Destination Focus: Algarve
- Ellie Burnett
- Aug 16
- 7 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
Welcome to my new blog series: Destination Focus! Each post will focus on a new area. Sometimes this may be a whole country and sometimes it will be certain areas that are popular within a country. I'll guide you through flight information, places to stay, relevant resorts, and much more information specific to that area.
Hopefully these posts can provide some inspiration for your next holiday, or provide some guidance on where you want to stay or do even if you already know where you want to go.
As your independent travel agent, I am here to make your holiday as hassle-free and enjoyable as possible. From answering your questions to planning your holiday from scratch to managing the whole booking process, I'm always happy to help! Please don't hesitate to get in contact with me, or navigate the rest of my website to find out more and browse some amazing travel supplier brochures and offers.
The Algarve:
My first Destination Focus post is going to take a look at the Algarve, Portugal.
You can skip to one of the following sections, or read through at your own pace to learn all about travelling to Portugal's southern coast:
Along with its year-round sunshine, The Algarve also boasts stunning golden beaches, dramatic cliffs, and beautiful whitewashed villages.
This location has something for everyone, whether you're looking for some R&R, adventure travel or looking to explore some of the local culture and cuisine, it's sure to fulfill your dream holiday criteria!
General Information Focus:
Currency | The local currency in The Algarve, Portugal is the Euro |
Time Difference | +1 hour (March - October) |
Safety | Low crime rate in general. However, it is always important to keep yourself and your belongings safe wherever you are visiting |
Nightlife | Over 18 (varies by venue) |
Tipping | 5-10% on average appreciated |
Flight Focus:
You can fly direct to the Algarve with a range of different airlines.
Ryanair flys from: Birmingham, Bristol, East Midlands, Edinburgh, Glasgow Prestwick, Liverpool, Luton, Manchester, Newcastle, Stansted & Teesside
EasyJet flys from: Belfast, Bristol, Birmingham, Gatwick, Glasgow, Luton, Liverpoo, Manchester & Stansted
Jet2 offers flights from Birmingham, Bristol, East Midlands, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds/Bradford, Liverpool, Stansted, Manchester & Newcastle
British Airways flys from London Heathrow & London City Airport
WizzAir currently only flys from Gatwick
TUI offer flights from London Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham, & East Midlands
Resort Focus:
Vilamoura:
Vilamoura is a glamorous resort, known for its luxurious marina, stunning beaches
and world-class golf courses.
It's popular for families, couples and golf trips.
Offering upscale dining, vibrant nightlife, and a laid-back coastal atmosphere, there's sure to be something for everyone. With a range of high-end hotels, shops, and entertainment options, Vilamoura is the perfect destination for those seeking both relaxation and activity.
Family Friendly Hotels | Golf Trip Hotels | Villa Resorts/Apartments | Couples Hotels |
Tivoli Marina | Anantara Vilamoura | The Residences, Pine Hills | Anantara Vilamoura |
Domes Lake Resort | Tivoli Marina | Laguna Resort | Domes Lake Resort |
Crowne Plaza, Vilamoura | Crowne Plaza, Vilamoura | As Cascatas | Tivoli Marina |
Hilton As Cascatas | Pine Cliffs | Browns Sports Resort | |
Four Seasons | Hilton As Cascatas | There are multiple complexes around the marina or villas in the surrounding area within 10 minutes on average | |
Four Seasons | |||
Dom Pedro | |||
Pestana Vila Sol | |||
Vila Gale |
Vale De Lobo:
Vale do Lobo is a prestigious resort town in the Algarve, known for its stunning
beaches, luxurious properties, and world-class golf courses.
Nestled along the coast, it offers a perfect blend of relaxation and activity, with the iconic Praia do Vale do Lobo beach and the scenic Royal Golf Course attracting visitors year-round.
Despite more limited accommodation options, the resort also features a vibrant social scene with chic restaurants, bars, and shops, making it a popular destination for both relaxation and adventure. Whether you're lounging on the beach, playing golf, or enjoying the nightlife, Vale do Lobo combines elegance with a laid-back vibe.
Hotels | Apartment & Villa Complexes |
Dona Filipa Hotel | Dunas Douradas |
Ria Park Garden Hotel | Dunas Douradas Beach Club |
Ria Park Hotel & Spa |
Quinta Do Lago:
Quinta do Lago is an exclusive, luxury resort in the Algarve, renowned for its
pristine natural beauty and high-end amenities.
Set within the Ria Formosa Natural
Park, it boasts three championship golf courses, upscale dining, and a selection of
elegant villas and apartments.
The resort is also famous for its stunning beaches,
watersports, and outdoor activities, making it a haven for both relaxation and
adventure. With its focus on sustainability and exclusivity, Quinta do Lago offers an
idyllic, refined escape, attracting discerning travelers from around the world.
Hotels | Apartment & Villa Complexes |
Conrad Algarve | Dunas Douradas Beach Club |
Wyndham Grand Algarve | Vila Do Golf |
Hotel Quinta Do Lago | Four Seasons Country Club |
The Wyndham Grand Algarve Residences | |
Martinhal Quinta Family Resort | |
Encosta do Lago | |
Victory Village Club |
Golf Focus:
Vilamoura:
Vilamoura offers 5 championship courses, all within a short drive, perfect for your next golfing holiday!
Golf Course | Style | |
Dom Pedro Vila Sol - located just outside of Vilamoura | 27 holes (3x9-hole loops), lots of elevation & trees |  |
Dom Pedro Laguna | Links-style, flatter terrain, lots of water |  |
Dom Pedro Millennium | Mix of open and tree-lined holes |  |
Dom Pedro Pinhal | Narrow fairways through umbrella pines |  |
Dom Pedro Old Course - one of the oldest in the region, a favourite for traditionalists | Classic parkland, set among pine trees |  |
Vale Do Lobo:
Golf Course | Signature Hole | Style | |
Royal Golf Course | Par-3 16th, with a dramatic cliff-top carry over the ocean | Challenging layout, elevated greens, stunning sea views |  |
Oceab=n Golf Course | Holes 11-14 run alongside the beach | More relaxed than Royal, undulating fairways, sea breezes |  |
Quinta do Lago:
Golf Course | Style | |
Ria Formosa Natural Parl South Course - recemtly renovated, previosuly hosted the Portuguese Open | Championship layout, pine trees, lakes, and slick greens |  |
Ria Formosa Natural North Course | Modern design, strategic bunkering, undulating greens |  |
Laranjal Golf Course | Set in an orange grove with rolling fairways |  |
Local Activities Focus:
For day & nightlife, Vilamoura marina hosts a variety of lively pubs, bars and a nightclub - perfect for travellers looking for a more upbeat and vibrant holiday! Albuferia is the liveliest local area and Vale Do Lobo square has some lovely bars.
For families, you can choose from a variety of fun-packed activities, including:
Aquashow waterpark
Dolphin watching
Boat tours
Horse riding
Mini golf
Zoomarine (30 minutes away)
Arcades located in the marina
Water sports
For those looking for beach clubs, you can check out:
PuroBeach - Tivoli Marina, Vilamoura
The Shack
There are also some family beach clubs you can explore too!
Culture, Sights & Historic Focus:
Cerro da Vila Roman Ruins |
These are located next to Vilamoura Marina. You can see the mosaics, roman baths, and fish-salting tanks - a great outing for those looking to take a trip to the past and explore the history of the Algarve!  |
Loulé Old Town & Castle |
This is a 13th-century Moorish castle and museum. You can wander through the narrow cobbled streets, tiled buildings, and artisan shops. There is also a Loulé Market, allowing you to delve even deeper into Algarve's local food and culture.  |
Albufeira Old Town |
Explore an elegant district of whitewashed buildings, housing, shops & restaurants, plus traditional plazas!  |
Church of Sāo Lourenço |
This church is known for its stunning blue tiles.  |
Faro Old Town & City Walls |
Located 30 minutes from Vilamoura/Quinta, this history city has some amazing sights to see including Arco da Vila (historical gate), city walls, and the cobbled alleys.  |
Faro Cathedral and the Bone Chapel |
A compact chapel built from the bones of Carmelite monks, featuring more than 1,000 skulls.  |
Ria Formosa Nature & Culture |
Ria Formosa Natural Park is a beautiful location to take a visit to. Witness a range of landscapes, get out on the water with boat & kayak tours, and try out some birdwatching & beach combing.  |
Benagil Cave (Algar de Benavil) |
This is located about 45 minutes from Vilamoura. This is THE iconic Algarve sea cave with a natural skylight - bucket list material for sure!  |
Praia de Falésia |
Dramatic red cliffs that stretch for miles with a stunning sunset, next to Vilamoura. Activities include walking along the beach, cliff-top hiking, and paragliding, so something to suit everyone!  |
Boardwalk at Quinta do Lago / Ria Formosa |
Featuring long wooden walkways through dunes and marshes, this area is perfect for birdwatching, sunrise & sunset strolls, and ends at Quinta do Lago so you can enjoy a swim or refuel from your walk at a lovely beach bar!  |
Praia de Marinha & Coastal Cliffs |
This is one of the most stunning beaches in Europe, boasting gorgeous rock formations around 45 minutes away.  |
Cave & Dolphin Boat Tours |
These speak for themselves! Cave tours are great for discovering new places and learning about their history, and dolphin tours are a brilliant option for adults and kids alike!  |
Restaurant Recommendations Focus:
Vilamoura |
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Vale do Lobo |
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Quinta do Lago |
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Local Hotspots & When To Visit Them:
Thai Beach Club is a good one to check out on Sundays.
Marias - check out their website but they usually have a live DJ sunset sessions and Sunday Lunches with live music
Julia's is great for Sunday Lunch & live music
Loulé Old Town & Castle is a great option for a Saturday trip as this is when the market is running
And there is is... The Algarve, Portugal in a nut shell! Hopefully that's given you some inspiration for your upcoming trip to the Algarve or perhaps even inspired you to make this gorgeous area your next visit.
As an independent travel agent, I'm here to help that next trip happen. From booking package holidays, accommodation, holiday extras (such as transfers, airport lounges, and more), and even some excursions, I can make the booking process less hassle for you and the holiday experience more enjoyable too! You can learn more by navigating my website, as well as contacting me through the contact page or by email at ellie.burnett@outlook.com.
I hope you enjoyed this first instalment of Destination Focus! Keep checking back for more destinations to get that travel bucket list going...
