Algarve
Die südlichste Region von Portugal ist die Urlaubsregion Algarve. Die Algarve bietet ein mediterranes Klima mit über 300 Sonnentagen im Jahr.
Even in winter it remains mild, making the region an ideal destination for any time of year. Especially in spring and fall, the weather is pleasant for outdoor activities, while summer is perfect for beach days.
Tourism is mainly concentrated in the coastal region, which is around 200 kilometers long. Less visited are the mountain ranges of the Serra de Monchique and the Serra do Caldeirão.
The Algarve is known for its impressive cliffs, hidden coves and golden sandy beaches. The Ponta da Piedade near Lagos is a particular highlight: here you can hike along the green cliffs, take boat trips to the spectacular caves or jump into the water at beaches such as Praia de Porto de Mós. The coast offers numerous viewpoints from which you can enjoy the unique panorama.
The Algarve is a paradise for beach lovers. From expansive sandy beaches such as Albufeira Beach to secluded coves, there is something for everyone. Families with children can discover a different beach every day, while adventurers can explore hidden coves. The beaches are also ideal for water sports such as surfing, snorkeling or kayaking.
The tourist areas with the large centers such as Albufeira, Silves and Loulé are among the richest areas of Portugal but unfortunately also some of the most overdeveloped areas. Here you will find numerous large hotels and apartment buildings for tourists. This can lead to problems with the drinking water supply, especially in summer.
The Algarve is a paradise for gourmets. Fresh seafood, such as grilled sardines or cataplana (a traditional stew), is a must. Add to this regional wines and sweet specialties such as almond and fig pastries.
Holidays in the Algarve – our tips
The Cape St. Vincent is located near Sages in Portugal. It marks the south-western tip of the European mainland. Here, the European continent ends on a 70-meter high cliff.
We would like to introduce our Top 5 of the most beautiful excursion destinations in the Algarve. The Algarve is a region on the south coast of Portugal. It is one of the 7 Portuguese regions. In the north, the landscape is characterised by the mountain ranges of the Serra de Monchique. The touristy costal…
We hired a car to drive through the surrounding areas for a bit. We chose Faro as the main destination, but on the way back we spontaneously stopped off at Loulé.
Lagos is a port town in the Algarve about 30 km east of Cape St Vincent. On our way back from the south-western point of Europe, there was time for a flying visit.
The Monchique Mountains are located in the west of the Algarve and have been named after the main town of Monchique.
Silves is a relatively small town. It is situated on the picturesque river Arade. Silves is the oldest town in the Algarve, where the existence of colonies of the Phoenicians and Kathagers from the fourth century B.C.E was proven. The Romans transformed the city with their fortifications and built an important inland harbour and thus…
Only sitting around in the hotel is too boring. The surrounding area can be explored on long walks along the coast of the Algarve
Book your adventure on the Algave
Hotel tip:
The Hotel Pestana Viking is located on a plateau above a small bay which is ideal for swimming. From here you have a beautiful view over the coast of Portugal.
Travel information about the Algarve
Arrival
By plane
There is an international airport in Faro. Many airlines fly to this airport, especially during the holiday season. In the winter months, air traffic is more limited.
By car
From Lisbon you can reach the Algarve in about 2.5 hours via the A2. The motorway is subject to tolls!
From Spain, take the A49 to the A22.
By bus
From Lisbon, the EVA bus takes about 3:15 hours to Faro.
By train
The train takes about 3.5 h from Lisbon to Faro.
On the way...
By car
There is a toll motorway which is one of the main routes through the Algarve. A national road runs parallel to it, which is free of charge but always very crowded!
By bus
EVA Transport buses connect the towns in the Algarve. In the larger cities there are also city bus connections.
By train
In 1912, a single-track railway line was put into operation between Lagos and Vila Real de San António. The line is still in use, but today with modern trains.
Best time to visit
The Algarve offers a mild climate all year round. The region is one of the sunniest areas in Europe.
From December to February, the average temperature is 16.6 degrees and there are an average of 9.7 rainy days per month. The number of sunshine hours is about 6 hours per day.
Spring arrives in the Algarve in March, April and May. The air temperature averages 20.3 degrees and there are about 8.7 hours of sunshine per day. The chance of rain drops to an average of 7 days a month.
June to August is the warmest and driest period in the Algarve. In summer, it rains on average only a little more than one day per month, and the sun shines an average of 12.3 hours per day. Maximum temperatures sometimes reach over 30 degrees, but a constant blowing Atlantic breeze provides refreshment.
From September to November, the Algarve is a good place for a holiday. The maximum temperatures still reach 26.3 degrees. The number of hours of sunshine is about 8 hours a day. It rains an average of 6.3 days a month.
Algarve holiday – a video:
Watch a video and discover the Portuguese Algarve coast. We have summarized small impressions of our trip.