Christmas on the Algarve

Depart the UK for your flight to Faro, and upon arriving at the airport, meet your friendly tour manager. You’ll then make the short journey along the south coast to Albufeira, where you’ll spend the rest of the day in comfort as you settle into your hotel. Feel free to explore the city’s old town or take a walk along one of the nearby beaches before enjoying dinner and drinks at the hotel in the evening.

After your breakfast, enjoy the day at your own pace. Perhaps take the time to get your bearings in your new surroundings, lounge by the two outdoor swimming pools, or enjoy a treatment at the spa.

Alternatively, explore the natural splendour of Portugal’s south coast, or step back through its storied past as you visit the old town. The city’s cobbled streets are a world away from its frenetic strip, filled with a wide variety of alfresco eateries and artisan market stalls. You can also stop at Albufeira’s neo-classical Castelo de Paderne, an ancient fortress which once hosted Roman, Moorish, and Portuguese armies.

Return to your hotel this evening where you’ll be served dinner with drinks.

Following breakfast at your hotel, you’ll have the opportunity to travel to the Cape St. Vincent region, mainland Europe’s southwestern most point.

You’ll have the chance to visit Lagos’ Aldeia Natal, which simply translates as Christmas Village. Here, you’ll find festive fun aplenty with a picturesque crafts market dominating the Praca do Infante, perfect for picking up some last-minute gifts. Taking a step away from your guided tour, if you get the chance, be sure to visit the opulent Igreja de Santo Antonio in the city’s historic quarter. Adorned in gilded decor and vaulted ceilings, this 16th-century church is home to some of the finest woodwork in Portugal and is certainly worth exploring.

No December visit to the Algarve would be complete without experiencing Lagos resident, Jose Cortes’, fully automated nativity scene, which can be found in the Lagos Cultural Centre throughout the festive period. Taking over 10 years to build, this mechanical marvel is a sight to behold.

Later today, discover the beauty of Portugal’s most southerly village, Sagres, and explore its rugged landscape, steeped in a culture and military history. This area reflects traditional Portuguese living, adorned in the natural beauty of Cape St. Vincent. See the Sagres Fortaleza, a 15th-century fortress, stroll around the lively fishing harbour, and take in the spectacular views from the towering cliffs above the sea.

Once back in Albufeira, settle into the hotel’s dining area again for a well-earned meal this evening.

Once you’ve eaten your breakfast, mark Christmas Eve with a tour of Tavira, Faro, and Olhao along the Algarve’s eastern stretch.

Your first stop today will be the Algarve’s municipal capital, Faro. A city with a rich and colourful history, Faro has been a hub of civilisation nestled within the Algarve for millennia. The area’s salt-water lagoons have lured travellers to their shores for centuries, and, even today, you can see why.

Now adorned with Moorish charm and vibrant metropolitan areas, Faro offers a unique balance between the Gothic sights of its historic square, its trendy boutiques and shopping areas, and the surrounding natural landscape.

After a morning of exploring the Algarve’s capital, you’ll be whisked away to Olhao, where you’ll have the chance to experience Portugal at its most authentic. Firmly in the throes of Christmas, the coastal town’s winter fairs and nativity displays usually remain in place until 6 January, so you’ll have plenty of time to immerse yourself in true Portuguese culture and festivity.

The redbrick Mercado de Olhao, a local market, promises a vast array of fresh produce to snack on as you meander through the city’s streets. You can also get a glimpse of the region’s diverse wildlife and natural beauty around its salt lagoon, Ria Formosa. The eagle-eyed among you might even spy the nature park’s grazing flamingos or one its elusive chameleons!

Your final stop today will be palm-covered Tavira, which offers the very best of Portugal’s culinary heritage. As Portugal’s UNESCO-listed representative for its Mediterranean cuisine, Tavira’s fresh seafood is the perfect thing to tide you over as you explore the city. Immerse yourself in the area’s history at Ponte Antiga de Tavira, an original Roman bridge, or Castelo de Tavira, a medieval castle.

Upon your return to the hotel, enjoy a festive dinner with drinks in the company of your fellow travellers.

Enjoy Christmas Day however you see fit today as you’ll have some well-earned free time. While many of the area’s usual shops and amenities will be closed, much like they are back in the UK, your hotel will operate normally.

To make the most of Portugal’s warmer December climate, with average temperatures of 17°c, take a walk along Albufeira’s local beaches or relax around the heated outdoor swimming pools.

However you choose to spend your day, settle back into your hotel this evening for your Portuguese Christmas dinner, helping you to round out your Christmas celebration in style.

Fuel yourself for the day with breakfast before heading off to Portugal’s historic capital city.

Experience Lisbon under the lights as the city remains in the throes of the festive season. The Portuguese capital is ideal for exploring on foot, so you can take your time absorbing Lisbon’s rich history and Pombaline charm and seeking out some of its best sights. Don’t miss the Padrão dos Descobrimentos, which celebrates Portuguese exploration from the Tagus riverfront, or Lisbon Cathedral, dominating the city skyline.

As your tour leads you along the Tagus waterfront, keep a watch for some of Lisbon’s most recognisable landmarks. Glimpse into Portugal’s imperial history with the Torre de Belem, which acted as the gateway into Lisbon from its river fortifications, and gaze upon the imposing walls of the city’s 11-century Moorish fort, Castello de Sao Jorge.

With an afternoon of festive sightseeing almost over, make your way back to Rossio Square, officially known as King Pedro VI’s Square, to keep the festivities alive in the early evening. Witness a kaleidoscope of colour as Lisbon’s patterned streets glow with over two million Christmas lights. Crown your time in Portugal’s capital city with a visit to Lisbon’s largest commercial plaza, the Terreiro do Paco, which is home to one of the largest Christmas trees in Europe (30 feet tall to be precise).

With many retailers operating at normal business hours, with Boxing Day rarely celebrated in Portugal, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to do some late Christmas shopping as your tour of Lisbon draws to a close. Why not sample a traditional Bolo Rei (King Cake), a light fruitcake named after the three kings of the nativity story as you wander?

After a busy day in Lisbon, your day will culminate in a special festive dinner with your fellow guests, complimented by drinks.

Enjoy your breakfast and another day of relaxation or choose to join an optional excursion to the Algarve’s original capital, Silves. Though it has modernised over the years, this Moorish stronghold town still retains elements of its rich history today. The imposing redbrick walls of Castello de Silves and grand facade of the Se Cathedral allude to the city’s past, providing an impressive backdrop for your visit. For a final sprinkling of festive magic, a visit to the city’s Al-Mutamid Square for the annual Allegria do Natal celebration, aptly ‘Christmas Joy’ in English, promises to round out your tour in a memorable way.

On to your final stop of this excursion, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the decorated streets of the Algarve’s woodland in Monchique. This secluded mountain town offers panoramic views from its hiking trails, and you’ll find a collection of independent shops, offering hand-crafted goods, along its cobbled streets. If you have the chance after a morning of walking Monchique’s winding paths, relax amidst the region’s pristine natural landscape at the nearby Fonte des Amores, a spring water fountain.

Round out your trip in good company as you settle in for your final dinner at the hotel.

Bid the Algarve adieu today as you transfer to Faro airport for your return flight with festive memories that are sure to last a lifetime.