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Holidayco.co.uk specialises in Cheap holidays in Algarve, package holidays and late deals to a huge number of destinations. Find out more about Algarve in our guide below.

Cheap holidays in Algarve

The Algarve region in southern Portugal is a popular holiday destination. Its warm and dry climate with an average of 3000 hours of sunshine a year makes it ideal for a beach holiday, but the Algarve has a lot more to offer than beaches and sunshine.

The there are 16 distinct regions within the Algarve, each with slightly different characteristics. The region is not too large to wander around and see different places during your holiday.

Accommodation and Food

As you might expect, there is a range of accommodation available. Hotels, aparthotels and apartment complexes are all available, often with extra features such as swimming pools, restaurants and sports facilities. Self-catering is not a problem, though many shops tend to have an over-inflated impression of themselves – 'supermarkets' are often just little shops with relatively little choice, so it pays to learn where to shop.

The Algarve is a major holiday destination and is very cosmopolitan. International cuisine is readily available, along with traditional Portuguese dishes. Most towns have a good selection of bars and restaurants to choose from. Local wine if often very cheap, or your taste might run to brandymel, a sweet liqueur made with brandy and honey.

Activities

The Algarve is a popular destination with golfers, surfers and anyone seeking a great climate and fine beaches. In addition to watersports at the beach, there is the Big One waterpark if you just can't get wet enough. Or if you prefer, there is the Zoomarine Marine Park, with dolphins, sea lions and sharks.

Cruises along the coast are also popular. Day trips and longer cruises are available. Or you can explore inland on horseback if you prefer. Guided rides will show you the splendid Portuguese countryside close up.

If you prefer, you might like to visit some of the local towns and cities, each of which has its own unique attractions.

Faro, the current capital of the region, is an old walled town which was rebuilt after the earthquake of 1755. It is about 7km from the airport. Although Faro is not really a resort, it does have a lot to offer visitors. There are many historic buildings and an archaeological museum. The Maritime Museum has models of many famous vessels, some of which sailed from the Algarve to discover new lands in the Far East. The Ethnological Museum is dedicated to the traditional lifestyle of the local people. The church of Nossa Senhora de Carmo is impressive, if a little disturbing. It has a bone chapel containing the skeletons of over a thousand monks.

Lagos was once the regional capital and has a long history as an important seaport. The city has a lot to offer those interested in history, from the old city walls to statues of famous navigators who sailed from Lagos in the Age of Discovery. Lagos has excellent beaches and a large marina, plus a fine selection of bars, cafes and restaurants.

Monchique lies in a range of hills (the Sierra de Monchique). It is an old market town with many historic buildings. Local produce is on sale in the market, including handicrafts as well as food and drink. The nearby village of Caldas de Monchique has a spa that was known even in Roman times.

Praia da Luz (Beach of Light) lies on a wide bay with excellent beaches. Lust 5km from Lagos, it has a range of watersports on offer as well as good shops and restaurants. Some very nice countryside lies just to the west. Overall, Praia da Luz is most suited to relaxing family holidays.

Silves has a long history, dating back to Roman times. It thrived under the Moors and was sacked by Christian forces in 1189. The castle and cathedral both date from this period, when the region saw a great deal of fighting. Today the castle has beautiful gardens belying its bloody past. Silves is good for a visit, though few tourists stay there.

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