Burgau holidays

How to reach Burgau

Flight time: There are no direct flights to Burgau. Flights to Faro Airport take approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes from London.

Transfer time: From Faro airport, Burgau is about 1 hour 15 minutes by car. Taxis, private transfers and rental cars – plentiful at the airport – are the most common options. Public buses run to Lagos, which is about 10km from Burgau, from where you can complete the journey via a short taxi ride.

Price: A pre-booked private transfer to Burgau costs around €70–€100 each way for a standard vehicle. Buses to Lagos cost around €6.50, and a local taxi from Lagos to Burgau costs approximately €15–€20.

Best time to visit Burgau

When to take your Burgau holidays largely depends on whether you’re looking for quiet beach time, lively local events or activities like hiking and cycling.

March to May: One of the best times of year to visit is spring, when the weather is warm (average temperatures climb from 18°C to 23°C) but not too hot, and the summer crowds are yet to arrive.

June to August: In July and especially August (the Portuguese holiday month) the resort is at its busiest – meaning crowded beaches among other things – and prices reach their peak. Temperatures hover around 30°C during the day, with barely a drop of rain and a solid 12 hours of sunshine daily.

September to October: Another fantastic time to visit. The weather remains warm, with temperatures in the mid-20s and plenty of sunshine, the sea is still very pleasant for swimming and you’ll find fewer tourists clogging up the narrow streets.

November to February: Although it’s winter, the weather remains very mild, averaging 10°C to 16°C, with occasional rain showers (30–80mm per month). This is the time for cultural exploration and sipping coffee in quiet cafés.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: Portuguese is the official language, but English is spoken all along the coast.

• Local habits and customs: Do respect the traditional siesta hours between 1 pm and 3 pm when smaller shops might close; dining is a leisurely affair and often starts late, around 8 or 9 pm. There is no hard and fast rule for tipping, which is not really a Portuguese custom; that said, in a café, restaurant or for taxis, it’s customary to round up the bill to the nearest euro or, for big amounts, the nearest note.

• Currency: Portugal uses the Euro. ATMs are easy to find and most establishments accept major credit cards. For smaller purchases in markets or cafés, having some cash handy is a good idea.

• Getting around: Burgau is very small, but a car is the most convenient way to explore its surrounding areas. Rental cars start at around €30–€40 per day. Public buses run infrequently, so check schedules in advance if you rely on them. Taxis and rideshares are available but may be limited in quieter months.

• Electricity and plug types: Portugal uses the standard continental 220 volts, and UK travellers will need a two-pin adaptor for their devices.

• Time zone: Portugal is in Western European Time (WET), the same as GMT. Daylight Saving Time is observed, so clocks move forward by an hour in summer.

Best things to do in Burgau

A pretty little former fishing village of narrow cobbled lanes which tumble down a steep hillside to a fine sandy beach set below low cliffs, Burgau retains a distinct character, with locals cooking fish on tiny grills outside their homes.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Praia de Burgau: The village’s golden beach is framed by cliffs offering stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, especially at sunset.

• Miradouro da Praia da Luz: Just a short drive away, this viewpoint in Luz provides further memorable vistas over the cliffs and sea.

The best districts

• Porto da Baleeira: In nearby Sagres, this working fishing harbour is an earthy kind of place, its waterfront lined with boat-repair yards and fishing fleets – watching the day’s catch come in is always an event.

Historical monuments

• Termas Romanas: Halfway along the promenade in Luz, take a moment to peek into the Termas Romanas, the remains of a 2nd and 3rd-century Roman house, with fish-preserving tanks and a bathhouse.

• Ermida Nossa Senhora de Guadalupe: A boxy whitewashed building with sections of exposed brickwork, the chapel was built in the 13th century by the Knights Templar and is thought to have been frequented by Henry the Navigator. Impressively situated in rural solitude, it makes for a pleasant place to stroll around or lay out a picnic.

Day trips in the area

• Sagres: The southwesternmost harbour in Europe, the town’s dramatic position attracts a growing number of families, backpackers, divers and surfers drawn by warm waters, surf schools and the string of magnificent local beaches.

• Cabo de São Vicente: The dramatic, cliff-fringed Cape St Vincent is the most southwestern point of mainland Europe; if you can, it’s worth visiting the cape at sunset, when the views are breathtaking.

• Lagos: Renowned for its golden beaches, like Praia Dona Ana, and vibrant nightlife. The historic Old Town offers charming cobbled streets, city walls and seafood restaurants, making it a perfect mix of relaxation and culture.

Activities for families in Burgau

Burgau’s relaxed pace makes it a great destination for family holidays. Its safe beaches and friendly atmosphere mean there’s plenty to keep kids entertained.

• Boat trips: Explore extraordinary rock formations and grottoes on a boat trip from the historic town of Lagos, from where Portugal’s navigators once set sail.

• Water parks: The water chutes, slides, pools and aquatic fun at the Slide & Splash theme park make for a great outing, especially for older children, though there are small pools for younger kids. There are also displays of parrots, reptiles and falconry at various times throughout the day.

• Aquariums and zoos: Low-key but engaging, Lagos Zoo is an extensive area of semitropical parkland which houses flamingos, toucans, owls and parrots, small mammals such as wallabies and porcupines, and farm animals in a special children’s enclosure. A highlight is the monkey lake where gibbons and smaller animals wander semi-free.

Free things to do in Burgau

Not every holiday activity needs to come with a price tag. Burgau offers plenty to explore for free or very little cost.

• Beaches: Praia de Burgau has calm waters and lifeguards, making it extremely family-friendly. Nearby Praia da Luz offers more facilities and activities like banana boat rides, though these do cost extra.

• Markets: Visit the Lagos municipal market to browse local produce, seafood and crafts. With no obligation to buy, it’s a fun and free way to spend a couple of hours.

• Festivals: Check the local calendar for free festivals, particularly in summer; look out too for free Fado concerts, particularly in Lagos.

Nature and outdoor activities in Burgau

This southwestern corner of the Algarve offers some of the coast’s more daring pursuits, such as diving and coasteering – and is also one of the best surf spots in Europe.

• Surfing: The beaches around nearby Sagres, Europe’s most southwesterly town, are rated as some of the best in Europe, whatever your surfing skills.

• Hiking: The coastal path to Lagos, which starts in Luz and passes through Burgau is an absolute joy; the whole stretch from Luz to Lagos should take around two hours in total and offers some gorgeous views of the unravelling coastline.

• Diving and snorkelling: Explore underwater life along what is one of the best areas in the Algarve for diving. Dive schools in Lagos or Sagres offer trips to reefs and shipwrecks, or you can hire snorkelling gear for casual exploration.

• Coasteering: The area around Lagos is perfect for coasteering, an activity whereby you climb over cliffs, swim through crystal clear water and dare the ultimate leap into the deep end of the Atlantic Ocean. With guides ready to steer you expertly along the course, it’s suitable for both beginners and seasoned adventurers.

Beaches to enjoy on Burgau holidays

Burgau holidays are all about the laid-back charm of its beaches and unspoiled coastal scenery. This picturesque fishing village is a haven for beach lovers, offering golden sands and crystal-clear waters ideal for relaxation and exploration.

• Praia de Burgau

  The main beach, Praia de Burgau, is a crescent-shaped bay surrounded by dramatic cliffs. Its calm waters make it perfect for swimming, while the soft golden sand is ideal for sunbathing. The beach is backed by traditional fishermen’s huts and a few cosy beachside cafes, adding to its authentic charm.

• Praia da Luz

  Just a short drive from Burgau, Praia da Luz is a larger beach with a lively atmosphere. It’s ideal for families, offering a variety of water sports, beachside restaurants, and plenty of space to unwind.

• Cabanas Velhas

  For those seeking a quieter and more secluded spot, Cabanas Velhas is a hidden gem located just a few kilometres away. This peaceful beach is perfect for couples or nature enthusiasts, with its natural beauty and fewer crowds.

• Praia do Castelejo

  For the more adventurous, Praia do Castelejo on the nearby west coast offers rugged cliffs, wild waves, and a serene setting. It’s ideal for surfing or simply enjoying a more untamed stretch of the Algarve coastline.

Burgau’s beaches offer a mix of tranquillity, natural beauty, and authentic Portuguese charm, making them the highlight of any holiday in this idyllic Algarve destination.

Local dishes in Burgau

Holidays to Burgau wouldn’t be complete without indulging in the region’s fresh and flavoursome cuisine. Traditional Portuguese recipes take centre stage, but international influences are also present in this relaxed fishing village.

Some typical dishes

• Bacalhau: Pretty much the national dish, this dried salted cod reputedly has 365 different ways of being prepared: the best for first-timers to try are bacalhau á bras (fried with egg, onions and potatoes) and bacalhau com natas (baked in cream).

• Grilled chicken: Almost a second national dish, this is usually enlivened by the addition of peppery piri-piri sauce.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Cataplana: Named after the wok-like lidded copper vessel in which it’s cooked, this fish or seafood stew is simply irresistible.

• Grilled sardines: Providing one of the country’s most appetising smells, this summertime staple is served simply with olive oil, garlic and lemon.

Meat dishes

• Porco à alentejana: A delicious fusion of pork and clams cooked with paprika and white wine, served with fried potatoes or bread.

• Presunto: Portugal’s equivalent of Parma ham – a smoked leg of pork preserved in sea salt and cured for months or even years.

Sweets and desserts

Dom Rodrigo is a blend of shredded egg yolks, sugar and almonds wrapped in foil, while another favourite is bolo de figo, a dense, fig-based cake spiced with cinnamon and fennel. For something lighter, try tarte de alfarroba, a carob tart with a slightly chocolatey flavour.

Local drinks

• Vinho verde: Portugal’s excellent wines distinguish not only between tinto (red), branco (white) and rosé, but between verde (“green”, meaning young, acidic and slightly sparkling) and maduro (“mature”).

• Aguardente: The best-known Algarve firewaters are brandy mel, made from honey and the fruit of the strawberry tree and which tastes a bit like schnapps; and amêndoa amarga, made from almonds.