The Algarve is one of Europe’s sunniest regions, with a long and gorgeous coastline of dramatic cliffs dotted with sea caves, scooped out sandy bays and long, long stretches of golden yellow beach. So it’s an obvious holiday destination for beach lovers, and our recommendations for the best places to stay in the Algarve include some fantastic beach resorts, alongside a healthy range of chic B&Bs and authentic little hideaways that you might not expect to find in such a popular region.

The cities, towns and hamlets range from lively to whitewashed and peaceful, with elegant architecture that references the Moorish influence over the region, so this is a great place for a sunny cultural expedition too.

The Algarve’s impressive national parks and reserves make it a wonderful location for eco-accommodation and rural escapes.

Surfers, divers and sailors known this region too, as do golfers and birdwatchers. And there are particular regions and hotels we can recommend if one of these pursuits is high on your Algarve to-do list.

We also have favourites amongst the busier tourist hotspots in the south, where you can expect the best of the Algarve’s holiday villas and all inclusive resorts, accompanied by vibrant nightlife and activity-packed days.

Some of our Algarve collections:

• Best Beach Hotels in the Algarve
• Best Hotels for Families in the Algarve
• Best Value Hotels in the Algarve
• Great off-the-beaten-track Hotels in the Algarve
• The Algarve’s Best Hotels for Foodies
• Best Five Star Luxury Hotels in the Algarve
• The Algarve’s Best Golf Hotels
• Best Spa Hotels in the Algarve
• Best Hotels for Couples in the Algarve
• Most Romantic Hotels in the Algarve

Where to stay - which town or resort?

• For many visitors to the Algarve Faro is just a well developed gateway, but the region’s capital is more than just an airport hub and party town. Faro retains a very Portuguese feel, and its medieval old town, complete with warren of tiny lanes, its marina and parks, and gorgeous local beaches, combine to make this a destination worthy of visiting in its own right. Aside from being easy to get to, Faro has the the islands of the Ilha de Faro, and it’s very close to the more au naturel coves and lagoons of the Parque Natural da Ria Formosa, with its incredible biodiversity of species. If you come at the right time of year you'll see flocks of flamingoes taking a break here on their migration route. Plus Faro has an incredible cathedral and beautiful whitewashed Iberian and Moorish architecture.
• Olhão is just east of Faro airport, sheltered from the Atlantic by the coastal islands, lagoons and sandbars of the Ria Formosa. Olhão’s old town is a joy to explore, with narrow alleys lined with traditional houses sporting tiled fronts, and wrought iron balconies, and hidden bars and restaurants — specialising in fresh fish — and shops selling ceramics, artisan cheeses, local wines, liqueurs, ports and honey.
• Can you imagine what the Algarve was like before the golf courses and resorts? Well that’s Tavira, a charmingly colourful old city with cobbled squares, pretty gardens and still more churches than hotels. Its port is crowded with fishing boats rather than day cruisers, and there's an old Roman bridge, and the ruins of a castle rather than themed pubs. This used to be the Algarve’s main fishing port, but an earthquake silted up the river, and now the town is three kilometres from the beaches of the Ilha de Tavira, an eight mile long stretch of beautiful golden beach. Tavira is also close to the Ria Formosa.
• If you like golden sand, bright aqua sea and pretty white towns sitting neatly atop a cliff, then you'll adore Albufeira. From the outside, it’s very well positioned for beaches, with long stretches of golden sand dotted with hidden coves or caves to both the east and west. And on the inside its town centre has narrow, winding, pedestrianised streets which are lined with charming things to look at, and a warren of whitewashed cottages amongst which you can still see the town’s Moorish roots. This is also a good spot for families, with plenty of choice when it comes to hotels and resorts, and it’s close to the beach and to some of the Algarve’s best theme parks.
• Between Faro and Albufeira is Olhos de Agua, a rather quiet and friendly fishing village with a beautiful backdrop of sandstone cliffs. This is a great spot if you’re looking for peace and comfort, with beaches that are perfect for young families, and lots of nice places to stroll to and around.
• If you drive west along the coast from Faro you’ll get to the small, cosy town of Portimão, arranged around an old harbour and a pretty waterfront promenade lined with great seafood restaurants. As well as being pretty, Portimão is close to Praia de Rocha, one of the Algarve’s most famous beaches, and to Silves, which has an incredible Crusader castle. Portimão is also popular amongst golfers.
• Beyond Portimão, continuing westward is Lagos, which is a larger centre. You’re still close to many of the same beautiful beaches, but there’s a much larger, and very atmospheric town, within pleasantly worn 16th century walls. As well as the churches and plazas, this also means good restaurants and lively bars, so this is a good place to stay if you fancy an evening out or two.
• If you keep going again you’ll get to Sagres on the westernmost tip of the region: a village at the end of the world, surrounded by white cliffs fashioned by a roaring seas, and a fairly barren landscape. Arguably Sagres is where to come to see some of Portugal’s most dramatic scenery, but it’s also loved by surfers. And walkers. Both groups appreciate the long pristine beaches soaked by manic waves, and the undiscovered feel of the place. Sagres has history too. And it’s a bit of a less-travelled gem, in a well travelled region.

In summer the sunny heat encourages rest and relaxation by the waters, but at other times of the year the Moorish castles and forts, beautiful sunny hillsides fragrant with almond blossom, and interesting museums and galleries beckon convincingly. So it’s worth booking our recommendations for the best places to stay in the Algarve early, whatever time of year you’re travelling.

The Best Places to stay on the Algarve

The Algarve’s Best Beach Hotels

• Portimão’s Bela Vista Hotel & Spa is a bit like a full size sandcastle, right on the sand of a long, smooth beach. As well as its neat towers, balconies and huge windows, the Bela Vista has a pool surrounded by palm trees and sun loungers, which are still on the beach too, really. Inside are 38 gorgeous rooms, beautifully, and individually decorated with a seaside feel and lots of blue. The restaurant is fine dining, and comes highly recommended, and the spa facilities are excellent too.

Family Friendly Beach Resorts on the Algarve

• If you want to make triply sure that you’re staying somewhere with something for everyone, the Vila Vita Parc can give you that reassurance, it just seems to have everything. Kid’s clubs for every age group, a playground with a trampoline, a creche, a family pool, tennis courts, eight onsite restaurants, a luxury spa, opportunities to try diving, underwater photography, snorkelling or other watersports and a private sandy beach. They also have a nine hole golf course. And the location, atop a cliff, surrounded by landscaped gardens, is idyllic.
• Vila Vita Collection is a sister establishment to the Vila Vita Parc. Here they offer a range of luxurious villas and apartments (which can accommodate up to 12) with all the mod cons you can think of plus seriously spoiling add ons including private chefs, butler service and use of the Vila Vita Parc yacht. Perfect for families or groups of friends.
• Memmo Baleeira is a sort of village style resort just back from the ocean, just outside Sagres. There are 144 rooms, suites and villas, with plenty of choice for families and groups, plus great facilities, including five swimming pools, kids clubs for different ages, junior dive courses, and surfing lessons nearby, a fabulous spa and a beautiful beach.
• With a range of accommodation that includes large beachfront condos, and private villas the Martinhal Beach Resort & Hotel is ideal for families or groups. There are also large shared public areas and a fun bar and restaurant with a great kid’s menu. The facilities are great too, there’s a choice of pools, a tennis courts, and equipment for kayaking, mounting biking, surfing, and all sorts. There’s also a kid’s club. And a fabulous spa. And the location, outside Sagres, is unspoilt and beautiful.

Some of the Algarve’s Other Great Family Hotels

• The Casa Flor de Sal is a collection of just seven unique holiday homes close to Olhão, within the Ria Formosa nature reserve. This is a good choice if you’re looking for a home-from-home feel, with comfortable space for up to six guests and lovely interiors that offer a mix of smart Scandi design and traditional Portuguese charm, which also reflects the background of the owners. Case Flor de Sal also has two outdoor pools, plus a lake and beach, a playground, a basketball/ volleyball court and a games room with a ping pong table. There's complimentary yoga classes once a week, bikes and helmets for all the family to borrow, crab racing, stargazing and guided kayaking tours.
• Grand House Algarve is a five star boutique hotel in a beautifully renovated 1920s building. While that introduction might not sound particularly family friendly, this is a great size hotel for families, with 31 rooms and suites — all of them huge, and there are numerous possibilities for arranging them to suit your family. They also offer a babysitting service, and the location, Vila Real de San António, on the eastern edge of the Algarve, is much overlooked, but is a really great beach-side town, with a beautiful marina and plenty of quiet, golden sandy beaches. And just because you’re a parent doesn’t take away one’s appreciation for luxury and nice decor!

Great Algarve Escapes

• The Suites Alba is a peaceful villa resort on the almost hidden sandy cove of Albandeira, a pretty beach west from Albufeira. With natural colours all around you, neat, green landscaped gardens with an inviting pool, this is a great place to come to relax and do some independent exploration at your own pace. The villas are homely, with lounges and kitchenettes, but there’s an elegant sea-view restaurant too, and a spa.

Some of the Algarve’s Most Romantic Hotels

• Romantic and elegant, the Vila Joya is an excellent restaurant: it has two Michelin stars, in a wonderful location overlooking the ocean. It also has 22 five star rooms, in the same Moorish style as the restaurant. There’s plenty of activities on offer if you want to keep busy or build up an appetite, but this is also a great place to relax.
• The Vivenda Miranda is an intimate, 17th century villa surrounded by lush, tropical gardens atop a cliff overlooking the Atlantic. There are just 25 rooms and suites, decorated individually, but stylishly, with a bold use of colour, plus a stunning pool terrace and a fantastic Mediterranean restaurant. There’s also direct access to Porto de Mós beach.

The Best Rural Escapes in the Algarve

• Companhia das Culturas is a charmingly rustic hotel with views over the apricot, fig and olive trees of the 40 hectare working farm the Companhia das Culturas is located on. The accommodation is in beautifully converted outbuildings: whitewashed and decorated with antiques, and with views of the garden. There’s a saltwater pool, and spa. This is definitely a wi-fi free zone, with no TVs or music, and you’re encouraged to get back to nature.
• Monte da Vilarinha is a fabulous collection of lodges, studios and apartments in the midst of a beautiful valley surrounded by mountains, which makes it great for groups keen on outdoor pursuits. Expect all the mod cons. plus a lovely crescent-shaped pool and meals by arrangement.
• Vila Monte Farm House is large, but quite secluded, a light airy, moorish style retreat, amongst orange and olive groves, with 53 rooms and suites. This is the sort of place to come to relax, with two pools, tennis courts, an open air cinema and pottery and cookery lessons available. Food comes straight from their own farm, or from very local ones, and it’s all organic and flavourful, and as well as running cooking classes, you can go with the chef to a local fish market. There’s a house party feel and an ecological focus.

For Surfers

Head for the Atlantic coast for the best waves, long stretches of sandy beaches make the washing machine effect less painful.

• Muxima is a delightful eco retreat within striking distance of some of the best surfing beaches in the Algarve. There are just seven suites, all with generous proportions, a global theme and lovely terraces. You’re right on the edge of the nature reserve, and while you can’t see the beach from the terraces it’s a beautiful walk. And it’s very affordable. Surfing and body boarding lessons are available at Aljezur beach.

For Divers

The fauna and flora is truly stunning along the south coast with submerged caves and clear turquoise waters.

• Affordable and traditional, Dom Manuel I Charming Residence is an adults only hotel just 500 metres from one of the region’s most beautiful beaches. There are 33 rooms and suites, decorated with beautiful, traditional tiles, plus a friendly bar and a sauna. This is a great spot for divers because the Blue Ocean Diving School is on hand to offer instruction, and guide you to the most amazing local dive sites.
• Casa Fajara is another great choice for divers, or anyone wanting to learn to dive, offering a 4-6 night dive trip, where you can have a ‘try out’ scuba diving session in the hotel's pool before heading out with all the kit to open water. Aside from the pool this guesthouse benefits from being within the Costa Vincentina National Park, just five minutes from the beaches of Amada and Bordeira. They also have a tennis coach, yoga instructor, and you can take cooking classes.

Hotels with History

The usual impression of hotels in this area is of modern buildings, purpose built for the mass holiday market. We've discovered some gems that have their roots much farther back and have been converted to provide excellent, character-filled accommodation.

• The Pousada Convento Tavira is a beautifully restored, 16th century convent on Tavira’s castle hill, with cloisters dating from the Renaissance and 36 cosy bedrooms. Many of the rooms overlook the Pousada’s central courtyard, and some even have private balconies. There’s also a lovely pool and gardens. The decor is simple but stylish, and there’s a good range of room sizes, which run up to family suites. The restaurant serves regional classics.

The Algarve's Best Value Accommodation

• Quinto do Mel is a renovated, traditional farmhouse with just ten comfortable rooms, an outdoor pool and a small farm shop selling local farm produce. An adult’s only retreat with a feeling of calm and tranquility, this is a great place for walkers and birdwatchers.
• Casa Beleza do Sul is a four room casa in the unspoilt centre of charming Tavira. Occupying a beautifully restored 19th century house are stylish suites and self-catering apartments designed by the owner, who’s an architect. The beautiful mosaic floors are original, as is the shady roof terrace.
• With just three rooms and three self-catering cottages and apartments, the Quinta da Colina is one of our smallest recommendations, but we love this B&B because it’s such a tastefully converted traditionally Algarvian manor, in such a beautiful spot, surrounded by six hectares of its own grounds, which include olive, carob and orange groves. This is a great place to come to really relax and escape.

Prefer a villa or apartment?

• If you’d prefer to stay in an apartment or private villa we recommend you visit our online partner, booking.com.

Travel Information

• Want to fly to Algarve?

• Faro Airport is the Algarve’s main airport, and it’s just two and a half miles outside Faro. There are lots of buses from the airport to Faro, but it’s also fairly easy to catch a bus between the airport and other Algarvian centres. There aren’t any trains from the airport, but there are plenty of regional trains up and down the coast between Faro and Lagos — be prepared for a scenic, rather than fast, journey.
• If you’re thinking about hiring a car we recommend checking what our online partners, Rentalcars have to offer.
• With all its sunshine, the Algarve is a year round destination. Perhaps there’s more rain in April and November, but it’s generally lovely, even February can offer temperatures of up to 17 - 20ºC degrees — take a sweater for the evenings, though. The temperature heats up from May to October, with July and August reaching 32 or 33ºC.

Still not sure where to stay in the Algarve?

• You could refine your search to just the best places to stay in Faro, or the the best places to Stay in Tavira, or even the best places to stay in Sagres.
• Or you could refine your search by the kind of accommodation you’re looking for, and search for just the best beach hotels in the Algarve, or the best hotels for families in the Algarve.
• Alternatively, you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in the Algarve