Algarve holidays

One must-try on your Algarve holiday is Frango da Guia, a spicy chicken dish from the region. Pieces of chicken are marinated in chilli peppers, garlic, lemon juice and paprika, then cooked to perfection over hot coals. Each restaurant has their own take on this classic dish, but the result is always delicious. Try it where it began, in Guia, just west of Albufeira. Seafood lovers will be in their element in the Algarve, with shrimp, squid and sardines featuring on menus up and down the coastline. But if there’s one dish you can’t go home without trying, its Conquilhas a Algarvia, a dish of succulent clams cooked in garlic, onion, and local sausage. Try your conquilhas with a chilled glass of Vinho Verde, a crisp white wine from Portugal’s northwest. For an after dinner treat, be sure to sample doce fino on your Algarve holiday. Made from almond paste, these moreish marzipan sweets are formed into the shape of fruits and vegetables – they look just as good as they taste, and make for great souvenirs. You can find doce fino in supermarkets and bakeries in all the big resort towns.

Praia de Falesia: One of the Algarve’s most popular beaches, Praia de Falesia is a stunning stretch of sand between Albufeira and Vilamoura. Backed by towering red cliffs, the beach is a magical place to spend an afternoon, and along the 6km shoreline, you’ll find plenty to keep everyone active. Learning to surf is popular here – you’ll find a top surf school at the marina in Vilamoura.

Praia de Marinha: This beach near the famous Benagil Caves, is perhaps the most photographed along the Algarve coastline. Nearly 200 steps wind their way down to the beach, but it’s worth it – you’re rewarded with soft sand, emerald-green waters and rock formations jutting out of the ocean. We recommend arriving early to beat the crowds in the summer months.

Praia de Vale do Lobo: If you fancy a bit of celeb-spotting, make a day of it at Praia de Vale do Lobo, a long strip of golden sand between Faro and Vilamoura. This unspoiled gem backed by the Algarve’s famous red-hued cliffs is the perfect place to stretch out in the Algarve sun – you won’t run out of space to lay down your towel. Fun water sports include banana boating and parasailing.

Waterpark: Whether you’re a family with tots, tweens or teens, everyone will have a blast at Slide & Splash, the best water park in the Algarve. Thrill-seekers get to take on Black Hole, Kamikaze and Boomerang, while the whole family are sure have a splashing good time on the mat racers and lazy river. Little ones will love Tropical Paradise, with its mini slides and bucket splashers.

Parque Aventura: This treetop adventure is a top family day out in Albufeira. The course features high-up bridges, nets, obstacles and even giant slides. There are 3 different levels starting at a 1 metre height level, so kids of all ages can join in the fun. The park is free for spectators and you’ll find a shaded picnic area for a chilled drink as you watch your monkeys swing through the trees!

Boat trip: Take your Algarve holiday to the next level with a tour on a pirate ship! Set sail from Portimão near Alvor, and discover Algarve’s hidden caves on a swashbuckling adventure – kids and grown-ups will love this exciting pirate-themed journey. Join in with a pirate sea shanty, and spot dolphins leaping from the waves as you head back to shore.

Kayaking: Going on a kayak safari to the Benagil Caves is an amazing Algarve experience. This exciting tour follows an experienced guide as you paddle out from Marinha Beach, before stopping at the iconic caves – only accessible from the water. Combine your tour with a swim and snorkel for the full experience. Don’t worry if you’ve never kayaked before – you’ll be shown the ropes before you leave.

Mountain bike trail: How does speeding through the Algarve mountains on a mountain bike sound? Start your two-wheeled journey 900m above sea level in Monchique. You’ll pass through lush forests before heading downhill to Ria de Alvor and the finish line. All bikes and equipment are provided, so all you need to bring is your sense of adventure!

Parasailing: This is one holiday activity you won’t forget in a hurry. Pulled along by a speed boat, you’ll take to the skies, reaching heart-racing heights of 80m as you look across the wonderful Algarve coastline. You can even drag a partner along for a thrilling tandem ride! It’s easy to find places to parasail in the Algarve – just make a beeline for the beaches in Faro, Albufeira or Lagos.