Holiday rentals and lettings in the Algarve

The Algarve is a stunning coastal region in the south of Portugal with idyllic, fine sand beaches and rugged sea cliffs sculpted over time that sharply contrast with vast natural areas. Best of all, it’s a veritable paradise for beach goers, surfers, families, golfers and gourmets, but a surprisingly affordable one! Thinking about where to stay in the Algarve? Can’t decide between the wild, unspoilt nature of Cape Saint-Vincent and an idyllic beach in Lagos? You have an overwhelming range of holiday rentals and lettings to choose from in the dozens of picturesque towns and charming fishing villages that dot this beautiful coast. They become very crowded in the summer months, so if it’s peace and quiet you crave, you can also easily get off the beaten track. Either way, the Algarve is well worth a visit at least once in a lifetime!

An ideal destination for couples, families and groups of friends. Choose from fully equipped beachside apartments in magnificent residential estates and luxury villas with private garden and pool, especially in Lagos, Portimao, Faro, Tavira and Albufeira. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast or sunset cocktails on your own terrace with fabulous scenic views. Or perhaps you’d prefer to relax and unwind in your own jacuzzi and sauna. Fancy yourself an explorer? In the Algarve, new adventures and experiences for all tastes are guaranteed!

The spectacular Algarve region in the south of Portugal stretches along 150 kilometres of rugged coastline that extends from Tavira, on the eastern end of the Algarve (just 2 hours away from Seville), and ends at Cape Saint-Vincent at the westernmost tip. Its endless fine sand beaches, rocky coves protected by towering sea cliffs and picturesque fishing villages guarantee visitors an unforgettable experience for years to come. Did you know that two oceans converge here? Its shores are washed by the Atlantic Ocean from the south and the Mediterranean Ocean from the east. It is also very well connected by air, road and rail. The airport is located in Faro, the capital, which receives all the flights to the Algarve region. You can also move around by bus, train and even taxi, but if you’re keen to explore some of the harder-to-reach villages, your best option is by car. But wherever your travels take you, Southern Portugal is an idyllic destination for sun and nature-lovers alike seeking solitude or adventure!

Sun and surf-lovers will be at home in large beaches like Meia Praia in the ancient maritime town of Lagos, which is perfect for swimming and windsurfing. Lagos is also famous for its golf courses, some of which are designed by high-ranking players such Nick Faldo or Severiano Ballesteros, chosen as the Best European Golf Destination by the World Travel Awards! You can also sign up for a windsurfing course in Sagres, a small harbour town with impressive sea cliffs and gorgeous beaches where Prince Henry the Navigator set up his legendary nautical school in the 15th century. If you’d like a close-up view of the natural rock arches and grottoes, there are many boat operators that run tours in the area. Or maybe you’d prefer to wander down narrow cobblestone-paved streets lined with lush bougainvillea bushes in the historic quarter of the lovely city of Tavira. Looking for adventure? Go on a scuba diving excursion. When the sun sets, go nightclubbing along the Avenida Francisco Sá Carneiro, also known as “The Strip”, in Albufeira, a paradise for party-goers.

When it comes to cuisine, the simple yet intense Portuguese gastronomy pleasantly surprises visitors to the Algarve. Delicious, fresh seafood is available daily and traditional dishes are garnished with figs, olives, almonds, mangoes and pomegranates. So treat your taste buds to the local delicacies... there’s a vast number of restaurants and beachfront bars to choose from for open-air dining! Algarve wine is another attraction in its own right, as there are 200,000 square kilometres of vineyards!

Go on a bird-watching tour from Faro to Ría Formosa Nature Park, considered the second most important wetland for birds in Portugal. Discover the labyrinth of fresh and saltwater lagoons, ponds, sand and mud banks, dunes, lakes and pine woods. Thousands of birds nest in its 180 square kilometres of ochre-coloured rock formations, whose arches and caverns have been sculpted over thousands of years.

A major port city until the 17th century, Tavira is located at the easternmost tip of the Algarve, where the Gilão River flows into the Atlantic Ocean. The river can be crossed by a beautiful Romanesque bridge and the riverbanks are lined with 18th century mansions, giving it an aura of old-world charm. Among its many historical treasures, it has dozens of historic churches, such as Santa Maria do Castelo, which dates back to the 13th century.

A visit to the inland city of Silves, located northeast of Portimão, will give you a glimpse into Portugal’s cultural past. The city, situated on the banks of the navigable Arcade River, was once the Moorish capital of the Algarve until conquered by Christians in 1249. Discover its red sandstone hilltop castle, Castelo dos Mouros, and walk along crenellated battlements while enjoying panoramic views of the city and surrounding countryside.

The most southwesterly headland of Europe, Cabo de São Vicente boasts an iconic red lighthouse originally built in 1515 and impressive sea cliffs. Watch a spectacular sunset from their lofty heights or sun bake on its picturesque beaches. Heading east towards the town of Sagres you will also find many traditional ceramic workshops and stores where you can pick up a souvenir or two!

A natural haven of peace, the Sierra Monchique mountain range, covered by lush vegetation, offers beautiful hiking trails with breathtaking views over the landscape. Climb up to the lookout on the summit of Pico da Fóia, at an altitude of 902 metres, or take a small detour to the spa of Caldas de Monchique. The Romans built baths here to use natural spring waters for curative treatments!