Guides & blog · Algarve
Everything you need to plan the perfect Algarve trip — how to get there, when to go, where to stay and what to do, in honest, in-depth guides.
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This is our whole library on the Algarve — Portugal's southern coast, about 150 km from Sagres to the Spanish border, split into the cliff-and-cove Barlavento (west) and the island-and-lagoon Sotavento (east), with Faro airport in the middle. Below: the practical planning guides, and links into the deep guides on things to do, beaches, golf and food.
The practical decisions, each its own in-depth guide.
Private driver waiting at arrivals — fixed price, no meter.
Compare every supplier at Faro, full insurance, no surprises.
Hand-checked villas & apartments — booked direct, no fees.
For a first trip, 5 to 7 nights is the sweet spot — enough for a few beaches, one or two boat trips, a day inland and a day trip, without rushing. See the complete guide.
The shoulder months — May–June and September–October — give warm sea and far smaller crowds. Full breakdown in the best time to visit.
Not for a single-resort holiday — transfers and tours cover the essentials. A hire car pays off for exploring several towns. See car rental and driving.
The central coast around Albufeira, Carvoeiro and Vilamoura is the safest first choice. See where to stay.