Where to Stay in the Algarve: Complete First-Time Visitor’s Guide

Are you going to the Algarve for the first time?

Welcome! We love exploring the Algarve, and without a doubt, you will too! Important to realize, Portugal offers something for every type of traveler, and the Algarve stands as one of its most captivating regions. To demonstrate our expertise, we’ve curated a guide to where to stay in the Algarve for first-time visitors.

First thing to remember, choosing the right accommodation requires careful consideration. Your travel style, budget, and preferred activities will significantly influence which area suits you best. With this in mind, we’ve detailed the 10 best locations for first-time visitors to base themselves along the Algarve coast.

Where to Stay in the Algarve? Map Locations

The Algarve has many different places. You could stay almost anywhere and enjoy your time. However, you should choose the right area for how you like to travel.

Quick Guide: Where to Stay in the Algarve

Your Perfect Location Depends on Your Travel Style

Take the case of these top Algarve destinations, each offering unique experiences for different types of travelers:

Beach Lovers & Foodies

• Armação de Pêra: A paradise combining pristine beaches with vibrant culinary scenes – from casual cafes to ice cream parlors and restaurants.

Traditional Charm & Nightlife

• Alvor: Popular beach town Algarve location blending traditional Portuguese character with lively tourist amenities.
• Albufeira: The ultimate party destination featuring affordable accommodation and energetic entertainment.

First-Time Visitors & Accessibility

• Lagos: Perfect base for Algarve newcomers, offering walking distance beach accommodation and easy access to major attractions.
• Faro: Capital city providing excellent Algarve public transport accessibility and urban conveniences.

Relaxation & Romance

• Tavira: Medieval charm meets gorgeous beaches – ideal for those seeking quiet vs busy Algarve locations.
• Quarteira: Romantic getaway spot with serene beaches and intimate atmosphere.

Family-Friendly & Activities

• Carvoeiro: Best Algarve town for families with beautiful beaches and nearby attractions.
• Portimão: Combines beach life with modern shopping, perfect for varied family interests.

Sports & Adventure

Sagres: Surfer’s paradise featuring laid-back vibes and proximity to premier surf spots.

1. Where to Stay in the Algarve for: Beaches, Restaurants and Ice Cream

Armação de Pêra

Overview and Location

Armação de Pêra is a resort town situated in a wide bay, which stretches from Senhora da Rocha all the way to Praia da Galé. Most compelling evidence shows its main attraction, Praia de Armação de Pêra beach, draws both Portuguese and international tourists.

Personal Experience

To illustrate the charm, I remember my first visit to Armação de Pêra – I was instantly captivated by the colorful fishing boats on the sand and the vibrant atmosphere along the promenade. It’s a memory that always brings a smile to my face.

Beach Description

In particular, this beach is quite expansive – about 50 meters wide and over a kilometre long. Essentially, it is one extended sandy shore lined with many Algarve cliff beach resorts and apartments behind it. Furthermore, the sand feels fine and pleasant for strolling, while the calm, transparent waters invite swimming.

Summer Season

During the hot summer, the Praia de Armação de Pêra beach gets very crowded. Nevertheless, because of its huge size, there’s always enough room for you to find a spot and enjoy yourself.

The Boulevard

As a matter of fact, behind the sandy area, a fun boulevard extends for over a kilometre. You’ll see lots of restaurants and bars on this lively walkway.

Especially in the summer months, this long promenade makes the village feel vibrant and energetic.

Local Fishing Culture

On the eastern side, you can spot colorful fishing boats on the sand and fishermen repairing nets and tending to their vessels. Specifically, just behind are fishermen’s huts used for storing gear. Together with the local culture, this section is known as Praia dos Pescadores or “fishermen’s beach.”

2. Where to Stay in the Algarve for: A Relaxing, Beach-Based Holiday

Alvor

Alvor sits beside the Ria de Alvor river inlet in Algarve, while toward the south, Praia do Alvor beach spreads its huge sandy expanse for you.

Traditional Portuguese Atmosphere

The town of Alvor itself has a distinctively Portuguese feel that you’ll experience. Traditional whitewashed homes line the narrow, stone-paved streets you’ll stroll. In like manner, you’ll see fishing boats moored along the riverside. Although Alvor is relatively small, it nevertheless surprisingly hosts many restaurants, shops, and late-night spots clustered down-town for you.

Seasonal Appeal

Family friendly areas Algarve stays are abundant here during the summer to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere. On the contrary, the non-peak season brings elder visitors who prefer the calmer vibe you can experience.

Activities and Attractions

Your vacation may primarily revolve around the beach. Even so, the surrounding region also offers much for you to explore – exciting water-parks, boat tours, golf courses, nature trails, and dolphin watching tours.

Day Trip Options

To enumerate, day-trips allow you to visit the fortified town of Silves, Portimão’s historic city centre, or the lively Praia da Rocha resort.

Holiday Experience

Without reservation, Alvor combines the key elements for your perfect beach holiday – vast sandy shores, glorious sunny weather, and exceptional value in Portugal.

Resort Development

At the present time, this former fishing village has developed responsibly into a popular tourist destination for you. Along the coastline are resort hotels vs local apartments, whereas in the town itself, you’ll find authentic Portuguese restaurants and lively bars.

Authentic Character

For this reason, Alvor retains its traditional, non-commercialized Portuguese charm and character unlike many other beach towns.

Size and Atmosphere

Under those circumstances, Alvor provides ample dining and shopping options for you without feeling overwhelming. In the same fashion, its smaller scale discourages the presence of rowdy groups, allowing you much calmer summer days compared to the larger Albufeira, Praia da Rocha, Lagos or Vilamoura resorts.

3. Where to Stay in the Algarve For: First-Time Visitors

Lagos

You’ll find Lagos is one of the most visited spots in Portugal itineraries. In fact, best towns Algarve first time visitors seek out its iconic beaches, charming surroundings, rich heritage, and great tourist facilities.

Tourist-Friendly Environment

To clarify, the established tourism infrastructure makes Lagos an easy place to feel welcomed and comfortable. For first-time travelers abroad in particular, the familiar cobblestone streets and white houses lined with bars and restaurants create a welcoming atmosphere.

Convenient Location

As a matter of fact, where to base yourself Algarve coast couldn’t be easier – Lagos offers all necessary amenities. Given that it’s conveniently close to the Algarve’s famous beaches and attractions, there’s no need for extensive travel.

Authentic Experience Options

While the tourist crowds can affect the authentic Portuguese feel, important to realize you can easily day-trip to more traditional towns like Olhao or Tavira. On balance, Lagos makes an excellent Algarve base for exploring, especially for first-timers.

Algarve Day Tours

4. Where to Stay in the Algarve For: The Best Nightlife

Albufeira

Entertainment Options

While some may prefer hiking or cycling, others surely agree a fun night out is just as vital for staying fit while travelling. To point out, the Albufeira resort area guide shows it’s ideal for a joyous time dancing the night away.

Beach and City Life

In similar fashion, this coastal city perfectly balances nightlife with daytime activities – from experiencing vibrant bars to simply cruising along the promenade and sandy beaches.

Town Layout

What’s more, Albufeira’s old town has a unique character. White houses and stone streets sit high on a hill, overlooking the beach below. As has been noted, this historic quarter makes Albufeira stand out. In the meantime, the modern strip lies below, adjacent to the sea, with a vast beach right outside.

Day and Night Activities

In due time after enjoying the many beach-front bars on the promenade, you can choose between relaxing on the expansive beach, exploring the charming old town streets above, or taking a day trip to one of the famous nearby locations.

5. Where to Stay in the Algarve for: A City Break

Faro

In the Algarve, Faro is perfect for a city experience. The exceptional character, colours, and cobblestone streets will steal a piece of your heart.

City Character

To put it differently, while not as expansive as Portugal’s main cities like Lisbon or Porto, quiet vs busy Algarve locations find their balance here. Faro maintains an authentic city atmosphere while providing easy access to beaches and natural attractions.

Unique Attractions

Be that as it may, if you seek sandy beaches and distinctive sights like bone-decorated walls, Faro is ideal. With attention to historical treasures, visit Capela Dos Ossos or Ilha Deserta before exploring the quaint cobblestone streets or Natural Park wildlife.

6. Where to Stay in the Algarve for: A Peaceful Beach Break

Tavira

Tavira is one of the best Algarve spots for anyone seeking tranquillity. Rather than Carvoeiro, Tavira historic district stays offer unique charm with its beaches, churches, and Gilao River. Above all, this city boasts protected waterways and untouched countryside.

Personal Experience

In the light of my visit to Tavira, I was captivated by its serene atmosphere. At length, I explored the charming streets one afternoon, admiring the white houses and absorbing the peaceful ambiance. It provided a welcome escape from the usual daily bustle.

Authentic Portuguese Experience

Comparatively speaking, it attracts fewer tourists than other Eastern vs Western Algarve stay options, ensuring a genuinely tranquil experience. By all means, you can alternate between beach relaxation with a good book and cultural exploration en route to your accommodation. The town’s authentic character shines through its distinctive Portuguese whitewashed houses and cobblestone streets.

Algarve Day Tours

7. Where Should Visit in the Algarve for: Beaches and Hiking

Carvoeiro

This region has some of Algarve’s best beaches. In the same way, the tranquil atmosphere makes it an exceptional choice for walking distance beach accommodation.

Scenic Setting

Of course, with iconic white houses perched right above the beach, Carvoeiro stands as one of Portugal’s most picturesque towns.

Dual Appeal

On one hand, Carvoeiro offers a calming beach holiday. On the other hand, best Algarve town for families shines through with its abundance of fun activities for children.

Activities and Attractions

For one thing, this versatile destination features hiking trails, boat tours, and theme parks. To enumerate the highlights: explore the famous Benagil cave, relax at beautiful Praia do Carvoeiro beach, or enjoy Slide and Splash water park.

Best Time to Visit

Important to realize, families will find Carvoeiro most enjoyable during the summer months.

8. Where Should You Stay In the Algarve for: A Beach Holiday With Shopping

Portimão

While this region is best known for popular Praia da Rocha beach, Which part of Algarve is best to stay depends on your interests. Take the case of Portimão’s beautiful architecture and rich history, exemplified by sites like Igreja Matriz de Portimao catholic church.

Shopping Paradise

In effect, the region’s reputation stems from the vibrant markets and shops along streets like Diogo Tome and Portades da Sao Joao. Together with exceptional retail options, you can savor freshly caught local fish.

Perfect Combination

Most important, Algarve public transport accessibility makes Portimão ideal for combining beach leisure with shopping adventures. Under those circumstances, if you’re seeking to blend seaside relaxation with retail therapy, this location proves perfect.

9. Where Should Couples Stay in the Algarve for: A Romantic Getaway

Quarteira

This region is particularly popular with Portuguese tourists. To emphasize, it holds the distinction of being the first resort town within the greater Algarve accommodation guide resorts.

Authentic Experience

As an illustration, Quarteira provides couples with a genuine Portuguese atmosphere, making it ideal for those seeking a more authentic experience than resort hotels vs local apartments typically offer.

Year-Round Appeal

In the long run, Quarteira maintains its charm throughout the year. Particularly, many travelers discover their perfect tranquil European winter sun experience here.

Value and Activities

Given these points, this local treasure offers reasonable prices even during peak season. Most compelling evidence shows that the combination of exceptional restaurants, boat tours, and dolphin watching creates an ideal romantic setting for couples.

Algarve Day Tours

10. Where Should You Stay in the Algarve for: A Surfing Holiday

Sagres

An Algarve trip isn’t complete without surfing! In essence, where to stay Algarve without car is simplified in Sagres, as it’s conveniently close to numerous surf spots.

Personal Experience

For the purpose of sharing my surfing journey, I explored Sagres extensively. Throughout my stay, I rode waves at various beaches. At the same time, the magnificent cliffs and relaxed atmosphere of the town left a lasting impression, making it my preferred surfing destination in the Algarve.

Town Atmosphere

Speaking of the town’s character, you’ll find a laid-back ambiance with charming bars, restaurants, and local shops. In this case, the scenic beaches, crowned by towering cliffs above turquoise seas, create an ideal surfer’s paradise.

Local Attractions

To put it another way, you can explore landmarks like Praia de Mareta beach or the Cabo de Sao Vicente lighthouse. As can be seen, its dramatic cliff-top location offers breathtaking sunset views.

Surfing Facilities

Equally important, surfing equipment is readily available for rental at the main beaches. By comparison to other locations, Sagres accommodates both beginners and experienced surfers effectively.

Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in the Algarve

All things considered, here’s your ultimate guide on where you should stay in the Algarve, Portugal! The region offers everything from resort hotels vs local apartments to quiet vs busy Algarve locations.

Final Recommendations

In summary, the Algarve stands as a magnificent region, demonstrating why it consistently appears on European travel bucket lists. Whether seeking walking distance beach accommodation or vibrant nightlife, there’s a perfect spot for every traveler.

Beyond the Algarve

For the most part, while Portugal boasts numerous beautiful destinations like the Douro Valley, Obidos, Nazaré and Evora, the best towns Algarve first time visitors discover often become lifetime favorites. To conclude, whether you’re looking for Algarve public transport accessibility or secluded beaches, this guide helps you find your ideal location.

Our Guides to Portugal

Travel Guide for Where to Stay in the Algarve

Travel Insurance for Your Trip to Algarve

Buying insurance is always valuable when travelling abroad. Therefore, enjoy your holiday in Portugal stress-free with one of my favourite providers, Visitors Coverage Insurance.

Renting a Car in Portugal

Indeed, renting a car in Portugal is easy and is a great way to explore the island freely. Consequently, I recommend booking yours with Rentalcars.com – they offer a variety of operators for all budgets.

Finding the Perfect Accommodation

The best way to book your accommodation in Portugal is with Booking.com. In fact, it’s my go to site to compare and reserve places to stay each night, from affordable guesthouses to luxury hotels.

Booking Flights to Portugal

Lastly, for air travel, I recommend booking your flight with Omio. Moreover, it has been my favourite platform for years, as it allows me to book the cheapest flights to visit Portugal.