Villas in Algarve

Book a villa in Algarve for a relaxing holiday: we have over 600 villas in Algarve for you to rent from cheap villas to luxurious villas with private pools

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Our 10 best villas in Algarve

Rent a great villa in Algarve for a wonderful holiday.
  • Villa in Vilamoura, Algarve
    Premium owner

    Villa with private pool in Vilamoura, Algarve

    (39)
    4 bedroom villa • Sleeps 8

    Superb, tastefully-decorated villa set within large private gardens. Full-size heated swimming pool and mature trees providing shaded areas.

    From £1,091 per week
  • Villa in Vilamoura, Algarve
    Premium owner

    Vilamoura villa to rent

    (33)
    4 bedroom villa • Sleeps 9

    Modern, beautifully furnished villa overlooking Millennium Golf. Ideal for families and golfers.

    Lowest price pledge
    From £1,283 per week
  • Villa in Poço Partido, Algarve
    Premium owner

    Holiday villa in the Lagoa Area, Algarve, with private pool

    6 bedroom villa • Sleeps 14

    FABULOUS VILLA WITH PRIVATE TENNIS COURT AND LARGE POOL

    From £1,508 per week
  • Villa in Sesmarias, Algarve
    Premium owner

    Villa with private pool in the Albufeira Area, Algarve

    (1)
    5 bedroom villa • Sleeps 11

    Large Villa sleeping 11 guests, countryside location but only a mile from the beach, 5 en-suite bedrooms, fully air conditioned private pool and gardens, shops and restaurant within 10 minute walk

    From £1,411 per week
  • Villa in Vale Milho, Algarve

    Villa with private pool in Carvoeiro, Algarve

    (57)
    3 bedroom villa • Sleeps 7

    Luxury 3 bed villa with private swimming pool, two barbecues, high speed WIFI, maid service and private garden very close to Carvoeiro.

    From £1,097 per week
  • Villa in Monte Lemos, Algarve

    Villa with private pool in Lagos, Algarve

    (41)
    3 bedroom villa • Sleeps 6

    Beach villa with private swimming pool. Located in the prestigious Monte Lemos area. All local amenities easily accessible, only eight minutes walk from the town centre.

    From £941 per week
  • Villa in Santa Maria (Tavira), Algarve

    Villa with private pool in Tavira, Algarve

    (53)
    4 bedroom villa • Sleeps 8

    Sinos Villa is a very comfortable villa with very pleasant garden and private pool (7m x 3.5m) Great access for beaches, golf and Tavira town centre

    From £917 per week
  • Villa in Sesmarias em Estômbar, Algarve: Swimming Pool

    Villa rental in the Lagoa Area, Algarve, with private pool

    (35)
    4 bedroom villa • Sleeps 8

    Delightful villa in the centre of the Algarve. A quiet location yet close to many amenities.

    From £575 per week
  • Villa in Alecrineira, Algarve

    Villa rental in the Olhăo Area, Algarve, with private pool

    (44)
    4 bedroom villa • Sleeps 8

    Luxury 4 bed/4 bath villa, sleeps 8/9 Own heated pool, fast WiFi, aircon. Games room with 8ft pool table/darts/ table top football/ping pong. BBQ + boules. Lovely country views. 25 mins Faro airport

    From £941 per week
  • Villa in Vilamoura, Algarve: Pool, house view

    Villa with private pool in Vilamoura, Algarve

    (33)
    3 bedroom villa • Sleeps 6

    Contemporary detached villa with swimming pool and garden, in a quiet location surrounded by the Oceanic Pinhal Golf course. Twenty minutes walk to Vilamoura Marina and the beaches.

    Lowest price pledge
    From £835 per week

Villas in Algarve with private pools

Enjoy the space and privacy of a villa with a private pool.
  • Villa in Vilamoura, Algarve

    Vilamoura villa to rent

    (9)
    3 bedroom villa • Sleeps 6

    Modern, comfortable and well equipped linked villa with private pool and air conditioning close to the centre of Vilamoura and world class golf courses.

    Private pool: 4m x 2.5m and 1m to 1.6m deep
    From £458 per week
  • Villa in Alfanzina, Algarve

    Villa with private pool in Carvoeiro, Algarve

    (6)
    3 bedroom villa • Sleeps 8

    Villa very well located near a beach in the countryside. You can walk to the beach, it's a 10/15 min walk through the countryside/seaside. You wont regret choosing this villa.

    Heated private pool: 9m x 4m
    From £504 per week
  • Villa in Mato Serrão, Algarve

    Carvoeiro villa to rent

    (2)
    4 bedroom villa • Sleeps 8

    Luxury 4 bedroom Algarve villa with sea views, private pool with BBQ area, and ideally situated on the peaceful outskirts of Carvoeiro but within a short drive of beautiful beaches, restaurants & bars

    Heated private pool
    From £1,108 per week
  • Villa in Vale Centianes, Algarve

    Carvoeiro villa to rent

    4 bedroom villa • Sleeps 8

    4 bedroomed Algarve villa with pool, situated on the peaceful outskirts of Carvoeiro, but within walking distance of an array of restaurants, bars and cafés. Perfect for a relaxing family holidays.

    Private pool
    From £1,108 per week
  • Villa in Vilamoura, Algarve

    Holiday villa in Vilamoura, Algarve, with private pool

    (6)
    3 bedroom villa • Sleeps 6

    Well located in a calm residential area near the pretigious Hilton Hotel and close to all amenities.

    Private pool: 7m x 3m and 0.8m to 1.6m deep
    From £596 per week
  • Villa in Boa Nova, Algarve

    Lagoa Area villa to rent

    (5)
    4 bedroom villa • Sleeps 8

    This villa with pool and sea views provides modern luxury accommodation and facilities.

    Heated private pool: 12.5m x 5m and 1m to 2m deep
    From £1,825 per week
  • Villa in Canelas, Algarve

    Villa rental in the Silves Area, Algarve, with private pool

    (3)
    5 bedroom villa • Sleeps 10

    Located in Armação de Pêra (at 1800m from the Beach), the Villa Cadre offers accommodation for 10 people with 2 more extra bed for option.

    Private pool: 5m x 9m
    From £962 per week
  • Villa in Carvoeiro, Algarve

    Villa with private pool in Carvoeiro, Algarve

    5 bedroom villa • Sleeps 10

    Villa Benisa is a beautiful villa for 10 people located 5 minutes from the centre of Carvoeiro. The villa is equipped with all modern conveniences such as air conditioning and pool heating.

    Heated private pool: 10m x 5m
    From £2,984 per week
  • Villa in Ferragudo, Algarve

    Holiday villa in Ferragudo, Algarve, with private pool

    5 bedroom villa • Sleeps 10

    Modern 5 bedroom Villa in Ferragudo with heated pool. Walking distance of town and beach.

    Heated private pool
    From £2,275 per week
  • Villa in Albufeira, Algarve

    Holiday villa in the Albufeira Area, Algarve, with private pool

    5 bedroom villa • Sleeps 12

    This beautiful 5 bedroom 3 bathroom ground floor villa is located on the perfect spot, walking distance from the Oura beach and few meters from the famous Strip in Albufeira. Sleeps 12 people.

    Private pool: 5m x 9m and 0.8m to 2m deep
    From £234 per week

Cheap villas in Algarve

Rent one of our cheapest villas in Algarve for a low cost holiday.
  • Villa in Montes Juntos, Algarve

    Villa with shared pool in the Albufeira Area, Algarve

    1 bedroom villa • Sleeps 3

    Casa Redonda is a beautiful villa on the Quinta da Saudade - it has its own garden and shares two swimming pools and tennis court - there are riding stables too! Only 2 minutes from beautiful beach

    Lowest price pledge
    From £199 per week
  • Villa in Silves, Algarve

    Villa with private pool in the Silves Area, Algarve

    3 bedroom villa • Sleeps 8

    This 3 bedroom villa with swimming pool is located in Silves and sleeps 8 people. The villa is near a beach and within walking distance of a restaurant.

    From £281 per week
  • Villa in Vilamoura, Algarve

    Villa to rent in Vilamoura, Algarve

    4 bedroom villa • Sleeps 8

    This sun kissed 4-bedroom countryside villa offers a relaxing holiday with incredible sunsets and views. Children and adults will enjoy this beautifully spacious and relaxing yet private environment.

    From £321 per week
  • Villa in Azinhaga, Algarve

    Villa in Ferragudo, Algarve

    2 bedroom villa • Sleeps 6

    This 2 bedroom apartment is located in Azinhaga and sleeps 6 people. It has a garden and air conditioning.

    From £329 per week
  • Villa in Areia dos Moinhos, Algarve

    Villa to rent in Carvoeiro, Algarve

    2 bedroom villa • Sleeps 4

    This 2 bedroom villa with swimming pool is located in Areia dos Moinhos and sleeps 4 people. It has air conditioning, barbeque facilities and parking nearby. The villa is near a beach.

    From £382 per week
  • Villa in Conceição, Algarve: Villa Belar

    Tavira holiday villa rental with shared pool

    (5)
    3 bedroom villa • Sleeps 6

    3 bedroom villa sleeping 6, in Conceicao de Tavira

    From £418 per week
  • Villa in Casa dos Pires, Algarve

    Villa with private pool in the Albufeira Area, Algarve

    1 bedroom villa • Sleeps 4

    This 1 bedroom villa with private pool is located in Casa dos Pires and sleeps 4 people. It has barbeque facilities, parking nearby and a gym. The villa is near a beach.

    From £407 per week
  • Villa in Albufeira, Algarve

    Villa rental in the Albufeira Area, Algarve, with shared pool

    2 bedroom villa • Sleeps 8

    This 2 bedroom villa with shared pool is located in Albufeira and sleeps 8 people. It has a garden and barbeque facilities. The villa is near a beach and within walking distance of a restaurant.

    From £449 per week
  • Villa in Ferreiras, Algarve

    Villa rental in the Albufeira Area, Algarve, with swimming pool

    2 bedroom villa • Sleeps 4

    This 2 bedroom villa with swimming pool is located in Ferreiras and sleeps 4 people. It has air conditioning, a garden and barbeque facilities. The villa is near a beach.

    From £432 per week
  • Villa in Pedra Alçada, Algarve

    Villa to rent in Lagos, Algarve

    3 bedroom villa • Sleeps 7

    This 3 bedroom villa is located in Cama da Vaca and sleeps 7 people. It has WiFi, barbeque facilities and parking nearby.

    From £458 per week

Reviews of our villas in Algarve

We have 713 reviews of our villas in Algarve.

  • Brett
    Brett
    Familyfrom Nottingham, United Kingdom October 2023
    4 bedroom Albufeira Area holiday villa rental with private pool
    Fantastic property in a great location.The villa is very nice and was clean.I would recommend hiring a car as it’s in a very quiet location.The only issue we had was the composite decking around the pool broken in a few places unfortunately and was a problem as we had young children with us.
  • Mette
    Mette
    Familyfrom Svendborg, Denmark July 2023
    5 bedroom Albufeira Area villa to rent
    Very big 3-level house with 5 nice rooms w balcons and 3 bathrooms. Old style but very nice and in a relatively quiet area away from the party streest but still just a walk away to both the center/old town (go left) and the party street (go right). The pool is great and the terrase very nice. No aircon but fans and some wind if you leave the door/window open. Great for family and groups.
  • Ronald
    Ronald
    Friendsfrom Sunderland, United Kingdom March 2022
    4 bedroom holiday villa in the Albufeira Area, Algarve, with private pool
    Our holiday was fantastic. Paula was our rep and called the day before our flights for an update on our arrival. At the airport we were met by Orlando, and he transfered us to the villa, where Paula was waiting to check us in and show us around. We usually hire a villa among the seven of us, and we have had some fantastic ones, but this is the pick of the bunch. Everything was perfect, a huge living area, large dinning area, superb modern kitchen, 4 huge bedrooms, all ensuite and not a thing out of place. Giant sliding doors led to the large pool and jacuzzi, and the wrap around gardens. Everything was marvelous. There is a village just 10 minutes walk over the fields with bars and restaurants leading to a sandy beach. You also have Albufeira and Vilamoura just a few kilometers away. I cant recommend this place enough, and our thanks go to Paula and Orlando for their friendliness ( all the local people were very friendly) and professionalism. We will be back again next year.
  • Brian
    Brian
    Couplefrom Wimborne, United Kingdom September 2023
    2 bedroom holiday villa in Loulé, Algarve, with private pool
    Superbly appointed, very private and well above average modern Villa and great for a couple looking to get away from the hum drum of the resort villa. Superb large freshwater pool and sun and shade in equal measure. Good loungers and safe. Easy access to local services and a selection of local quality resturants serving local dishes. Car is beneficial as beach is a long walk and bus service was found to be infrequent if you are restricted to walking. Sky Tv has all channels and wifi is good in Villa. We both thoroughly enjoyed our weeks stay at this Villa
  • Roger
    Roger
    Couplefrom Sturminster Newton, United Kingdom June 2022
    3 bedroom villa with private pool in the Albufeira Area, Algarve
    Villa is well presented and was very clean and tidy. It is reasonably hard to find, and I found a preview via Google earth most helpful. It is on top of a hill and part of a community of about ten other houses, the pool area is private. As with many other Portuguese properties barking dogs over night is a feature. The pool is cold water and a shock to the sun bathed system! Pool is not guarded and would need great care if, for instance, children unable to swim were part of the party. This is the first villa or apartment I have ever stayed in where my business was so undervalued that a welcome pack was not supplied. There was also a complete lack of kitchen consumables like roll, cling film or foil. I was also insulted that this is the first property where an inspection was made prior to our departure and even the kitchen cupboards looked in presumably to ensure we hadn't loaded plates into our hand luggage. I would not stay in an Interhome property ever again.
  • Susan
    Susan
    Large groupfrom Bournemouth , United Kingdom July 2021
    5 bedroom Lagos villa to rent
    This is a spacious well equipped villa with a large pool but could do with a bit of tlc. It is difficult to get in and out of the pool as the first step is a long way down. The lounge area is comfortable but we were unable to get either the wi-fi or television to work. The kitchen is very well equipped with lots of crockery but could do with additional mugs and some large glasses. The bedrooms were comfortable but the air conditioning did not work effectively in all and did not work in the lounge. It would have been nice to have a change of sheets during out 9 night stay. Please take this feedback as constructive as we all had a really lovely holiday but due to the location the advert is misleading as to how close facilities are and a car is essential. I was disappointed not to receive a reply to my request to delay our holiday to next year due to Covid restrictions. I would recommend Portugal as a holiday destination to anyone.

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Prices and Availability for villas in Algarve

Cheapest monthMarch 2025 average weekly price £1,86336% of villas are available
High seasonJuly 2024 average weekly price £4,33533% of villas are available
Most popular destinationCarvoeiroAverage weekly price £3,168
Cheapest destinationAlbufeiraAverage weekly price £2,393

All data is for the next 12 months and all the prices are the average weekly cost (Saturday - Saturday).

Price information for villas in Algarve (2024 - 2025)

£0£4,698£3,524£2,349£1,175MarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecemberJanuaryFebruary
Average weekly price

Average weekly prices for villas in Algarve

The prices graph for villas in Algarve shows you the average weekly price for one of our villas over the next twelve months. July and August are the most expensive months to rent a villa in Algarve where the average price is £4,335 in July and £4,227 in August. The cheapest month to rent a villa is in March where the average weekly price is £1,750 (02/03 - 09/03). The average price of a villa in Algarve varies considerably between regions, distance from the nearest beach and the size of the villa. See the graph for average weekly prices for our top destinations in Algarve below.

Availability for villas in Algarve (2024 - 2025)

0%100%75%50%25%MarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecemberJanuaryFebruary
Average available villas

Weekly availability for villas in Algarve

The graph above shows the availability of our villa holiday rentals in Algarve over the next twelve months. August (03/08 - 10/08) is the busiest time to rent a villa in Algarve where only 602 of our villas are available to book. The quietest time to visit Algarve at the moment is in December (07/12 - 14/12) where 73% of our villas have availability.

Prices for top villa destinations in Algarve (2024 - 2025)

£0£3,168£2,376£1,584£792AlbufeiraAlvorCarvoeiroFaroLagosVilamoura
Average weekly price for destination

Average weekly prices for top destinations in Algarve

This graph shows the average weekly prices for villas in our most popular destinations in Algarve. Our cheapest popular destination to rent a villa in Algarve is in Albufeira where the average weekly rental price is £2,393. In comparison, Carvoeiro costs an average of £3,168 per week and Lagos £2,850 per week.

Travel guide

Villas in the Algarve

You'll struggle to beat the Algarve for a villa holiday, a location with beautiful beaches and plenty to do. With more than 100 miles of coastline, the Algarve is renowned for its beautiful beaches, featuring golden sands and the inviting waters of the Atlantic Ocean. While famed for its beaches, Algarve holidays provide the perfect blend of entertainment and relaxation, with its many resorts boasting an assortment of leisure activities, from water sports to world-class golf courses. Expect to be charmed by the likes of Albufeira, Vilamoura and Carvoeiro, all offering a unique taste of Portuguese culture in the popular South Coast.

Laden with breathtaking cliffs, sandy bays and plenty of fun, family-friendly activities and attractions, the Algarve is very much the ideal holiday destination. Search our holiday rentals in the Algarve, from luxury villas with private pools, to villas near the beach and golf.

Apart from its beautiful sandy beaches, the Algarve is also famous for wonderful weather and great food and wine. The coastline is relatively unspoilt: the Algarve doesn’t suffer from densely built up villa complexes. Even in the busiest resorts of Vilamoura, Quarteira and Albufeira you’ll find well laid out villa developments with space to breathe.

Eight reasons why you should book a holiday villa in the Algarve The Algarve is a favourite for holidaymakers and it’s easy to see why.

  1. The Algarve is easy to get to: Faro, the main airport, has direct flights to around 30 to 40 European airports although the exact number depends on the season. There are over 20 direct flights to various UK airports alone.
  2. The weather in the Algarve is fantastic: It’s not too hot in the summer and not too cold in the winter. In July and August temperatures peak around 35 degrees Celsius whilst in winter it still reaches over 15 degrees with plenty of clear sunny days.
  3. The beaches in the Algarve are great: You’re never far from a beautiful, sandy beach. The Algarve’s coastline is mainly south and west facing so you’ll get long sunny days and beautiful sunsets.
  4. The villas in the Algarve are good and affordable: The Algarve offers value for money compared to other mainstream holiday destinations. Villas are typically well maintained and usually have a private pool. Most are close to one of the Algarve’s many golden beaches but if you want peace and quiet then it’s easy to find a charming villa in a tranquil village where only the bells from the goats will disturb your view of the countryside.
  5. The food in the Algarve is delicious: It’s easy to find something to suit all tastes and budgets from grilled chicken piri-piri to Michelin-starred cuisine. If you prefer to cook yourself you’ll find that most villas have well-equipped kitchens and a barbeque by the pool. It’s also easy to find good quality local fish, meat, fruit and veg at the many local markets and supermarkets.
  6. The Algarve has some of the world’s best golf courses: There’s plenty to choose from top tier courses such as San Lorenzo in Quinta do Lago or the Vale do Lobo golf course to more reasonable courses at Vilamoura, Albufeira and Portimao.
  7. There are plenty of other sports you can do in the Algarve: From wind surfing, tennis, hiking and riding all the way to dedicated sports camps for schools and teams to fit in some pre-season training. Vale do Lobo in the Algarve’s Golden Triangle is a favourite for football pre-season training: it has hosted teams such as Manchester United, Liverpool, Real Madrid and England.
  8. The Algarve is great for a family holiday: Everything is so easy and most villas are geared up for young children. A good villa manager can provide you with cots, high chairs and other child-friendly accessories. But it’s not just the villas: the Algarve makes it easy for families. The restaurants welcome children, it’s easy to drive and park, the sandy beaches are perfect for building endless sandcastles and there aren’t many insects and mosquitoes.

Getting to and around the Algarve

Faro is the main airport in the Algarve, with direct flights to most major European airports. The airport is typically served by low cost airlines such as Ryanair, Easyjet, Jet2 and others but you can also fly with the premium flag carriers. It is easy to fly to all year round although there are more flights in the busy summer months.

If you want to get out and about then you should hire a car. The Algarve is easy to drive around and park: most restaurants, beaches, supermarkets and other attractions have plenty of parking. Most of the villas will also have their own parking places but please check the property description for details.

There are plenty of car hire options at Faro airport if you want to drive straight to your villa but you should also be able to find car hire near in most towns and resorts. Please note: you should be aware that the A22, the main motorway running the length of the Algarve, is a toll road. The easiest way to pay the tolls is via transponder, an electronic charging device which sits in the car. If you want a transponder then you will need to ask your car hire company when you collect the car. Alternatively you can go to a local post office and pay but this can be time consuming. The other option is to avoid the A22 altogether and use the local roads that run along the coast

Where to go in Algarve

The Algarve is roughly a rectangle 150 kilometres (94 miles) wide by 50 kilometres (31 miles) deep. It is often divided into three main parts: Western, Central and Eastern. Most of the popular holiday destinations are west of Faro and its airport. But nothing is too far: even Sagres, the last major town in the western part of the Algarve’s, is only approximately a 90 minute drive from the airport. Heading east in the other direction the town of Vila Real de Sant Antonio, on the Portuguese – Spanish border, is less than an hour’s drive away.

Albufeira

Albufeira is one of the largest and liveliest resorts in the Algarve and is ideal for a busy family beach holiday. It was originally a fishing village but is now a large town consisting of two parts: the historic Old Town and the much newer Strip.

The Old Town is Albufeira’s historic heart centred around the main square which is full of family friendly restaurants and shops. The traditional cobbled streets that lead off the square are full of shops which are open late during the summer months. There are also two sandy beaches a short walk from the Old Town: Praia do Peneco at the western end and Praio dos Pescadores (fishermen’s beach) at the eastern end.

The Strip is the newer, busier part of the town and has some of the Algarve’s best nightlife. As the name suggests The Strip, properly known as Avenida Sa Carneiro, is a road full of bars and nightclubs. In the summer it is packed with tourists enjoying themselves – don’t come here if you’re looking for a quiet night out.

Albufeira is also home to some the Algarve’s biggest and most popular nightclubs, including Kadoc and Kiss. Kadoc is one of the best known clubs in the Algarve and is a few kilometres east on the road to Vilamoura. Kiss is smaller but in Albufeira itself, between The Strip and the Old Town and only a short walk from both.

One of the Algarve’s many treasures, Albufeira is home to many eminent allures. Unravel a range of traditional restaurants and bars in its illustrious Old Town, or enjoy the Albufeira weather on one of its many beaches.

Vilamoura

Vilamoura is one of the Algarve’s finest holiday resorts with great beaches, good food and nightlife and golf and other activities. It was originally built in the 1980s as a golfing centre but has grown into a much more varied holiday resort with plenty to do. However its golfing heritage is very obvious and many of the villas in Vilamoura are laid out around the golf courses around the resort.

Vilamoura is centred on its marina right next to the huge sandy beach that lines the southern Algarve coast. The marina is full of shops, bars and restaurants as well as the casino at the eastern side by the beach. The marina gets busy at night as holidaymakers come to eat, drink or just people watch.

Most of the villas are anywhere between 500 metres to a few kilometres from the marina. It’s not that easy to find a villa near the beach, with or without a private pool, as the beachfront is mostly taken up by apartments – you’ll have to go little bit inland. If you’re willing to drive you’ll have no problem finding a high quality, modern villa with its own pool set by a golf course.

From championship golf courses to sandy beaches, the super-chic town of Vilamoura is ideal for a laid back, sun-filled stay. With its famed marina, you can expect delicious seafood, complimented by the beautiful Vilamoura weather.

Quarteira

Quarteira is one of the Algarve’s original holiday resorts and is set on the vast, sandy beach that links Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo to Quarteira and Vilamoura.

The town itself doesn’t show the Algarve at its best: it is full of older apartment blocks that don’t have much character. However it is busy in the summer months and you can’t beat the location next to the beach which is perfect for children. It is also easy to get to as it is roughly half an hour’s drive from Faro airport. There is also plenty to do in the surrounding area, from golf at neighbouring Vilamoura to Aquashow, one of the Algarve’s best waterparks and funfairs which will keep kids and adults happy all day long.

East from Quarteira are Vale do Lobo and Quinta do Lago. This is where you’ll find the Algarve’s most luxurious and exclusive villas. The two resorts are a few kilometres apart and you can walk along the beach or drive on the quiet road connecting them.

Vale do Lobo is one of the Algarve’s first holiday resorts and was founded in the 1960s; it is centred around the Praca next to the beach. The villas are built around the golf course which weaves its way amongst the villas – making for a very green and open development.

Quinta do Lago, often known just as Quinta, is a much bigger and more modern development with a more American feel. Many of the villas are big and spectacular: think five- or six-bedroom detached villas with large gardens enclosed by high walls. Quinta is popular with celebrities especially footballers who value their privacy and want to practice their golf.

Both resorts are popular with well-heeled families. There are lots of high-end restaurants and some bars. But if you’re after hectic nightlife then there may be more suitable places to stay.

Loulé

Loulé is a traditional market town set in the hills a few kilometres back from the Algarve’s coast. It is popular for a “day out” as the traditional covered market and tree lined streets give you a feel for the more authentic side of Portugal.

The town is proper working town: it is the administrative capital for the region and is full of ordinary Portuguese going about their daily lives. Renting a villa in Loulé gives you a taste of the quieter, more relaxed side of the Algarve. You’ll be away from the crowds on the coast and, if you’re lucky, with nothing but the bells from the neighbouring farmer’s goats to disturb you. But make sure you hire a car so you can get out from your villa and explore the surrounding area.

Carvoeiro

Carvoeiro is a picturesque resort town set around a small sandy beach flanked by cliffs at either end. It was originally a fishing village but has now grown into a bustling resort which can get very busy in the summer. However it isn’t overrun with high rise apartment blocks: the area around Carvoeiro consist mostly of villas, many with private pools.

Carvoeiro is a quieter, diverse family friendly resort renowned for its wondrous marine life and leisure activities with good restaurants and a few nice bars. If you’re after nightlife it’s a short drive to Praia da Rocha in Portimao, around 12 km away. Enjoy its lovely beaches and traditional Portuguese restaurants whilst in the bloom of the wonderful Carvoeiro weather.

Lagos

Lagos is the third largest town in the Algarve and one of the most interesting. It was a famous port in the 14th and 15th century during the Age of Discovery when Portugal explored the African coast and the eastern part of South America. Even now the 16th century city walls protect the charming centre.

Lagos combines a charming historic centre, wonderful beaches and buzzing nightlife. The city centre has a wide range of traditional restaurants and places to drink, from cosy bars to buzzing bars cum nightclubs. There are also plenty of beaches nearby but the biggest two sandy beaches are Praia de Porto de Mos to the west and Meia Praia to the east. Both are only a short distance from the town.

From historical 16th Century walls to 5km of inviting bronze coastline, the stunning, inclusive town of Lagos has played host to couples, families and young groups through its lush scenery, leisure facilities and vibrant nightlife.

Sagres

Sagres is at the western end of the Algarve and is unlike other parts of the region. It is far less developed with wild landscapes and windy beaches. The town is popular with surfers and more independent holidaymakers wanting to get away from the crowds of the mainstream Algarve resorts.

Sagres itself is a quiet, charming town centred on a pretty square. It has a picturesque harbour and beautiful beaches nearby which are popular all year round with surfers.

In Sagres you’ll typically find larger villas with their own private pools, close to one of the town’s beaches.

Tavira

Tavira is an old Moorish town in the eastern Algarve, around 25km from the Spanish border and half an hour’s drive from Faro airport. It has retained its historic character and is a proper functioning town, making it a wonderful place to visit all year round.

Tavira has a relaxing feel and is perfect for wandering or enjoying a quiet moment in one of its many cafes. It is also close to some wonderful beaches including the Praia de Tavira at the western edge of Tavira island (Ilha de Tavira). Ilha de Tavira is connected by a frequent and inexpensive ferry.

Praia da Luz

Enjoy the crystal waters of its blue flag beach, or indulge in the many local restaurants and shops that decorate the promenade. With great opportunities for water-sports, fishing and boat trips, it is ideal for a family stay.

Alvor

Alvor offers a slice of authentic Portuguese culture and history. The ancient fishing village is full of charm and natural beauty, with its golden coastline providing the perfect setting to enjoy the sunny Alvor weather.

Discover Algarve

Take a look at our blog posts about where to go in Algarve and what to do on your holiday in Algarve.

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