Algarve
Travel Guide

Algarve - Praias de Tavira beach

Algarve travel guide

I’ve been visiting the Algarve since 2015 and I still don’t think I’ve seen all of it. That’s not a bad thing, it just means every trip has felt different.

My first time was Albufeira, which set my expectations in one direction. Then Vilamoura, which felt like a completely different place. Then Faro, which surprised me more than anywhere. And then Tavira, which stopped me in my tracks entirely – a river, a Roman bridge, 37 churches, and the kind of food and wine that makes you want to cancel your flight home.

The Algarve has a reputation as a sun and sand destination, and it earns that. But there’s a lot more going on if you know where to look. This guide covers the places we’ve actually been, with honest takes on what each one is like and who it suits best.

Algarve travel essentials at a glance

🗣️ Language: Portuguese (English widely spoken in tourist areas)
💶 Currency: Euro (€)
🕐 Time zone: Western European Time (WET)
🔌 Plug type: Type F plugs (European) – you’ll need an adapter from the UK
💳 Cash or card: Card widely accepted, but worth carrying some cash for smaller cafés and markets
📅 Best time to visit: April-October, with July-August being hottest and busiest
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family friendly: Yes, very – great beaches, easy transport and a relaxed restaurant culture where kids are genuinely welcome
✈️ How to get there: Direct flights from many UK airports to Faro Airport
🚌 Public transport: Trains and buses connect most towns, but car hire gives more flexibility
🍴 Cuisine: Mediterranean – expect fresh seafood, grilled meats, pastel de nata and lots of Portuguese classics

Plan your trip

If you’re starting to plan an Algarve trip, these guides cover the places we’ve actually visited, with practical advice on where to go, how long to stay, and what each part of the region is really like.

Faro sign at the Marina

Is Faro worth visiting?

A complete guide to Faro, including things to do, how long to stay, where to eat, and practical tips for planning your trip.

Is Faro worth visiting?
Tavira - River Gilao

Things to do in Tavira

Coming soon

Things to do in Tavira

How to use this Algarve travel guide

If you’re just starting to plan, use these guides to get your bearings, decide how long to stay, and what to prioritise. Ready to explore? You’ll find ideas for things to do, places to eat, and different areas to base yourself throughout the region. Travelling with kids? Family friendly tips are woven throughout every guide.
This Algarve travel guide will keep growing as we visit more of the region – all based on real trips, with practical advice for families and first time visitors.

Algarve FAQs

Yes, genuinely. It’s one of the easier European destinations to do with young kids – the beaches are safe, restaurants are relaxed about children, and getting around is straightforward. The historic towns like Faro and Tavira are very walkable too, which makes a big difference with a pram or toddler in tow.

It depends how much of the region you want to cover. A week gives you a good amount of time to base yourself in one or two places without rushing. If you’re just visiting one town, three to four days is plenty. We spent three nights in Faro and three in Tavira and felt like we got a proper feel for both.

July and August are the hottest and busiest months. We’ve visited in summer and in April, and April is a good shout if you want quieter streets and lower prices, just go prepared for the weather to be unpredictable. We had sunshine one day and waterproof jackets the next.

It depends where you are. Tavira and Faro feel genuinely affordable – we had lovely meals out for very little compared to eating at home. Vilamoura has a wider range, with some restaurants at a similar price point but others that are noticeably more upmarket. As a rule, the further you get from the big resorts, the better value it tends to be.

It really depends what you’re after. If you want golf, a marina, upmarket bars and a modern resort feel, Vilamoura delivers that well. If you prefer history, cobbled streets and somewhere that feels more authentically Portuguese, Tavira is hard to beat. Faro sits somewhere in between – a proper city with real history, good food, and a relaxed pace.

Yes, we’ve always felt comfortable across all our trips, including evenings out and wandering around after dark. It’s a well visited, well connected part of Europe and we’ve never had any concerns.

My Algarve travel guides

Have a question about travelling to Portugal with a little one? I’m always happy to chat! Drop me a comment or message me on Instagram @tinytoesbigtrails

Tiny Toes Big Trails