Algarve for adults in October

[HeartofSaturdayNight]

Hello, early 50s, visiting the Algarve with friends in early October and looking for somewhere beautiful that has some nice restaurants, bars, cultural interest, beach (should the weather be kind.) Any tips on where to start? Thanks

I love Alvor. Magnificent beach and quaint cobbled streets with lovely restaurants and harbour.
I'm thinking about a trip to the Algarve for DH and I in late September (60s)but would prefer nearer to Faro.

Carvoiero is lovely.

It is

Faro itself is pretty good that time of year. Maybe find a hotel with an indoor pool if you like a swim. More culture. Lots of good places to eat and drink. It will be much more lively than dead seaside resorts. There's a sandbar beach you can go to at Faro and I bet you can find a seafront type restaurant to have a fab fish (or meat if you prefer) lunch with a cold glass of wine. Personally, I'm not a fan of beach resorts in the off season. Its disappointing, its too cold to sunbathe, many restaurants and bars are shut. Others may disagree and enjoy the quiet. I'd avoid places like Albufiera, Alvor and Praia de Roche. Too geared to summer tourism. Not sure about Carvoiero in winter.

Lagos is a possibility but it will be quite quiet. Its a bigger resort and I've always liked it as its further from the airport (maybe an hour, not far) and so got commercialised at a lesser rate than central algarve resorts so less ugly 70s concrete blocks.

Maybe Tavira, east of faro, more traditional (again will be dead quiet).

Sagres is lovely. Furthest west, wild beaches, windier, less over- developed the further West you go.

Silves more inland Market Town. I always liked. Not a lot going on.

Brilliant, thanks so much for all those suggestions. I might have a look at Faro first. Thank you!

We stayed in Alvor during the last week in September in 2019 and there were plenty of restaurants / bars open . I would be surprised if everything was closed a week later . There seemed plenty going on in Lagos too. Although - when we visited Albufiera there were some very large bars and restaurants which had several empty tables so perhaps it was more obviously quiet there than in Alvor where the bars/restaurants were smaller .

I liked Alvor a lot .