The Algarve is the southernmost region of mainland Portugal, and it is the most popular holiday destination in Portugal and also one of the most popular in Europe as a whole. Most of the region's major towns, cities and tourist resorts are located close to the Mediterranean coastline. Tourism and food are the main contributors to the local economy.
The Algarve region houses a wide range of accommodation options. All-inclusive deals at reputable hotels are relatively few and far between, but all other accommodation desires are well catered for.
There are numerous hotels that are by the seaside, and there are many luxurious 4 and 5-star hotels, and also some good budget options- some of the 3-star hotels are comparably highly rated by many viewers to the best 4 and 5-star hotels. Those who prefer self-catering accommodation also have a wide choice.
Many of the hotels also boast spectacular views around the surrounding area, and many have attractive outdoor swimming pools and outdoor eating areas with palm trees.
Budget
There are numerous good budget options in the Algarve.
Consider the Estalgem do Guadiana hotel, at Avenida de Espanha, Alcoutim, where rooms are reputed to be clean and spacious, and the food is generally high quality, and there is an attractive swimming pool area with palm trees.
Hotel Frentomar boasts good sea views and is close to the nearest beaches. Another good choice is the three-star Velamar Hotel at Olhos d'Agua, Albufeira, which offers a range of good facilities including a swimming pool, a bar and restaurants, at low prices.
Hotel Zodiaco, at Fonte Nova, Quarteira, is another good budget option which offers good bed and breakfast deals.
If you are happy to try a youth hostel then the Lagos Youth Hostel is probably your best bet.
There are also many budget apartments available as accommodation options, particularly in the Albufeira area.
Aparthotel Olhos d'Agua at Olhos d'Agua, Albufeira, is well worth considering, as it contains 41 spacious apartments that are available at low prices, and a swimming pool area.
Casa Mitchell Apartments in Rua do Tenis, Albufeira are another good budget option. The apartments at Vale de Carros, at Olhos d'Agua, Albufeira, are also good. A good alternative at Lagos is the Apartamentos Turisticos Marsol.
Self-catering
The Algarve contains a wide range of self-catering outlets, which typically offer a range of amenities including shared outdoor pools, air conditioning, dining rooms with many kitchen appliances, and more.
Vilabaranca Apartments at Torraltinha, Lagos offers self-catering budget accommodation and offer advice as to which restaurants and facilities to use in the nearby area, and there is also a large swimming pool.
Quinta das Palmeiras in the Lagos area is also a reliable option. In Albufeira, there are many good self-catering outlets including Charming Villa in Albufeira and Club Albufeira Poolside
There are numerous outlets in the Faro district too, including the Vista Bonita at Porches, the Atlantida Algarve Holiday Home, Vilamoura (good for proximity to various golf courses) and Praia Village, also at Vilamoura. At Quarteria, the Verandas de Carteia is a good choice.
All inclusive
The Algarve has a large number of all-inclusive hotels, but there is a comparative shortage of reliable hotels that have all-inclusive options and deals.
The Adriana Beach Club Resort at Olhos de Agua, Albufeira contains all-inclusive options and is situated next to the nearest beach, and also includes good dining options.
The Villa Gale Nautico, situated at Armacao de Pera, contains facilities including a swimming pool, gym and jacuzzi and some good food as part of the all-inclusive deal.
Alfagar II Aparthotel, at Santa Eulalia, Albufeira, contains restaurants, a large swimming pool and a water slide and is only moderately expensive, and has all-inclusive deals.
For those with fairly large budgets, the 4-star Porto Bay Falesia at Quinta do Milharo, Albufeira has good all-inclusive options.
A cheap three-star all-inclusive option is Hotel Atismar at Av Dr. Francisco Sa Carneiro, Quarteira.
Agua Hotels Riverside is another reasonably cheap all-inclusive resort, where the rooms and food are generally well-received by visitors, although some visitors complain of unpleasant smells from the nearby river.
Other fairly cheap and good all-inclusive hotels include the Vila Gale Cerro Alagoa at Rua do Municipio, Albufeira, and the Alto da Colina Aparthotel in the Balaia area, Albufeira.
On the beach
The three-star Dom Jose Beach Hotel offers very good value for money with accommodation very close to the nearest beach, and a good on-site restaurant.
The Hotel Da Rocha at Praia da Rocha, Portimao is situated right across the beach, making the beach very accessible, and offers good value for money, being 4-star but relatively inexpensive.
The similarly reasonable 4-star Eurotel Altura, at Praia de Altura, Altura, provides buffet meals, and has some good views over the sea front from many of the hotel bedrooms.
For those on a tight budget, the Hotel Frentomar is a very good budget option.
Those who are happy with self-catered accommodation can consider the Vilabaranca Apartments at Torraltinha, Lagos.
For those with a large budget, Hotel Belavista da Luz at Praia da Luz, Luz, is close to the beach and sea, and is good for dining facilities and golf packages, as well as offering luxury 5-star accommodation.
Martinhal Beach Resort & Hotel at Urbanizacao Quinta do Martinhal, Sagres offers a range of five-star accommodation and a range of facilities including swimming pools, a spa and leisure facilities, and facilities for children too.
Aparthotel Sagres Time at Rua de Taipa, Sagres is recommended for its overall quality of service and facilities and boasts luxurious apartments.
Dunas Douradas Beach Club at Sitio do Garrao, Almancil is situated next to one of the popular beaches in the Algarve and boasts luxurious apartments and a large swimming pool.
For a less expensive but still quite luxurious hotel, the 4-star Porto Bay Falesia at Quinta do Milharo, Albufeira is a good option and has a good on-site restaurant.
Top end
Aparthotel Sagres Time at Rua de Taipa, Sagres is recommended for its overall quality of service and facilities, and luxury apartments. There is a large outdoor swimming pool, which is best used in the summer half-year, though the summer half-year tends to be busier than the winter half-year.
Conrad Algarve at Estrada da Quinta do Lago, Quinta do Lago offers a wide range of good facilities, and the meals at the in-house Gusto restaurant are well-received by customers. The hotel also includes a spa pool, as well as a range of other pools.
Another good alternative at Quinta da Lago is Four Seasons Fairways, which allows visitors to choose from numerous luxury villas to rent, and it also has golf facilities (available at a discount for those who rent one of the villas) and a clubhouse which includes a Jacuzzi, a restaurant and a gym, swimming and tennis facilities.
Cascade Resort at Praia do Canavial, Lagos offers a range of winter and summer activities, a spa, and a restaurant, as well as five-star luxury accommodation.
The Lake Spa Resort at Avenida Cerro da Vila, Vilamoura offers a range of recreational facilities, and is particularly handy for the various golf courses around Vilamoura, and includes a buffet breakfast and 5-star accommodation.
Also recommended for its golf packages is Hotel Belavista da Luz at Praia da Luz, Luz, which is close to the sea and is particularly highly-rated for its dining facilities.
Bela Vista- Hotel, Restaurant & Spa at Praia da Rocha, Portimao is a luxury 5-star hotel which is particularly well-received for its dining options, level of service and spa.
Vale d'Oliverias Quinta Resort & Spa at Sesmarias, Carvoeiro includes restaurants, a large spa pool, and golf facilities.
Those visiting the popular Albufeira area should consider the Riu Palace Algarve at Olhos d'Agua, Albufeira or the Porto Bay Falesia at Quinta do Milharo, Albufeira. Both offer good 4-star accommodation, both features good dining options, and both hotels are also very close to the nearest beach.
With a spa
The Real Marina Hotel & Spa at Olhao is relatively inexpensive for a 5-star hotel, and contains good accommodation and an on-site bar and restaurant, while there are numerous restaurants nearby as well, and golf facilities are also offered.
Memmo Baleeira Hotel at Sagres contains a good spa and is also close to the nearest beaches and has good facilities for those interested in surfing.
The Villa Monte Resort at Sitio Dos Calicos, Moncarapacho is a quiet spa hotel with golf facilities.
For those with a large budget, Conrad Algarve at Estrada da Quinta do Lago, Quinta do Lago is recommended for its high-quality services, facilities, restaurants and pools.
Cascade Resort at Praia do Canavial, Lagos is another luxury option, which also organises a range of family-oriented activities.
Lake Spa Resort at Avenida Cerro da Vila, Vilamoura, as well as offering 5-star accommodation and spa pools, handy for the golf courses around Vilamoura.
Bela Vista Hotel, Restaurant & Spa at Praia da Rocha, Portimao is a luxury 5-star hotel which is particularly well-received for its dining options, level of service and spa.
The Vale d'Oliverias Quinta Resort & Spa at Sesmarias, Carvoeiro can also be recommended for its large spa pool.
Martinhal Beach Resort & Hotel at Urbanizacao Quinta do Martinhal, Sagres offers a range of five-star accommodation and a range of facilities including swimming pools, a spa and leisure facilities, as well as enjoying close proximity to the nearest beach.
Family friendly
The Algarve contains a wide range of family-friendly outlets, many of which contain good facilities for children. Most of the expensive high-range hotels cater well for families, and there are some good budget options too for those who find the prices of the 4 and 5-star accommodation rather steep.
For those on limited to moderate budgets, a good choice is the three-star Velamar Hotel at Olhos d'Agua, Albufeira, which offers a range of good facilities including a swimming pool, a bar and restaurants, at low prices.
Vilabaranca Apartments at Torraltinha, Lagos offers self-catering budget accommodation and offer advice as to which restaurants and facilities to use in the nearby area, and there is also a large swimming pool.
The 4-star Porto Bay Falesia at Quinta do Milharo, Albufeira is a relatively expensive option, offering good accommodation and facilities and proximity to a popular beach and good on-site restaurants.
The Alfagar II Aparthotel, at Santa Eulalia, Albufeira, contains restaurants, a large swimming pool and a water slide and is only moderately expensive.
The three-star Dom Jose Beach Hotel offers very good value for money with accommodation very close to the nearest beach, and a good on-site restaurant.
For families after good golf packages, recommended is the 4-star Hotel Belavista da Luz at Praia da Luz, Luz.
The nearby Estrela da Luz at Praia da Luz is also a good-value 4-star option with an indoor heated pool, Jacuzzi, spa, and a gym, as well as an on-site restaurant.
For those with a large budget, Cascade Resort at Praia do Canavial, Lagos has a range of family-oriented activities as well as a spa pool, a restaurant and luxury 5-star accommodation.
The5-star Lake Spa Resort at Avenida Cerro da Vila, Vilamoura also offers a range of family-friendly facilities and is also handy for the golf courses around Vilamoura.
Aparthotel Sagres Time at Rua de Taipa, Sagres is recommended for those with a lot of cash to spare for its overall quality of 5-star service and facilities, as well as a large outdoor swimming pool.
Also consider the Four Seasons Country Club at Av. Andre Jordan, Quinta do Lago, which contains numerous luxury villas and apartments situated among pleasant gardens, and the dining facilities including restaurants and a bar are highly-rated.
Dunas Douradas Beach Club at Sitio do Garrao, Almancil is situated next to one of the popular beaches in the Algarve and boasts luxurious apartments and a large swimming pool.
Martinhal Beach Resort & Hotel at Urbanizacao Quinta do Martinhal, Sagres offers a range of five-star accommodation and a range of facilities including swimming pools, a spa and leisure facilities, and children are also well catered for.
Also consider the Riu Palace Algarve at Olhos d'Agua, Albufeira, which offers good 4-star accommodation and is close to the nearby beach and has good dining options.
Romantic retreats
The Martinhal Beach Resort & Hotel at Urbanizacao Quinta do Martinhal, Sagres offers a range of five-star accommodation and a range of facilities including swimming pools, a spa and leisure facilities, as well as enjoying close proximity to the nearest beach.
Romantik Hotel Vivenda Miranda, situated at Porto de Mos, Lagos, is a good 4-star option for relaxation, it is five minutes' walk away from the nearest beach, and it offers good romantic dining options.
Also recommended is the Quinta Jacintina Hotel, at Quinta Jacintina, Almancil, which is a boutique hotel and offers wedding planners and golf packages, among other attractions.
The 4-star Porto Bay Falesia at Quinta do Milharo, Albufeira is relatively expensive but also serves as a good romantic retreat, and has a range of good restaurants and is close to the nearest beach.
A good inexpensive option is the Herdade da Corte hotel at Santa Catarina Da Fonte Do Bispo, Tavira, a small relaxing hotel surrounded by greenery, with a good swimming pool and it also contains a lounge bar.
Quinto Do Mar Da Luz at Sitio Cama da Vaca, Lagos is similarly inexpensive and has pleasant outdoor surroundings with palm trees and a large swimming pool, although it is difficult to get access to nearby attractions without a car.
A good-value option is Quinta da Cebola Vermelha at Boliqueime, which has a quiet family atmosphere and an outdoor area with a swimming pool, and the option of having breakfast outside if the weather is suitable.
At the Vila Praia D Ana at Lagos, the Dom Manuel Hotel which contains a pool area and some high quality dining options, and a relaxed atmosphere.
Boutique & B&Bs
There are many good bed and breakfast options in the Algarve region, though good boutique outlets are fewer in number.
Duas Quintas at Santo Estevao, Silves is a relaxing B&B option which is situated at an old farmhouse, with a scenic outdoor swimming pool. It is possible to stay at an apartment or at the main B&B.
The three-star Vila Channa Hotel, located at Sao Rafael, Albufeira, offers good B&B options and houses a large outdoor swimming pool and elegant surroundings.
Also consider Quinta da Nina at Rua do Moinho da Encarnacao 1, Lagos, with good value and quality bed and breakfast and some good surrounding views.
For those with a large budget, Casa Tres Palmeiras at Praia do Vau, Portimao, is a luxurious B&B outlet surrounded by spectacular scenery and views, and high quality bed and breakfast.
Vilacampina Guesthouse at Luz de Tavira, Tavira lies adjacent to quiet beaches and serves an impressive breakfast.
In Faro, the capital of the Algarve, Winniehill Bed and Breakfast is easy to recommend for its good views and high-quality breakfasts.
Quinta das Achadas at Lagos, Odiaxere is also worth considering as it is reputed to have a very friendly and welcoming atmosphere with good bed and breakfast facilities.
The Quinta Bonita Luxury Boutique Hotel is a luxurious 4-star boutique located at Quatro Estrados, Lagos, offering good bed and breakfast and also a special weekly evening meal
Bela Vista Hotel, Restaurant & Spa at Praia da Rocha, Portimao is a luxury 5-star boutique hotel which is particularly well-received for its dining options, level of service and spa.
For budget boutique options, Mareta Beach Boutique Bed & Breakfast at Mareta, Sagres, and the Quinta Jacintina Hotel, at Quinta Jacintina, Almancil, offer excellent value.