A piece of paradise where the sun shines all year round, lighting up golden beaches, dramatic cliffs and the lush green Serra de Monchique mountains. In the Algarve, you´ll find the ideal combination of relaxation and adventure, with crystal-clear waters inviting you to immerse yourself and walking trails boasting spectacular views.
Historic towns and cities such as Lagos, Faro, Silves and Tavira reveal a rich cultural heritage that is reflected in the architecture of their buildings and mouth-watering cuisine.
The Algarve is a wonderful place all year round. In summer, the warmer, longer days are ideal for enjoying the region´s magnificent coastal beaches. In spring, autumn and winter, the peace and quiet and mild temperatures ensure a relaxing experience and invite you to take long walks along the clifftop paths or through the green landscapes of the Algarve hills.
Getting to the Algarve is simple. If you are travelling a long distance, you may choose to fly to Faro Airport. If you are in mainland Portugal, the train and bus are accessible, convenient options. You can also choose to travel by car, taking the A2 motorway which connects the region to the rest of the country.
Rich in fish and Mediterranean flavours, traditional Algarve food is a reflection of its traditions, with flavours from both the sea and the land. Dishes such as seafood cataplana, razor clam rice and Algarve-style fried squid are not to be missed. While oranges are eaten fresh or in juice, almonds, figs and carob are used to make popular sweets such as Dom Rodrigo and Carob Tart.
Connecting the sea and the land, the Ria Formosa is a large lagoon system featuring a wide variety of habitats. A valuable nursery for marine species, it´s also a site for the production of bivalve molluscs. Don't miss the chance to explore this Nature Park, walking along the hiking trails that criss-cross it or taking a boat trip.
Where to Stay in the Algarve - Pestana Beachfront Hotels and Resorts
Our hotels in Algarve
The Algarve is the southernmost region of mainland Portugal, bathed by the Atlantic Ocean. It is known for its golden beaches and ochre cliffs (between Lagos, Alvor, Carvoeiro and Albufeira), for approximately 300 days of sunshine a year and for a mild climate all year round. It is one of the main golf destinations in Europe, with several courses belonging to the Pestana Group (Vale da Pinta, Gramacho, Silves, Alto, Vila Sol). Most of the Pestana offerings in the Algarve are concentrated on the Alvor coast.
In the Algarve, the Pestana Hotel Group has a diverse presence, with hotels in Alvor, Armação de Pêra, Vilamoura, Carvoeiro/Lagoa and Silves, along with Pousadas de Portugal in the region. In Alvor, the main hotels are Pestana Blue Alvor Beach, Pestana Alvor Praia, Pestana Alvor South Beach, Pestana Dom João II and Pestana Alvor Beach Villas. In Armação de Pêra, you will find Pestana Viking. In Vilamoura, Pestana Vila Sol stands out for its golf and spa facilities. In the Carvoeiro/Lagoa area, the Group is represented by Pestana Carvoeiro Golfe and Pestana Valley Nature Resort, while in Silves there is Pestana Silves. The region also includes Pousada Vila Real de Santo António, Pousada Palácio Estoi - Faro, Pousada Sagres and Pousada Convento Tavira.
Graças aos aproximadamente 300 dias de sol, pode visitar-se todo o ano, mas o período mais agradável vai de maio a outubro (máximas de 25-30 °C no verão, mar convidativo). Para evitar multidões e preços de pico, junho e setembro (e maio/outubro) mantêm clima quente e dias longos com menos congestionamento. O inverno é ameno e ideal para golfe e caminhadas.
The gateway is Faro Airport (FAO), with direct connections to dozens of European cities. From Faro, mainly via the A22 and A2: Vilamoura (Pestana Vila Sol) is approximately 20-30 minutes away, Portimão/Alvor approximately 45-60 minutes, and Carvoeiro approximately 45-50 minutes. There are also CP trains (Alfa Pendular and Intercidades) and transfers; Lisbon is approximately 2h30-3h away via the A2.
Near the resorts of Alvor: Praia dos Três Irmãos and Ria de Alvor (protected salt marsh, bird watching). To the west, in Lagos, Ponta da Piedade; in Lagoa, the Seven Hanging Valleys trail (approximately 12 km) and Praia da Marinha. The Benagil caves can be visited by boat from Carvoeiro, Portimão or Alvor. To the east, Tavira and the Ria Formosa; and the castle and historic center of Silves.
The most practical way is by car, via the A22 (Via do Infante) and EN125. There is the CP Algarve Line (regional trains between Lagos and Vila Real de Santo António, via Portimão, Silves, Albufeira, Faro, Olhão and Tavira). The network of buses, taxis, transfers and boat trips complements the travel options. From the Pestana resorts, a car is the most convenient option for beaches and golf.