sleepy towns and villages punctuate lush hillsides and offer a fascinating insight into Portuguese life and culture while the developed seafront resorts brim with bars, cafés, restaurants, nightclubs and shops. The Algarve basks in glorious summer temperatures, often moderated by refreshing Atlantic breezes. Head for the high cliffs in the west and watch the breakers crashing on the rocky headlands. Look out too for majestic clifftop forts that once guarded the coast, and isolated lighthouses that still guide ships safely on their way.

Cuisine in the Algarve is adventurous, rustic and hearty with fresh fish dominating most menus. Try the local version of paella - 'arroz de marisco' - with prawns, clams, rice, onions, tomatoes and peppers, or the spicy north African-inspired chicken dish - 'frango piri piri'. 'Cataplana' is a mouthwatering dish of pork, onions, tomatoes and garlic, steamed in a unique copper pot, which also make bespoke souvenirs. 'Armaguinaha' - a local almond liqueur can be enjoyed on its own or with ice and a squeeze of fresh lemon. 'Medronho', the local firewater, made from a fruit which is a relative of the wild strawberry, is high in alcohol and not for the faint hearted!