Algarve holidays 2026/27: Best deals for Algarve getaways

When is the best time to visit the Algarve?

Considering that the region enjoys around 300 days of sunshine each year and relatively mild temperatures throughout, you could argue that the Algarve is so much more than just a summer holiday destination.

That said, the Algarve is at its hottest during the summer months of June to August. August, in particular, is when you can expect the biggest crowds, as well as the highest accommodation and flight prices, as this is when families flock to the area to make the most of the school summer holidays.  

Outside the summer boom, the Algarve still attracts a steady flow of holidaymakers. In fact, the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn are when you'll find the cheapest holiday deals while still being be able to make the most of the good weather.

Getting around the Algarve

Most travellers choose to explore the Algarve by car, as this allows them to access all destinations within the region, including more remote beaches and attractions. You can find car rental companies at Faro Airport, but we’d advise to book a car well in advance during the busier summer months.

For those who don’t want to drive, it's possible to use both train and bus services in the Algarve. For rail, there’s a train line across the region, but not all destinations have a stop. You can get multi-day passes and tickets through Comboios de Portugal. The main inter-destination bus lines are Eva and Frota Azul Algarve; tickets can be bought directly at bus stations.

The best destinations for romantic Algarve holidays

If you're a couple looking for the ultimate romantic getaway in the Algarve, you'll be happy to hear that you have a lot of choice. Usually, couples look for places off the beaten track, with features like quieter beaches, fewer crowds and a tranquil atmosphere.

That said, you can still find peaceful adults-only holiday resorts even in the region's biggest hotspots, so it really depends on what you're looking for as a couple.

Best destinations for all-inclusive holidays in the Algarve

An all-inclusive holiday is ideal for many reasons. Firstly, since flights, accommodation, main meals, drinks and transfers are usually included in an all-inclusive package, this means that you'll know the total cost of your holiday upfront. This wouldn't be the case if your meals weren't included, for example, as you'd need to head out to restaurants and cafes instead.

Secondly, we find that opting for an all-inclusive holiday usually helps to reduce overall stress, as most of the holiday admin has been dealt with already. This is handy when you're travelling with kids or in a large group. Here are our recommendations for all-inclusive resorts in the Algarve.

Praia da Marinha

Often cited as one of the prettiest beaches in all of Europe, you’ll have to navigate a lot of stairs in order to enjoy the golden sands of Praia da Marinha. But every step is worth it as this beach is famous for its limestone cliffs and rock formations. It's not a particularly large beach but it can get busy in the summer months, so it’s best to arrive early to grab your spot.

Where to stay: Carvoeiro

Praia de Faro

You'll find Praia de Faro on Faro Island, which can be accessed by a narrow bridge. Though surprisingly close to Faro Airport, it’s a memorable beach, where you have the sea on one side of the beach and the lagoon of the Ria Formosa on the other. Since it’s a city beach, it can get quite busy during summer.

Where to stay: Faro

Praia da Falésia

Located between two major holiday destinations in the Algarve, sandy Praia de Falésia stretches for some 6km, which means that there’s plenty of space for everyone here. Set against a backdrop of red cliffs, this accessible beach also has a number of restaurants and bars nearby.

Where to stay: Vilamoura or Albufeira

There are many reasons why someone might consider booking a package holiday to the Algarve. The most common reasons: saving money and reducing stress.

On the stress side, package holidays make things a lot more straightforward; these packages often include flights, accommodation and transfers to/from the airport - all from one provider. When you book each of these yourself, you'll be managing the admin for all of these individually. That makes package holidays somewhat more stress-free, which is why we ourselves like them so much. Some package holiday providers even include more, so it's always worth reading the entire deal's details before making your booking.

In terms of saving money, package holidays can also reduce the overall cost of your holiday thanks to the partnerships and bulk rates that your holiday provider has. There is also a high likelihood of getting even cheaper deals during early bird and last-minute sales, when particular flight routes or resorts are trying to fill up unsold seats/empty hotel rooms.

Not yet convinced? Here are some additional benefits of booking a package holiday to the Algarve:

• Financial security: Check that your Algarve holiday provider's trips are protected by ATOL, which means that your money is safe even if the provider company fails before your holiday.

• Streamlined customer support: If something goes wrong, there's only one number to call, with most holiday providers offering 24/7 emergency assistance.

• Saves time: Instead of having to track down the flights and hotel yourself, it's all booked in one go.

• Flexible payment options: Some holiday providers offer instalment plans or low deposits, which makes it easier to pay off your holiday over time intead of in one lump sum upfront.

• Unexpected perks: You might have cheaper upgrade options or have a kids-stay-free offer. Most of the time, you'll also be offered discounts by day trip/activity providers once at the hotel.

Q: How can you buy cheap holidays to the Algarve?

A: Flexibility is your key to getting to the cheapest holidays to the Algarve. If you're flexible about your travel dates and your destination within the region, you can act quickly and buy a great deal as soon as you see it. Consider travelling during off-peak periods, such as midweek or outside of the school holidays in summer. You should also sign up to alerts from your favourite holiday provider, and check out early bird and last-minute sales for cheaper prices.

Q: Where can I buy the cheapest holidays to the Algarve?

A: If you have a preferred holiday provider, you should sign up to their newsletter and set up alerts for the Algarve region. That said, HolidayPirates rounds up the best-value and cheapest Algarve holiday deals right here on a daily basis, so you'll always find plenty of great holiday options in our deals too.

Q: Is the Algarve good for families?

A: Yes! It's one of the places we recommend most for a family holiday, actually. That's partly due to the fact that the region is home to many family-friendly resorts, offering features like kids' clubs, dedicated swimming pools, babysitting and more. But there's also so much to do in the wider region, with favourites being the water and theme parks, aquariums, beachside activities and mini golf. An added bonus is that many beaches have Blue Flag status, meaning that they're considered clean and safe, which is important when travelling with little ones.

Q: Is the Algarve expensive?

A: It's actually considered to be cheaper compared to hotspots in the Mediterranean area, especially during peak travel periods like summer. Food and drink are generally considered to be affordable too.