While scores of travelers are drawn to the vibrant cities of Lisbon and Porto, visitors hoping to avoid the crowds should look south—namely, to Algarve, Portugal. Though slightly more low-key, the lesser-visited southern coast is full of equally enticing Portuguese pleasures, from rich culture to gorgeous beaches to quaint fishing villages to rustic farm stays to a dazzling culinary scene. Not to mention: well-styled hotels that are the stuff of social media dreams.
Although rivaling the beauty of nearby Mediterranean mainstays like Mallorca and St. Tropez, the Algarve is still enjoying relative obscurity—but with glittering new resorts popping up along the coastline, a handful of Michelin-starred restaurants, and a delicious type of wine you won’t find anywhere else, it’s only a matter of time before that’s no longer the case.
Read on for tips on where to stay, what to eat, and things to do should you decide to make the Algarve region your next trip.
The Best Time to Visit Algarve, Portugal
Algarve’s temperate Mediterranean climate means its winters are mild and its summers are hot and dry—so, there really is no “bad” time to go. That said, the most popular time to go is between the months of April and October, when there is little rain, a lot of sun, and the temperatures hover reliably between 70-86 degrees Fahrenheit. Much like other European summer destinations, July and August are the busiest, while the shoulder seasons of May-June and September-October offer a less-crowded but equally delightful way to experience Portugal’s southernmost coast.
Those who prefer to visit in the winter will be met with lower prices and sunny temperatures in the 60s, but should be aware that some resorts and restaurants may be closed.
Tivoli Carvoeiro Algarve Resort’s outdoor swimming poolPhoto: Courtesy of Tivoli Carvoeiro Algarve Resort
Where to Stay: Best Hotels, Resorts, and Airbnbs
The Algarve is awash in sunshine for nearly 3,000 hours each year. And with cool Atlantic Ocean waters lapping at the region’s shores and an eastern mountain border blocking out hot, dry winds from the north, growing conditions for fresh, flavorful fruits, vegetables, and herbs are excellent. The new Anantara Vilamoura resort serves plenty of Algarvian-grown goodness: Guests checking in are welcomed with glasses of sweet carob and shockingly bright orange juice, as well as almonds and figs grown on site.
Located in the historic coastal town of Lagos, this restored 19th-century estate offers a sunny, beachside stay steeped in sustainability, sun, and creativity. The 33 accommodations, which include five suites, are five-star from top-to-bottom and almost entirely locally-sourced: more than 90% of everything you see and touch is handmade in Portugal exclusively for the property. The attention-to-detail extends to the restaurant as well, with most of the ingredients coming from the hotel’s gardens.
Oceanfront Tivoli Carvoeiro Algarve Resort, which recently underwent a major five-star renovation, makes for the perfect base from which to beach hop. After a day in the sun, head to the resort’s Skybar to drink in the view as the sun sets over the Atlantic—but not before enjoying Vale de Covo Beach, an otherworldly sight with crystal-clear water, rock cliffs, and an iconic cave.
Don’t let the old-school website fool you—this understated agritourism boutique hotel is as stylish as they come. Nestled on 100 tree-filled acres in the Castro Marim Nature Reserve just a short drive from the coastal town of Tavira, it offers an off-the-grid experience that’s nourishing for the senses and the soul. Furnished by a curated selection of iconic design pieces set against crisp, stucco walls and floor-to-ceiling windows, the vibe is minimalist-serene: meals feature ingredients grown on-premises or nearby, while a marble Turkish hammam offers the chance to unwind between dips in the pool. The hotel also has its own spa line, produced from local, native plant extracts, and an on-site library that is used to host workshops and talks.
