The best hotels and resorts in the Algarve

Adriana Beach Club Hotel Resort

Make a splash at this family-friendly resort

Best for… new experiences

Set in huge, forested gardens that run all the way down to the ocean, this family-friendly all-inclusive is perfect for pool-lovers, with multiple options for adults and children shaded by palm trees and parasols. The luxurious spa and poolside sunset bar (which serves free ice cream) are highlights, as are the amazing range of activities on offer: from belly dancing to Portuguese classes, you’ll come away with more than just a fabulous tan.    

Estrada da Rocha Baixinha 

Alvor Baia

It looks serene from here, but there are pirates lurking around the corner...

Best for… a family holiday

To say this huge, seaside resort is fun-packed doesn’t do it justice: from pirate ships to playgrounds, paddle courts to pristine pools, there’s an activity on offer for every day of your holiday. And that’s not even including the short stroll to the beautiful village of Alvor and its beaches and golf courses. The resort’s huge gardens and sports grounds make it the perfect place for an active family holiday – but if that sounds like too much work, its huge spa is the equal of any of its tennis courts. 

Galo Loiro

James Villas

With hundreds of properties throughout Portugal, James Villas is your best bet for bagging a beautiful villa 

Best for… an exclusive stay

You know that ‘wow’ feeling you get when you arrive at your private villa and you get your first glimpse of a stunning ocean view? That’s what James Villas specialises in. With properties located throughout the beautiful shores of the Algarve (not to mention the Douro Valley wine region and the idyllic island of Madeira), James Villas is your gateway to the region’s most sublime private villas, so you can enjoy an unforgettable holiday in blissful privacy. Plus, thousands of options on the James Villas website are available with free cancellation, so if you holiday plans change, you’re covered.

Book your ideal villa with James Villas

PESTANA BLUE ALVOR

Pick a pool, any pool...

Climb into paradise at this huge resort – or, at least top the top of it’s on-site climbing wall. It’s one of the largest all-inclusive resorts in the Algarve, and its every pool, playing field and playground was designed with the perfect family holiday in mind. The size of 12 football pitches, it’s equipped with its own concert hall, restaurants, bars and spa, as well as multiple pools, including one for people with limited mobility. The beach is a short walk away, and most likely the only time you’ll want to leave.

Sá de Miranda

California Urban Beach Hotel

Plenty of room at the Hotel California

Best for… a grown-up stay

A sleek, modern and adults-only hotel that offers a slice of South California glamour on the pristine beaches of the Algarve. Striking the perfect balance between an urban and a beach break, it’s based in the Olhos de Água district of vibrant Albufeira, within strolling distance of some of the city’s best nightclubs as well as its secluded beaches and crystal clear water. Nights in, sipping cocktails at the rooftop bar with its spectacular views of the city, are just as special.

Joaquim Pedro Samora 2

Oceanus Aparthotel

Cook up a storm in your poolside apartment

Best for… a home away from home

Make your Algarve holiday unique at this luxury aparthotel, whose modern rooms and suites overlook the pristine pools where you’ll want to spend most of your holiday. It’s based near one of the most beautiful beaches in the region, Olhos d’Agua, and the surrounding countryside is dotted with freshwater waterfalls and springs that give it its name. It’s a gorgeous place for hiking – if you can tear yourself away from your private balcony or poolside lounger.  

Rua da Igreja 

Jupiter Marina Hotel Couples and Spa

A sunset you'll never forget

Best for… a romantic holiday

It’s the rooftop infinity pool with its views out to the mountains and those Instagrammable ocean sunsets that makes this luxury hotel so special. Recently restored, this converted factory is design-led, with a spa vibe that unwinds you instantly. Poolside Bali beds, a sumptuous spa with couples’ treatments, and a fine-dining restaurant that specialises in seafood all make this award-winning hotel an unforgettable place for a romantic break.

Portimão

Looking for more on the Algarve? Check out our ultimate guide to the best of the Portuguese hotspot.