Colourful boat on the lake, Quinta do Lago, Algarve, Portugal

Deciding where to stay in the Algarve can feel overwhelming. Many guides make it harder by listing endless hotels without explaining why a place suits you. Last update: March 2026 I’ve travelled the Algarve many times over the years, both solo and with friends and family looking for very differentRead More →

People looking out to sea, Sagres, Portugal

Are you wondering whether there are enough things to do in Sagres to justify a day trip or considering using it as a base when you’re in the Algarve? Read on to find out what’s in store so that you can decide if it’s the right place for you toRead More →

View from castle walls, one of the things to see and do in Loulé, Algarve, Portugal. Photography by Julie Dawn Fox

Thanks to its inland location, Loulé has remained unscathed from the blight of holiday resorts that mar some of the coastal areas in the Algarve. What you’ll find here is a quiet, attractive town with a strong local community and plenty of culture and creativity. Here are some of the things to doRead More →

Sunset Aerial view of Faro.

If you’re considering staying in the Algarve’s capital city, here are some of the best hotels in Faro, plus charming guesthouses and superb apartments. Because more people are choosing this historical city as a base, the accommodation on offer in Faro has become wider and more varied over the pastRead More →

View of beach, cliffs and sea from Albufeira

Albufeira is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Algarve, thanks to its expansive golden sands and central location. Choosing where to stay in Albufeira and getting the right accommodation for your needs is important as you won’t necessarily want to be based in the party zone orRead More →

Sweet potato and parsnip delight in blue dish

Mike and I are keen to eat more plant-based food and to get more adventurous with cooking vegetables. Having thoroughly enjoyed Graham and Cheryl’s food during my walking holiday in the Algarve hinterland a couple of years back, I had no hesitation in accepting their invitation to join one ofRead More →

Olhao city scape with dome of church

I always enjoy visiting Olhão in the Algarve but I was a little nervous about taking a visiting friend there in April to show her its understated charms. Would she find it too low key or shabby? Not at all! In fact, she loved its laid back authenticity, as didRead More →