Algarve Resorts (from west to east)

Our Algarve guide begins in the rugged west coastal region at Sagres, and continues eastward finishing at Villa Real on the Spanish border. Generally the scenery is more spectacular in the west of the Algarve, with smaller beaches nestling in small coves and bays. The east offers flatter landscape and long stretches of sandy beaches.

Sagres

Those visitors interested in spectacular scenery and walking, or experienced surfers may consider basing themselves on the far south western tip of the Algarve. Sagres is around a 2 hour drive from Faro, and resembles Wales in terms of its landscape. The beaches here can be dangerous due to the huge waves, and a number of unsuspecting people have been swept away in recent years. Sagres Fort is set on cliff tops above the sea and is a great place to view the fantastic landscape.

Luz

To the east of Sagres is the pretty resort of Luz and also the Praia da Luz ("Beach of Light") resort. Formerly a fishing village, Luz is now a popular family tourist destination, based around a series of villa complexes.

A few minutes to the west of Luz on the road to Sagres is the village of Burgau, a small fishing village which retains much of its original charm. Although Burgau is now firmly established on the Algarve tourist map, with new apartments appearing around the outskirts, the centre of the village is largely unspoilt, and is somewhat reminiscent of a small Cornish village.

Lagos

One of the most picturesque resorts in the Algarve, Lagos is known for its spectacular rock formations, Lagos Castle and the historical old town. Lagos offers some of the most beautiful coastline in all of the Algarve.

lagos is the perfect base for walkers, as it has easy access to the best scenery in the Algarve. There are plenty of coastal footpaths in the Lagos area. The best months for walking in the Algarve is from October to April when the temperatures are cooler.

Recommendation - Adega da Marina Restaurant - excellent value - great fish and quality wine. Around 10 Euros per person for a 3 course meal with wine

Alvor

Alvor is a traditional Portuguese fishing village located on a sheltered natural lagoon which opens out into the sea. The town is a maze of narrow cobbled streets, with an old parish church at the centre. There are plenty of restaurants in Alvor serving a variety of cuisine, catering for most tastes. The quayside restaurants provide fresh sea produce at very reasonable prices. Fish stews and grilled sardines are local specialities.

Deep sea fishing and boating trips are available at the harbour. Although this ancient coastal village is now a very popular holiday location the enclosed narrow streets have restricted the advances of developers, and much of the towns original charm is preserved. Many of these cobbled streets have bars with live music and different types of restaurants

Portimão

Portimão is one of the most densely populated cities in the Algarve, and is the largest town on the Barlavento/Western area of the Algarve. The waterfront area of Portimão has seen a lot of recent development, and there are some picturesque riverside views.

Praia da Rocha (beach of rocks) & Vau are nearby beaches where you can relax in the sun. The coastline around Portimão consists of sandy beaches and stunning colored rock formations. The Caves of Estombar are well worth a visit, as is the mosaic floor of the Roman villa at Figueira.

Carvoeiro

Carvoero is a small but very popular family resort located midway between Portimão and Albufeira. The resort is one of the most picturesque in all of the Algarve, comprising whitewashed houses built around the small bay. Like most of the Algarve resorts, Carvoeiro was formerly a fishing village, but has now developed into one of the most popular smaller resorts in the Algarve.

Recommendation - Zoomarine Waterpark - dolphin displays, sealions, seals and parrots as well as the usual waterpark pools and slides

Montechoro

Montechoro is a short distance from Albufeira old town (about 15 minutes) on the little train that takes you around the resort. The resort is lively in summer, and there are lots of Irish bars, especially near the Montechoro Hotel. In winter the resort is very quiet, tending to be frequented by older people.

Tip Many of the Albufeira bars have "Happy Hours" during which drink prices are reduced significantly. Be careful as measures are a lot larger than in the UK

Recommendation - Wild & Co bar/nightclub - excellent atmosphere.

Albufeira

Albufeira is considered by many to be a young people's destination, but there is plenty for older people and families to do, and the resort is much quieter outside the busy summer season.

If you are looking for a quiet resort, Albufeira is probably not the best choice for you.

The beaches are fantastic, and in the evening head for the Old Town and The Strip (the sea front area). There are plenty of restaurants, bars and nightclubs along the strip, and in the old town.

The town is effectively divided into 2 parts - the strip and the old town with its cobbled streets, shops, bars & cafes all based around a pretty town square.

Albufeira is also a good winter destination, with plenty of winter activities such as golf, fishing, boat trips and walking.

Travelling just a few kilometres to the west of Albufeira, the bars and shops are replaced by a landscape of orange and lemon groves, eucalyptus trees, pine forests, and cliffs with rugged beaches and spectacular waves and rock formations.

There is an abundance of wildlife especially in the spring and winter months, and the area is a haven for birds such as storks, egrets, wintering swallows and many species of butterflies. The beaches at Gale and Castello Everista are perfect for walkers.

To the east of Albufeira the landscape becomes flatter, and long stretches of sandy beaches replace the more rocky scenery of the west.

Vilamoura/Quarteira

Vilamoura is the most developed of the Algarve resorts and is popular with golfers and boat-owners, and could be considered as the Marbella of the Algarve. Vilamoura is centred on a marina surrounded by restaurants and bars.

Apartments and villas have been purpose built in the area surrounding the marina, and many are owned by British who use them as holiday homes. There are large sandy beaches to the east and west of the marina.

Recommendation - The fresh fish restaurant "Casa du Pescador" just off Vilamoura Marina is popular with both visitors and locals.

To the east of Vilamoura is Quarteira, which is a more typical Algarve town with a long sandy beach, and where prices are slightly lower. Quarteira is more favoured by Portuguese visitors, many of whom travel down from Lisbon to their holiday apartments in the summer months.

Recently there have been reports of an increase in crime against tourists in Quarteira, and for this reason we would not recommend visiting the area late at night.

Quarteira is the home of the popular Aquashow Water Park which is an ideal family day out if you are taking children.

Recommendation - Arco Iris Coffee Shop and Pastelaria opposite Quarteira bus station.

One of the best value fish restaurants in the Algarve is "O Rei do Peixe Assado" (The King of Grilled Fish) pictured below. The restaurant is located just outside Quarteira on the road to Loule close to Villa Sol golf course.

Quinta do Lago/Vale de Lobo

Situated just to the west of Faro Airport, Quinta do Lago and Vale de Lobo are purpose built complexes built around golf courses. Both have easy access to beaches, and have on site restaurants. The busy town of Almancil is a short distance from both.

Recommendation - Julias Restaurant located on beach between Quinta da Lago and Vale de Lobo

Faro

Although it is not renowned as a beach resort (the city centre of Faro has no beach), Faro beach located beyond Faro Airport boasts one of the best beaches in the Algarve. Faro beach is popular with Portuguese visitors, and parking can be tricky if you arrive late in peak season. The sea gets deep very quickly at Faro, so it is not ideal for small children or non-swimmers.

Tavira

Tavira has been developed significantly in recent years, but retains much of its original charm. A visit to the Old Town is recommended with its historic church and beautiful medieval houses with Gothic windows and doorways.

In the summer months the Praça da República area situated on the bank of the river is teaming with life. Outdoor restaurants and a market which continues into the evening make this one of the most popular resorts of the Algarve. The best beaches are located a short ferry ride away on Tavira Island which is part of the Ria Formosa nature reserve, but there are smaller beaches around the town which are popular with families.
Recommendation - Take the short ferry ride to the amazing beaches on Tavira Island

Monte Gordo

The former fishing village of Monte Gordo was one of the first tourist destinations on the Algarve and one of the first hotels in the area was built here in the sixties. One of the most beautiful areas of the Algarve is Monte Gordo beach which has fantastic scenery. Monte Gordo is also a place of good gastronomy. In the town there are a great number of bars and restaurants where you can taste the best of the traditional Algarve cuisine. The Restaurant Marisqueira Monte Gordo is a favourite destination for tourists.

Villa Real de Santo Antonio

The eastern most point of the Algarve, and located on the border with Spain is Villa Real de Santo Antonio. The town is a quiet destination, and far less developed than most of the resorts to the west of Faro. In 1991 a road bridge was built between the Algarve and Spain, making Spain easily accessible by car. Alternatively for foot passengers there is a ferry from Villa Real de Santo Antonio to Ayamonte in Spain. The ferry crossing takes about 15 minutes, and Ayamonte is worth visiting for a day trip.