Portugal has earned its name as the garden of Europe. Thanks to the warm Gulf Stream, the exotic plants once brought back by explorers from the four corners of the world have now become indigenous to the entire Atlantic coast. Beyond its mild climate and varied plant life, Portugal is famous for its history, its sailors and explorers, who have endowed this wonderful country with the finest historical treasures.
Known for its impressive cliffs, endless sandy beaches and crystal clear waters, the Algarve is an area of endless charm on Portugal’s south coast. You’ll find elegant marinas nestled against picturesque fishing villages, and beautiful seaside resorts that give holidaymakers the chance to practice a range of activities, from golf to water-skiing. A number of cultural treasures lie further inland. Lagos, Lisbon and even Seville, all strongly influenced by Southern culture, also make excellent day trips.
Albufeira, also known as "the white city", is bordered by a beautiful sandy beach set against an impressive backdrop of steep cliffs. As you wander through its labyrinth of alleys, you will come across many reminders of its past life as a fishing village and its Moorish era heritage. In the evening, Albufeira's trendy bars and nightclubs cultivate a lively nightlife. Distance from the airport: 35 km.
This small, typically Portuguese village has so much to offer, from beautiful white houses to a sandy beach surrounded by rocks, beautiful bays, excellent restaurants, bars and shops, water sports and fantastic golf courses. Distance from the airport: 50 km.
This popular resort overlooks the lively promenade and the 1.5 kilometre long sandy beach. The famous sandy beach of Praia da Rocha gives its name to the oldest seaside resort in the Algarve. The marina is also home to many restaurants, bars and discos. Distance from the airport: 72 km.
The majestic, golden cliffs of the Costa d’Oiro and Ponta da Piedade are among the most photographed in all of Portugal. As well as its cliffs, Lagos also boasts a vibrant cultural scene, great local cuisine, a variety of leisure activities, a wealth of traditional crafts and the beautiful beach of Meia Praia. Distance to airport: 85 km.
This charming fishing village with its picturesque streets boasts a number of authentic cafes and restaurants where local cuisine is celebrated. The Algarve's longest beaches invite you to relax and take long walks along the coast. It is one of the most popular places in the region. Distance from the airport: 75 km.
Senhora da Rocha has a beautiful promenade, a long sandy beach, shops, supermarkets, restaurants and bars. Don't miss the breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean from little clifftop chapel of Senhora da Rocha. Distance from the airport: 52 km.
Olhão is a charming fishing village and the largest fishing port in the Algarve, together with Portimão. The day’s catches are sold in the market and served in the restaurants. The Ria Formosa nature reserve, with its lagoons, canals, salt flats and sandbanks, offers a fantastic view of the Atlantic Ocean. Distance to the airport: 15 km.
The small town of Porches is perched on a hill on the Algarve's oldest east-west road. It is famous not only for its wine, but also for its clay pits and pottery studios. Distance from the airport: 52 km.
This former fishing village has become one of the Algarve's most popular seaside resorts. All along the magnificent palm-lined promenade, you’ll find restaurants serving fresh fish, seafood and other culinary delights. Its magnificent sandy beach is also perfect for children. Distance from airport: 22 km.
Armação de Pêra, with its beautiful promenade, long sandy beach, shops, restaurants, bars – and an incredible number of ice-cream parlours – guarantees an unforgettable and varied holiday. A part of the fortress built in the 17th century offers a breath-taking view of the beautiful coastline and the long golden sandy beach. Distance to the airport: 52 km.
Altura's magnificent sandy beach with its wide strips of dunes stretches for several kilometres and is perfect for a family holiday. The charming village also boasts a number of street cafés and restaurants serving local specialities. Distance from airport: 58 km.
Tavira is considered one of the most charming towns in Algarve. With its beautifully decorated churches, authentic tiled houses, small streets lined with restaurants and bars and beautiful beach, Tavira is the ideal destination for a holiday combinnig culture and seaside fun. Distance to the airport: 43 km.
The charming little fishing town of Olhos de Água has a small, shallow sandy bay and is a great destination for relaxing family holiday by the sea. Distance from the airport: 35 km.
This modern seaside resort boasts extensive hotel facilities, a marina, a promenade lined with bars, shops and restaurants and a beautiful beach. It is surrounded by pine forests and several golf courses. Distance from the airport: 25 km.
Vila Nova de Cacela is a small, rustic village bordered by a long sandy beach. There are a variety of tourist attractions in the area, including the beautiful seaside resort of Manta Rota, the Ria Formosa nature reserve, the historic centre of Cacela Velha and the castle and fortress of Cacela. Distance from the airport: 66 km.
The picturesque, traditional resort of Carvoeiro is located directly on the coast. From its golden beaches, you can take boat trips to the caves, such as the Benagil cave. The cliffs around the small town are also ideal for hiking, especially the Algar Seco rock formation. In the evening, finish off the day with a glass of wine at one of the restaurants or bars. Distance from the airport: 46 km.
Excursions will allow you to discover your destination from all perspectives. LuxairTours offers a range of selected tours that will allow you to discover unmissable places, paradisiacal beaches, typical dishes... LuxairTours organises a range of quality excursions for you.
On this excursion, you can admire the magnificent landscapes and landforms of Portugal’s southern coast that give the Algarve its reputation for impressive rock formations and mysterious caves. On the way back, the boat will pull away from the coastline to allow you to watch dolphins swimming in the turquoise waters of the Iberian Peninsula.
The trip begins in Silves, which was the capital of the Algarve during the Moorish period, and is now one of the most picturesque towns in the region. You will continue on to Cabo São Vicente, also known as the "end of the world", before reaching Lagos, the region's most lively seaside resort, which is also steeped in history. The tour ends on a high at Ponta de Piedade, with its picture-postcard views of the extraordinary rock formations that are typical of the Algarve.
The eastern part of the Algarve is the most picturesque part of the region. As part of this tour, you will visit several typical towns and villages.
The day begins with a visit to Faro, where you can discover the impressive history of the Algarve's capital and explore its old town.
The tour then continues to the Ria Formosa Natural Park in the municipality of Olhão. It is known for its cubist architecture but also for its fishing port, considered to be the most important in the region.
Your final stop will be in Tavira, a charming village known as “the Venice of the Algarve". Let yourself be seduced by the tune of fado, the national music, classified by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage of humanity.
Discover the treasures of the Algarve from the back of a jeep. As you take in the beautiful views, your driver will also teach you about the local culture and traditions.
You will pass through a typical little village with a small fountain and narrow alleys, then visit a distillery where you can sample the local brandy, "medronho", as well as delicious honeys. The tour ends with a drive through the farmlands of Picota.
For more information and bookings, please contact your LuxairTours guide on site.
Tourist tax must be paid locally during your stay