December 2023: The Algarve in southern Portugal reveals some exciting NEW attractions, hotel openings and flight routes for the year ahead.

The increase of flights to the Algarve provides a positive outlook for the year ahead, as the region has been listed as best value destination and again cheapest in the Eurozone by the Post Office Travel Money Holiday Money Report 2023. Plus, TravelRepublic has named the Algarve as a top family destination in Portugal for next year.

Throughout 2024, there are an abundance of things to see and do for families, solo travellers and couples in the Algarve. And with 300 days of sunshine and a golden coastline that stretches over 200 kms, the region will keep visitors wanting to come back for more.

NEW ATTRACTIONS

Demon's Creek Walkway, Monchique – The walkway in the hills of Monchique officially opened at the end of 2023. Around 50 metres long and 20 metres above ground, the new hiking route offers visitors access to unique sites that have been previously inaccessible, as well as incredible scenery and stunning nature.

The highlight is the suspension bridge, which crosses the gorge known as Barranco do Demo and provides an excellent view of the surrounding landscape. The wooden walkway is part of a wider pedestrian route that connects the village of Alferce to Cerro do Castelo de Alferce, stretching approximately one kilometer. Some parts of the walk are more challenging, such as 500 steps, narrow and steep paths, as well as the climbs and descents.

Underwater Art Exhibition - Less than two kilometres off Algarve's coast of Albufeira, an exciting new underwater art exhibition was revealed in 2023 – and running throughout 2024. The 'EDP Art Reef' project is the first of its kind in the country, and is set to positively contribute to the Algarve's sustainability program and commitment to the decarbonization of the country.

Created by the famous Portuguese street artist Alexandre Farto, also known as Vhils, visitors will be able to explore an underwater museum in an exhibition area of 1,250 square metres, at a depth of approximately 12 metres, which features 13 sculptures made from old parts of power stations that are no longer in operation. "Art Reef by Vhils" exhibition is marked by a buoy (coordinates: N 37.06922391, W -8.20990784) and can be visited by any diver, provided they are accompanied by a dive master, with project-associated companies. Visitors can book boat trips to the underwater gallery with 19 tour operators in the region, including Dreamwave and X Ride Algarve.

NEW HOTEL OPENINGS

Marriott's Westin Verdelago Resort – Located in Praia Verde, Eastern Algarve, the resort opened in August this year. The Verdelago Resort has a contemporary feel and presents itself with high standards of sustainability, such as low energy consumption, low impact construction, high recycling and integration with surrounding nature.

Match Lagoa - Set in the town of Lagoa, a Dutch entrepreneur has invested in the construction of the professional training centre for high performing teams from the professional world of football and rugby. Visitors to the hotel will enjoy world class facilities. Set to open in Spring 2024, it will be set on an exclusive 7-hectare area, boasting two outdoor hybrid football pitches, state of the art fitness facility and rehabilitation and sports science, and 56 rooms.

Hard Rock Hotel Algarve - Set to begin construction in early 2024, the new Hard Rock Café Hotel in Praia do Vau, Portimão, is expected to welcome guests in the summer of 2026. The hotel is set to include three restaurants, three bars, three pools, Rock Spa, Rock Shop, a sports area, direct beach access and a beach club.

CULINARY

First MICHELIN Guide for Portugal - The Algarve has been chosen to host the first exclusively Portuguese Michelin gala. The event will take place at NAU Salgados Palace & Congress Centre in Guia, Albufeira on February 27, 2024 and will mark the launch of the first Michelin Guide dedicated solely to Portuguese restaurants.

The Algarve as a region has the greatest concentration with no less than eight MICHELIN starred restaurants.

NEW FLIGHTS

Jet2 – The airline has announced an increase in capacity for next summer, reaching 70,000 seats, with a growth that also covers the airline's operations to Faro, in the Algarve. This is due to the strong and sustained demand of travellers to visit the region in summer 2024.

EasyJet – The airline announced that it will be launching 12 new routes from eight UK airports next year.  Including a new route connecting Southampton to Faro beginning June 6, operating once a week throughout the peak summer season.

Flights from Derry - Direct flights to Faro from Derry City have been confirmed for summer 2024 with British Airways Cityflyer, who will fly weekly.

Direct flight between Faro and New York to launch in 2024 - United Airlines has announced the launch of the first direct air link between Faro and New York/Newark (USA) on May 24, 2024. The flight will operate four times a week, making it easier for US visitors to directly visit Portugal's Algarve region.

Azores Airlines new route - Azores Airlines has announced that from June 2, 2024, it will operate between Ponta Delgada and Faro twice a week. The new flight route will result in increased connectivity with the EUA as the airline seeks to consolidate its position in the domestic market.

OTHER NEWS
Return of the world's best motorcyclists to the Algarve:

• MOTO GP will return to Autódromo Internacional do Algarve for the sixth time, from 22 – 24 March 2024.
• Superbike World Championship will be returning to the Algarve in 2024, with the Algarve International Circuit (AIA) in Portimão being chosen to host the championship for the fifth time, between 9 – 11 August.
• Le Mans Series (ELMS) will also return to the same circuit from 14 – 16 October.

New Faro bridge announced for 2024 - A new bridge to Faro Beach (also known as Faro Island) is due to be completed between next summer and the end of 2024. Faro Mayor Rogério Bacalhau has described the bridge as the “most complex project” carried out in the Algarve this century.

- ENDS -

For further information on the Algarve, please visit www.visitalgarve.pt

Images available to download HERE

Editors Notes

The Algarve is the southernmost region in Portugal framed by a 200km coastline. The region is home to award-winning beaches, authentic gastronomy and a range of outdoor activities from surfing to cycling, walking, and birdwatching that attracts thrill seekers, nature lovers alike.  The Algarve's 16 municipalities offer traditional and distinct experiences that allow for visitors to discover its rich heritage as a region.