The Algarve

[Powerplant]

Looking to book a family holiday to Portugal I've only been once before, years ago, to Monte Gordo. The areas I'm currently looking at are Albuferia and Armacao de Pera - can anyone tell me about them please. Basically we want to be in walking distance of beach a few shops restaurants etc. Ages will be between 2 years old and 65. TIA

Albuferia very british with pubs and english breakfasts, Armacao de Pera very portuguese but not especially pretty. But definitely beach, shops, restaurants at both.

Thanks for your reply I watched a video about A de P and it didn't look particularly pretty.

The beach in ADP is lovely but the town itself isn't picturesque. It does tick your boxes though, and it's more compact than Albufeira.

Albufeira is much bigger and also quite a diverse place. The old town is very different from the new, so you'd want to be clear on which part you were staying in. New town is much more party, but also not that pretty. If you wanted to be close to more than beach, pool, shops and restaurants you'd be better in Albufeira.

'Albufeira is much bigger and also quite a diverse place. The old town is very different from the new, so you'd want to be clear on which part you were staying in. New town is much more party, but also not that pretty. If you wanted to be close to more than beach, pool, shops and restaurants you'd be better in Albufeira.'

The new town is really grim, like a giant non stop stag night. I would avoid like the plague. Albufeira Old Town is really lovely - loads of restaurants and small shops, and right by the sea. Still some grim Brit pubs but you can avoid those

Agree @Lottapianos and not sure how easy it is to get accommodation in Albuferia old town.
Lagos is fab, beach/shops/lots of restaurants, v scenic, even has a castle, Alvor is pretty nice although the Irish bars have increased in number in recent years, Carveiro lovely (v popular with MNetters) but small (too small/not enough choice of restaurants for us).

That's great thanks I'll take a look at the other areas that've been suggested. It's trying to get the right place for the right people and right price.

Take a look at Olhos D'Agu aswell it's between Albufeira and Villa Moura. We found Albufeira to be a bit brits abroad but liked Olhos D'Agu enough to return again this year. You can easily visit Albufeira and Villa Moura from here and Zoo Marine is good for younger kids.

You might look at the eastern side too, Faro and Tavira. Has the advantage of a short transfer.

Most of the Algarve towns would qualify as close to beach with shops and restaurants, so if you don't have any more specific requirements than that maybe go by price.

Tavira is lovely if you’re willing to get the ferry to the beach instead of walking (it only takes about 10 minutes). Amazing long sandy beach though!

I would second Lagos. It's lovely, much nicer than Albufeira IMO. Beautiful beaches, lovely town, fabulous walks around the coast. Perfect for all ages I think.

Have been here several times and loved it. Quiet, but not super quiet, and plenty of choice for shops and restaurants.

Thanks so much and plenty of choice will have a look around these areas. The beaches sound wonderful and perfect for a relaxing holiday.

Seconding the Zoo Marine recommendation from @TheArtfulScreamer1

We were there in October and it was a brilliant day out. Good value too.

We were staying in Carvoeiro which, as a pp says is quite small with a very seaweedy beach.

@Powerplant I've been to Armacao several times over the years. The long beach is beautiful, and great for children. It's not the prettiest place, but the old town has lots of nice inexpensive restaurants in the side streets running off the seafront. The promenade is popular in the evening and you'll see lots of Portuguese families on holiday. I personally dislike Caverio, although it looks more attractive.

Burgau. Small but nice
Lagos. Much bigger
Ferragudo.
Praia de Luz

So much choice this is going to take me ages lol. We've had a rough past year so want to choose something nice for everyone. Thanks again.

Lagos is absolutely lovely. Plenty of lovely beaches, restaurants and whilst it is very toruisty its more eclectic and not just brits abroad. It is a bit of a drive from Faro but the motorway is basically a fairly empty dual carriageway and very easy to navigate.

I'm actually looking at Lagos now. Thanks.