BelfastFlights
Golden sandstone cliffs above a small cove beach in the Algarve
Portugal · from BFS

Flights from Belfast to Faro and the Algarve

Golden sandstone cliffs, coves you reach through a hole in the rock, and the longest season in western Europe. Under three hours from Belfast.

Last checked By Oliver Jones Independent — we sell nothing

Flight time
2h 55mfrom BFS
Airport
FAOFaro
Season
April to October
Direct from Belfast
Yes

Why this route matters from Belfast

Under three hours to a coastline that looks like nowhere else in Europe.

The central Algarve is sandstone rather than limestone, and the sea has spent a long time carving it into arches, stacks, sea caves and coves that are completely hidden from the clifftop. You walk along an ordinary path above ordinary scrubland and then there is a hole in the ground with a beach at the bottom of it.

Who the Algarve suits

Book it if you want scenery rather than a strip, you like the idea of a different cove every day, or you want somewhere that is pleasant in March.

Look elsewhere if you want warm water. The Atlantic here does not do what the Mediterranean does, and that is the single biggest complaint.

The coast in three parts

West of Lagos the coast turns to face the Atlantic properly. Big surf, big wind, and Sagres at the end of it, which felt like the edge of the world for most of European history and still slightly does.

Central, Lagos to Albufeira, is the golden-cliff Algarve of the photographs. This is where the coves are, where most of the hotels are, and where you should book unless you have a reason not to.

East of Faro the cliffs stop. The Ria Formosa is a lagoon system of sandbanks and barrier islands, protected as a natural park, with beaches reached by small ferries. Tavira and Olhão sit behind it, and almost nobody on a package holiday goes.

Benagil, and the honest version

The sea cave at Benagil, with its collapsed roof and circle of sky, is the most photographed thing in Portugal. It is genuinely extraordinary.

It is also extremely busy, and access has been progressively restricted because too many people were swimming out and getting into trouble. The practical routes are an organised boat trip or a kayak, both from neighbouring beaches, both best done first thing.

Go early, or go to Praia da Marinha next door instead, which is nearly as spectacular and has a car park.

Where to stay

  • Choice and value

    Albufeira

    The largest resort, with an attractive whitewashed old town, a good beach beneath it, and a separate strip for people who want a late night.

  • Marina, golf, polish

    Vilamoura

    Purpose-built around one of the largest marinas in Portugal, surrounded by golf courses. Manicured rather than characterful.

  • Coves and a real town

    Lagos

    A walled town in the west with the best cove scenery on the coast right outside it — Ponta da Piedade is the postcard.

  • A big beach and a promenade

    Praia da Rocha

    A long wide sandy beach under red cliffs, backed by a busy promenade. The most conventional resort experience on the coast.

  • The quiet eastern Algarve

    Tavira

    A river town of tiled façades and Roman bridges, with its beach on an island reached by a short ferry. Almost no package trade.

When to go

The Atlantic keeps the sea cooler than the Mediterranean all year, and the air warmer in winter. It is a longer, gentler season with a colder sea.

MonthAirSeaHow busy
January 16°C 16°C Golf season
February 17°C 16°C Golf season
March 19°C 16°C Quiet
April 21°C 17°C Easter spike
May 23°C 18°C Sweet spot
June 27°C 20°C Building
July 29°C 21°C School holidays
August 29°C 22°C Peak
September 27°C 22°C Sweet spot
October 23°C 21°C Quiet, warm
November 19°C 19°C Very quiet
December 17°C 17°C Very quiet

Typical averages, not forecasts. Sea temperature lags air temperature by roughly two months, which is why October often swims better than June.

Mistakes people make

Expecting Mediterranean sea temperatures. This is the Atlantic. Even in August the water sits around 22°C, several degrees below Spain's south coast. Bracing is the polite word.

Booking Albufeira's strip by accident. Albufeira has a pretty old town and a separate area built for nightlife. They are a kilometre and a very different holiday apart.

Missing the coves because they are hard to reach. Benagil, Marinha and the smaller beaches near Lagos involve steps, boats or both. They are the reason to come.

Assuming the eastern Algarve is the same coast. East of Faro the cliffs give way to lagoons, sandbanks and islands. Quieter, flatter, and reached by ferry.

Frequently asked questions

How cold is the sea in the Algarve?

Cooler than you expect. Around 22°C at its August peak, against 25 to 26°C on Spain's Mediterranean coasts. The Atlantic upwelling is the reason.

Which part of the Algarve should I book?

Central, between Albufeira and Lagos, for the cliffs and coves. East of Faro for lagoons, islands and quiet. The far west for surf and wind.

Is it good in winter?

Mild and bright, which is why the golf trade keeps it open. Not a beach holiday, but a genuinely pleasant place to walk in February.

Do I need a hire car?

Helpful but not essential in the central resorts. Essential if you want the smaller coves or the eastern lagoons.

Before you book