Direct Flights Now Available to This Hidden Gem on the European Coast

The southern Algarve region of Portugal boasts some of the warmest weather in the nation, featuring stunning coastlines adorned with golden cliffs, pristine sandy beaches, and charming cobblestone villages. While this picturesque Atlantic getaway is well-known among Europeans, it remains relatively undiscovered by travelers from further away.

This is partly because reaching the Algarve can be quite challenging for transatlantic travelers. Located a few hours' drive south of Lisbon, getting there from the United States often involves a lengthy journey that combines planes, trains, and automobiles. However, starting next spring, accessing this beautiful Portuguese region will be significantly easier for travelers from the U.S.

On May 24, United Airlines will launch the first and only direct flight connecting the U.S. to Faro, Portugal—the primary airport for the Algarve. This new service will operate four times a week using Boeing 757-200 aircraft, flying between Newark, New Jersey, and Faro. This nonstop route complements United's existing year-round flights between Newark and Lisbon, as well as seasonal services to Washington Dulles, Porto, and Ponta Delgada in the Azores.

Details about United’s new flight to Faro, Portugal

United flight UA 281 is scheduled to leave Newark International Airport (EWR) at 9:50 p.m. (local time) and will land at Faro International Airport (FAO) approximately 7 hours and 10 minutes later, at 10 a.m. (local time) the next day. Meanwhile, United flight UA 282 will take off from FAO at 11:45 a.m. (local time) and is expected to arrive at EWR at 3:05 p.m. (local time) the same day after an 8-hour and 20-minute journey.

Flight UA 281 from Newark operates on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, while Flight UA 282 departs from Faro on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

United’s Boeing 757-200 includes 16 United Polaris business class seats (now with enhanced amenities), 42 or 45 Economy Plus seats (depending on the aircraft), and between 108 and 118 economy class seats (also varying by plane). All passengers can enjoy seatback entertainment and WiFi during the flight.

Reasons to visit Portugal’s Algarve region

From the stunning rock formations rising from the sea near Lagos in the western Algarve (including the must-see Benagil Cave) to the charming cobblestone lanes of Tavira in the east, this coastal paradise attracts both surfers and sun-lovers, as well as culture enthusiasts seeking a break from the bustling cities. In smaller southern towns like Faro and Lagos, visitors can soak in the charm without the crowds.

Accommodations to consider

Visitors to the Algarve will find a wealth of stylish accommodations, ranging from cozy spots like Casa Céu in the fishing village of Olhão to Aldeia da Pedralva in the quaint Vila do Bispo at the far western end, where you can stay in a beautifully restored historic home. For a more secluded experience, consider Pensão Agrícola in the Barrocal agricultural region, where a few guests can relax by a private plunge pool (and if you're in the mood for the beach, you can request a tuk-tuk to take you there). At the bright and inviting Casa Mãe in Lagos, guests can choose from spacious cabanas or rooms in the charming 19th-century estate or the modern hotel building with views of the city.

Expanding Horizons—United Grows European Service

Although Faro, Portugal, will be United's only completely new European destination for summer 2024, the airline plans to enhance its service to several existing cities on its transatlantic routes.

The airline is set to enhance its services to the following destinations next year:

• On May 23, United will restart its seasonal flights between Newark and Reykjavík, Iceland, offering daily service
• On March 30, United will introduce a second daily flight between Newark and Brussels
• On March 23, United will launch an additional daily flight between Washington, D.C. and Rome
• On May 2, United will increase its Newark-Málaga route to daily flights

In response to a growing interest in shoulder season travel, United has announced that it will begin several of its seasonal European routes earlier in 2024 than in past years. Here’s the revised schedule:

• Beginning February 15, Washington, D.C. to Lisbon
• Beginning February 15, Washington, D.C. to Barcelona
• Beginning February 15, Washington, D.C. to Rome
• Beginning March 30, Newark to Nice, France
• Beginning March 30, Chicago to Rome
• Beginning March 30, Chicago to Milan
• Beginning April 5, Newark to Naples, Italy
• Beginning May 2, Newark to Málaga, Spain
• Beginning May 2, San Francisco to Rome