There’s a lot of planning that goes into a family holiday and picking a great destination is often the most difficult part. Fortunately, we believe we have the perfect destination for you to visit!
This is the Algarve in Portugal, which is the ideal place to take the family with great cities to explore, beautiful beaches to relax on and plenty of great places to eat and drink. If your knowledge of the area is a little hazy, then our guide below is perfect for you.
We’ve put together all the information you need to know about the Algarve to get excited about it. Continue reading below to find out more about what this beautiful location can offer you and your family.
Where is the Algarve?
The Algarve can be found in the Faro District of Portugal, which stretches across the southern coast of the country. It’s around 280km away from the capital city, Lisbon and Brits can fly direct here.
What do I need to know about the Algarve before I visit?
The Algarve is a very popular spot in Portugal that sees plenty of tourists every year. Recent statistics show that almost five million people visited in 2022, showing just how much of a hot spot it is.
This region is filled with history, some tourists will be pleased to know. A brief timeline of the Algarve region includes the Romans arriving in the second century BCE before the Visigoths and Moors claimed control. King Alfonso III reclaimed the land in 1249 and it’s been under Portuguese reign since.
While the locals will speak Portuguese to one another, Brits need not fear. Many of the hospitality workers are fluent in English, so they should be able to help with whatever you need.
What are the highlights of holidays in the Algarve?
There are a plethora of ways to enjoy the Algarve and we’ve picked out some of our highlights, so you know what holidaying here might look like. Check them out below:
Beaches
With a coastline spanning the entire length of the region, you can expect some pretty epic beaches to relax on. There are more than 100 to choose from with each offering a great place to catch a tan, take a dip in the sea or play some ball games with friends on.
Keen surfers will be pleased to hear that it’s a year-round surf location, so you can catch some waves during your stay.
Faro City
If no trip is complete without exploring a new town or city, then the Algarve has you covered too. Faro is the main city in the area and offers lots of activities for the whole family to enjoy. Some of the best attractions to visit here include:
- Faro Cathedral
- Episcopal Palace
- Faro Old Town
- Faro Marina
- São Francisco Church
Affordability
Family holidays are now estimated to cost almost £5,000 for two weeks away, which is a huge amount to pay – especially given the current cost of living crisis. Fortunately, the Algarve is known to be a cheap area to visit with fair food and drink, activity and accommodation costs.
As always, we recommend shopping around to get the best deal when you book. This should give you peace of mind that you can take the family away without breaking the bank.
Lots of nature to explore
If you and the family are nature lovers, then you’ll be spoilt for choice in this region. There is a huge range of places to get up close to nature and take some incredible photos. Some of the best nature spots that the Algarve has include:
- Ria Formosa Natural Park
- Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park
- Salgados Lagoon
- Crochê Peak
Accessibility and transport
Another benefit of this area is an incredible transport system. We recommend booking a transfer from Faro Airport to your hotel to drop your bags off, then you’re free to test the local transport systems.
The buses can get you to just about anywhere you want to go and ensure you’re keeping your trip eco-friendly. Alternatively, stick to taxis or hire a car if you’d prefer a private ride around the Algarve.
The local cuisine
No trip to Portugal is complete without trying the local cuisine. There are countless dishes and delicacies you must try here, and some of our favourites include:
- Seafood dishes such as Cataplana, Grilled Sardines and Açorda de Mariscos
- Local specialities like Frango Piri-Piri and Xarem com Coquilhas
- Sweet treats, including Dom Rodrigos, Queijinhos de Figo and Morgado de Ovos
- Delicious wines such as Negra Mole, Trincadeira and Castelão
As we hope you can see, there’s plenty to love about this incredible Portuguese holiday destination. If it sounds like somewhere you’d like to spend your time off, then book today to get the best possible deals and start getting excited now!
Photo courtesy of Depositphotos.com
