Where to Stay in the Algarve: 9 of the Best Destinations (2023)

FAQs

Which area of the Algarve is best? ›

Carvoeiro: The Algarve's Best Place for Relaxation

Situated on the Atlantic coast, Carvoeiro is renowned for its sparkling sandy beaches and crystal clear waters, making it a popular destination for Algarve tourists seeking the winning combination of sun, sand, and sea.

The best areas to stay in Algarve for first-timers are Lagos, Faro, Albufeira, Portimão, Lagoa, Olhao, Aljezur, Silves, Alcoutim, Loule, Tavira, Carvoeiro, Sagres, Quarteira, and Vilamoura. These are the most beautiful towns and popular destinations in the Algarve for tourists.

Tavira is one of the main towns in the Algarve, as well as one of the most beautiful. It's situated along the banks of the River Gilão and has a great historical legacy left by first the Romans and later the Arabs. After enjoying this city, you can take a ferry to its island and discover its beautiful pristine beaches.

Vilamoura is the best place to stay in Algarve if you're looking for an upscale, glittery beach holiday that puts the focus on golf courses, luxury resorts and walks along the marina. Vilamoura is the crown of Algarve's Golden Triangle due to its collection of luxury accommodations.

Albufeira is better if you're looking for a resort holiday experience – beach during the day and party during the night. Lagos is better if you want a more traditional Portugese holiday, backpacker vibes and stunning landscapes close to the city.

A full week on the Algarve gives you plenty of time to split between activities and relaxing on the beach. If you're looking for a more relaxing beach holiday, 7 days on the Algarve is a good choice.

Praia do Camilo is widely known as one of the most gorgeous beaches in the Algarve. It has the characteristic high cliffs of many beaches in the region, as well as clear green waters and views of Lagos and the Ponta da Piedade rock formations.

The south western part of the Algarve is probably my favorite area in the Algarve. It's less touristy but (partly) does have the beautiful iconic coastline and great Algarve weather!

If you're a sunseeker the best time to visit Algarve is between June and August. The hottest month of the year is July with an average daily maximum of 30 C and an average low of 22 C. The coolest month of the year is February with an average daily maximum of 16 C and an average low of 10 C.

What is the Golden Triangle of the Algarve? ›

The Golden Triangle is a mini region located at the Algarve, that forms the figure of a triangle. It's part of the Golden Triangle in Portugal the resort town of Vilamoura and the resort complexes of Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo, at the seaside, connecting at the top with the countryside city of Almancil.

Visiting the Algarve region of Portugal is an ideal choice for anyone looking for a sun-filled getaway. Generally, the best time to visit this charming coastal area is during the dry season between April and October, as this is when temperatures are at their highest and rainfall is at its lowest.

Quinta do Lago, Vale do Lobo, and Almancil — the so-called Golden Triangle of the Algarve — are increasingly sought after by celebrities looking for luxurious and comfortable homes around exclusive venues.

Many celebrities own homes in this region, including Boyzone front man Ronan Keating, television presenter Carol Smillie, celebrity gardener Charlie Dimmock and Total Eclipse of the Heart singer Bonnie Tyler.

Algarve: The Algarve region in southern Portugal is a popular destination for American expats looking for a warm climate and a relaxed lifestyle. Many expats choose to live in towns such as Lagos, Albufeira, and Faro.

Lagos provides a better beach experience than Faro. Lagos offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The beaches are long, flat and sandy with beautifully dramatic rock formations. The largest beach in the area is Meia Praia and arguably one of the best beaches is Praia Dona Ana.

The Algarve is a popular tourist destination because it has beautiful views, sandy beaches, and a warm climate. People from all over the world come to visit this area in Portugal.

Attracting four million tourists a year, the Algarve coast is known for its golden sands, red limestone cliffs and breathtaking rock formations. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that one of the main reasons why Albufeira is worth visiting is its selection of amazing beaches.

Nevertheless, getting around the Algarve region of Portugal is easy due to its well-developed transportation system. There are many options for getting from one place to another, including buses, trains, taxis, and car rentals.

You don't need a car to visit Algarve. Most people visiting the Algarve rent a car as soon as they land at Faro airport. But don't let that discourage you from visiting this stunning region – a car is not necessary for the Algarve, as it is well-connected by public transport.

Is it better to stay in Portimao or Lagos? ›

Both resorts are great holiday destinations and tourists to either will not be disappointed with their choice. Portimao and Praia da Rocha is slightly more focused for families and younger travellers while Lagos with its heritage is designed for the more mature or cultured visitor.

By Train. Five trains per day offer a direct service between the Entrecampos Station in Lisbon and the Faro Station in Algarve. The journey takes nearly three hours, and you can buy tickets online or in person. There are both first and second class cars, with varying levels of amenities.

Thanks to its convenient location, the capital city can be perfectly used as a base to plan some awesome day trips from Lisbon. For example, in less than three hours you can visit the Algarve and take a swim in the Atlantic.

There are essentially 7 ways to get around in the Algarve: by (rental) car, train, bus, taxi, uber, transfers and hiring a camper. Each of this means of transport can be most suitable to get around in the Algarve, depending on the situation.

Beware of uncrowded areas and those that are designated as surf zones, as they more likely to conceal hazardous currents. Parents should be especially cautious when allowing their children to swim. In 2007, four tourists drowned off the Algarve coast while trying to save three children from strong currents.

If you are looking for a beach holiday, then the Algarve is the perfection destination. You can swim in the ocean comfortably from March until October. And in the winter months, you can take long refreshing beach walks.

Albufeira lies at the heart of the buzzing central Algarve region, while Lagos (38km to the west) is the largest city of the western Algarve area. Albufeira is the largest town of the central Algarve (with a population of 44,158) and is slightly bigger than Lagos (31,049).

Faro is the capital and biggest city of the Algarve, with a population of about 118.000 people.

In all, both the Algarve and Costa del Sol are two wonderful places to visit and there is really no wrong option. It will come down to personal preferences and holiday budgets. In my opinion, the Algarve is generally a more relaxing and calmer destination, if you are looking for a quiet holiday on the coast.

Is Madeira or the Algarve better? ›

Step 1: Decide what it is you are looking for

So if you are looking for a quiet place with relatively fewer tourist activities, then Madeira would be your best option. On the other hand, if you are looking to reside in a larger inland city that is bustling with life, the Algarve might be ideal for you.

Barcelos is a walkable city easily explored on foot, so spend some time wandering through its narrow streets and pretty squares before heading to Jardim das Barrocas. Here, as well as at the beautiful gardens, you'll find the Igreja do Bom Jesus da Cruz and Torre do Cimo da Vila.

January is the coldest month in the Algarve, but compared to the cold winter months here in the Netherlands, the temperatures are still very mild. The Algarve has a Mediterranean climate, which refers to the countries around the Mediterranean Sea.

In general, it rains little in the Algarve. Most of the rain falls in the period from November until the end of March. The summer is usually quite dry.

Portugal's rainy season begins in November and December, meaning fewer sunny days, but the country still experiences more sun than rain and warmer temperatures than much of Europe. The Algarve usually remains especially pleasant and sunny and can attract European visitors looking for a winter getaway.

The fishing village of Albufeira is the largest resort town in the Algarve, but head for Albufeira Old Town and you'll see that the original charm is still there.

The heart-shaped rock is visible from a coastal cliff at one of the most beautiful beaches in Algarve – Praia da Marinha. The beach is located between Carvoeiro and Armação de Pêra towns. The heart-shaped rock is actually not a single piece of rock that has a hole in a shape of a heart.

Anchoring the south of Portugal, the Algarve is famous for its cliff-backed beaches, mouthwatering seafood and picturesque villages. It's also a remarkably easy-going region, with a welcoming vibe for every kind of traveler.

The cheapest time to visit Portugal is in January and February. Avoiding the major Portuguese holidays like Christmas and Easter and the major European vacation times of July and August will help you score serious deals.

It's possible to swim in the sea at this time of year but it's generally a little too cool for most. The average sea temperature is 18 C.

What months are best to stay in Portugal? ›

The best time to visit Portugal is in spring (March-May), when the country is in bloom and waking after the winter. You could also go in fall (between September and October) when the sun is still shining, the weather is warm, and many of the crowds have dispersed.

This is where, in the most exclusive regions of Portugal. Where do the rich live in Portugal? Where do the rich live in Portugal? Lisbon, Oeiras, Cascais, Sintra, Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia are the municipalities with the highest concentration of population with the highest income in the country.

The city of Loulé has the highest price per square meter. This city includes some of the most glamorous beaches in the Algarve: Quinta do Lago, Ancão and Vale do Lobo, plus the famous Vilamoura Marina, a must for Algarve nightlife in the summer.

Combined with its relatively warm temperatures, plentiful recreational activities, widespread knowledge of English among many locals, and relatively low cost of living, Portugal is a natural destination for Americans looking to relocate.

Madonna's home in Sintra, Portugal, known as Quinta do Relogio.

The similarities between Portugal and California are astounding, right from the climate, beaches, and even nature. You will find plants and hills that are almost identical in both places. While California is relatively larger than Portugal as a country, there are so many similarities that they share.

English is widely spoken in Portugal, especially in the larger cities and in the Algarve. Plenty of foreigners live comfortably and reasonably efficiently speaking only in English.

For the best places to retire in Portugal consider Lisbon and Porto if you are looking for a good life in the city. Cascais is an excellent location a short 30-minute drive from Lisbon. Consider the Algarve for a relaxed retirement with plenty of beaches and golf courses.

How many days to spend in Faro? We recommend a total of 3 days to see everything, which includes both times exploring within the city as well as some day trips into the region.

What is the best season to visit Algarve Portugal? ›

The high season (June–August) has the best beach weather

With cool ocean breezes, evening temperatures hover around 22°C (72°F), making for comfortable outdoor dining. Naturally, the peak season for tourism coincides with these inviting conditions on the beach.

Both Faro and Albufeira have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Albufeira than Faro. The ideal length of time for a trip to Faro is 2-5 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Albufeira is 3-7 days.

New Town has pretty much the same things as Old Town with a beautiful beach, restaurants and shops but the main thing this town is known for is their hardcore partying and karaoke. I had no idea Albufeira had such a thriving nightlife until I started doing some research on things to do in the area.

Most of the nicest beaches of Algarve can be found around the wide area between Lagos and Vilamoura. But there are also some amazing 'rougher' beaches along the west coast as well. Praia da Bordeira is one of the nicest beaches in that part of the Algarve.

You don't need a car to visit Algarve. Most people visiting the Algarve rent a car as soon as they land at Faro airport. But don't let that discourage you from visiting this stunning region – a car is not necessary for the Algarve, as it is well-connected by public transport.