Where is the best area to stay in Algarve?
An award winning travel destination, the Algarve region of Portugal attracts millions of tourists each year, as it offers a range of superb holidays for families, couples, independent travellers and sports lovers.
From the infamous beaches, turquoise waters and hidden coves to the superb golf facilities, there's lots to see and do, plus you'll always get a very warm welcome from the people of the region. In fact, in a recent Trip Advisor survey, 3 of the Algarve's beaches were voted among the top 25 beaches in Europe. Although the Algarve is only 160km x 50km, it's packed full of beautiful places to stay, from Faro in the East through to Lagos in the West.
Most tourists arrive at the Algarve via Faro airport without stopping at the town itself, however Faro is a wonderful place to visit to take in the Algarve Culture. Close by you'll find the extremely popular resort of Albufeira, a fascinating mix of old and new. Vilamoura is perhaps best known for its excellent golf courses and is one of the most prestigious resorts in Algarve and Portugal. Next door to Vilamoura you'll find the family orientated resort of Quarteria with its splendid beach and golf facilities, while Praia do Carvoeiro is a quiet and peaceful former fishing village with absolutely spectacular scenery.
Originally a tiny fishing village, Albufeira has grown into one of the most visited resorts in the Algarve. A fascinating mix of old world charm and modern brashness, it attracts holidaymakers in their droves all looking to have a good time and is especially popular with young people, couples and families who like to combine a typical seaside holiday with a vibrant nightlife. With over 30 kilometres of unspoilt beaches, sheltered bays and glorious turquoise waters, there'll always be a patch of sand for sun worshippers and there are water sports galore if you don't like to spend too much time lazing on the beach.
Said to be the Jewel in the Crown of the Algarve, Vilamoura will certainly appeal to those people looking for a more sophisticated and upmarket resort. Protected by wetlands to the north and sand to the south, this purpose built seaside town boasts an enormous selection of accommodation, from luxury hotels to private villas and more cost conscious apartments, together with some of the finest golf courses in Portugal, making it an ideal choice if you love to take golfing holidays in the sun.
Close to Vilamoura you'll find the resort of Quarteira, a great place for a beach holiday. Just like most of the holiday resorts in the Algarve, it was originally a small fishing village and you can still see the day's catch laid out on the quayside down at the attractive newly refurbished harbour. More budget friendly than Vilamoura, it still boasts several 18 hole golf courses, so if you're looking for a well priced golfing holiday, Quarteira could be the place to stay. It's also an ideal beach holiday destination, especially for families, as it has one of the longest beaches in the area with all kinds of water sports on offer for those people who like a little action during their holiday.
If your idea of holiday heaven is staying in the most picturesque location in the area, then Praia do Carvoeiro should be top of your list. This well established resort is one of the prettiest and most charming holiday destination in the whole of the Algarve, with its gorgeous sandy beach backed by high sandstone cliffs. Although it's tempting to just flop down on a sun lounger and sunbathe the day away, there's plenty of beach activities on offer, including a good selection of water sports.
WHAT'S YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE TO STAY?