Weekend in Faro or Malaga

[winnertakesitall]

Have narrowed our search down to the two airports above. The brief is...!

Me and my lovely friend (female!)
Somewhere late in September
Near the sea
Must have transfers available from the airport as we don't want to drive
As we don't want to drive must be easily walkable to beach front/restaurants.
Have twin beds (she's my mate- but we're so matey that we want to share a bed!)
Be a bit classy

... Any suggestions?!

CORRECTION: we're not so matey that we want to share a bed... gaaaaaahhhh!

How about Alvor on the Algarve? About an hour's transfer from Faro.

I haven't been to Faro but have been to Malaga.

Train from airport to city. Plenty going on. The resorts close by are lively enough. We most recently went to Torre molinos. The hotel has somce closed down unfortunately.

Very easy place to have a short break.

From faro you can get a ferry to the islands out in the bay, ilha de faro and barretta very popular with the locals, so authentic. They are lovely.

Faro beach itself is really nice, near the airport but chilled with good facilities, decent bars and restaurants, cheaper than some of the place further up the coast which are nearer to the big golfing areas (expensive and touristy).

Wouldn't say it's massively classy though tbh. Also we have a car there to use so I have no idea on public transport or walking distances.