Luxury Algarve Holidays

Portugal's golden lining

Algarve

Located on the south coast of Portugal, the main draw of holidays in the Algarve is its pristine beaches. Drive along the coastline and find your own secluded spot or quiet bay or enjoy the lively and bustling sweeping golden bays which are backed by family friendly tavernas and offer water sports galore. Whether you’re travelling with the family, as a couple or want to explore the golf, spas and more you’ll find the ideal holiday in the Algarve.

At Sovereign we’ll help you choose the perfect base from which to explore. The sleepy village of Porches is full of local arts and culture, as well as pretty little streets with family run cafés and bars and quiet coves full of loungers and parasols. Vilamoura offers a more cosmopolitan atmosphere, with its bustling marina where luxury yachts and little fishing boats moor side by side, and two beaches to choose from.

Luxury holidays in Algarve

Whether it’s a relaxing holiday in a sleepy little village or an upmarket spa or golf retreat, you’ll find your perfect luxury holiday in the Algarve. Spend lazy days on the golden sands of the beach, or choose from one of our many hand picked hotels. Here you’ll find infinity pools, elegant interiors and menus designed by Michelin starred chefs. Full service spas offer the chance to leave feeling rejuvenated and refreshed while there are professional standard golf courses dotted along the coast. Soak up the sun as you enjoy the views of the glittering sea.

Explore pretty old towns which date back to ancient times and former fishing villages which retain much of their whitewashed beauty. Drop into pretty little churches and admire views of the sparkling ocean. Take a romantic boat trip along the coastline and stop off in secluded coves where you can enjoy a picnic lunch or snorkel with the exotic fish.

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Your plans, our expertise

Start planning your Sovereign holiday by getting in touch with one of our Personal Travel Planners.

Lines open: Monday to Saturday 09:00 to 17:30 (Wednesdays from 9:30), Bank Holidays 10:00 to 16:00.

Our pick of the top hotels on the Algarve

Every one of our hotels is handpicked and personally visited by our team

Recommended

Algarve, Vilamoura

Domes Lake Algarve, Autograph Collection
  • Five star facilities include four swimming pools, restaurants and bars
  • Relax in the spa or on the sun loungers and terraces
  • Beautiful architecture and gardens make this ideal for a tranquil break
Recommended

Algarve, Vilamoura

Anantara Vilamoura Algarve Resort
  • 5-star contemporary resort sat on the edge of an exquisite golf course
  • A wide range of dining experiences, including traditional Portuguese cuisine
  • Adults only areas for moments of relaxation
  • Exciting kids club and babysitting 24 hours a day for families
  • Indulgent spa combining Mediterranean therapies with Thai techniques

Algarve, Porches

Vila Vita Parc
  • Elegant Moorish style accommodation in the village of Porches, famous for its handicrafts
  • Tranquil sandy beach as well as seven swimming pools
  • Bright, contemporary rooms inspired by the Algarve seaside
  • Nine hole pitch and putt green with lessons on offer too
  • A plethora of twelve restaurants offering a variety of cuisine
Recommended

Algarve, Praia da Falesia

Pine Cliffs Residence, a Luxury Collection Resort
Recently awarded “Best Family Resort” in Europe by the World Luxury Hotel Awards, Pine Cliffs Resort is the perfect family offering. Bigger families or groups will enjoy the additional space of a large suite at Pine Cliffs Residence. These two- or three-bedroom apartments have separate living spaces and fully equipped kitchen areas giving you that added flexibility and privacy.  

Algarve, Lagos

Iberostar Selection Lagos Algarve
  • Four swimming pools onsite to enjoy 
  • Near to the historic and vibrant city of Lagos, Portugal 
  • Direct access to nearby Meia Praia Beach 

Algarve, Praia da Falesia

Pine Cliffs Hotel, a Luxury Collection Resort
Those looking to be closer to the action, Sovereign recommends Pine Cliffs Hotel. Situated in the heart of the resort, couples can relax in light and spacious rooms which showcase traditional Portuguese design, as well as private balconies with sea or garden views. Want to make the most of the beach? Take advantage of the free shuttle bus that can take you around the Resort.   
View all hotels on the Algarve

Family holidays in the Algarve

With such a short flight time from the UK to the Algarve this is the ideal place to spend a few weeks as a family. Play golf and tennis, hike or bike through the local countryside or hop from fishing village to fishing village and find your favourite. 


Find out more about Family holidays in the Algarve
Destinations in Algarve
Albufeira,  popular tourist destination located in the southern region of Portugal, specifically in the Algarve region. It is known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife and charming old town.
Albufeira
Enjoy sun-soaked beaches, delicious cuisine, and rich cultural heritage on the Algarve in Portugal.
Promenade along street in Carvoeiro fishing village with view of colourful houses on beach, Algarve, Portugal
Carvoeiro
Known for its spectacular coastline and picturesque cliffs, Carvoeiro is a feast for the senses in the Algarve. With plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained, it’s the perfect destination for your next Portuguese escape. 
Praia Da Luz the Algarve Portugal the Algarve beautiful sandy beach and clear blue sea near Lagos
Lagos
Lagos sets its beaches and medieval old town in the western Algarve. The super-sized sands of Meia Praia star, along with a cluster of pretty headland coves.
Beautiful Praia da Falesia near the city of Vilamoura with a shallow sandy beach fringed with unusual red rocks at sunset. Algarve, Portugal. Natural background. Summer holiday by the sea
Pine Cliffs Resort, Praia Da Falesia
With a choice of four excellent hotels within the resort, Pine Cliffs appeals to families and couples, with an array of facilities and activities available for all.
Aerial drone panoramic views of Praia Nova and Praia de Nossa beach, Algarve, Portugal
Porches
Porches has all the hallmarks of a traditional Portuguese parish. Fishing boats haul their catch from beach to restaurant, pottery workshops speckle the main road, and pretty churches glow dove-white.
Aerial overview of luxury villas located around Quinta do Lago, Algarve, Portugal, Europe. Drone shot in the green zone.
Quinta Do Lago
Quinta do Lago is a beach resort with great golfing credentials. The setting? Ria Formosa Nature Park, where wooden bridges sweep over the estuary and dunes to the sandy beach.
Beautiful marina in touristic and rich Vilamoura, Quarteira, Algarve, Portugal
Vilamoura
Vilamoura, in the central Algarve, has been a glamorous port since Roman times. These days, a superyacht-speckled marina, casino and golf courses accessorise this beachside town.

Typical Costs

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Bottle of beer
€2.50-6
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Bus
€18 for 24 hours
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Cup of coffee
€2.50-3.50
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Glass of wine
€6
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Main course
€15
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Small souvenir
€2.50-5

Flight Information

Flight time from the UK to Algarve is around 2 hours 40 minutes. 

If you're planning a trip to Algarve (FAO) from the UK, the following airports have direct flights:
Aberdeen (ABZ), Belfast International (BFS), Birmingham (BHX), Bournemouth (BOH), Bristol (BRS), East Midlands (EMA), Edinburgh (EDI), Glasgow (GLA), Leeds Bradford (LBA), Liverpool (LPL), London City (LCY), London Gatwick (LGW), London Heathrow (LHR), London Luton (LTN), London Southend (SEN), London Stansted (STN), Manchester (MAN), Newcastle (NCL), Norwich (NWI) and Southampton (SOU).

When to go

Summers in the Algarve get pretty scorching, so beach-goers can expect the mercury to top 30°C in July and August. The shoulder months of April, May and October stay at a pleasantly toasty low 20s, and even in winter, things rarely drop below 15°C – ideal for year-round golfers. 

Visa Information

Currently visas are not required for UK citizens travelling to Portugal.

Tipping

A service charge won’t typically be added to your restaurant bill in the Algarve, so it’s common to leave a tip of around 10% of the bill. The same goes for taxi drivers – aim for 10% or round up your fare to the nearest euro. Tipping is not expected for bar staff, hotel porters or maids, although a euro or two would be appreciated for excellent service. 

Introduction to languages

The official language of Portugal is Portuguese. English is widely spoken too, so getting by is easy.

Frequently Asked Questions

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What our guests think

We've been finding people their own slice of paradise for 50 years, and like to think we're pretty good at it. 
Don't just take our word for it, though - see what our customers have said about their Sovereign experience..

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