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Trips to Algarve | May.

May in Algarve

Algarve: Algarve. Hotel and holiday deals in Algarve

The territory covering the south coast of Portugal is known as Algarve. It is one of the best holiday destinations in Europe and is famous for its white-sanded beaches and crystal, blue waters, for its privileged climate and its renowned golf courses. As well as its beaches, there are other musts in the Algarve: modern cities, small fishing towns, water parks and zoos and Ria Formosa Natural Park, famous for its great beauty.

The pleasant climate all year round, a coast filled with magnificent beaches, splashed by the Atlantic, the wide variety of accommodation options, the nightlife and the sports make Algarve a great destination for families. You can avoid the hustle and bustle of the busier areas and visit the picturesque fishing towns or the interior mountain range with its rural life and wild plant life.

If you are looking for cheerful resorts near the sea, Faro, the region's capital, Portimão, Albufeira or the sophisticated Vilamoura, with its luxurious golf courses, are perfect options. If you prefer quieter destinations we recommend you visit the west coast, facing the Atlantic, where towns like Aljezur offer deserted beaches. The majority of the cities and towns still preserve the legacy of the Arab occupation that lasted five centuries, visible in the narrow streets and the houses' architecture, many of them with multi-shaped chimneys and geometrical designs.

This popular touristic region, holiday destination for the Portuguese and for foreigners, also has a great nightlife, with bars, discotheques and great party.

Algarve: Algarve. Hotel and holiday deals in Algarve

Vila Real de Santo António

Located in the southwest of the Algarve, Vila Real de Santo António was for centuries the main communication point between the region and Andalucía, in Spain. Just like the Portuguese capital, it was rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake, with a similiar plan.

Vila Real de Santo António is a city that originated in 1762. It was completely rebuilt around the time unders the orders of the Pombal Marquis, after being completely destroyed by a tsunami originated by the devestating earthquake of 1755 that also destroyed the city of Lisbon.

Only separated from Spain by the waters of river Guadiana, it is very similar to other bordering Portuguese cities, it is an ideal option for shopping, as well as having large supermarkets. Located 52 km away from Faro airport it has very good accesses, by bus and by train. It also has a regular ferry that crosses the Guadiana river to the neighbouring Spanish city of Ayamonte. During the 80s and the beginning of the 90s Vila Real de Santo António was a very busy and popular city place before going to Spain by ferry. Back then it was the only way of crossing the river. However, since the inauguration fo the Guadiana Bridge the city has been unfairly ignored during the trips to and from the neighbouring country.

Vila Real de Santo António

Aquashow Park

GUARANTEED FUN!

If you are planning a holiday in the southern coast of Portugal, you cannot miss the Aquashow Park, one of the largest entertainment complex of the country, that includes a four star hotel, a theme park and a water park.

Even though the water park is only open during the summer season, usually from April to October, the complex offers entertainment all year round. During the Christmas season there is an ice rink available.

One of Aquashow Park's main attractions is White Fall, a unique attraction in the world designed for the bravest where you will feel a rush of adrenaline. Don't miss out on the highest water rolllercoaster in Europe, 23,5 metres high and 740 metres long inside and outside the water at 70 km/h, or the addictive Wild Snake that will let you slide down 16 metres in the dark and enjoy a 250 metre river.

You will also find slides, swimming pools (the largest wave swimming pool in the country), a relaxing jacuzzi and a history of Portugal museum. The  park also organises exhibitions of tropical birds, birds of prey, reptiles and spiders, and the outdoor shows and several services: free parking, restaurants, first aid, stroller and sunshade hire... Buy your ticket!

Aquashow Park

Aqualand Algarve

HAVE FUN WITH YOUR FAMILY WITH THE BEST BEACHES IN PORTUGAL

Discover one of the most touristic places in Portugal and cool off in this water park's attractions, where you will find slides, a large swimming pool, a beach club and two areas for children. If you are planning on spending your holiday in Portugal, there is no better coastal destination than the Algarve, located in the southern part of the country.

However, if you want to combine relaxation with an emotion-filled day there is nothing better that this fantastic water park. You will find attractions for all ages: several slides, the relaxing Congo River, a manmade rivr with slow waters where you can float, a large swimming pool, a beach club and two areas for children. The park is open every day from 10:00 to 17:00 (in June) and from 10:00 to 18:00 (from July to September).

Aqualand Algarve

Zoomarine

ENJOY THE BEST FAMILY HOLIDAY

Zoomarine, located in the portuguese town of Albufeira, is the perfect option for those who want to enjoy a family holiday. The facilities, spread out over 8 hectares, include an interesting theme park inspired in the life in the sea and the oceans from all over the planet, with special attention to entertinment and environmental education.

Amongst its attractions, the most outstanding are the shows with animals (dolphins and exotic birds), the cinema with 4D projections, an aquarium, areas that recreate the natural habitat of crocodiles or birds, a restoration centre for marine wildlife, swimming pools, green areas with attractions such as a big wheel or the pirate boat, walks and several places where you can eat and shop comfortably.

Now, you can also experience the interaction with trained dolphins. It will surprise you! The park offers other services and facilities such as: photograph lab, ATMs, car hire, sunshades, wheelchairs and conference rooms.

The park is open from March to October: don't think twice and buy your tickets!

Zoomarine
    JAN15 °C10 °C
    FEB17 °C12 °C
    MAR19 °C13 °C
    APR21 °C14 °C
    MAY24 °C15 °C
    JUN27 °C17 °C
    JUL31 °C18 °C
    AUG31 °C18 °C
    SEP29 °C17 °C
    OCT23 °C16 °C
    NOV18 °C13 °C
    DEC17 °C12 °C

    Organise your trip

    You can start to prepare your trip to Algarve today. We will provide you with all the required information to make your trip to the Portuguese region perfect.

    WHEN SHOULD I GO TO?

    The Algarve is an all year round holiday destination. The spring and the summer are long and the winter is short and not very rigorous. It is Portugal's region with the best climate. High season starts om Easter and it is visible beacause of the flood of tourists, looking for a tan on the busy beaches or practicing other water sports or improving their swing in one of its many golf courses. Visting the Algarve in spring or in autumn is a good option because the weather is warm enough to go to the beach and idscover all of the charm the region has to offer. If you want to visit a deserted beaches, avoid travelling during the school holidays.

    WHERE SHOULD I GO?

    Despite being a relatively small region, the Algarve has a diverse landscape from north to south and from east to west. You can choose from the wild areas like the Vicentine Coast or Monchique mountaing range or the busy tourist centres like Albufeira or Praia da Rocha.

    TRAVEL TO THE ALGARVE FOR THE BEST PRICE

    If you want to discover the Algarve for the best price, travel in autumn or winter. The prices are usually higher during Christmas, Easter and high season in summer.

    TIME ZONE

    The portuguese time zone is Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), just like the United Kingdom.

    ELECTRICITY

    The electric current is 220 V.

    For further information please check: http://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/indexen.htm

    How do I get there?

    BY PLANE

    There are flights to Faro (FAO) from most of the main airports in the UK operated by Thomson, Monarch, Easyjet, etc. The Faro International Airport is located 9 kms away from the city centre.

    PACKAGED HOLIDAYS

    Some travel agencies, like ours, offer organised and packaged holidays that include the flight, stay at a hotel on half or full board and transfers to and from the airport. When you arrive at the Algarve Aiport you will find a bus and a taxi stop that will make your trip more comfortable. The journey is approximately 15 minutes by taxi and 30 minutes by bus.

    CAR HIRE

    If you want to get to know the diverse landscape of the Algarve and the surrounding area, the best option is to hire a car at the Airport. Some agencies like ours offer packages that cinlude the flight and car hire.

    TOURS

    Tourists are increasingly choosing attractive tours, a very interesting option to get to know the main places of interest in a short period of time.

    Where can I stay?

    In Algarve you will find a wide range of hotels to suit all tastes and budgets, offering spectacular resorts with an “all inclusive” basis or half board, most of them specialised in family holidays. At these tourist resorts the visitor can enjoy swimming in the crystal clear pools, join the various leisure activities scheduled all day, or take the children to the playroom and have a relaxing sunbathe and a fashionable drink at the pool.

    For a more intimate and private trip there are exclusive villas with all of the facilites needed. If you want to get to know the Algarve's most authentic atmosphere there is nothing better than the charming rural hotels and old manor houses that have been restored and are located in a pleasant natural environment, many located in the Vicentine Coast.

    You also have a wide variety of first class hotels located along all of the Algarve's beautiful coastline. Check if your acommodation includes breakfast at the hotel. The majority of the hotels include buffet breakfast with a wide variety of cold and warm dishes. They also usually offer local dishes cooked seasonally.

    Medical Assistance

    You may take out an insurance policy to cover medical assistance during the trip. We also offer a travel insurance policy, which covers medical assistance, theft and cancellation charges. Several private medical centres and private hospitals throughout many towns on the island offer medical assitance.

    MEDICAL ASSISTANCE

    In order to get assistance at a public medical centre or hospital you must have a Medical Card. The Algarve has medical services all over the island. The Public Health Service has hospitals located in the main towns and medical centres spread all over the island. The Red Cross has several emergency centres in many villages and beaches. As in the rest of the country, in case of emergency you must dial 112. The call is free of charge and you will receive attention immediately in four languages (Spanish, Catalan, English and German). They will coordinate all the required emergency services such as ambulances, Fire Department and Police.

    HOSPITALS

      <li>Hospital Distrital de Faro: 00351 289 891 100</li>
      <li>Hospital Distrital de Lagos: 00351 282 770 100</li>
      <li>Hospital Distrital do Barlovento Algarvio (Portimão): 00351 282 450 300​</li>

    MEDICAL CENTRES

      <li>Albufeira: 00351 289 587 550</li>
      <li>Monchique: 00351 282 910 100</li>
      <li>Tavira: 00351 281 329 000</li>

    RED CROSS

      <li>Faro: 00351 289 899 900</li>

     

    Currency and Customs

    The Euro is the official currency in the Algarve. As in the rest of the country, you may use credit cards for most of your financial transactions, especially in the touristic areas, where they tend to facilitate consumption to their clients. There may be some shops or small bars that only accept cash.

     

    Useful Phone Numbers

    We provide our travellers with a useful telephone essential guide. Any infomation required about the Algarve and any of its services can be found in the following infomation points.

    TOURIST INFORMATION OFFICES

      <li>Lagos: 00351 282 763 031</li>
      <li>Praia da Rocha: 00351 282 419 132</li>
      <li>Albufeira: 00351 289 515 973</li>
      <li>Faro: 00351 289 818 582</li>

    SECURITY

      <li>Emergencies: 112</li>
      <li>Police Faro: 00351 289 899 899</li>
      <li>Police Albufeira: 00351 289 590 092</li>
      <li>Firefighters: 00351 289 888 000</li>

    AIRPORT

      <li>Faro Airport (FAO): 00351 289 800 800</li>

    TAXIS

      <li>Lagos: 00351 289 827 203</li>
      <li>Portimão: 00351 800 207 069</li>
      <li>Albufeira: 00351 289 583 230</li>
      <li>Faro: 00351 289 827 203</li>

    If I book Flight + Hotel, when will I receive my travel documents?

    Once the booking is confirmed you will receive a confirmation e-mail. The voucher for the hotel will be also sent by email plus the vouchers for any other services (car hire, transfer, travel insurance) if booked.

    Please note that no flight tickets are sent due to most airlines using e-tickets. You only need to print our confirmation email where the Airline`s booking reference appears and take it with you to the airport with your ID/Passport documents.

    Important: Some Low Cost Airlines (Ryanair, Easyjet, Wizzair, Blueair and others) now request all passengers to check-in online and print the Boarding Cards before departure through their corresponding websites. Failure to do so, these airlines will charge you a supplement at the airport.

    Other package holiday FAQS...