With beaches and glorious weather, the Algarve is an ideal last minute destination

Flights from the UK will get you to the Algarve in under four hours, meaning it’s no time at all before you could be topping up that tan and enjoying fantastic tapas, all from a comfortable hotel base.

Opt for a stay in lively Praia da Rocha and you can explore ancient castles, bustling markets and picturesque beaches without any forward-planning at all. By night, casinos, bars and nightclubs will keep you entertained, or you can while away the hours in one of the abundant local eateries.

The beaches in Monte Gordo and Albufeira are some of the most popular in the Algarve, with Albufeira also boasting a beautiful Old Town area, picture-perfect marina and an array of museums, galleries and ruins to visit. Monte Gordo was purpose-built for tourism, and here you’re only a short drive away from two stunning natural parks – if you can bear to tear yourself away from the tanning potential of the nearby beaches.

Glamorous Vilamoura is also a firm last minute favourite, with six golf courses and two beaches to enjoy, both of which hold the coveted Blue Flag status. Outside of these, enjoy exploring the lavish yachting marina area lined by scenic ancient walls and high-end bars and restaurants.

The best time of year to book your last minute holiday

The Algarve sees around 300 days of sunshine a year, so there’s almost no bad time to visit. Peak season for holidaymakers is from June to September, when the weather is at its warmest, but you can still find last minute bargains even during these months if you make sure to book within eight weeks of your preferred departure date. Holidays departing within a few weeks of the day you book are often reduced, so there’s always a discount deal to be had, whether you’re visiting for the winter warmth or height of summer sunshine.

Other popular holidays in Portugal

A range of last minute bargains are on offer throughout the year in Portugal, all bringing you stunning scenery and no-planning-necessary things to do. Regions like Madeira and Porto Santo have plenty to offer, but if you’ve made up your mind that it’s the Algarve for you, have a look at our Algarve travel guide for more information on this sunshine coast, and check out some of favourite hotels in the area below.