PORTUGAL: Holidays in The Algarve

If you haven’t been to Portugal, you’re missing out and need to go! My family are lucky enough to own an apartment in the Algarve, in the South of Portugal, at Pine Sun Park, a buzzing apartment complex with two swimming pools. My childhood is full of happy memories spent in Portugal, my home away from home, with days spent at the pool or beach and evenings eating gorgeous food in amazing restaurants.

WHEN TO VISIT

Peak season in Portugal is during the Summer months, from June to August, where temperatures average at around 26ºC. Although prices are increased during these times, the weather is at its peak and the atmosphere is remarkable, so it’s definitely worth a visit mid-year.

BEACHES

We are very lucky as there are two beaches nearby to our apartment complex. Falésia Beach is just a quick walk around the corner and Rocha Baixinha Beach, known as Tomato Beach, is only a five-minute drive away. Both beaches possess endless miles of golden sands and beautiful orange-tinted rocks and cliffs. The rocky coastlines are even more beautiful in person.

DAY ACTIVITIES

The beaches offer a variety of water sports activities – canoeing, speed boats, banana boats, parasailing – there’s something for everyone. There are also a variety of boat trips available in Portugal – with sunset tours, dolphin spotting or cave exploring trips that are definitely worth doing.

Just a half an hour drive away from our apartment is Quinta do Lago, one of Algarve’s most affluent communities, with beautiful villas, golf courses and a gorgeous lake. I have spent many days at the lake – there’s a beach, a pool, a restaurant and lake activities. Whether you fancy kayaking, paddle boarding, or a leisurely ride in a pedalo, there’s a lot of fun to be had here.

WATER PARKS

If you’re an adrenaline junkie that likes a day out at a water park, Portugal is great place to visit. Aqualand, Aquashow, Slide and Splash and Zoomarine are full of fun for all the family! From slides, tunnels, wave pools and fountains to rapid rivers, daring vertical water shoots, fast-paced spiral slides and water coasters, the water parks in Portugal are perfect for unforgettable days out. You’re bound to have loads of fun.

ALBUFERIA

Albufeira, a nearby city is a very popular holiday destination, with tourists loving its Old and New Towns. Its large, lively, energetic ‘New Town’ is the perfect place for buzzing nightlife, with fun continuing late into the night. Also known as ‘The Strip’, it’s crammed with bars and clubs and is perfect for partygoers – it’s always packed with stag and hen do’s.

Fancy something a little more relaxed? The charming ‘Old Town’ possesses historic cobbled streets, restaurants and bars and is perfect for a slightly quieter, but still atmospheric evening. Whether you fancy a delicious meal, a quiet drink, or some shopping, the Old Town is a great place to visit.

VILAMOURA

Vilamoura is another nearby place definitely worth visiting. Known for its large, beautiful marina, golf courses, bars and restaurants, Vilamoura is perfect for strolls, beautiful dinners, or even partying into the early hours of the morning. With lively bars with live bands and music, Vilamoura is a great place to go for an evening full of entertainment. Enjoy the beautiful views of the illuminated boats as you stroll down the perfectly paved sidewalks.

FOOD

Portugal is renowned for its great food and wine, sold in both supermarkets and restaurants for reasonable prices. Whether you enjoy Portuguese, English, Indian or Italian delicacies, it is served in Portugal. With food freshly-cooked and deliciously flavoured, if you’re a fellow foodie, Portugal is the place to be.

Scrumptious seafood and sangria aplenty, cataplana, sardines or bacalhau are must-trys when visiting Portugal. You’d rather meat? Portuguese stews and steaks are equally delicious!

Got a sweet tooth? With bakeries and cafés galore, croissants, cakes and tarts are served fresh daily. Portuguese custard tarts, also known as Pasteis de Natas, are truly remarkable. Very cheap to buy and delicious to taste, they are a Portuguese staple and a must-try. Portugal’s custard doughnuts are also popular. Called Bola de Berlim, if you’re on the beach listen out for someone shouting “Olhá bolinha!”. You won’t even have to move from your sunbed to try Portugal’s famous doughnuts. Not major on custard? The chocolate filled ones are delicious too.

A MUST VISIT!

Portugal is consistently ranked as one of the best and most affordable travel destinations in Europe. It’s a fabulous holiday destination that is great value for money and is only a 2-and-a-half-hour flight from London. I’ve been to Portugal countless times and I never seem to tire of it. Whether it’s a short weekend visit, or a two-week Summer holiday, there’s always something exciting going on. Great for families, youngsters or oldies, rain or shine, there’s so much to explore! What are you waiting for?

If you want somewhere to stay, we rent out our apartment! It has two bedrooms and a sofa bed, so can sleep up to 6 people. It is fully equipped with two bathrooms and a kitchen and is only a half-an-hour drive from Faro airport. Surrounded by shops, bars, restaurants and a supermarket, there's lots of fun to be had for all ages. It's the perfect place family holidays, a romantic trip or for a holiday with friends! Prices fluctuate depending on the time of year, with the Summer months more expensive than Winter months. If you want to find out any more information, please contact me! My email is abigail-wilson@outlook.com or drop me a message on 07736784424.