Let’s Fly… Algarve with Vogue Williams

Welcome to episode two of  our #LetsFly travel series with TV presenter and DJ, Vogue Williams. This week watch Vogue enjoy the amazing coastline, food, shopping and more on her recent trip to the gorgeous Algarve. 

A trip to the Algarve on the agenda? Take a closer look at the places Vogue visited on her recent trip.

For more information about flying to Portugal from Ireland right now, here’s a guide to the travel documents you need.

SLEEP: TIVOLI CARVOEIRO HOTEL

Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean on the Vale Covo cliffside, the five-star Tivoli Carvoeiro is the perfect choice for a long-awaited getaway. The newly refurbished hotel has 248 beautiful bedrooms, suites with balconies and Family Rooms for larger groups.

Guests enjoy direct access to the tiny Vale Covo beach – the crashing waves and wonderful sea caves are sure to take your breath away. Soak in the spectacular view of the deep blue ocean and golden cliffs from the hotel’s dining and pool area.

Fancy a spa treatment? The on-site Tivoli Spa, just a few steps from the ocean, offers luxurious beauty and restorative treatments. See what’s available here.

SHOPPING, FOOD AND THE BEACH IN CARVOEIRO

Just 40 minutes from Faro airport, Carvoeiro is a great base for a trip to the Algarve. The laid-back traditional beach town is home to whitewashed buildings atop golden cliffs. Relax in the sunshine on the Praia de Carvoeiro, sample the delicious cuisine or indulge in a spot of shopping.

Restaurant O Patio on the beachfront is a great choice for fresh seafood and sparkling Sangria. Earth Shop & Café serves the best coffee in town. Colourful Café Fino is a fantastic choice for lunch. Vimar Restaurante serves authentic and affordable dishes and local wine.

Pick up beautiful Portuguese homeware and beauty products from Porta 16.

BOAT TRIP TO THE BENAGIL CAVES

The Benagil Caves are a must-see on a trip to the Algarve. Only accessible by water, the huge natural sea caves are among the coastline’s most iconic landmarks. Algar Experience in Albufeira (a 30-minute drive from Carvoeiro) run fantastic boat trips to the caves, plus beach barbecue excursions and dolphin-watching tours from April to October.

Feeling more adventurous? Hire kayaks or stand-up paddleboards to paddle to the caves yourself. The caves are popular with visitors, so make sure to plan an early-morning trip.

A HIDDEN GEM ON THE BEAUTIFUL BOARDWALK

Catch amazing views of the stunning coastline along the picturesque Carvoeiro boardwalk. The wooden path begins at Nossa Senhora de Encarnação fort, at the top of the steep hill leading to the left side of the Carvoeiro beach. The full walk takes only ten minutes, but take your time to enjoy the incredible views, snap some photos and listen to the sound of the waves below.

Vogue met local photographer Mathias Fernandes, aka The Algarve Guy, on her boardwalk stroll and he summed up what makes the area so special:

‘The Algarve has something to offer for everyone. Come and enjoy the relaxed lifestyle, the marvellous seafood, beautiful sunsets and discover little secret hidden gems along the coastline.’

Sitting in the rock formations of the Algar Seco cliffs is the picture-perfect Restaurante Boneca Bar. The staff will give you a warm welcome before serving up mouthwatering seafood fresh from the open grill. The dourado fish and vinho verde come highly recommended. Book in advance to get a table for sunset. Make sure to head down the steps to Boneca’s Cave to experience a window to the Algarve.

CURRENT COVID RESTRICTIONS IN THE ALGARVE

Currently there are no curfews in the Algarve. Restaurants and bars close at 2am, shops are open without time restrictions and cultural facilities are open with 75% of the usual capacity.  Just like in Ireland right now, face masks are mandatory in indoor or closed spaces, including public transport. Keep up-to-date with all the latest local guidelines here.

Fancy following in Vogue’s footsteps? Find flights from Dublin to Faro.

Information in this article is correct as of 10 September 2021. Visit aerlingus.com for the most up-to-date details about travel to Portugal.