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Portugal

Algarve travel guide

Golden cliffs, sea caves and calm beaches - Portugal's sunny south for family holidays.

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Photo: Klugschnacker · CC BY-SA 3.0
Best time to visit
June-September for the beach; April-May and October are quieter
Flight from the Gulf
Fly to Faro (FAO), usually via Lisbon, Istanbul or another European hub
Airport
Faro Airport (FAO), 30-45 min to the resorts
Time difference
3 h behind Riyadh in winter, 2 h in summer
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Language
Portuguese
Visa
Schengen visa (UAE passports visa-free for short stays)

The Algarve is the southern coast of Portugal: 150 kilometres of golden cliffs, hidden coves and long sandy beaches facing the Atlantic. It has more than 300 days of sun a year, excellent resorts and a relaxed pace that families love.

Most visitors stay a week. Spend the days at the beach and the resort pools, take a boat trip to the famous Benagil sea cave, and visit the old town of Lagos and the cliffs of Ponta da Piedade. Vilamoura’s marina is lively in the evening, and the protected lagoon of Ria Formosa near Faro is perfect for nature lovers.

The name Algarve comes from the Arabic al-Gharb, “the West”: the region was part of al-Andalus for five centuries, and you can still see it in the castle of Silves and the white chimneys of the old houses.

Things to do in Algarve

The places our guests love most, with the time you need and how to avoid the queues.

The most famous sea cave in Europe, with a round opening in its roof that lets the sun light up the golden sand. See it on…

2 hours

Golden rock arches and pillars rising from turquoise water. Walk the clifftop paths or take a small boat into the grottoes, then explore the old town…

Half day

Often named one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe. Clear water, rock formations and a clifftop trail with amazing views. Arrive early in summer.

Half day

A protected lagoon of islands, sandbanks and flamingos. Take a boat from Faro or Olhão to the quiet beaches of Ilha Deserta or Culatra.

Half day

The red sandstone castle of Shilb, capital of the Algarve in the Islamic period. A short, easy visit with lovely views over the orange groves.

1-2 hours

A marine park with dolphin and sea lion shows, pools, slides and rides - a full day of fun for younger children.

Full day

Hotels in Algarve

Hotels we know and recommend. Send your dates: we book the best rate for you and confirm on WhatsApp.

Summary

Algarve ★★★★★

Praia da Falésia, Albufeira

Kids club · Several pools

Best priceon request
Summary

Algarve ★★★★★

Quinta do Lago

Near the airport · Spa

Best priceon request
Summary

Algarve ★★★★★

Porches, near Armação de Pêra

Villas · Clifftop gardens

Best priceon request
Summary

Algarve ★★★★★

Vilamoura

Family suites · Pools and spa

Best priceon request

All hotels in Algarve

Tours, packages and transfers in Algarve

Private day trips with your own driver and guide, complete holidays, and airport transfers at a fixed price.

Where to stay in Algarve

Albufeira and Praia da FalésiaThe heart of the Algarve, with large family resorts on the cliffs above long beaches. Avoid the noisy "Strip" area at night.
Vilamoura and Quinta do LagoUpmarket area with the marina, golf courses and luxury resorts, 20 minutes from Faro airport.
Carvoeiro and Armação de PêraClose to Benagil and the most famous cliff beaches. Quieter villages and resort hotels.
LagosA charming old town in the west with beautiful coves and cliffs. 1 hour from the airport.

Halal food and prayer

Seafood at Vilamoura Marina Seafood & veggie Fish and seafood · Vilamoura Marina Dozens of restaurants around the yachts, many specialising in grilled fish, cataplana seafood stew and prawns. Lovely for an evening walk with…
Snack Bar Rabia Halal Grills and kebabs · Central Faro, near the bus station A simple Muslim-owned place for kebabs and grilled chicken - handy on arrival or departure from Faro.
Taj Palace Halal on request Indian · Central Faro Indian cooking in the centre of Faro - tikka, biryani and naan. Ask the staff about halal meat when you order.

Halal status is what the restaurant tells its guests and can change. When you book with us, we check it again before your trip.

Tips for your trip to Algarve

  1. The Atlantic is fresher than the Mediterranean (19-22 °C in summer). Resorts with heated pools are a good idea for small children.
  2. Book the Benagil cave boat trip early in the morning, when the sea is calmest and there are fewer boats.
  3. You need a car or a driver - distances between the beaches and towns are 20 to 60 minutes.
  4. Many beaches are at the bottom of steep stairs. Praia da Falésia, Praia da Rocha and Meia Praia are easy to reach.
  5. Lifeguards work from June to September; respect the flags (red means no swimming).
  6. From Faro, Seville in Spain is only 2 hours by car - a great day trip.

Questions

Is the Algarve good for families?

Yes, it is one of the best family destinations in Europe: safe, sunny, with kids clubs, water parks and calm beaches.

Can we enter the Benagil cave?

Landing on the beach inside the cave is no longer allowed, but boats and kayaks with licensed guides can enter and show it from the water.

Hotel or villa?

Both work well. Resorts offer kids clubs and restaurants; villas give privacy and a private pool. We can propose both.

What else is there for children?

Zoomarine, the Aquashow and Slide & Splash water parks, dolphin and boat trips, and the Lagos Zoo.

Plan your trip to Algarve with us

Hotel, car with driver, tours and restaurants: tell us your dates and who is travelling. We reply in Arabic or English with a full plan and one price. No payment until you confirm.

  • Reply within a few hours
  • Family rooms and halal restaurants checked for you
  • Support on WhatsApp during the trip
Travel dates
Travellers

Photo credits

Photos from Wikimedia Commons, used under their free licences.