Nicest resort in Algarve

[lazylittlelucy]

Am looking for recommendations for an Algarve holiday and would appreciate any advice or experience anyone could offer.
Last time we went to Lagos and Tavira - we liked both of those but would like to try somewhere new.
We like a small/medium relaxed resort with bars/restaurants but not rowdy nightlife.
Any suggestions?

We went in June to Salema beach village in Salema out towards Sagres.
loved it, fairly quiet.
It’s self catering- villas are very spacious- but Salema itself has lots of nice restaurants and is not rowdy at all. If you wanted to get out and about though you’d def want to hire a car as it feels a bit isolated. Not far from Luz though.

Cabanas for small and relaxed. Olhão has loads of amazing restaurants, lovely marina. I love Tavira but actually think Olhão is now my favourite out of the two.

We've stayed in Albufeira twice and loved it. There is a street called The Strip which has loads of bars and restaurants and would be pretty noisy at night. Both times, we stayed about a 5 minute walk away from there and had no noise problems. Lovely beaches and plenty to do but definitely not party central either

Ps Have not been to Tavira but Salema is much quieter than Lagos.

Thanks all. At the moment we are considering Olhao and Armacao de Pera.
Salema looks nice but a bit remote and expensive for villas.
Any other recs? Will keep looking

We stayed in a villa just outside Armacao last summer - it was great, amazing secluded beaches in the doorstep, could walk along the clifftop path into Armacao where there were plenty restaurants and shops. We'd hired a car but wish we hadn't bothered as barely used it.

Anyone know anything about Praia de Rocha?
Is it huge and busy or is it possible to choose a smaller, quieter part?

not stayed there but went for the day. Is quite big and busy and concrete-y though the beach is great.
across the bay in Ferragudo is nicer and quieter IMO

Alvor is nice, as is Olhos d'agua. Both slightly smaller and quieter than Lagos.

Have been going to Monte Gordo for 25 years and it has not changed a bit! Vilareal is also lovely, v nice new Hotel in old Customs House, but no beach. For that, get bus back to MG.

Carvoeiro is lovely

Definitely 2nd Salema, you will a car to get out and about. The great thing about salema is that you have easy access the fabulous beaches of the Atlantic coast, great if you want learn to surf or bodyboard.

Albufeira is quite rough. Anywhere but there!

Olhos de Agua and Falesia are lovely. Both within easy reach of Albufeira and Vilamoura if you fancied a change of pace, but lovely and relaxed
Carvoeiro is also great

Olhao is great especially out of season because it’s a proper town with lots to do as well as having a charming historic centre.

I like salema but it’s much smaller than cabanas

I actually preferred Porto Covo, just south of Sines but it’s not on the algarve

Just be aware that Lagos and salema are more expensive than Travera and cabanas for eat and drinking out etc, considerably

I love albufeira old town and villamoura. Haven't been in Praia de rocha in 16 years so it may have changed. Fantastic beach and the main shops/ bars / restaurants are on a long strip overlooking the sea.

Another vote for Carvoeiro, we have been there several times, as a couple, with a baby/toddler and with an older child/teens. Also love Alvor although only been as a day trip.

Lovely area and you can get on a ferry in Villa Real and go across the river to Ayamonte in Spain in about 20 minutes

We loved Alvor.

Another vote for Alvor. Smaller than other places mentioned but Ubers are very cheap for going out and about.