Algarve Holidays

...there's one to suit you.

This beautiful region offers such a fantastic range of Algarve holidays (which is how we sometimes refer to 'vacations' in UK).   They include everything from family beach vacations to Algarve golfing holidays... through staying in one of the all-purpose Algarve resorts right up to enjoying a luxurious and private villa rental in Algarve.

There's something for everyone, no matter your age or taste in vacation pastimes. And Algarve holiday rentals can be such fabulous value, if you shop around!

The region is blessed with so many beaches along its coastline. Small wonder then that it acts like a powerful magnet for those who love sun and sand (such as yours truly!)

Algarve beach vacations are my idea of bliss! So there are no prizes for guessing why Algarve apartment rentals go like hot cakes during the warmest months of the year.

But that's only the tip of a whole iceberg-ful of reasons. (And yes... I know that's a bad choice of image, what with the Algarve enjoying such wonderful year-round warm weather).

Resorts

A last-minute, discount vacation at one of the fantastic Algarve resorts is tempting for so many, whenever the weather at home turns grim and grey -that's 'gray' if you're reading this in North America. Anyway, who can blame them? (The people experiencing the rotten weather, that is).

If you'd like to read about a recent holiday of mine that was fantastic value for money, check out my Albufeira page.

Jetting off somewhere warmer, to forget about things for a week or two - all without breaking the bank - is just the ticket. Especially when you're feeling down, or suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder (the aptly-named SAD) because of the lack of sunshine and fun. (Well, that's my excuse for a bargain Winter break - I've used it to justify any number of Algarve vacations).

Accommodation

As you'll see on my dedicated page, there's a wide choice of Algarve accommodation on offer. We've sampled beach vacations in some of the bigger Algarve resorts, and also been in pensões and some lovely Algarve holiday apartments, hotels and even a pousada.

In 2003 we even opted to spend our Algarve holidays in a villa (for the first time). And we were so knocked out by the experience that we decided we should buy a holiday home in the Algarve. In fact, since then, we've moved to Algarve full-time!)

If you think you'd prefer private apartment to something in a resort, there's lots of choice. Read about how we packaged our own holiday in April 2004, arranging flights, car hire and apartment separately, all via the Internet. Check out my Algarve Apartments page - if I can arrange this, anyone can! (And some of the private apartment owners will arrange flights and cars for you, if you wish).

In fact, an Algarve apartment rental can often work out cheaper than other types of accommodation, depending on the size of your party.

But the great thing was, I enjoyed every visit, no matter where we stayed and however we passed the time during our Algarve holidays. That's because the region offers so many things to do (and I seem to discover more wherever I go).
 

Sporting Holidays

The latest trend seems to be Algarve vacations with a sporting theme. Whatever your passion in sports, I'll bet there's a suitable facility in the Algarve where you can indulge yourself.

Golf

Many of our friends are keen golfers and, as I've noted elsewhere, they all love it here. Algarve golf courses offer a simply fantastic choice, with the enjoyment multiplied many times because of the wonderful Algarve weather. (Not to mention the fabulous scenery there is to enjoy during your round of golf).

The golf centres in the Algarve have high standards of accommodation and most offer a range facilities, so you don't need to stray too far from those gorgeous greens and fairways. A golf holiday in Algarve from one of the many on offer could be just the thing for your next vacation.
 

Tennis

Although we're not good golfers, my husband Nev and I are keen (though average) tennis players, and there are many Algarve tennis centres and academies that cater for every standard - from avid players through to beginners.

We didn't play any tennis during our recent visits, because we were scouting around for a suitable Algarve holiday property to buy. But we do plan to play more of our tennis there soon...

Perhaps when we have a permanent base in the region in which to enjoy our Algarve vacations?

In the meantime, I can report that my Bournemouth-based friend Chris (who's a real tennis-nut) has enjoyed several Algarve tennis holidays, and she's super-keen to return for more.

She's never remembered to take her camera (too busy practising her backhands, I expect) so I can't show you any shots of her or her training group in action. But, she's promised to try to remember it next time. (But since she's a scatter-brain like me, let's not hold our breaths).

So, that's a big recommendation for Algarve tennis from Chris...
 

Watersports

Alternatively, in a climate as kind as Algarve's, what better way of enjoying your Algarve holidays than indulging in one of the many watersports on offer?

If you love your sport mixed with H₂O, then the Algarve's the place!

Neither are you limited to the bigger Algarve resorts and holiday centres. There are more and more Algarve watersports facilities springing up all the time, to meet the growing demand from those who enjoy spending their Algarve holidays getting soaked!

From individual pursuits like surfing and sailboarding, to team or communal activities such as sailing or diving...

...you can enjoy any and all of these watersports in the beautiful Algarve.
 

Then again, if your heart is set on less frenetic (and drier) sporting activities, you needn't feel left out...

Horse Riding

The Algarve has long been famous for its riding facilities, and equestrian pastimes are well catered for at the many and varied Algarve horse riding centres and schools. If hacking's your bag, then plan an Algarve horse riding holiday around it.

Blokarting

Algarve blokarting is a relatively new arrival, but where better to enjoy fresh air and fun than the glorious Algarve?  Put the wind back in your sails with some eventful Algarve holidays.

Other Choices

Of course, in a region that is renowned for its varied and stunning landscapes and architecture, there are pastimes aplenty to suit devotees of such pleasures...
 

Scenery

Artists and painters will find much to please their eyes, with the Algarve scenery providing many satisfying subjects for their sketch pads and canvases. There's a choice that runs from craggy mountains to spectacular seascapes, and with many shades of man-made skyline in between.

It would indeed be a poor dauber who found nothing of interest in the Algarve! Nev (himself an aspiring dauber) used always to be happy enough to spend Algarve holidays wandering around looking for subjects to draw and paint in that gorgeous, friendly climate. The main problem, he claims, is that the wonderful daytime temperatures make it tricky, since his watercolour washes dry so quickly!
 

Exploring on Foot

Whereas, if canvas or paper is not your bag, you might enjoy simply drinking in that wonderful scenery in the fantastic, friendly climate. If so, you can choose Algarve holidays devoted to walking or hiking. The Algarve's beauty can be appreciated even more readily by those who view it at walking pace.
 

Motorised Transport

But, if getting about on foot during your Algarve holidays isn't an option, for whatever reason, you can try some great drives and explore the Algarve on wheels of some description.

And, look no further if you want information about Algarve car hire.

Then again, should you prefer not to hire a car, you can try travel in the Algarve using other modes of transport. I've always found the buses, coaches and trains an efficient and reasonably-priced means of 'getting around'.

)And if you ever decide you'd like something more permanent that Algarve holidays, check out my Algarve Real Estate page!)

I hope I've given you a flavour of why I love the region so, and why I'm always impatient to get back there to enjoy more Algarve holidays. So do visit some of my other pages, where you can learn more about my obsession with this gorgeous area...

You can keep up to date with Algarve life, by subscribing to my monthly newsletter, Algarve Beach Life News. Just click on the link below ("For Lovers of Algarve Beach Life") or on the button at top left ("Subscribe to ABLN") -- I'll keep you updated, every month, about all the new information I have added about this wonderful region.
 

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