Algarve – discover the versatile coast of Portugal!

The good news first: the Algarve is sometimes the sunniest region of Portugal. The climate is mild and pleasant all year round, giving you flexibility in your travel plans. Roughly speaking, it can be said that the maximum daytime temperatures in winter are from November to April at in between 15 and 20 degrees Celsius lay. However, our favorites are definitely the summer months of End of May to Octoberbecause at this time you can expect maximum temperatures between 25 and over 30 degrees with little precipitation and a water temperature of around 20 degrees.

As you probably recognized immediately, compared to other holiday regions in Europe, the sea is relatively fresh or even cool for some tastes. That’s what the Atlantic Ocean has to offer, which you should of course take into account. But that doesn’t have to spoil your swimming fun. At temperatures above 30 degrees sign in the middle of summer this is a welcome relief for numerous holidaymakers from all over the world and it is with good reason that the south coast of the country has a large fan base.

Tired of long flights and heavy travel? Then you are in the right place with a holiday in the Algarve. You can fly from Zurich to Faro in just a few minutes 3 hours. Faro Airport is located in the heart of the region, which guarantees a quick transfer to your dream accommodation.

To get from A to B and explore the beautiful south coast of Portugal, we recommend one rental car to use. The area along the coast is perfect for a road trip as there is a lot to see without having to drive far. During a leisurely sightseeing tour you will pass picturesque fishing villages, fine sandy beaches, breathtaking cliffs and one or the other point of interest, to name a few.

Please note: The Algarve is very busy, especially in high season, and parking spaces can unfortunately be scarce during this time. Be sure to plan this before your trip.

Tip: Take a trip to the southwestern cape at Sagres with its fortresses and the picturesque lighthouse of Sao Vicente. The rocky coast at Algar Seco with its unique caves is also very popular with visitors – a prime photo and selfie spot by the way!

We can probably all agree that a successful holiday and good food go hand in hand. Do you agree? Then we have good news! By Francesinha (traditional toast) about Cozido a Portuguesa (special stew) and delicious soups to numerous fish and seafood dishes, Portugal and especially the Algarve has a lot to offer culinary. Portuguese cuisine is of course known for its many different and great fish dishes.

A visit to one of the many traditional fish restaurants should therefore not be missing from your list. Here you get fresh, incredibly tasty regional dishes that you are guaranteed to enjoy for a long time.

However, before you take in the Portuguese menu on the spot, we would like to briefly explain it to you in the next section 5 beautiful vacation spots imagine for your upcoming trip. Alvor is the first.

The fishing village of Alvor is located about 75 kilometers west of Faro. The pretty town is popular with many holidaymakers because of its beautiful long sandy beaches. It is one of the most beautiful places for a beach holiday, alone, as a couple or with the whole family. The best of both worlds awaits you here, namely on the one hand an excellent infrastructure with great accommodation and numerous leisure activities, on the other hand Alvor has also retained the original charm of a small coastal town.

Especially in the center of the former fishing village you will find lovely streets with many cozy cafes and excellent restaurants. Perfect for walking during a break from the beach or going out at night. Thanks to numerous possible leisure activities such as water sports, sailing, hiking or a trip to the neighboring town of Portimao, you will certainly not be bored. If you’re feeling adventurous, we’ve got a very special tip for you: skydiving from the city’s own airport! If you decide to stay in Alvor you are guaranteed not to go wrong as the town is one of the most popular holiday destinations on the south coast for a reason.

Now let’s look at Salema. This charming village is nestled in a valley nestled in the crags and cliffs of the rocky Algarve between the towns of Lagos and Sagres. The beautiful, small sandy beach of the town offers you plenty of space for sunbathing and, thanks to the clear sea water, also pure bathing pleasure. All this in a great atmosphere with a beautiful view of the beautiful surrounding nature and the Atlantic Ocean.

Salema is the perfect starting point for walks or bike rides and there are many fascinating caves in the immediate area waiting to be explored. A boat trip along the coast is highly recommended, because from the water you have an unforgettable view of the impressive cliffs and rocks in this region.

Although you will find amenities such as restaurants, bars or shops in Salema, this cute little town is very quiet. So if you like to go on holiday relaxed and like peace and quiet, you’ve come to the right place.

Sagres is the most southwestern city in mainland Europe and is known as one of the best surfing spots in Portugal. The sea here is often rough and the impressive nature with its steep cliffs and beautiful hiking trails has a very special appeal. The almost endless expanse, if you let your gaze wander over the Atlantic Ocean, has something magical and is truly incomparable. If you choose Sagres, you can not only look forward to unique landscapes, but also the fine sandy beaches are heavenly beautiful and offer perfect conditions for your bathing holiday.

The relaxed atmosphere in the small coastal town is perfect for relaxing and unwinding. Another plus of the municipality of Sagres are the forts worth seeing and of course the lighthouse at Cabo de Sao Vicente. Due to the special, sometimes rugged nature, this area is not as busy with tourists as the rest of the Algarve. So if you want to enjoy the Portuguese south coast, away from the crowds and like being in nature, go to Sagres! Don’t worry, you can still find excellent accommodation of course.

We then head to the port city of Lagos, about 90 kilometers west of Faro. A real port city awaits you, which is busy and relaxed at the same time. Here you will find almost everything in one place, eg B. a beautiful harbor, steep cliffs, sandy beaches and a really picturesque old town.

As one of the larger and densely populated coastal port towns, Lagos offers you plenty of shopping opportunities, great hotels, restaurants, bars and many leisure activities. One of the most beautiful and interesting places is the headland south of the city center with its great rock formations and beautiful sea views. Whether sunbathing on the beach, leisurely strolling through the streets of the old town, shopping or excursions/sightseeing – Lagos offers you the full package. The turquoise clear sea will make your holiday in this truly beautiful city complete. Of course you can also start excursions ON the water from here.

Last but not least, we would like to introduce you to the area around Aljezur, on the west coast of the Algarve. The region is best known for its proximity to nature, tranquility and beautiful beaches. A popular destination for surfers from all over the world who love pristine (sometimes rugged) coastal landscapes. Everything here is a bit more relaxed than in the larger holiday resorts. Perfect if you long for peace and pure bathing pleasure, away from the crowds.

But don’t get us wrong: it’s not like there aren’t great accommodations, restaurants, cafes or bars here! On the contrary, because the often family-run hotels and restaurants are already a (wonderful) experience in themselves. The city center exudes a charm all its own and the ruins of Castelo Mourisco above the old town await you as a sightseeing tip. But the absolute highlight are the vast picture-book beaches of Aljezur. And to top it off, unforgettable sunsets await you! Do you like to be outside, relaxed and do you like breathtaking nature? Then Aljezur is a real (secret) tip for you.