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Searching for the best hotels in the Algarve, Portugal’s sunny and beautiful coastal region? From Bela Vista Hotel & Spa near historic Portimão to the W Algarve in nightlife-friendly Albufeira, we're covering five of our favorite places to stay.
Can’t wait to jet off? Connect with Fora to plan and book your trip, and we’ll unlock VIP hotel perks such as complimentary room upgrades and meals at the coolest hotels in the region. Even better, booking with us costs no more than what you would pay online.
What’s the Algarve best known for?
"Thew jewel of Portugal," the Algarve makes up the entirety of Portugal’s renowned southern coastline. Here you’ll find high-end golf courses, warm beaches, lively strips and the occasional clifftop village overlooking gorgeous coves. Moreover, much of the coastline’s natural beauty has been preserved, and the local ecosystems are among the most diverse and abundant in Europe (as well as one of the most vulnerable).
Today the region is largely known as a year-round leisure destination. But historically, the stretch of land has belonged to a variety of civilizations, from the Phoenicians to the Romans to the Moors. In that vein, the area has developed a unique culture among contemporary Portugal, with a relaxed and welcoming vibe that stands out even in a country known for friendly locals.
(Wondering what to do while you’re there? Check out our guide to things to do in the Algarve and Lisbon.)
Is it worth going to the Algarve? How many days do you need in the Algarve?
If you’re looking for a lovely place to unwind, intermixed with adventures in culture and gastronomy, certainly. If you’re looking for more of an urban or historical setting to explore, you may consider visiting Lisbon or Porto instead. The Algarve is definitely more of a resort area.
As far as how much time you should spend here, it depends. If you’re village hopping, then you may want to spend at least a few days to give yourself time to appreciate what each destination has to offer. However, if you’re only interested in lounging on a picturesque beach, then it’s up to you to decide how many days you need to unwind and recoup.
We can help you find which of the best hotels in the Algarve, Portugal suit your interests. Just connect with Fora to start planning and booking your stay.
When’s the best time to visit the Algarve?
The Algarve is one of the best places to visit in Portugal for great weather. Summer here is warm, dry and rarely overbearing. Winter is typically mild, with occasional rain. And the shoulder seasons are generally warm enough to enjoy most activities while also avoiding the worst of the crowds (which generally aren’t too bad in the first place).
In other words, the Algarve is a year-round destination.
(Wondering about the best time to visit Portugal, in general? Our guide has the scoop.)
What’s the most beautiful part of the Algarve?
It’s fair to say that opinions regarding the region's most beautiful part would be split between the Algarve’s hilly, coastal landscapes and its architecturally rich villages and towns.
What’s the most exclusive area in the Algarve?
Many of the resort towns in the Algarve cater to discerning travelers, but Vilamoura offers the most exclusive experience overall. Unsurprisingly, here you’ll find many of the best hotels in the Algarve, including three of our favorites below.
Is it easy to get around the Algarve without a car?
Generally, yes. Most resorts are reachable either by bus or train, both of which run the length of the Algarve. If you’re flying to the region, you’ll likely fly into Faro, the Algarve’s only major airport. Alternatively, you can also travel from Lisbon to the Algarve.
However, if you want to explore the coastline we recommend renting a car.
Need help figuring out how to get to and around the Algarve? Book and plan your trip with Fora.
(Want to check out the capital, too? Check out our guides to Portugal hotels in Lisbon and things to do in Lisbon.)
5 of the best hotels in the Algarve, Portugal
Read on for a breakdown of the best hotels in the Algarve, Portugal.
1. Bela Vista Hotel & Spa: a luxe, boutique-style estate on the Algarve coast
Image courtesy of Bela Vista Hotel & Spa
Set on a cliffside with direct beach access, Bela Vista Hotel & Spa once served as the illustrious estate of a well-known Portuguese entrepreneur before it was converted into a hotel in the mid 1930s. On more than one occasion, this storied hotel hosted a president of Portugal.
The hotel features a lavish design that melds classic elements of Portuguese architecture with contemporary decor and furnishings. Vibrant tile displays fill much of the hotel, along with bold color palettes throughout.
Perhaps above all, the adults-only Bela Vista Hotel & Spa boasts only a handful of suites and junior suites, lending the hotel an overall exclusive atmosphere.
As for the hotel’s location, you’ll find Bela Vista Hotel & Spa along the Praia da Rocha strip in Portimão, best known for its historic old town and a bustling marina, where you can charter or rent yachts and boats to tour the coast.
Editor’s note: Bela Vista Hotel & Spa is typically closed from January through February.
Fora Perks at Bela Vista Hotel & Spa:
$100 hotel / resort credit, breakfast daily, upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
2. Conrad Algarve: a self-contained golf & spa resort between Faro and Vilamoura
Image courtesy of Conrad Algarve
Conrad Algarve offers a vastly different experience than the low-key vibe of Bela Vista Hotel & Spa. While the former is only a short distance from the nearest city, Conrad Algarve is more of a self-contained resort.
The Conrad is also a much larger resort, with a vast array of things to do. Nearby attractions include Ria Formosa Nature Park, reputable golf courses and several of the Algarve’s loveliest beaches. There are also two on-site restaurants: Gusto, a fine-dining choice helmed by a Michelin-Starred chef, and Louro, which offers a contemporary take on Algarvian cuisine (which is largely seafood based and delicious).
Curious to learn more about Conrad Algarve? Plan your stay with Fora.
Fora Perks at Conrad Algarve:
$100 hotel / resort credit, breakfast daily, upgrade whenever possible.
3. Anantara Vilamoura Algarve Resort: a lavish retreat
Image courtesy of Anantara Vilamoura Algarve Resort
Anantara Vilamoura Algarve Resort is one of the best hotels in the Algarve for travelers who want proximity to one of the region’s coolest urban hubs as well as a lavish and relaxing home base to return to. Like Conrad Algarve, this resort is largely self-contained. However, the ritzy town of Vilamoura is only a short drive away.
As for the resort itself, Anantara Vilamoura offers a similar selection as Conrad Algarve, with access to several nearby golf courses and beaches. However, there’s a wider selection of restaurants here. Additionally, Anantara Vilamoura offers both a family-friendly section as well as an adults-only section geared toward couples travel.
Fora Perks at Anantara Vilamoura Algarve Resort:
$100 hotel / resort credit, breakfast daily, upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
4. Pine Cliffs Hotel, a Luxury Collection Resort, Algarve: one of the best hotels in the Algarve for families
Image courtesy of Pine Cliffs Hotel, a Luxury Collection Resort, Algarve
A great choice for families seeking ritzy accommodations, Pine Cliffs Hotel compromises little to offer a stay people of all ages can enjoy. The hotel also overlooks Praia da Falésia, one of the most famous beaches in Portugal, let alone the Algarve.
Despite the coveted location, the area surrounding the hotel doesn’t feel overly crowded, even during peak season, largely due to its slightly removed nature. There’s a great balance between exclusivity and convenience for checking out other cool spots nearby.
Pine Cliffs Hotel also hosts its own nine-hole golf course, twin fitness centers, a full spa and a bevy of indoor and outdoor pools.
(Need a sample travel plan? Read our 5-day Algarve itinerary.)
Fora Perks at Pine Cliffs Hotel, a Luxury Collection Resort, Algarve:
$100 hotel / resort credit, breakfast daily, upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
5. W Algarve: a unique & upbeat hotel with an artful design
Image courtesy of W Algarve
W Algarve is bold and stylish in its delivery, yet it still feels authentic to its location. It's easily the most unique hotel on this list, and a favorable choice for travelers seeking a fresh, contemporary design and livelier stay.
Similarly, the dining options provide a great blend of local and international favorites. There are six choices, including a trendy pool bar that features a fusion of Asian and Mediterranean cuisine.
Overall, younger travelers may prefer W Algarve over the relaxation-focused resorts we’ve covered thus far. That’s not to say you can’t unwind here — there’s a high-end spa and you can always admire the stellar views of the coast — but the energy here is more upbeat.
Fora Perks at W Algarve:
$100 hotel / resort credit, welcome amenity, upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Looking for the best hotels in the Algarve, Portugal? Plan with Fora
Ready to plan your stay at one of the best hotels in the Algarve, Portugal? Connect with Fora. We’ll make sure you get nothing short of the VIP treatment, plus awesome perks like complimentary daily breakfast, room upgrades and more.
Not so sure about making the Algarve the site of your next vacation? Check out more Portugal travel guides:
This article has been fact checked by Fora Advisor Vivian Ho, an expert on travel to the Algarve, Portugal.
