The season starts early and ends late in the Algarve, which enjoys more hours of sunshine than California.
With only short periods of rainfall, mostly between November and March, and highs of between 15C and 31C, the Algarve has the ideal climate for visitors. Its reputation as a golfer’s paradise is well established, but not everyone is aware of the full range of holiday experiences in this diverse region.
From family breaks in Vilamoura to the hectic nights of Albufeira and the laid-back charms of Lagos, the Algarve has a holiday to appeal to clients of all types. So whether you’re talking to older clients or families, active types or romantic couples, there’s always a perfect product to suggest.
Older clients
For clients in search of peace and quiet, recommend the Monte do Casal, inland from Faro at Estoi, or the Hotel Vila Monte in Moncarapacho. Those who appreciate the region’s fantastic golf courses, and are looking for spa facilities to match, may also prefer a hotel located away from the coast.
Good options are the Dona Filipa (next to the famous San Lorenzo course), and Le Méridien Penina (surrounded by three golf courses and with preferential access to San Lorenzo).
Renting a car allows visitors to see some of the Algarve’s less-explored highlights, such as the historic town of Loulé, with its 12th century castle walls. Loulé is a small, friendly place that produces fine souvenirs in copper, leather and wood. Its Saturday fair attracts visitors from all over the Algarve.
Further inland, on the border with the neighbouring region of Alentejo, Monchique is a quiet hill town of steep, cobbled streets and spectacular views, that’s barely been touched by tourism.
Families
There are plenty of fine seafront hotels to choose from, all of which have great facilities for children and ready access to the beach. The Grande Real Santa Eulalia in Albufeira has a gym, tennis courts and four outdoor heated pools (one saltwater) to choose from.
Its spa features thalassotherapy while the kids’ club, the Realito, will entertain children up to age 12 – and it’s open from 10am to 10pm in the high season.
The luxury Sheraton Algarve and Pine Cliffs between Albufeira and Vilamoura has a secluded gold-flag-classified beach, a nine-hole golf course and academy, three outdoor pools set in landscaped gardens, and the Porto Pirata kids’ club.
A third good option is the Vila Vita Parc in Porches, which has an adventure playground in its spectacular grounds plus two different kids’ programmes.
Active types
More active travellers will find plenty to like at the western end of the Algarve, a wild, stunning coastline that’s less developed. An excellent base is the Parque da Floresta Golf and Leisure Resort, an hour’s drive from Faro, with restaurants, golf, tennis, fitness centre and spa.
There are plenty of secluded beaches on this stretch of coast, the surfing and sailing are good, and horse riding and jeep safaris can both be arranged.
The nearby town of Lagos mixes quaint cobbled streets with a host of bars, restaurants and nightlife options, and a busy marina. Alongside modern development, the town still preserves architectural signs of its medieval past.
Other highlights of the western stretch of the Algarve include the town of Sagres, with its imposing fortress and laid-back cafes and restaurants. A little further west is windswept Cape St Vincent, the Land’s End of Portugal and Europe’s most southwestern point, marked by an iconic lighthouse.
Singles
With its cliff-lined coast of 23 golden beaches and a never-say-sleep nightlife, Albufeira is the Algarve’s liveliest destination. Days spent soaking up the sunshine give way to nights of dining, drinking and clubbing.
Bars stay open till 4am in summer and the clubs keep going till dawn. Hotels located close to the action include the Boa Vista, and the clifftop São Vicente.
A more upscale option for young singles is the Tivoli Marina in Vilamoura, and in particular the Nikki Beach Club. The Nikki Beach concept was born in Los Angeles, and can also be found in Marbella’s Hotel Don Carlos. It opened last year in Vilamoura and the daily sunset parties are a regular hit.
Romantic couples
The Algarve is dotted with picturesque restaurants, cosy bars and hidden coves that are all made for romance. The town of Tavira, close to Spain, is one great place to escape. Tavira stands either side of a river on two hills, and is known as the Town of Churches, on account of its 22 places of worship.
The Quinta do Caracol, a 17th century house with quiet grounds near the centre of Tavira, is ideally set up for intimacy.
At the opposite end of the Algarve, the secluded Quinta da Corte in Monchique is hard to beat for a romantic getaway.
