Where to stay in the Algarve: the best towns for each kind of trip
The Algarve is about 150 km long, and where you stay changes your holiday. The west has the most dramatic cliffs and beaches, the centre has the big resorts, and the east is calmer, flatter and more traditional. Many visitors split their stay between two bases, one in the west and one in the east.
Lagos: the best base for the western Algarve
Lagos has a lively old town inside its walls, good restaurants and some of the most beautiful coastline in Portugal, at Ponta da Piedade and Dona Ana beach. It is a good base for boat and kayak trips and for day trips to Sagres and the Costa Vicentina.
It suits couples, friends and active travellers. In July and August the old town is busy until late.
Circuits that pass here: Algarve Cliffs · Costa Vicentina (Southwest Coast)
Carvoeiro: close to Benagil and the Seven Hanging Valleys
Carvoeiro is a small resort around a cove, between Lagos and Albufeira. It is the closest base to the Benagil sea cave and the Seven Hanging Valleys trail, and quieter than the big resorts.
It suits families and anyone who wants to be in the middle of the coast with a car.
Circuits that pass here: Algarve Cliffs
Albufeira: big resort, beaches and nightlife
Albufeira is the largest resort in the Algarve, with long beaches, many hotels of every size and a busy nightlife strip. It has the most choice and often good prices outside summer.
It suits groups and families who want everything close by. If you prefer a quiet stay, choose another town.
Tavira: calm, traditional and close to the islands
Tavira, in the east, is one of the prettiest towns in the Algarve, with a Roman bridge, many churches and low whitewashed houses. The sea is usually warmer here, and the long sandy beaches are on islands of the Ria Formosa, reached by small boat or the little train to Barril.
It suits couples and anyone who wants a slower, more local Algarve.
Circuits that pass here: Algarve Cliffs
Faro: the airport city
Faro has the region's airport and an attractive old town inside its walls, plus boat trips through the Ria Formosa lagoon to Ilha Deserta and Culatra. It is practical for the first or last night of a trip.
It suits short stays and travellers without a car, as it has the best bus and train links.
Circuits that pass here: Algarve Cliffs
Sagres: wild coast and surf
Sagres sits at the south-western tip of Portugal, close to Cape St. Vincent. It is windswept and relaxed, with surf schools, a historic fortress and dramatic sunsets.
It suits surfers, walkers and nature lovers. It is far from the rest of the Algarve, so plan to drive.
Circuits that pass here: Costa Vicentina (Southwest Coast)
Practical tips
- You will want a car to explore the Algarve. Buses link the main towns, but not most beaches and viewpoints.
- Book early for July and August, when prices are highest and the best hotels fill up.
- May, June and September have warm weather, a warm sea and fewer people.
- If you have a week, split it: 3 or 4 nights in the west (Lagos or Carvoeiro) and 3 nights in the east (Tavira).