The Algarve means “The West” and it occupies the southernmost region of Portugal. Its location and climate make it one of the top destinations in Europe for tourists. The Algarve had good year round temperatures. It is hottest in the summer months of July and August with temperatures around 30 degrees, but winter also enjoys very mild temperatures. In November temperatures range from 20 degrees during the day to about 14 degrees at night. Combine these temperatures with plenty of sunshine and you get a busy place for sun seekers, tourists and golfers looking to take advantage of the climate and all the activities on your doorstep including beaches, golf courses and much more.
More About Algarve
Car Hire
Car Hire Algarve is the best way to explore the Algarve. Driving across the whole of the Algarve takes only two hours, which makes it ideal for you to be able to do day trips and explore all the sites, scenery, beaches, villages, resorts or golf clubs that take your fancy! Public transport leaves a lot to be desired except in Albufeira which has the ‘Giro’ bus system. With your hire car an airport rental car in Faro, you get quickly and easily to your resort and then you are free to do whatever takes your fancy on your tip. One way car rental is available meaning you can pick up in one location and drop off in another, adding even more flexibility to your trip. Car hire pick up and drop off locations in the Algarve include Villamoura, Praia Da Rocha, Vila Real, Portimao, Albufeira and many more. Booking your hire car in advance is always advised as it is a very popular place for car hire.
Top things to do
If you are a beach lover and looking to relax on the sand, the check out Albufeira with its 23 beaches along the coast. You can get on the water doing a fishing trip, scuba diving, snorkeling, surfing or just laze under the sun. There are also tours available for dolphin watching, or you can spend a day on a pirate ship, a catamaran or a cruise. One of the most famous beaches along the Algarve is the Praia de Rocha beach in Portimao. The town is a great place for a night out, there are great restaurants, and you can take in a show or maybe find a club and dance the night away. It is well known along the Algarve as the town for shopping with great boutiques, shoe and handbag shops; every girls dream. Golf is really popular all over the Algarve year round due to the mild climate. There are too many clubs to mention, but it is a golfer’s paradise. Earlier tee times make it easier to get on busy course.
Road Trips
Because the Algarve is not a big area geographically, there are loads of great road trips and day trips you can do, or you can just jump into your rental car and explore. For a few planned trips, you could drive out to Lagos which will give you ample places for swimming and exploring the surrounds and it is definitely less crowded than Albufeira. If you drive to the lake at Barragem da Bravura about 14kms outside of Lagos, you will find great walking trails and paths for a great day out. If you are interested in hiking or bird watching, check out the the Alentjano National Park. Or to keep the kids busy for a day, drive to Aqualand Algarve which is the biggest water park in the Algarve or the Zoomarine theme park. And if you really want some fun on the waves or under the waves, then Portimao is the town to drive to for jet-skiing, windsurfing, surfing and boats trips.