When the UK settles into cooler days and darker evenings, Portugal’s Algarve offers the perfect escape for a dose of autumn sun.
With golden beaches, whitewashed villages and a climate that stays pleasantly warm well into October and November, it’s a destination that keeps summer alive just a little longer. Whether you’re seeking a relaxed coastal retreat or an active break exploring cliffs, markets and local cuisine, the Algarve combines sunshine with charm at exactly the time of year we need it most.,
Vale do Lobo and Quinta do Lago: Coastlines of Character
Vale do Lobo, established in 1968, boasts two championship 18-hole golf courses: the Ocean and Royal Courses, both iconic hosts of the Portuguese Open. Nearby Quinta do Lago features its own acclaimed fairways, bordered by nature reserves and inland lakes. Golf here is as much about the setting as the sport, with tree-lined views, sea breezes and five-star facilities designed to complement a leisurely, active lifestyle.
Expect villa-lined cliffs, exclusive beach clubs, private wellness retreats and polished concierge-style service throughout. It is no surprise that the area has attracted a host of celebrities over the years. Footballers including Cristiano Ronaldo and Michael Owen are known to own homes here, as are various international entrepreneurs and public figures seeking privacy, security and style in the sun.
Beaches, Lagoons and Outdoor Living
Vale do Lobo’s Blue Flag beach offers a wide expanse of golden sand set against striking red cliffs. Just around the coast, Praia do Garrão delivers a quieter, more intimate atmosphere with its boardwalks, rolling dunes and clear Atlantic waters. The adjacent Ria Formosa Natural Park is a protected wetland system of lagoons and islands, perfect for paddleboarding, boat tours or simply admiring the biodiversity from a beachside terrace.
For a more accessible option, Praia do Ancão is gaining attention as an attractive and more affordable base for summer holidays. While just a short drive from Quinta do Lago, Ancão has a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere and offers stylish yet less exclusive villa rentals. The beach is wide, peaceful and serviced by a number of excellent restaurants and bars, including some run by the same teams that operate in Quinta do Lago.
For those looking to explore beyond the central Algarve, several must-visit beaches further west offer striking natural beauty and a more rugged, untamed charm. Praia da Marinha, often listed among Europe’s most beautiful beaches, features dramatic limestone cliffs, sea arches and crystal-clear waters ideal for snorkelling. Nearby Benagil is famous for its cathedral-like sea cave, accessible by kayak or boat, where sunlight pours through a natural skylight in the rock dome. Further west still, Praia do Amado and Praia da Arrifana attract surfers and nature lovers alike, offering golden sands framed by soaring cliffs and a wilder Atlantic energy. These beaches are ideal for a day trip, combining scenic drives with lunch at a clifftop seafood restaurant or a barefoot stroll along quiet coastal paths.
Dining: Maria’s, Ancão and Beyond
On Praia do Garrão, Maria’s Restaurant & Beach is a standout. For more than 30 years, it has evolved from a simple shack into one of the area’s most beloved dining destinations. With a stylish rooftop bar and panoramic views of the ocean, it serves Mediterranean seafood with a modern twist.
Praia do Ancão, while known for its laid-back vibe, is also home to several excellent beach bars that combine relaxed service with quality cuisine and an unbeatable setting. 2 Passos is a long-standing favourite, elevated on wooden stilts above the dunes with views stretching over the Ria Formosa. It specialises in fresh grilled fish, oysters and Algarvean wine, served in a relaxed but sophisticated setting.
Parilla Natural Beach and The Bold Octopus offer slightly different atmospheres, with the former focusing on dry-aged steak and stylish sundowner cocktails, and the latter embracing a more bohemian, rooftop-lounge feel with sushi, seafood platters and live DJ sets during summer evenings. These venues draw a fashionable but low-key crowd and are ideal for long, lazy lunches that drift effortlessly into sunset drinks.
Elsewhere, Quinta do Lago and nearby Almancil are home to a number of fine dining options, including several with Michelin stars. From contemporary Portuguese tasting menus to globally inspired fare, the area’s culinary scene is a major draw for luxury travellers. Whether you want a long beachfront lunch or a curated chef’s table experience, the Algarve delivers with flair and finesse.
Surfing, Spa and Designer Shopping
While this part of the Algarve is not known for big-wave surfing, the beaches of Arrifana and Amado are within reach by car and offer excellent breaks with surf schools and equipment rental. Closer to home, the region excels in wellness, with high-end spas, yoga pavilions and tennis centres on offer. Cycling trails weave through the pines and dunes, making it easy to stay active in the Algarve sun.
For retail therapy, Vilamoura’s designer shopping centre offers international luxury labels, while Quinta do Lago’s own shopping precinct presents a curated mix of fashion, jewellery and home design from brands like Zadig & Voltaire and Melissa Odabash.
Charming Towns and Authentic Moments
To experience the Algarve beyond the resorts, visit the small town of Loulé. Its traditional market, Moorish-influenced architecture and artisan boutiques offer a cultural contrast to the coastal glamour. Nearby Almancil is known for its beautiful Baroque church, São Lourenço, and a handful of fine restaurants that draw in-the-know food lovers year-round.
Further along the Algarve, several historic towns and coastal enclaves offer rich cultural experiences and postcard-perfect scenery. Lagos is a standout, blending a lively marina and cobbled old town with fascinating maritime history. It was once a centre of Portugal’s Age of Discovery. Visitors can explore the 17th-century Forte da Ponta da Bandeira, stroll the vibrant promenade, or take a boat tour of the famous Ponta da Piedade sea cliffs. In Silves, the red sandstone Moorish castle and Gothic cathedral dominate the skyline, providing panoramic views over citrus groves and vineyards. Tavira, east of Faro, is known for its elegant architecture, Roman bridge and tranquil charm, making it a favourite for those seeking a slower pace. Each of these towns brings a distinctive flavour of the Algarve, from cultural heritage and artisanal markets to waterfront cafés and scenic walking routes, perfect for a day trip or a deeper exploration of the region’s diverse character.
Getting There from Newcastle
Flights from Newcastle to Faro operate year-round, with airlines such as Jet2 and Ryanair offering direct services in just over three hours. Fares are competitive if booked early, and Faro Airport lies only 30 minutes by car from Vale do Lobo, Quinta do Lago and Ancão.
A word of advice for travellers arriving in peak season: Faro Airport can experience long queues at border control and car hire desks. Booking fast-track services and arranging car rentals in advance is strongly recommended to ensure a smooth start to your holiday.
Whether you choose the polished coastal elegance of Vale do Lobo, the serenity of Quinta do Lago or the casual charm of Ancão, this stretch of the Algarve delivers a seamless blend of sophistication, natural beauty and warm hospitality. Add in easy travel from the North East, exceptional dining and world-class golf, and it becomes clear why this region remains one of Europe’s most desirable holiday destinations.
