Visit The Algarve, Portugal: Everything you need to know
The Algarve region in Portugal is a stunning destination with a diverse range of attractions. Promising 300 days of sunshine it’s a popular destination with those wanting to enjoy the warmer weather for a little longer and explore a region rich in history, culture and cuisine. Whether you’re looking for a weekend away or a family Summer holiday, The Algarve really does offer something for everyone.
How to get there?
There are Jet2 flights to Faro from airports right across the UK making it such an accessible destination. I took one of the flights from London Stansted airport which took less than 3 hours with a short transfer on landing. It was such an easy process, especially for those travelling with children, and as always Jet2 offered such an enjoyable in-flight service.
Where to stay?
Visiting The Algarve with Jet2 couldn’t be easier and the only difficult decision was which of the beautiful resorts to choose from! We stayed at Pine Cliffs Resort found on Jet2holidays website and I could not recommend it enough to those looking for a luxury holiday. Pinecliffs offers a variety of stunning accommodation options, seven swimming pools, nine restaurants, two bars, a spa, fitness suite, an expansive golf course and the most beautiful beach front location. In short, it is as close to paradise as you will find.
What to do?
Enjoy a wine tasting and lunch experience at Morgado do Quintao
Morgado do Quintão is a family-owned vineyard located around 25 minutes from Albufeira and is described as “The Algarve’s landmark vineyard and farmstay experience, reclaiming the terroir in a land that wine forgot.” Wildly surrounded by the pastoral verdure of the Algarvian Barrocal, Morgado do Quintão was founded in the early 1800s by the Count of Silves, and still remains in the same family, one whose unerring and resilient passion for the land, food, adventure and entertaining merges with a love of local heritage, beauty and conservation.
Lunch is located under a 2000 year old tree that overlooks the Negramole vines and consists of a simple menu paired with four different wines from the estate. If you’d like to try traditional Portuguese cuisine or have an interest in wine tasting this is such a unique experience and can be booked each day Monday to Friday at 1pm.
Take a catamaran tour around Rio Formosa
The Ria Formosa is a maze of canals, islands, marshes and barrier islands, stretching 60kms along the Algarve coast, between the beaches of Manta Rota and Garrão and it is a must-do experience when visiting The Algarve, Isea Charter offers catamaran tours of the area either as a private charter or as a small group. We were fortunate to enjoy a private charter which oozed luxury from start to finish. The staff were incredible, literally waiting on our every need, topping up our glasses and providing the most delicious cheese board mid way on our tour. They are also experts in their field and shared their knowledge on the Rio Formosa throughout the tour.
Although the Natural Park of Ria Formosa can be visited throughout the year, if you’re looking for peace and tranquility I would recommend to avoid the high Summer season. If you’re seeking contact with the nature, in particular the fauna, then Autumn and winter are the preferred times. We visited at the end of September which meant it was relatively quiet and yet we still had the advantage of the amazing weather.
Visit Faro
The Algarve’s capital has a more distinctly Portuguese feel than most resort towns. Whilst many visitors only pass through this underrated city, it makes for an enjoyable stopover. It has an attractive marina, well-maintained parks and plazas, and a picturesque old town ringed by medieval walls. The old town’s winding, cobbled pedestrian streets, squares and buildings were reconstructed in a melange of styles following successive batterings – first by marauding British and then by two big earthquakes – and are home to museums, churches, a bone chapel and al fresco cafes.
Beer tasting at Algarve Rock Brewery
Algarve Rock Brewery is a modern craft brewery situated in the Algarve producing a range of beers full of flavour and character. They have an incredible motto – “If it’s not good enough for us to drink then it’s not good enough for us to sell!” and take so much pride in their products. For those wishing to visit the Tap Room, it is open daily Monday – Friday 10am – 5.30pm or you can book a brewery tour to discover how they create their local craft beers combined with guided beer tasting. On a hot sunny day in Portugal, sampling a cold beer in a shaded tap room is definitely the kind of experience you need!
Beach Barbecue tour with AlgarExperience
If you head to Albufeira you will find countless tours available from AlgarExperience including dolphin spotting, water sports and the famous beach barbecue. Included in the ticket is a six and a half hour day out, a coastal tour, visit to the Benagil cave, a beach barbecue and free time to relax, paddle boarding and all of your drinks (soft drinks and alcohol). It’s definitely a much livelier tour and whilst not suitable for children, it’s a great tour to let loose, enjoy some good music and dancing and make the most of the beautiful surroundings. I couldn’t fault the AlgarExperience and would love to return and do the dolphin spotting with the children or enjoy some water sports.
Enjoy delicious food and drinks
The Algarve has some of the best restaurants and bars to enjoy during your stay and let me tell you, the food is delicious.
Located close to both Faro and Albufeira, Restaurante Figueiral provides a stunning dining experience in the most beautiful moonlit courtyard although indoor dining is available. We ate a selection of starters which were simple ingredients but beautifully done followed by a main of roast duck which was delicious. Their speciality is the Chateaubriand for one which you cook on a hot stone at the table. It’s a must visit during your time in the region.
Located at Grande Real Santa Eulália Resort & Hotel Spa directly on Santa Eulália beach, Atlantico Restaurant is a stunning location for sunset lovers. Dining here with older children would be ideal as here is so much beach space for the children to run around and you could stay here for the whole night enjoying one of their delicious bottles of wine as the sunsets. The menu was great with lots of traditional Portuguese dishes as well as holiday favourites!
Located at the W Algarve, Paper Moon is a beautiful Italian restaurant offering great food at great value. From eggplant parmigiana to fresh burrata, every dish was exquisitely done and beautifully presented but it’s their signature dish – Pappardelle Paper Moon – which is the icing on the cake. Using a simple bacon, tomato and cream sauce with homemade pappardelle they have created the most wholesome and flavourful dish imaginable and not only would I say it was my favourite dish in the Algarve, but it was one of my favourite dishes of all time.
If you’re looking for the perfect spot to enjoy a few cocktails then W Algarve should be at the top of your list. As the first W Hotel in Portugal it does not disappoint and offers live music, unique mixology using Portuguese flavours and the most stunning rooftop views out to the sea. Recently P-Diddy and his entourage stayed here in one of their luxury penthouse suites and that’s a party I wouldn’t mind being invited to!
Whether you’re seeking relaxation on the beach, outdoor activities, cultural exploration, or a lively nightlife, the Algarve offers a well-rounded and unforgettable travel experience with Jet2holidays. I’m already planning a return trip!
* I was invited to The Algarve in partnership with Jet2holidays. All words and opinions are my own.
