Think of food from Portugal and fresh seafood is usually somewhere near the top of the list. And the Algarve has some of the country’s freshest and finest. Shellfish, including prawns and clams, are popular while grilled sardines - sardinhas no churrasco - washed down with a cool beer is almost compulsory. Other popular dishes include cataplana, a type of bouillabaisse named after the copper pan in which it’s cooked, and arroz de mariscos, a shellfish and rice stew. You will be able to sample all these and more at our pick of the best hotels for foodies in the Algarve.

Smoked hams, grilled meats and pork dishes are also worth looking out for whilst, for the sweet-toothed, a pastel de Nata - custard tartlet - is a must as, indeed, is anything made with almonds. Local wines are affordable and perfectly acceptable.

The finest way to enjoy the food is undoubtedly with a beachfront or sea-view dining terrace. Many of our choices of the best hotels in the Algarve for foodies give you just that.

6 of the Algarve's Best Hotels for Foodies

For a michelin star (or two)

For serious eating, head for either Vila Joya or Vila Vita Parc, both with Michelin-starred restaurants.

Overlooking the sea, Vila Joya has one of Portugal’s most celebrated restaurants, a two-Michelin-starred affair that spoils with locally sourced, and highly inspirational, cooking. With just 21 contemporary-luxury rooms, Moorish architecture, pool and spa, it’s a truly indulgent choice.
Vila Vita Parc, a cliff-top resort near Porches, also offers a two-Michelin-starred dining room as well as seven other dining options. Rooms are light and contemporary and there’s a host of activities from deep-sea fishing to golf as well as a children’s club and a spa.

For dinner with a view

Bela Vista Hotel and Spa

Also considered to have one of the best restaurants in the region, Bela Vista Hotel & Spa, perched above the beach at Praia da Rocha, has a fine-dining restaurant overlooking the sea. The adults-only hotel is cool and sophisticated with art deco-styled rooms and chic white cabanas around its pool.

For Portuguese specialities

In the heart of Tavira, the Pousada da Convento, a former 16th-century convent, is beautifully atmospheric. Here you can breakfast in the cloisters to the sound of birdsong, while dinner of traditional Portuguese dishes together with a choice of excellent Portuguese wine list is served in the smart restaurant.
An alternative choice for traditional Portuguese specialities is Pousada de Faro, an 18th-century Rococo palace that has been turned into a contemporary boutique-style hotel.

For farm to fork cuisine

With beautiful views over citrus groves and fields from its dining terrace, Vila Monte Farm House offers some of the area’s finest farm-to-fork cuisine. Rooms are cool and white with Moorish flourishes, plus there’s a pool and outdoor cinema.

Whether you want Michelin-starred finesse or quality traditional dishes, our choice of the best hotels for foodies in the Algarve has it covered. Still not decided? Check out our full range of Algarve hotels or contact a friendly guru for advice.

6 of the Algarve's Best Hotels for Foodies

Vila Joya

Albufeira

Two-star Michelin restaurant with five-star rooms, fabulous spa, and majestic sea views. Moorish style architecture and the use of "azulejos" tiles maintains a traditional feel. An abundance of activities on offer within the hotel. A truly indulgent stay.

Foodies - Chef Dieter Koschina runs the Two Michelin Star restaurant- phenomenally tasty, locally sourced and utterly inspired cuisine.
Spa breaks - An indulgent spa with extensive therapies including Swedish massage, aromatherapy and reflexology.
Tennis - Brush up on your tennis skills with the hotels coach before taking on fellow guests.
Lively

from $368 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Vila Vita Parc

Algarve

Luxury cliff-top family resort in lush gardens. Contemporary, light rooms with white on white decor drawing the eye to the spectacular sea views. Fantastic children's facilities, tennis courts, golf course, luxurious Sisley spa, and excellent food. A beach paradise.

Families - Loads of kiddie stuff so parents can unwind- playground with trampoline, swings and slides, kids club, creche and pool.
Foodies - Eight onsite restaurants to choose from- we recommend the tasting menu from two Michelin Star Ocean with wine pairing.
Spa breaks - State of the art spa with a huge range of treatments, yoga and meditation classes and top notch hair salon
Diving - Vila Vita Parc run dive certification courses as well as courses in underwater photography& deep sea diving.

from $210 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Check availability on Expedia

Vila Monte Farm House

Tavira

A refreshing Moorish style retreat, nestled in orange groves and organic gardens. Light, airy and effortlessly stylish rooms offer seclusion, comfort and private terraces. Gourmet farm to fork cuisine served in a relaxed atmosphere. Two pools, tennis courts, and open air cinema seal the deal. Bliss!

Foodies - The wholesome delicious cuisine never dissapoints- perhaps because it comes straight from the garden or local organic farms.
Romantic Break - A sophisticated couples paradise- with secluded rooms, private terraces, couples massages and romantic picnics on the beach.
Cooking classes - The chef happily takes tours to the local markets such as Olhao's big fish market.
Tennis - Head out on the hotel courts and try and work off your lunch!

from $347 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Check availability on Expedia

Pousada Convento Tavira

Tavira (Algarve)

A beautifully restored 16th Century convent on Tavira’s castle hill. With Renaissance cloisters, courtyard pool and central garden. Pretty rooms with splashes of bright colour and private balconies. Enjoy the traditional regional cuisine and wide range of Portuguese wines.

City Style - Charming Baroque and Renaissance Pousada steeped in history with, plush rooms and pretty courtyard garden.
Sights nearby - Within walking distance of the town’s great sites, such as the 16th-century Igreja da Misericórdia.
Great walks - With wonderful walking around the hilly countryside and through the historic town.
Swimming Pool - Outdoor pool

from $252 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Check availability on Expedia

Bela Vista Hotel & Spa

Portimão (Praia Da Rocha)

An early 20th-century gem of a place, complete with period details, which overlooks one of the Algarve’s most popular beaches, complete with Michelin starred dining and a L’Occitane spa.

Beach Life - A unique setting, almost completely surrounded by a beautiful sandy beach.
Watersports - The property sits directly on the beach.
Surfing - From Praia de Rocha there are boat trip, kayaking, surfing and dolphin watching which can be booked and organised from there.
Kayaking - There are boat trip, kayaking, surfing and dolphin watching which can be booked and organised from there.

from $242 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Check availability on Expedia

Pousada Palacio de Estoi

Estoi (Faro)

This historic 18th century palace turned hotel is in the village of Estoi, just inland from the Algarve. A restored Rococo building, it dazzles with chandeliers and frescoed ceilings. There are outdoor and indoor pools, lush gardens, and a restaurant showcasing local flavours. An exquisite escape.

Great walks - Explore palatial gardens reminiscent of Versailles, adorned with statues and fountains, perfect for a peaceful afternoon stroll
Historic - An 18th-century Rococo palace, where frescoed ceilings, ornate gardens, and antique art immerse you in Algarve’s regal past
Local exploring - Embark on a private Algarve excursion, from lush natural parks to serene sandbank islands, all within easy reach of Estoi
Romantic Break - Stroll hand-in-hand through Versailles-style gardens, dine on Algarve specialities, and unwind on private balconies

from $225 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

Check availability on Expedia

6 of the Algarve's Best Hotels for Foodies

6 of the Algarve's Best Hotels for Foodies

For a michelin star (or two)

For dinner with a view

For Portuguese specialities

For farm to fork cuisine

6 of the Algarve's Best Hotels for Foodies

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