Celebrities and the Algarve - a perfect match!

Celebrities love the Algarve. It’s as simple as that. The area is well known for gorgeous villas, fantastic restaurants and sandy beaches. Something every celebrity needs when they need a break for the public eye, right? 

Why do celebrities love the Algarve?

Celebrities love the Algarve because there is so much on offer for a wide range of tastes. There are plenty of places for a party, so influencers and reality stars especially love to party the night away.

For families, we understand that celebrities like to make sure their children are able to enjoy a holiday in safety and normality. The Algarve offers so many family activities including boat trips to see dolphins, water parks and so much more.

Many sporting stars recognise the Algarve as one of the best places for golf. Even non-professional players pick the Algarve due to the rich history of the golf courses and how renowned they are.

No holiday is complete without delicious food and celebrities have their pick of top restaurants with realy quality dishes.

Famous faces!

When it's time to escape the public eye, where better than a lovely villa? In 2021, SandyBlue hosted Peter Andre and his family for a fun stay in the sun! Billie Faiers and Greg Shepherd also ventured to the region for a family getaway.

Imagine you are one of the highest paid entertainers in the business and you’re looking for the perfect place to celebrate your 40th birthday – where do you go? The Algarve, of course! Declan Donnelly, of Ant and Dec, celebrated his birthday in the Golden Triangle with a fun lunch on the beach at Maria’s Restaurant, as well as drinks at De Barra’s bar in Quinta do Lago.

The famous duo are part of an ever growing glitterati incursion to this little corner of Europe that has far more than its fair share of natural bounties. Like the rest of us mere mortals, famous A-listers fall in love with the Algarve sunshine, the immaculate beaches, the fabulous food and great lifestyle. World class real estate, golf and sports facilities entice the rich and famous to invest in property here and to indulge in the fabulous lifestyle that the Algarve offers.

Wayne and Collen Rooney are regular visitors, often spotted enjoying some relaxation at Izzy’s on the beach. Steven Gerrard is a familiar face here too, as are other football stars such as Alan Shearer, Jamie Carragher and Harry Kane. Should you spend some time at Monty’s in Vale do Lobo Praça, you just might run into them!

Home grown superstar Cristiano Ronaldo frequently holidays in the Golden Triangle, while José Mourinho prefers the western Algarve. Finally, Luis Figo doesn't just own a home here...he owns a cliff- top resort.

Music legend Madonna pays frequent visits to her favourite villa in Quinta do Lago. Ronan Keating is also a home owner here and a regular client at many of the best restaurants in the area. Niall Horan is a frequent visitor to the Algarve and enjoyed the inaugural Love Brunch at Bovino Steakhouse in Quinta do Lago this summer. Celebrity Chef Marcus Wareing enjoyed some great fresh seafood at BJ’s beach restaurant and Dragon’s Den Duncan Bannatyne said “I’m in” to the Algarve when he bought his luxurious Vale do Lobo villa and loves some beachside relaxation at Izzy's.

At first glance ex- Prime Minister David Cameron and singer Pixie Lott may not seem to have much in common. However they both love the Algarve - Pixie has spent many family holidays in the village of Carvoeiro, while Cameron loves the West Coast (Costa Vicentina) and Monchique hills.

Golf superstars and icons Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy are regularly spotted striding the greens at Quinta do Lago (though not necessarily at the same time) and Rory made use of the Active Q gym facilities in his injury recovery training this summer. Paul McGinley, 2014 Ryder Cup captain is closely associated with Quinta do Lago golf too, with his Academy located in the heart of the resort. Shane Lowry and legend Colin Montgomerie have been spotted enjoying some conversation at what was De Barra’s at Quinta Shopping (now The Cheeky Pup).

If celebrity spotting is part of your holiday fun, then visits to cool beachside restaurants like Julia’s, Izzy’s, Maria’s and BJ’s are in order. Night time celeb hotspots include Monty’s at Vale do Lobo Praça, the bars at Quinta Shopping, The Shack by the lake and the numerous fabulous restaurants in the area such as Parrilla Natural, Alambique or Casa do Lago.

Happy hunting!