Portugal

Algarve

What’s on for Kids in the Algarve?

No one ever said travelling with young kids was easy. With temper tantrums, sibling quarrels, and the urgent potty breaks that somehow always have to happen when you’re 30 miles from the nearest toilet, sometimes leaving home seems like more trouble than it’s worth. You begin to think, Why don’t we just skip this holiday altogether? That’d be a mistake, because there are plenty of locations ideal for families with young children. One such location is Portugal’s Algarve coast. From Albufeira to Lagos, the Algarve is packed with breath-taking beach towns offering plenty of surf, sun, and sand. But it’s

Porto, Torreira

Surf’s Up in Porto, Portugal

With its broad, sweeping beaches, cool bars, and relaxed atmosphere, Porto is a surfer’s dream come true. In summer, this coastal city teems with young adults looking to catch some swells. If you and your mates aren’t all equally steady on your surfboards, there are plenty of surf school and easier beaches where everyone can have a good time. For those bringing their own boards, don’t forget to read our handy guide to travelling with windsurfers or surfboards. Where to Surf The beaches in Porto itself tend to be quite rocky, so you’re best off going slightly north or south

Alvor

Alvor – A Top Ten Teen Holiday Destination!

Any parent of teenagers knows to pick their battles and holiday destinations with care. After much research, and consultation with the experts (the teens themselves), we think that Alvor, in Portugal’s beautiful Western Algarve, deserves a place in a ‘Top Ten’ list of European destinations to holiday with children of ‘a certain age’. There aren’t many young people who don’t enjoy an activity that involves getting wet, and in Alvor there are plenty of ways to do that. The resort has lots to offer in terms of high-energy activities, and there are also opportunities for the whole family to enjoy

Lagos

Lagos: A Haven in a Gay-Friendly Algarve

The Algarve has long been a popular holiday destination, and it’s recently seen a surge in popularity as a gay-friendly tourist destination. From gay-friendly beaches to a thriving gay nightlife, Lagos is an ideal destination for holidaymakers, whether travelling alone, with family or with friends, to unwind and enjoy the sun. Recommended read: Underwater Exploration: Lagos’ Best Dives and Sample the Traditional Cuisine of Lagos Beaches Praia Verde A beautiful, scenic drive along the coast brings you to the famous Praia Verde. This magnificent, sweeping beach is a treat at all times of year, so be sure to take the

Vilamoura

Enjoy a Relaxing Golfing Holiday in Vilamoura on These 5 Courses

Vilamoura, in Portugal’s Algarve, is a magnet for tourists looking to enjoy the resort’s fabulous beaches, marina and, of course, the golf. Oh, the golf… If you know your backspin from your birdie and your pitch from your plunk, you’ve probably heard of Vilamoura. The resort’s golfing opportunities are world-renowned, and it has a reputation as the finest golf destination in Europe. There are several championship courses along with a raft of other pro-designed courses of varying difficulty. The resort also plays host to a number of high-profile tournaments throughout the year. If you’re heading there, two-iron in hand, here’s

Albufeira

Albufeira – A Mountain Biker’s Paradise

Albufeira is well-loved by holidaymakers for its fabulous weather, silky sand beaches and world-class golf courses, but there’s something else to attract people to the region: proximity to some of the Algarve’s best places for mountain biking. What Makes the Algarve so Popular Among MTB Enthusiasts? The Algarve combines a number of factors to make it ideal for mountain bikers of all abilities. One of these factors is, ironically, the fact that it’s not enormously mountainous: the region’s highest peak is in the region of 1,000 metres, meaning you won’t spend all day on tedious climbs or winding drives to

Lagos

Sailing Off Lagos’ Rocky Coast

Famed for its clear blue waters and rugged scenery, Lagos is most commonly associated with golfing and beach holidays. However, a quick look at its sharp, rocky coastline, its mysterious caves and its cliffs is all you need to tell you that it can make for a truly invigorating day’s sailing. Where to Go The coastline around Lagos is one of the most exciting stretches of coast you’ll find. Possibly the most famous part of the coastline is the Ponta de Piedade: enclosed by imposing rock formations and with some truly gorgeous grottos to explore, it’s considered one of the

Vilamoura: More Than a Pretty Face

When in Portugal, nothing beats a trip to Vilamoura. Luxury travellers flock to this resort, one of the largest and most spectacular in Europe. With its lush golf courses, pristine beaches, and spectacular marina bustling with yachts, Vilamoura is a beachy getaway paradise. But there’s more to Vilamoura than its surf and sand. In ancient Roman times, this town was extremely important for its booming fishing industry. Definitely don’t miss the Roman ruins of Cerro da Vila, a historical villa that stood in the second century AD. These rocky ruins include bathing pools where the mariners of the town used

Vilamoura

Enjoy the Water Sports On a Family Holiday in Vilamoura

In the midst of a miserable UK winter, what’s the best thing you can think of doing for your family? How about taking them to Portugal for some fun in the sun? Vilamoura, in the Algarve’s so-called ‘Golden Triangle’, is one of the most popular resorts in the country. Its sun-drenched beaches and busy marina provide a host of opportunities for visitors to take advantage of the many water sports activities on offer. And the best thing is that, with plenty of cheap transport and accommodation deals at this time of the year, it’s not going to break the bank

Albufeira

The Open Road: Vehicle Touring in Albufeira

Albufeira is a thriving tourist destination, with many visitors being attracted by the city’s clubs and bars, as well as its beautiful, sandy beaches. However, the beach and party lifestyle isn’t all there is to the region. Consider taking a four wheel drive, or better yet, a quad bike, for a driving tour of Albufeira’s surrounding countryside. The twisting roads, warm breeze and spectacular views all make for a fantastic experience. Reservoirs It doesn’t take more than a glance at the arid countryside of the Iberian Peninsula to see that water is in short supply. Irrigation, sanitation and hydration needs

Lagos

Underwater Exploration: Lagos’ Best Dives

Along Portugal’s southern coast, the shoreline rears up out of the sea, setting itself against the sky in dramatic rock formations. Meanwhile, below the water’s surface, countless sea creatures swim, bask and crawl in caves, across reefs and through shipwrecks. It’s no wonder, then, that the Algarve offers some of the best diving in Europe. If you’re visiting Lagos, you won’t regret setting aside some time to explore the region’s dive spots. The Cliff of Atalaia Though the cliff, when viewed from above sea-level, is far from the most dramatic part of Portugal’s coastline, it makes for some of the

Vilamoura

Discovering the Beautiful Resort of Vilamoura

Vilamoura is a little bit of luxury in Portugal and is a wonderful place to visit on holiday. One of the largest tourism resorts run on a private basis in Europe, it is a rather exclusive establishment much removed from the traditional Algarve holiday destinations. The purpose built resort has something to suit everyone and includes luxury hotels, villas and apartments, either close to the beautiful marina or on the golf complexes. Here is our introduction to Vilamoura. The Marina This is where it all happens in Vilamoura. There is a great selection of bars, restaurants and of course designer

The Spectacular Rocks of Dona Ana Beach in Lagos

“My favourite things about Lagos are the magnificent cliffs and rock formations of Dona Ana Beach. Their warm glow against the lucid blue green of the water makes for a picture perfect scene and simply fills me with awe at the magnificence of nature. A definite must-see on your holiday to Portugal.” – Bruno, manager at Shuttle Direct If you’re planning a trip to Lagos, don’t forget that our direct airport transfers can take you there in no time! Book in advance at https://www.shuttledirect.com/en/transfers/Lagos/