Portugal's West Algarve has so much to offer, it's easy to see why it's universally accepted as one of the world's best villa holiday rental destinations.  The Algarve is blessed with a wonderful year-round climate, breathtakingly beautiful coastline and unspoilt countryside. Villas and apartments are scattered in and around the pretty white-washed villages of the West Algarve.  Admire the residential properties draped in bougainvillea that nestle in pine-clad valleys or perch atop hillsides, fragrant with oregano and thyme, heady blossom and vibrant flowers, yet all within easy reach of Faro airport and budget flights from Gatwick, Stansted many other UK airports.

The people of the Algarve are wonderful too, extending a welcome as warm as the weather and inviting you to enjoy the fruits of the land and sea. Enjoy fine food in the West Algarve as you dine on superb fresh fish, charcoal-grilled meats, spicy chicken piripiri, freshly baked bread and sensational fruit.

Whether you choose to stay at one of the West Algarve beach resorts at Estrela da Luz, Parque da Floresta,  the Alto Club in Alvor, or in a country retreat where donkey carts and goat herds are a part of every day life and the scenery, we'd like to welcome you to Portugal's West Algarve.

Download detailed map of the West Algarve (.pdf)

Picturesque Beaches

The Algarve is Portugal's southern forms the south west 'corner' of Europe with over 150Km of dramatic coastline washed clean each day by the Atlantic Ocean. The West Algarve has a record number of 'Blue Flag' beaches awarded for cleanliness. Intimate coves backed by vertical cliffs and long swathes of soft, golden sand, often punctuated by pillars of rock standing sentinel. Portugals West Algarve is loved by adults and children alike!

The Best Climate?

A BBC weather expert on the Travel Show said 'you couldn't design a better climate' and he was right! With an annual sunshine record of over 3000 hours, Portugal's Algarve is sunnier than California. The mountains of the north shelter the coast from cool northern winds, whilst sea breezes keep the humidity low and with rainfall generally lower than North Africa you're almost certain to enjoy beautiful sunshine and vibrant blue skies year-round.

World-Class Sport and Leisure

Encouraged by the superb climate and year-round sunshine, the West Algarve is home to some of the finest sports and recreational facilities in Europe. Portugal is perhaps most strongly linked with golf, and there are more than 20 wonderful courses, many internationally recognised such as Penina Golf, Morgado Golf, Boavista Golf, as well as our Country Club resorts at Parque da Floresta near Budens, and Alto Golf and Country Club near Alvor.  See our golf page, for details of west Algarve courses. 

Enjoy a relaxing facial

Family Fun

Assuming that you can be dragged away from your pool-side, the beach or the golf course, waterslide parks make for a fun-filled day out that all the family can enjoy. With several parks along the coast you'll find one that's conveniently close to your villa.

Another superb day out is the Zoomarine park near Guia, with dolphin and sea lion performances, parrot and exotic bird and shark displays, cool swimming pools, exciting thrill rides and the chance to take part in the dolphin interaction programme where you can swim with the dolphins - for an extra charge, apply at Zoomarine for details.

There are also many local festivals throughout the year that are usually colourful and entertaining to say the least. In June, Vilamoura hosts the international boat show at the centrepiece marina. In July, Silves hosts its annual beer festival whilst August is the time for the Portimão sardine festival. Also during August is the Fatacil held in Lagoa and Carvoeiro. It's a bustling week of art and culture, trade show, displays and nightly entertainment. Local free tourist guides detail events taking place during your stay, pick them up from shops and supermarkets.

Most resorts also have at least one disco or music venue, cabaret shows and there are casinos in Vilamoura and Penina.

Fascinating History

Portugal's Algarve is an ancient land with evidence of visits from ancient Greeks, Goths and Celts but it was the Romans who established the region, building cities and organising agriculture. However, it was the Moorish invaders who made the biggest impact and their influence is everywhere, in place names, architecture and culture. The Moorish capital was Silves and their fortified castle still dominates the skyline. Nowadays the West Algarve is dotted with low rise villas and apartment blocks and tourism is the major industry.