Algarve Travel Blog, Portugal Archives

Essential Algarve Travel Guide

Algarve, the southernmost part of Portugal, is one of the most prominent tourist destinations in the nation. In fact, tourism contributes a major part of the Algarve’s economy.

Specifically, a massive flock of tourists is witnessed here during the summer.

The population almost doubles these days in Algarve. Its administrative center is situated in Faro.

Algarve is like heaven for fruit enthusiasts; starting from oranges to plums, there is a lot to explore in this segment here. Similar is the case with seafood as well.

Being such a massively popular destination for tourists, the place is obvious to be enriched with high-end communication facilities. Similar is the case of accommodation in Algarve as well.

All in all, Algarve has enough reasons to offer for a tourism enthusiast to pay a visit.

Useful Travel Information About Algarve, Portugal

⚘ Avoid tourist traps with the customizable “Algarve Like a Local” itinerary. – Get it here for 9.99€

✈ Book cheap flights to Algarve with Skyscanner

✔ Book tours in Algarve with GetYourGuide

➳ Find the best hotels in Algarve with Trivago

❖ Rent a car with the best discounts at Discover Cars

☘ Get the best discounted outdoor clothes (outlet) at REI.com

✎ Never leave without travel insurance. I got mine at HeyMondo. It is cheap and easy to set up.

$ Withdraw money without hidden fees and avoid exchange rates with Wise (you’ll get a free card on top!)

Avoid tourist traps with the “Algarve Like a Local” itinerary:

Make the most of your time with the fully customizable Algarve travel itinerary for 9,99€ only! – Get it here

Important Facts when Traveling to Algarve, Portugal

Capital: Faro

Official language(s) and general knowledge of English: Portuguese is the prime spoken language. English is moderately spoken here. Spanish, French, and German are quite spoken as well.

Official religion: Catholic

Currency: Euro

Climate: Mediterranean climate is experienced; summer is comparatively hotter, and winter is milder compared to other European nations. The average temperature during summer is around 30 degrees. The average winter temperature is 15 degrees.

Power voltage and socket type: 230V, Stand Frequency is 50Hz. C and F type plug type

Safety rating: Rated 4/5. Algarve is considered the safest in Portugal, and in entire European Union

Female solo traveler: Algarve is absolutely safe for women solo travelers, irrespective of the age group.

Do I need a Visa to Travel to Algarve?

Fast Track: Get Schengen visa in advance

Terms and conditions for visas often vary in accordance with the purpose of visiting. Visa norms and fees vary for someone visiting here for studies, as a tourist, and work purpose.

Those visiting here from the US, and EU nations like the UK can stay in Portugal for a period of 3 months (90 days) as a tourist, as well as for trade purposes, without needing any visa.

Those who already have an authorized Schengen Visa, specifically provided by any nation other than the Schengen nations don’t need to apply for a distinct Visa.

It is here to note that a Schengen Visa is normally applicable for a period of six months, and lets the tourists reside in any of the Schengen nations for a period of around 90 days continuously.

Accommodation in Algarve

One can expect all types of options for accommodation in Algarve, as per the desired budget range.

Budget: Those looking for cheaper options may go with hostels with shared rooms. One can find hostels with incredible facilities at around €25 in hostels. The best part is that one can find enough options for both cheap, mid-range, and luxury hotels, even during peak seasons. – Check hostel rates here

Mid-Range: One could easily expect a room at a budget of around Euro 80 – Euro 140 per night with fair facilities in the Algarve. Rooms at this price include decent features, including TV, Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, etc. – Check hotel rates & reviews here

High-End: Not just in Algarve, luxury hotels are comparatively pricier in entire Portugal. It’s also true that the number of luxury hotels is much lesser in comparison to other high-up tourist destinations. However, the high-end hotels charge around €150-250 per night, with incredible facilities, starting from bar, indoor pools, and gymnasium, to fine dining. – Check hotel rates & reviews here

Best Time to Visit Algarve, Portugal

Algarve is visited throughout the year. The interesting part about the place is that people with different purposes love to visit the place during different seasons.

However, November-January and April-mid June is the peak period to visit Algarve

Low-Season (Mid January-February) –Post-new year seasons, specifically January and February can be said as the low seasons from tourism point of view in Algarve.

The temperature remains quite low, and the chances of rain also remain there. On top, there are plenty of things to do in winter in Algarve.

Mid-Season (April-June, Sep-Oct) – The period between July to September can be termed as the mid-season from a tourism perspective in Algarve. The temperature remains warmer. Those interested explicitly in exploring the best beaches in Algarve can find this season perfect.

High-Season (July-Aug) – To make the most of the Algarve visit, November to January is considered the best period. The chilling weather makes it perfect to visit the place and celebrate New Year.

Otherwise, one may visit here during the period between April and mid-June.

Transportation in Algarve

By bus: The bus terminal in Faro is like the one-stop destination for a whole range of bus communication needs in the Algarve. Apart from this, the Tavira bus terminal can be equally convincing as well. Those who want to target the shopping hubs can mainly reach the Loule bus terminal for the best comfort. – Buy tickets in advance

By Flights: There can’t be any better option than the Faro Airport for any kind of travel to and from the Algarve. In fact, it’s only a matter of 3 Km to reach Algarve from the Faro Airport. One may simply catch a bus from the airport to reach the city. It hardly takes 15 minutes from the airport. – Check flights deals here

By Train: The most prominent railway station is indeed the Faro railway station. As far as the Cargo terminal is concerned, the Louie cargo terminal can be stated as the most prominent one. – Buy tickets in advance

Get around: Coming to public transport means, the entire Algarve is enriched with top-notch facilities. From buses to taxis, one can easily find all types of communication means here. – Buy tickets in advance

Food in Algarve, Portugal

Algarve is considered one of the biggest hubs for fruit lovers. It can be the most suitable destination to explore a huge range of fruits in one place.

However, not just for veggies, Algarve can be an equally delightful place for the meat-eaters as well. People here mostly prefer fruits during breakfast.

Meat takes the prime portion of the dinner meal among people herein Algarve.

For the foodies, Michelin-star restaurants here in Algarve are a must-try. Algarve is also quite known for the fresh fish it provides.

Thousands visit Algarve specifically to explore the taste of Piri Piri chicken. There is an equally huge fan base for grilled sardines as well.

Best Things to Do in Algarve, Portugal

Exploring the adventure at Ponta da Piedade: It gives a mesmerizing experience to enjoy the views from the cliffs. There are caves to explore, as well. Coming down, the blissful feel of crystal clear water is surreal as an experience. It’s absolutely scenic the way the water zone is surrounded by the rocks and is considered one of the top things to do in Algarve.

Praia da Falésia for beach lovers: Here comes another wonderland for nature enthusiasts. The views that the place provides during summer, especially during sunset, are simply breathtaking. For beach lovers, this is a must-visit zone in a lifetime.

Cape St Vincent: This place has been a favorite of couples from around the globe. The sight from a height of 75 meters cliff can give peak level adrenaline. Those who want to witness the best of seascapes are highly recommended to pay a visit to this place. The place has some incredible gift shops as well to explore. Finally, don’t miss the museum for greater knowledge about the incredible past of the place. From here it is a scenic drive to Costa Vicentina.

A fulfilling visit to the Church of São Lourenço: Undoubtedly religious people show a lot of interest in it. At the same time, the beauty of the church exterior mesmerizes art enthusiasts around the globe. The craft of the tiles, the shading pattern, everything is simply awe-inspiring in terms of the beauty of the place.

Witness funky Dolphin Watching: No Algarve visit can be complete without accomplishing dolphin watching. Specifically, it’s a must recommendation for those visiting with the entire family. To make things even more exciting, one may explore the deep-sea fishing experience as well. There is a lot that one can learn regarding the physiology of dolphins and their behaviors. No other place can provide dolphin watching experience as explicitly as one can get in Algarve.

Visiting Lagos Old Town: This can be the perfect recommendation to have some fun, casual moments having fascinating views around. Strolling around the slender cobblestone streets is an incredible experience.

Avoid tourist traps with the “Algarve Like a Local” itinerary:

Make the most of your time with the fully customizable Algarve travel itinerary for 9,99€ only! – Get it here