Destination Fly4free: Algarve

While little in size, Portugal is a country packed with vibrant culture, rich history, welcoming people and natural beauty. Be amazed by the narrow streets of Albufeira or Lagos, try rich Portuguese gastronomy and explore the spectacular beaches of the Algarve region.

The southernmost region of continental Portugal is renowned for its breathtaking cliffs, the clean beaches, the cool, unpolluted water and sandy islands. The province enjoys hot, dry summers and short, mild winters.

How to get there:
Take a look at the flight deals to Algarve:

• Flights from Newcastle to Faro for £26 >>>
• Flights from Glasgow Prestwick to Faro for £29 >>>
• Flights from Liverpool to Faro for £31 >>>
• Flights from Nottingham to Faro for £31 >>>
• Flights from Edinburgh to Faro for £31 >>>
• Flights from Leeds to Faro for £31 >>>
• Flights from Bristol to Faro for £31 >>>
• Flights from London Stansted to Faro for £34 >>>
• Flights from Eindhoven to Faro for €39 >>>
• Flights from Paris Beauvais to Faro for €37 >>>
• Flights from Toulouse to Faro for €41 >>>
• Flights from Dusseldorf to Faro for €54 >>
• 4-night stay in 4* Hotel in Algarve + flights from London for just £130 >>
• Summer flights from Toronto to Faro for $411/ C$535 >>
• Summer flights from Romania to Faro from €89 >>

Where to stay:
In Faro, we encourage you to stay at 3* Golda Sol for just €38 per person. This well-reviewed guest house features an outdoor infinity pool, a small gym, free Wi-Fi in public areas and rooms with a balcony. The property is a 10-minute drive from Faro Beach and Quinta do Lago. Each room at Golda Sol has a private bathroom, seating area and work desk. Some rooms overlook the sea. Free parking is available on site.

In Albufeira we recommend you to book 4* Paladim Aparthotel for just €33 per person with very good reviews. This 4-star apart-hotel is near Albufeira’s historic Old Town and a 7-minute walk from the Atlantic Ocean. It has an outdoor swimming pool and children’s pool, surrounded by a lush garden. The air-conditioned apartments have a balcony, a kitchenette with a refrigerator and microwave. They also include satellite TV and a seating area. In the evenings, the pool bar offers karaoke and live music several times a week.

What to do:
If you are into nature the choices are many from the Caldeirão Mountains to the Sagres Point. There are over 30 hiking trails and over 30 golf courses doted throughout the Algarve region. Walk the wonderful Via Algarviana or go mountain biking. In the Monchique Mountains, covered by eucalyptus forests, you will find great hiking trails and unexplored quiet areas. Climb the Foia peak and enjoy the absolutely amazing view of both south and west coasts. Visit Cape Saint Vincent, which is taken as the southwesternmost tip of Portugal.

Sail to the remote islands of Armona, Culatra, Farol and Deserta to find the secluded beaches. Take a dolphin-watching cruise and admire the beauty of the Algarve coastline with the majestic sandstone cliffs. Visit Praia de Carvoeiro to uncover the stunning rock caverns. Admire the Senhora da Rocha chapel, perched over the sea. From Portimao you can take a boat to the Benagil Caves.

You can also go windsurfing, wake boarding, kayaking or diving at the spectacular Ocean Revival Park. Take the off-road tour, visit Zoomarine Algarve or go to a fado concert.

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Start planning your next trip with Lonely Planet’s travel guide >>

The Algarve from Bob Krist on Vimeo.