The Algarve , the southernmost region of Portugal, has about 240 kilometres of coastline from Cabo de Sant Vicente (the most southwestern point in Europe) to the Guadiana River which marks the border with Spain.
The Algarve is officially divided into 16 municipalities, the most popular destinations in the Algarve and those that offer the most atmosphere and accommodation are the cities of Albufeira and Portimao.
If, on the contrary, you are looking for a quieter trip, the Silves and Tavira areas are ideal, as they receive fewer tourists and maintain a more traditional atmosphere, while Faro , the capital, is an interesting destination with three beaches and good communication to other areas, although many tourists only use it in passing.
If you are looking for the most heavenly beaches , some of the most recognized are in Lagos , as the Porto de Mós , and between Albufeira and Portimao , as the beach of Carvoeiro.
If you are interested in knowing where to stay in the Algarve , you may also be interested in knowing where to stay in Lisbon or where to stay in Porto
Best places to stay in the Algarve
Albufeira
It was once a picturesque fishing village, but now Albufeira has lost its vestiges of the past and has a modern marina southwest of the city.The old town with its cobbled streets and Moorish influence is now mixed with advertisements for restaurants and many bars.The old town with its cobbled streets and Moorish influence is now mixed with advertisements for restaurants and bars and is one of the best places to stay if you are on a budget.
Amongst the tourists who usually visit this area are the British and Germans who don’t want to spend too much, so you will find plenty of cheap food and drink options.the beaches here are beautiful although in high season they can be very crowded.
Read more about where to stay in Albufeira.
Portimao
It is an important centre for fishing and tourism and has about 55,000 inhabitants.
The outskirts are untidy and chaotic, although in the centre there are many recommended places, such as Praça Manuel Teixeira Gomes or the promenade which has a very pleasant atmosphere.
Accommodation in Portimao
Lighthouse
The capital of the Algarve has a very Portuguese atmosphere, more so than most of the tourist cities in the country.It has an attractive marina, several well-kept parks and squares, as well as a pedestrianised historic centre with open-air cafés, and its student population guarantees a lively nightlife, as well as an important theatre scene.
From Faro you can reach – by sea – Ilha Deserta (deserted island), which as its name indicates is a completely uninhabited area of the Ria Formosa.it is one of the best preserved and less frequented beaches, so it is a paradise for those who like to avoid the highly touristic areas.but if you do not want to make the trip, there are also three beaches in Faro: Ilha da Barreta, Ilha da Faro and Ilha do Farol.
Faro Accommodation
Lagos
Lagos, with its 35,000 inhabitants, is a city that combines tourism with history and is recognized as a sustainable tourist destination.Like Faro, it offers practical advantages that are combined with an exceptional location, surrounded by excellent beaches, both in the form of large sands and curious rock formations, characteristics of this coast.
Lagos has 11 beaches, some of the most outstanding in all of Portugal, such as Porto de Mós, very much appreciated by those who appreciate tranquility.When there is a lot of humidity, clay accumulates in the area of the rocks, which according to the inhabitants has medicinal properties. It has a large parking area, restaurants and bathrooms and has surveillance in the Balearic era. It also has the Dona Ana beach, another that is recognized as one of the best in Portugal.
And of course, Ponta Piedade should not be missed, with different rock formations up to 20 meters high, and is one of the most interesting tourist spots in the region for photography.to access this beach by land you must leave the lighthouse of Ponta da Piedade and then go on foot by the stairs created on the slopes.from Lagos you can hire excursions to this beach by sailing boat or small fishing boats.
Accommodation in Lagos
Tavira
A sober and quiet town crossed by the waters of the River Gilao, which offers the traveller the first contact with the native architecture of the Algarve, through its many mansions and churches.
The ruins of a castle hill, an ancient Roman bridge and a handful of Gothic and Renaissance churches are among Tavira’s historical attractions.
Accommodation in Tavira
Silves
Silves is an attractive town with orange-roofed houses that have spread out over the banks of the River Arade and one of the Algarve’s best-preserved castles and charming little streets.
There are also some rural accommodation options around Silves for those who enjoy this type of holiday, the train station is 2 kilometres south of the city
