ALGARVE

Portugal’s resort destination. Unwind on dreamlike beaches , explore rock formations and caves by boat, play golf on one of many leading golf courses, stroll through charming old towns with historical architecture. Fine food and wine everywhere you look with the freshest seafood! Towns with active nightlife and clubs. It has it all!

Getting There

By CAR: Typically it is 3.5-4 hours from Lisbon, but keep in mind that there can be traffic at times.

By TRAIN- Portugal’s amazing metro system strikes again! There is a fast train twice-a-day (Alfa Pendular) connects to Faro with stops in Albufeira and Louie around 3 hours. To get to Lagos, get off at Tunes and take regional train into Lagos.

BY BUSES- Many popular resort towns namely Albufeira, Armecao de Pera, Faro, Lagos, and Tavira are a 3-4 hour buss ride depending where final destination is. If you are looking to get to Lagos, train likely the best route!

WHERE TO STAY / VISIT

A breakdown of towns:

  • Tavira (cute town, stay there or it is a nice day trip from Vilamoura)

  • Albufeira, stick to old town. Don't stay near here, this is nightlife and seedy. Great day trip.

  • Portimao- a must see. Especially the famous beach, Praia da Rocha.

  • Porches, there isn’t much of a town here but highly suggest staying here! The two hotels below are two of the best hotels I’ve stayed at in Algarve. It is also where my cousin Ines stays.

    • Vila Vita Park (Porches)

    • Vilalara Thalassa (Porches)

  • Alvor, if you want a quiet trip. Lots of families. Day trip to Portimao

  • Sagres, tip of the Algarve, lots of nature. Away from other areas, but worth seeing if you have time!

  • Vilamoura- port town, lots of golfing. One of the most "posh" towns. Stay at the Vila Gale if you stay here.

  • Armacao de Pera (local beach town, not as touristy) some great restaurants for a day trip from Portimao/Porches if you choose to stay there. This is where my family have condos, lots of happy memories with my grandparents here.

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VILAMOURA: is the largest marina in Portugal and is the home to world class golfing and elegant hotels and restaurants. The town is vibrant with excellent restaurants, bars/clubs, and shops. Many boat tours leave from this marina to see local caves and it has a beyond beautiful beach (voted one of Portugal’s best) Praia de Falesia Beach.

  • It is a 20 minute drive to Albufeira (only worth going to old town Albufeira, the rest of the town is super touristy) and 20 minutes from Faro airport.

  • You can’t go wrong with restaurants in the Marina. One restaurant that is a bit out of town but worth the 12 min drive is called PARRILLA NATURAL. It is a secluded gourmet dining experience especially outside on their gorgeous deck set amongst mature gardens and a large pine tree covered in twinkle lights. Excellent food and drinks. Make reservations early…

  • Suggested Hotels:

    • Hilton Vilamoura As Cascatas Golf Resort

    • Tivoli Marina Vilamoura~ right in heart of Marina

    • The Residences at Victoria (a Tivoli Property) Hotel and separate condos. Golf course on sight and only a 5 mile drive to the marina

    • Pine Cliff (Marriott Property) Located midway between Albufeira and Vilamoura- Large complex with beautiful hotel and condos to rent. Multiple pools, a golf course, private beach and many restaurants

TAVIRA/TAVIRA ISLAND: A charming whitewashed town with cobbled townscape and is 40 miles east of Vilamoura. It is a hidden gem with history and 12th century castle ruins to explore and many churches to see. Has tourist train and tuk tuk tours to see the sights. Pretty beaches and Nature Park (Ria Formosa) to hike, bike, or take water taxi to private beach. Many restaurants and bars to visit!

  • Suggested Hotels:

    • Pousada Convento de Taviro- rebuilt 16th century convent now a luxury boutique hotel with onsite spa and restaurant

                   - Forte De Sao Joao Da Barra- former 16th century starwort with modern amenities in Cabanas de Tavira. Offers complimentary water taxi to island beach

      - plus many other luxury hotels to book if you are looking for ones with pools and more modern decor!

  • Dining:

    • O Tonel- Top choice for contemporary Portuguese cuisine— Book early. 

    • Aquasul-Popular spot decorated with mosaics and artwork. Tiled tables to serve European dishes.

Helpful links:

  • https://madefortravellers.com/algarve-portugal-20-must-see-places/

  • https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/the-perfect-road-trip-through-portugals-algarve-region

  • https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/design-hotels-in-the-algarve-portugal