WITH 300 days of sunshine, golden beaches and beautiful hotels – the Algarve ticks all the boxes when it comes to summer holidays.
TUI travel agent Donna Connett is a huge fan and has been visiting the region for over 20 years after living there for a decade – so she knows all the best spots from its coastline to top restaurants.
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After living in the Portuguese region, Donna has been back almost 30 times and always heads to one place – Albufeira.
She describes it as “one of those places that just feels easy the second you arrive”.
The Algarve is a popular spot for Brits being just a few hours away from he UK – and of course, for its coastline.
It has more than 150 beaches spread across 125 miles of coast.
One of Donna’s all-time favourite seaside spots, called Praia da Coelha, is just outside of Albufeira.
Donna told us: “It’s a bit tucked away, so you don’t get as many crowds, which is half the appeal. The huge cliffs and clear water make it feels a bit more special than the bigger, busier beaches.
“It’s the sort of place I used to relax on during a day off when I was a rep, and it’s stayed a constant ever since.”
Something else that’s very important whilst on holiday, is finding good places to eat – and Donna has one specific go-to restaurant.
“I’ll always point you towards the Steak House O’Farnel. It’s a small, family-run place – nothing fancy, but just great food and a relaxed atmosphere.”
Donna continued: “It’s the kind of restaurant where you don’t feel rushed, you’re looked after, and you end up staying longer than you meant to. I’ve been going there for years and it’s still one of my first stops every time I’m back.”
There are many beautiful places to see, so Donna has some off the beaten track suggestions too.
“Guia is definitely worth a visit, it’s known as the home of Chicken Piri Piri, and for good reason.
“There’s plenty of authentic, local restaurants – they’re often busy and a bit no-frills in places, but the food feels properly local. Pair your “Frango à Guia” (Piri Piri Chicken) with fries and the traditional tomato and onion salad.”
It’s not all lazing about on beaches and getting a tan though, as holidaymakers can get active too.
The nearby Monchique Mountains is popular for mountain biking, jeep safaris, and small-group day tours.
Donna says it’s a great place to visit if you have the time: “It’s a completely different feel to the coast; cooler, quieter, a bit more traditional. You get a glimpse of what the Algarve’s like away from the beaches and resorts, such as a the historic spa village of Caldas de Monchique.”
If the Algarve has your attention Donna knows some incredible hotels to stay in too – and her favourite is the Tivoli Marina in Vilamoura.
The five-star resort is right on the beach near to shops, restaurants and bars with multiple swimming pools and a spa.
Donna said: “The Tivoli Marina in Vilamoura is probably the best I’ve stayed in. It’s got that ideal location between the marina and the beach, and it feels a bit more polished without being stuffy.
“I spent a lot of time in Vilamoura during my rep days, so I love going back now and having dinner and drinks around the marina – it’s definitely more relaxing now than when I was looking after guests!”
You can actually book a stay at the hotel with TUI, a seven-night holiday on a B&B basis from £1,361 per person including flights from Manchester Airport June 10.
Another deal is for Hotel Alisios – a seven-night holiday here on a B&B basis from £846 per person including flights from London Gatwick departing June 16.