Where would you recommend to stay in the Algarve?

[elizabethcharlotte]

We are goi g to Lisbon for a few dats next August and then traveling to the Algarve to relax by the pool. Can you recommend somewhere to stay that's not too busy but you can still walk to the beach or restaurants. I'm a bit worried that Vilamoura will be too expensive for eating out. And worries that Albeifura will be too Brits abroad!

Sorry but just seen all the typos! Predictive text is so annoying!!

I was in the Algarve and Lisbon this summer. Albufera and Vilamoura struck me as being very "Costa del...."
We stayed in Alvor, which was gorgeous, we visited Lagos which was busier- I think we may well go back next year and would look for something in Lagos or possibly Olhos d'Agua which are bit busier than Alvor, without being too touristy- dd is 14 and I think Alvor was possibly a bit quiet for her.
We found the Algarve as cheap as chips compared to Spain where we went last year tbh.

Lisbon is sweltering in August so you might want to think about factoring in boat trips / visits to parks (Jardim de Estrela is one of my favourites and also the easiest way to get on tram 28 without massive queues). Cheapest boat trip is the ferry to Cacilihas - you get great views of Lisbon from the other side and there are lots of great seafood restaurants there - about 20% cheaper than Lisbon. The botanical gardens are lovely too and a short walk from the Gin Palace which is located in the most beautiful 'shopping mall' you'll ever visit Lost In is a great bar nearby with shade and panoramic views. Go and see Belem at night - all the buildings are beautifully uplit, you avoid the crowds and the sweltering heat. Theres also a lovely pavement cafe round the back of de Graca convent with amazing views and shade.

I'd recommend Tavira in the Algarve. And I wouldn't worry about it being too expensive - even in the very touristy places in the Algarve if you go three blocks or so back from the seafront you'll find more authentic, family run Portuguese restsurants at Portuguese prices.

We love Vilamoura. The restaurants right on the marina are pricier than the ones a couple of streets back but there are still plenty of cheaper places to eat. Tavira is nice too, very laidback and quiet. Also liked Armacao da Pera.

Carvoiero.
There is a poster on here who lives there.

Always loved Lagos but it's been a while since the last time I went there.

Adriana Beach Club is between Albufera and Villamoura on the cliff top by itself. You are right next to the beach (down some steps) you couldnt really walk to any restraunts but it is all inclusive. There is free shuttle bus to Villamoura and Albufera so you can still visit them. We loved it.

I would also say Tavira, but honestly, if you are in Lisboa do you really want to do a 3 hour drive to the Algarve?

There are places with pools near Lisbon, the Oceanic Pool in Oeiras is great, and Sintra is generally cooler than Lisbon and its surroundings and I love it there

I’m the mner who lives in Carvoeiro, happy to answer any questions

It’s mostly villas and apartments with just a few hotels - lots of the accommodation is within walking distance of the beach, restaurants etc. It’s a small place, but with plenty to do and see

Cascais is a seaside resort near Lisbon and it's lovely.

I would 2nd Armarcao da Pera. We've been back 4 times in fact and just booked to go next May! It's very busy in August though compared to May, lots of Portuguese families seem to holiday there. It's a nice mix of a few hotels and lots of self catering appartments, a nice long promenade type walk through the town, bars and restaurants, and some gorgeous beaches. It just has a nice feel to it if that makes sense

I live in Cascais and its currently 31 degrees here! I can't be bothered to go into Lisbon at the moment as its too hot. For the Lisbon portion of the trip maybe think about coming out of the city and along the coast a bit as the train is good and Uber are plentiful and cheap, or get a hotel with a pool.

@costacoffeeplease I hope you don't mind me hijacking the thread but is there an apartment complex you can recommend for a family group that has a large pool with seating in the shade, within walking distance of the restaurants/beach?

Thanks so much.

We love Vilamoura! This year was our 4th year of going and it feels like home from home now. Yes, the restaurants on the marina can be pricy but there are many many amazing restaurants set back from the marina and in the surrounding area.

We love Cascais, Olhos D’ Agua and Armacao de Pera. All of them have a really great feel to them. Would go back to all, without hesitation.

@DreamingofSunshine have a look at Quinta do Paraiso or Monte Carvoeiro - a bit further out is Rocha Brava but you can walk to Centeanes beach (which is bigger than carvoeiro beach) and several restaurants. The one on Rocha Brava is called O Farol and is one of our favourites

Meant to add that Rocha Brava has a minibus that goes down to the village several times a day, or a taxi would be less than 10 euros each way

Thanks so much!

Rocha Brava is excellent....a nice restaurant there along the cliffs called O Stop. Stayed there many times when the dcs were small

Monte do quinta

We didn't like carvoeiro or Lagos, bordering on Brits abroad. Loved Alvor, Tavira and Silves (in particular Cafe Ingles). Also loved Obidos which was gorgeous, up past Lisbon... a long drive from Algarve. We would definitely go back there. I was quite shocked by the number of forest fires in Portugal though!

Thank you for all your helpful responses. I now have so many places to look up. I really like the look of Tavira. Do you have any recommendations for somewhere to stay with a large pool?

I stayed a week in the Vila Gale Tavira (the one in the centre of town) it was lovely.

www.vilagale.com/en/hotels/algarve/vila-gale-tavira

We are looking at Balaia golf resort as we like the green space and the different pools which our children would love. Has anyone stayed there? Do you think it would be okay without a car?