Holidays in Algarve

[portugalq]

I know this isn't an AIBU, posting for traffic. Long time poster but NC for this.

Looking for the best areas to stay in Algarve. Been to Faro and it felt very Benidorm vibes so hoping for something off the beaten track, fishing villagey with good food and some local culture but potentially still some good nightlife or easily accessible.

Thinking Carvoeiro could be nice. Any other recs?

Vilamoura is lovely

Carvoeiro or Lagos

Lagos is great and similar to what you describe

Verandas do lago for beautiful villas.

Do for is perfect

Tavira!

Armacao de Pera and surrounding area of Porches, lovely beaches, fairly quiet and not overly touristy, though plenty of restaurants and accommodation. Can't wait to go back in May!

Lagos is brilliant and my home from home. Spent 20 years going back there (although I have relatives there) and I love it. If you do go, have at least one meal at Adega, the garlic prawns are truly amazing (if you like that sort of thing).

Olhos de Agua still has quite a village feel

@JudgeRindersMinder

Olhos de Agua still has quite a village feel

Oh yes, stayed here once, it's lovely.

We loved our day trip here

algarve-south-portugal.com/tavira/santa-luzia-algarve-portugal.html

Almost anywhere on the coast west of Faro has been developed for tourism, Lagos probably less so than other places of similar size but it (along with Luz) was also one of the first back in the 60s/70s.

I'd head east: anywhere between Olhão and Tavira will give you what you're looking for although I'd probably avoid Fuseta at the height of summer because of the type of tourist the big-ass campsite there attracts. It's good for oysters though

This is worth reading: www.theguardian.com/travel/2020/jun/27/the-real-algarve-olhao-village-beaches-splendid-seafood

Sagres would fit the bill too. Memmo baleeira hotel.

Thank you so much everyone!

@KT1992

Carvoeiro or Lagos

Totally agree. Both lovely.

We went to Olhos D'Agua last October. Lovely, really lovely with a villagey feel, some nice bars and restaurants and a gorgeous beach. We'd definitely go back again.

Oh fab to read this! I've booked Carvoeiro for our first post pandemic holiday.

Salema is definitely still a fishing village but also lovely for holidays. About 15 minutes drive west of Luz.

@JudgeRindersMinder

Olhos de Agua still has quite a village feel

Have been here a few times, my favourite place in the Algarve

@BathTangle

Salema is definitely still a fishing village but also lovely for holidays. About 15 minutes drive west of Luz.

Fab we are heading to Salema this year

Op I went to Carvoeiro a few years ago and it wasn’t as nice as all that. Beach small and rough. But loved the general area and Monte Santo resort where we stayed was lovely.
We drove out west and liked the end of the world vibes at Sagres so staying nearby at Salema this time.

Lived in lagos for 4 years, would recommend. Carviero is nice but it's not as quaint and a lot smaller. You might like alvor

I'm Portuguese and I'd recommend Sagres too.

Sorry, don’t know what went wrong with my last post. I live in Alvor, and have lived in several places in the Algarve. Alvor is the best.