For the first time in History, United Airlines will launch nonstop flights to the Algarve, a coastal region in southern Portugal famous for its sun-drenched beaches, medieval cities, and unspoiled nature.
This will make the region far more accessible to American travelers.
The Algarve is one of the trendiest summer destinations for Europeans, owing to its balmy temperatures and affordable prices compared to Costa Brava or Mallorca in Spain and Côte d’Azur in France. Yet it’s never captured the gaze of U.S.-based carriers.
Until now.
New Nonstop Flights Launching From Newark To The Algarve
Starting May 21, 2025, just in time for summer, United will launch its inaugural Newark–Faro flights, linking New Jersey and metropolitan New York to the capital of the Algarve (and several other charming coastal towns to an extent).
The route was set to launch in spring 2024, as we reported at the time, however, due to unknown reasons, it got delayed until 2025.
This time, you can book with confidence as seats are already being sold through United’s website.
The flights are set to take place on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, so there are plenty of seats available, and lucky for budget-conscious travelers, airfares are not as high compared to other ‘niche’ European hubs United is flying to this year:
Although one-way tickets start at $596, and you can definitely get cheaper fares connecting through Lisbon from as little as $380, the real added value is the convenience of a nonstop flight, without unnecessary layovers in Lisbon or Porto even further to the north.
As for technicalities, United will be deploying a 176-seat Boeing 757-200 aircraft featuring 16 luxurious United Polaris business pods, 42 Economy Plus seats with extra legroom, and 160 seats in the more restricted Economy class.
Flights will depart from Newark (EWR) at 9:35 PM, local time, and arrive in Faro (FAO) at 9:50 AM of the following calendar date.
Flying home, departures are scheduled for 11:40 AM, Portugal time, arriving back to the U.S. at 3 PM, on the same day.
Now, you may be wondering: why visit the Algarve instead of the far more popular Lisbon or Porto?
Check Out All Of These Amazing Beaches
The Algarve is the southernmost region in mainland Portugal, with a coastline that runs for an uninterrupted 127 miles.
You may know European beaches for being pebbly, particularly over in Croatia or Italy, but down in the Algarve, every single swimming spot, and every hidden cove, consistently boast soft, warm, golden sands.
From Praia dos Estudantes, a scenic beach found at the end of a cavernous passageway, adorned with a Roman-style arched bridge, to the paradisiacal Praia do Camilo, found at the bottom of a wooden staircase, and flanked by towering cliffs, the landscapes will take your breath away.
Literally, as those beaches are part of the 1.5-mile, out-and-back Ponta da Piedade coastal path.
Last year, the 3.7-mile stretch known as Praia da Falésia was hailed as the Best Beach in the World at TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards, and over in Benagil, you’ll find your favorite Windows wallpaper you didn’t even know was an actual place in Portugal:
Of course we’re talking about the beautiful Benagil Cave, that can only be accessed by boat, famous for the circular opening in its ceiling, shedding light onto the sandy beach and crystal-clear waters within.
Ancient Culture Just About Everywhere You Look
This is Europe, after all, and of course, you’ll want to see some castles and stroll cobbled streets in towns that have largely retained their historic charm despite the recent development boom and addition of luxury resorts in and around Albufeira.
Well, you’ll be spoiled for choice here:
Faro itself may hold the ‘capital’ title, but it is truly a sleepy mid-size harbor centered around a walled Old Town that’s barely seen any updates since the Middle Ages and where every narrow alley leads uphill to a cathedral-dominated plaza.
Over in an off-path Loulé, you’ll find whitewashed houses with colorful windows and doorframes bestriding hills and cozy family-run eateries serving delicious seafood at reasonable prices––our favorite has to be A Tia Bia and their signature pork cheeks.
If you’re fantasizing about castles, the small village of Silves, nestled in the Algarve hills, is home to one of the largest medieval fortresses in the region, originally built by the Moors, and don’t miss out on a pink-hued Estói Palace, comprising a Baroque manor and symmetrical gardens.
Nearby, Milreu is a partially unearthed Roman archeological site littered with ruined temples, exuberant mosaics, some of which are preserved, and an intact 16th-century farmhouse, now serving as the interpretative center.
Affordable Prices Throughout
Despite its gorgeous nature and undeniable touristic appeal, the Algarve remains a budget-friendly destination by Southern European standards.
As per Budget Your Trip estimates, budget travelers will spend an average $27-a-day on meals vacationing here, and $65-a-night on accommodation, for a weekly total of $514.
Naturally, this does not include staying in an all-inclusive hotel in the Portimão resort strip or dining out in one of those fancy restaurants lining Albufeira’s Main Street––but hey, you can still treat yourself every now and then without breaking the bank.
For instance, the top-rated restaurant in Faro, Mãe Violante has charcuterie and cheese platters for $14.53, and that’s already a generously-sized starter, and a whole pot of Portuguese seafood rice serving 2 people for $35.28 each.
Other than the occasional night out, rest assured your tummy will be satisfied with the constant supply of $1.14 custard cream tarts and homemade empadas from the neighborhood pastelaria.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
