Portugal’s sunny southern coast is like no other, serving up soaring cliffs, charming fishing villages, and - of course - plenty of beach.

Destination highlights

• Award-winning beaches

• Long, hot summers

• Affordable luxury stays

• Friendly atmosphere

What are the best beaches to try on your 2024 Algarve holidays?

We’re not being overdramatic when we say that this region of Portugal is jaw-droppingly beautiful. There’s not much more you could wish for when it comes to beach holidays to the Algarve, so check out these coastal spots and you’ll want to get your packing started!

• Praia da Marinha – a bucket-list destination for beach-lovers, famous for its deep blue seas, dramatic cliffs, and panoramic views - sounds like it's competing for most iconic beach of the year award (we made that up, and it won).

• Praia da Falésia – a sociable beach close to Albufeira, hosting amazing sunset parties throughout the summer for those looking for a boogie on the dunes and a tipple by the tide.

• Praia da Arrifana – a pretty surf and swim beach near to Aljezur, accessible to all via ramp - so no reason not to get some sand between your toes.

• Praia do Camilo – the place to be in Lagos for amazing photos and snorkelling adventures - an Insta-lovers paradise and a sea explorers dream.

• Praia de Manta Rota – a sure-fire win for family holidays to the Algarve, with safe shallows at low tide, plenty of space to paddle and play, and of course the perfect spot to lay your towels down.

• Praia de Vale do Lobo – celeb-spotters will love this fancy beach in Vilamoura - it’s a favourite of the stars - maybe don't bother with an autograph book, they're a thing of the past, but deffo keep eagle eyes out, you never know who might be strutting their stuff out of the water James Bond style.

• Praia Naturista de Tavira – if you’re a fan of nature (and naturism), this stunning nude beach on Tavira Island is the one for you - sometimes baring all is the best way to get back in touch with all that bod, now might be the best time to give it a whirl.

• Praia de Benagil – the sea caves at this beach are a budding photographer’s dream, explorers too, basically anyone that loves a bit of adventure and a bit of Mother Nature's work on full display, this is the beach for you.

What are the top hotels in the Algarve?

This gorge Portuguese region has so many resorts that you’ll find your perfect hotel whatever kind of holidaymaker you are - even if you've got your eye on a cheap Algarve holibobs or just a last-minute deal. Here’s a taste of the variety on offer:

• Wyndham Grand Algarve - the ultimate luxury escape awaits at this five-star hotel, located in stylish Quinto Do Lago - let your boujee jolly start here and live the Suite life.

• Sao Rafael Suites - this five-star Albufeira hotel has everything you need to keep the whole family happy, with its spa, pools, and plenty of kids’ entertainment.

• Jupiter Albufeira Hotel - Family and Fun - the name says it all, as this hotel provides all the excitement you could ever need on an All Inclusive holiday to the Algarve!

• Vilabranca Apartments - stay close to the beach and the vibrant town centre at these modern Lagos apartments.

• Tivoli Marina Vilamoura Algarve Resort - a great choice for friends, this five-star hotel offers accessible rooms and is ideally located between the beach and the lively marina nightlife.

• Pestana Dom Joao II Villas and Beach Resort - a beachside resort in Alvor, perfect for a relaxing, budget-friendly break.

• Topazio Mar Beach Hotel & Apartments - for buzzing bar-hoppers, this adults-only hotel is the perfect base for hitting the town in Albufeira.

• Muthu Clube Praia da Oura - a stun spot just a short stroll from the beach for a top-notch holiday to Algarve complete with 25 (you heard us) bars and restaurants to get stuck into and a giant inflatable playground for the kiddos.

Here are some other destinations you might be interested in...

• Madeira

• Lisbon

• Cascais

Things to do in the Algarve for families 👪

At just a short three-hour flight time from the UK/Ireland, the Algarve is a great choice for family holidays. There are tonnes of fun days out and activities to explore on your family holiday in the Algarve. One of the favourites has to be an exciting day out to the waterpark, what’s not to love? The Algarve's got a few to choose from including Slide & Splash, Aqualand and Banzai Boggan, with thrilling slides, racing rapids and laid-back lazy rivers - there’s something for the whole family.

Another great way to discover the wonders of the Algarve is with a dolphin boat trip. Take to the Mediterranean on a tour to the well-known dolphin hotspots and see how many you can spy. The waters of these sun-soaked lands are a hit with the fascinating creatures, so be sure to take your camera and see if you can catch some snaps of the dolphins as they swim peacefully by.

Things to do in the Algarve for couples 💑

Couples holidays in the Algarve offer beautiful scenery, incredible beaches and radiating sunshine so getting out to explore all the glory of the coastline is just a must! There’s no better way to do that than with a trip to the Benagil Caves, a famous rock formation that can be reached with a short boat trip along the shore. These beautiful sandy coloured caves along the coast are simply superb, so you and your loved one will have a great time out adventuring together.

Seeking a romantic way to spend the evening? Well, we have just the thing. Head up to the Sky Bar Carvoeiro just before sunset and prepare to be amazed. This gorgeous rooftop bar looks right out over a jaw-dropping ocean view, serving a great range of tropical cocktails and offering cosy spots to soak up the scenes with your loved one – it’s the place to be for a romantic treat.

Things to do in the Algarve for groups 🏖️

Group holidays to the Algarve are great fun, with plenty of exciting activities and sights to see you can either get out with the gang or kick-back in the sunshine. If you and your holiday crew feel like getting active, then the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail is a great way to get out and see all that the Algarve has to offer. The trail runs right along the coast offering incredible views of the enchanting golden rocks, sunny blue skies and twinkling emerald waters – it’s quite simply breathtaking.

If you and your group prefer to admire the views from the sands, then we’d recommend hitting up Marinha Beach – that’s been voted one of Europe’s most beautiful beaches. This iconic beach is blessed with calm blissful waters, deep yellow sands and captivating cliffs; you just have to see this sun-soaked heaven for yourself. What better way to do so than with all your favourite people? Get your group geared up for a beach day to remember (just don’t forget the beer).

Things to do in the Algarve at night 🌃

If you love to party, then a night at the Montechoro Strip in Albufeira is a must. With lively music bars, gigantic fishbowls, karaoke nights and dancing till dawn, it’s the perfect place to enjoy some exciting holiday evenings. There’s a huge range of bars to choose from, so you can take your pick from good old English pubs to hula tikka cocktail hubs and loud, energetic clubs. If you’re off on a mates escape or just fancy a boogie with your loved one – then you’ll feel right at home in this colourful stretch of Albufeira.

Seeking more of an upmarket kind of atmosphere? Then head over to Marina de Vilamoura. A buzzing little spot at the centre of town that's brimming with jazzy bars, welcoming restaurants and an exciting by-the-water atmosphere. Enjoy an evening meal under the stars, with plenty of luxurious restaurants to choose from, will it be tapas or seafood? It’s a tricky call.

Things to do in the Algarve for stag and hen parties 🎉

If you're jetting off for a wild ride on a stag and hen party in the Algarve, then you’re in for a treat. This lively sunspot offers all that you need for a fun-filled break and so much more! If you and your stag and hen party are after a crazy celebration, then a boat party is a great option! Take the disco to the seas for live DJ sessions, unlimited booze and incredible sea views - it's sure to be a celebration you’ll never forget.

Fancy more of a laid-back kind of vibe? Then booking a group kayaking or paddleboarding trip out on the Algarve’s twinkling waters is always a good idea. Not only will it be a fun day out for the whole stag or hen party, but you’ll also get up close and personal with some of the coasts most beautiful scenic spots too.