Seven Things To Do In The Algarve

This post is in collaboration with Jet2 and Jet2Holidays

What started as having never been to Portugal before, resulted in my third trip this year to the wonderful country. And what a wonderful country it is.

Still pinching myself almost a month later, I was invited on a trip to the Algarve with Jet2Holidays along with some other lovely ladies, so I knew I had to keep my nata obsession on the down-low for the time being. Bags packed and the itinerary planned for us, we jumped on a Jet2 flight from London Stansted early morning and had arrived in Faro by lunchtime.

It’s fair to say that whatever the season and weather, the Algarve is a must visit. And here’s seven things that you should do if you visit the Algarve…

WANDER THE QUAINT STREETS OF FARO

Faro is like any other city in Portugal with its quaint streets and dining spots. It’s a city worth savouring at a slow pace, taking in the beautiful buildings, drinking in their cocktail bars, and stopping for an alfresco lunch. It’s also worth visiting the Municipal Museum for it’s gorgeous courtyard and history (it’s a historical convent turned museum), and Cathedral of Faro for views over the city fro the top of the Bell Tower.

TAKE A BOAT TRIP TO ILHA DESERTA

October can be an interesting time weather wise, so taking a boat trip to a desert island can be even more interesting… But, don’t let the weather put you off, because Ilha Deserta is quite possibly one of the calmest of spots in the Algarve. Literally as you’d expect, Ilha Deserta is deserted, with only a restaurant and one resident - Mr Alves (who’s basically a local hero), and it’s an introverts haven. It’s also the locals favourite spot in the summertime and if you’re into nature, then it’s pretty delightful too, being home to plenty of birds, plants and flowers. Basically, it’s a dream for everyone in different ways.

EAT PLENTY OF GOOD FOOD (AND THEN EAT SOME MORE)

If there’s one thing you can bet, it’s that you wouldn’t come back from the Algarve hungry. Not one bit. Now whilst I’m a vegetarian so can’t quite comment on the traditional food, I can appreciate that the rest of the group loved every single fresh fish dish. So if fish is your thing, then you’re in for a treat. And if fish isn’t your thing, then I can certainly recommend that there’s plenty of delicious cheese, risotto’s and pasta. Plus wine of course. We ate at:

Tertúlia Algarvia - Alfresco dining is a winner for me, so this is the perfect spot. Cured cheeses with honey and almonds, and endless fresh fish dishes. Washed down with Portugese wine and Port and Tonics, it’s definitely one to get you in the Algarve state of mind.
Estaminé Restaurant - Located on Ilha Deserta, the fresh fish is like no other (so the group said, but y’know, the pasta was seriously creamy if that’s any consolation) and the backdrop is insanely beautiful. This is the kind of place you’d lose many hours over, in all of the good ways.
O Patio - In a beautiful and vibrant spot, sits O Patio. Think cheese (again), fish, fresh pasta, and delicious vegetables. Oh and a never ending basket of bread. O Patio is just the ticket after a few hours spent on the beach and in need of a lunch spot - and they’re incredibly friendly too!
Bovino Steakhouse - A well known and sought after restaurant in the Algarve, Bovino Steakhouse is well, what you’d expect it to be. Except it’s no misty, hot and dingy steakhouse, this is the chicest of steakhouses I’ve ever walked in (I’ve not walked in many, but it’s not the point…). The service was impeccable, the food was insane and the atmosphere was the icing on the juicy steaks that everyone ate.

WALK THE SEVEN HANGING VALLEYS TRAIL

Without a doubt, this was my favourite activity of them all. Heading in with no expectations, the moment you arrive at the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail you’re instantly blown away. And every single step you take, will lead you to view some absolutely incredibly backdrops that no photo can truly capture. The seas are that colour we always dream off, the sandy beaches are even better than you’d expect and the caves are simply breathtaking. Comfy shoes, plenty of water, and a full camera battery are my top tips for this spot.
Like cats? There’s a cat colony close by, so you’ll most definitely be greeted by these friendly felines.

BUY ALL OF THE PASTEL DE NATA’S (OBVIOUSLY)

Need I even say more - like did you even go to Portugal if you didn’t eat Pastel de Nata’s at least twice a day? And then took as many home in your suitcase as you' could possibly manage. Our first stop on the trip was to Faisca & Henriques in Faro, and even got to see them creating these masterpieces. 150% my favourite sweet treat in all of the world now.

CATCH THE BEAUTIFUL SUNSETS

Sunsets are sunsets, I get that. But every single evening (bar one when it was raining), the sunsets in Vilamoura did not disappoint. The skies were awash with beautiful pink and orange hues, and it truly finished off what had been some incredibly days. Pour (or order) yourself a glass of wine, and watch the sunset from your balcony or on the beach - its worth it.

AND STAY AT TIVOLI MARINA VILAMOURA

Perfectly located, and perfectly done - Jet2Holidays have struck lucky with Tivoli Marina Vilamoura. When you’re greeted with views overlooking the sea, you know that you’re in for a good stay. And if your view isn’t of the sea, then you’ve got yourself the view of the marina - so basically, views are everywhere. Spacious and modern with restaurants, bars and a pool bigger than you could swim around, Tivoli Marina Vilamoura was the perfect base for us to get about. We didn’t actually spend much time in the hotel, but when we did, we appreciated it hugely, and made sure of some chilled pool time with an Aperol Spritz for company!

I thought I couldn’t love Portugal anymore than I already did, but visiting the Algarve has only added to it. And I now feel like there’s still so much to discover in this beautiful part of the country, but what we did see, will stay with my memories for a long time. Meeting new people, exploring new places, and drinking lots of good wine - these are the kind of trips that I can get on board with.

So excuse me whilst I check some Faro flights with Jet2 for my summer 2020 holiday. Anyone coming?

My trip to Portugal with Jet2Holidays was complimentary and this blog post is in collaboration with Jet2. All views and photograph are my own.