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City guide

The Algarve

The Algarve is the southernmost NUTS II region of continental Portugal. It has an area of 4,997 km2 (1,929 sq mi) with 467,495 permanent inhabitants and incorporates 16 municipalities.

Type Region

Why go

  • Region in Portugal.
  • Served by Beja Airport / Airbase (BYJ).

History

The Algarve is the southernmost NUTS II region of continental Portugal. It has an area of 4,997 km2 (1,929 sq mi) with 467,495 permanent inhabitants and incorporates 16 municipalities.

Airports

Portimão Airport (PRM) 36 km to the centre
Portimão, 08, PT — Indoor waiting areas, but some gates board by bus or on foot across the apron — plan for the weather on the day.
Indoor | Outdoor
Aerodromo de Ourique 39 km to the centre
Ourique, 02, PT
Outdoor
Pista da Herdade da Zambujeira UL 41 km to the centre
Castro Verde, 02, PT
Outdoor

Where things are

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Photographs

The Algarve
The Algarve
credit: Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons · See source page

When to go

Tourist season
May – September

The warmer, longer-day half of the year is the safest bet for a first visit.

Shoulder season
April, October

Cooler and quieter, with fewer visitors and better value.

Worth avoiding
Deep winter

Short days and the coldest weather — check local conditions before travelling.

Getting there & around

Getting there. The nearest airport on record is Beja Airport / Airbase (BYJ); 9 other airports serve the wider area. Check rail and road links from the tourism sources below.

Getting around. Use the map above to orient yourself; nearby hotels, attractions and places to eat are listed from the live Ultimate data for The Algarve. Local transit details will be added as the guide is expanded.

Trains & rail

CP Comboios de Portugal
National rail

Tours & experiences

Bulldog Buggy Tours
Sightseeing