The Algarve has been a popular getaway for UK tourists looking for a little sunshine, for many decades.

he Algarve has been a sun-soaked favourite for UK travellers for decades — and with good reason. Just under three hours from Manchester, it’s the perfect place to grab a dose of vitamin D long after British weather has turned grey and miserable.

To see whether the Algarve really works as a long weekend destination, we packed our bags at the end of September, booked a 3-night break with TUI, and headed straight for one of my favourite spots in Portugal: Alvor.

And honestly? It reminded me exactly why I fell in love with the region all those years ago.

Flying Manchester → Faro: A Surprisingly Busy Start

One of the big reasons we chose TUI was the flight schedule. Flying out at 6am on a Thursday and returning late on Sunday gave us almost four full days — ideal for a quick sunshine fix.

What I didn’t expect at 4am, however, was a packed Manchester Airport.

• Check-in took nearly an hour (despite having checked in online).
• Our queue had no self-service terminals.
• Security was heaving — only Fast Track saved us from missing the flight.
• Once through, we had just 30 minutes before boarding and queues at every bar and café.

I managed to grab a quick coffee and croissant from Pot Kettle Black (lifesaver), but breakfast was out of the question.

The flight itself was smooth enough, landing in Faro around 9:30am with the usual 30-minute delay. Within 20 minutes we were outside the terminal — one of the benefits of Faro Airport being small, efficient and generally easy to navigate.

Transfers: Why You Should Book Your Own Taxi

Even though transfers were included with TUI, we pre-booked a private taxi through Booking.com — and it was absolutely the right call.

Having worked as a rep in Alvor back in 2006, I know how slow and painful the coach transfer can be. TUI’s “upgrade to private taxi” is also almost double the price of simply booking one yourself. (A rant for another blog post… Now Here)

The drive to Alvor takes around an hour and takes you into the quieter, more authentic side of the Algarve — a world away from the nightlife-heavy resorts of Albufeira and Vilamoura.

Checking into RR Alvor Baía – Big, Spacious & Surprisingly Good

Our hotel for the weekend was the RR Alvor Baía, a modern all-inclusive property built long after my rep days.

Although we weren’t planning to eat dinner in the hotel — and originally searched for B&B options — the facilities, suites and location made it a great choice.

Early Check-In Win

We arrived at 11am and, despite official check-in being 4pm, we were allowed to use the facilities immediately and even check in by 1pm. Perfect.

First Impressions of the Food

After reading some horror reviews on TripAdvisor, I braced myself for chaos… but the reality was pleasantly different.

• Freshly grilled fish
• Plenty of choice
• A relaxed atmosphere (even in the family-friendly Green Restaurant)
• Decent wine

Sea Bream, rice and a crisp glass of white wine by the pool isn’t a bad start to a long weekend.ine by the pool isn’t a bad start to a long weekend.

Suites: Big, Bright & Perfect for Longer Stays

All rooms here are suites, with:

• A separate living area
• Sofa bed (ideal for families)
• Kitchenette with hob & microwave
• A large bathroom

The room was spotless, although the bathroom needed a deeper off-season clean — not surprising after a busy summer season, and we saw deep-cleaning underway in the corridors during our stay.

Exploring Alvor: Cobbled Streets, Seafood & Old-World Charm

A quick 10-minute stroll from the hotel brings you into Alvor, and this is where the magic happens.

Alvor is a picturesque fishing village protected under a historic preservation order dating back to King Dom João II. Because of this, the village has kept much of its traditional charm.

Think:

• Narrow cobbled streets
• Colourful buildings
• Local residents sitting outside their homes
• Long-standing bars & restaurants with loyal regulars

Some buildings are sadly starting to fall into disrepair, and I hope they don’t lose too many over the coming years — the character of Alvor is what makes it special.

Eating & Drinking in Alvor — The Good Stuff

Despite staying all-inclusive, we headed out every evening, and the food scene here is one of the best reasons to visit.

Top Recommendation: 4 Rias

If you love seafood, this place is a must. Expect:

• Fresh fish
• Traditional Portuguese dishes
• An excellent wine list

Cocktails: Mourisco Cocktail Bar

A long-standing favourite in a beautiful building on the main strip. Great drinks, great vibe.

Something Casual: Sports Bar Alvor

Perfect for a laid-back pint in a friendly atmosphere.

Whether you want cocktails, seafood or local Portuguese dishes, Alvor has a brilliant mix of options that cater to both locals and tourists — always a good sign.

Beaches & Boardwalks: The Best of the Algarve Coastline

Alvor Beach is around a 15-minute walk from the hotel, or you can jump on the free shuttle bus.

The beach is:

• Long
• Sandy
• Perfect for sunbathing
• Lined with boardwalks leading into a nature reserve

Back in my rep days, I spent countless lunch breaks here — and it’s still one of the most beautiful coastal spots in the Algarve.

Entertainment & Activities

The RR Alvor Baía offers:

• Yoga (I joined and loved it)
• Stretching classes
• Water aerobics
• Poolside games
• Bingo

It can get noisy at peak times, especially during school holidays, but there’s also the quiet Wine Club area where you can upgrade to a bottle of wine and enjoy a calmer dining experience.

Final Thoughts: Is Alvor Worth a Weekend Trip from Manchester?

Absolutely.

The Algarve is one of the easiest, most rewarding weekend escapes from the UK:

• Fast, affordable flights
• Great weather long past British summer
• Fresh seafood and fantastic restaurants
• Stunning beaches and nature walks
• A charming old town with local character
• Reliable, modern hotels

Whether you want a relaxing long weekend or a foodie escape with sunshine on the side, Alvor delivers every single time.

So, what are you waiting for? The Algarve is calling…