The Algarve enjoys over 300 sunny days. July and August are hot and crowded; May, June, September and October offer warm weather with fewer people.
Insider tip
For swimming at calmer prices, aim for late May to mid-June or September. Winter is mild and very cheap.
A rental car is strongly recommended in the Algarve, as many beaches and villages are poorly served by bus or train. The A22 (Via do Infante) is a toll road.
Practical infoFaro (FAO) is the gateway to the Algarve, with many direct flights from across Europe. Most resorts are 30 to 60 minutes away.
Practical infoSeveral Algarve municipalities charge a tourist tax per person per night, usually seasonal (around April to October) and capped to the first nights.
