Alicante or Faro areas for April Sun

[HolibobsinApril]

We have the opportunity to go as a group to either near Alicante or Faro (Villamoura or Albufeira) . We can easily fly from our local airport.

We will be in a large group and will be hiring a large luxury villa with pool. We aren't massively worried about the local areas as I expect we will spend most of the time at the Villa and maybe a day trip to a water park. Also going to a beach.

I've never been to either.

The costs are broadly similar.

Has anyone been to both and can recommend.

I'm looking for Pros and Cons.

So far -

Will the Med beaches be better than the Atlantic?
Less options with regards to water parks in Alicante?
Weather appears a degree or so warmer in Portugal?

Any advice.

It has to be one of them!

We don't want to travel too far from the airports and we will then have to hire cars etc.

Bump

Faro weather can be very changeable in the spring. You might get with glorious sun, you might get chilly rain.

Either way, the beaches are beautiful, but you won’t be in the sea or an unheated pool in April.

But - Faro is a nice city to wander round, so are some of the less well known spots (eg Loule, Tavira). The newer costal town can have less historic interest but can be good food and people watching.

The hills are great for walking, and in April you can get amazing wild flower meadows.

I love the Algarve at any point of the year, but if you’re after beaches and water parks it might not be the right season.

As above, Faro is charming but Alicante has more bars, restaurants and a lovely sea front.

Faro can be cool...even in summer. Alicante would be a better bet for weather and it's a nicer place too!

Alicante will be warned, by quite a lot

I mean warmer!! Quite a lot warmer although The Algarve is charming

No choice. Algarve for me. But unless pool is heated, forget it!!!

Thanks- yes a heated pool is a must!

We went to Faro in April and it was freezing. And raining. Locals thought we were mad for expecting anything else in April!

I live in the algarve. It’s wonderful in April but yes, we get some rain occasionally.

I only know Alicante city, wonderful place to stay, we went in April. Would recommend.

Both great places to visit. We've done a lot of algarve Easter trips. Weather usually mixed. Heated pool a must.

We just did Christmas near Alicante and the weather was lovely and settled. However no idea if this is also the case there at easter.

Personally I think the Algarve has the edge. The beaches are far more beautiful. But then again Spain has lovely inland walks and scenery.

My family owned property in Alicante. April was far too cold for the sea and unheated pools. Its not really sunbathing weather either but would be nice for exploring.