ebuni

I don't see many posts about Algarve or the beaches; most questions are about Lisbon.

That being said, I want to have a relaxing (but not secluded) beach time in Portugal. I've read that most areas of the Algarve region is now overrun with young backpackers- is this true? I prefer nicer accommodations and food. I do like some liveliness but not a party crowd.

Any thoughts on the region and how it would be for a July trip?

Alec

It will be busy but if you choose your resort carefully, it's possible to avoid the worst of the excesses. Tavira and Carvoeiro for example. Avoid Albufeira and Praia da Rocha, both party capitals. Larger Lagos has attractive historical centre and genuinely Portuguese atmosphere.

ebuni

Thanks Alec; part of my enthusiasm to go is to visit different beaches (as opposed to hanging out by the hotel pool). Will it be possible to hop around and find these quieter beaches in Tavira and Carvoeiro areas?

Can you also humor me a bit and describe just how terrible it might be in early July? If you are familiar with Croatia, I've been to Hvar island and actually enjoyed the crowds.

ebuni

I should clarify and say its not the crowds I am most concerned about - I understand its vacation season in most of Europe - but I'd like to know who the crowds consist of. Who typically visits Algarve region?

Adzas

There are so many lovely beaches to visit. Albufeira is very busy at the moment with younger groups (students and stag parties) but in July there will be more families as well. August is the busiest, when all the portuguese also come to the Algarve. Ferragudo (near Carvoeiro) is lovely, Praia Grande near Lagos....

lobo_mau

Ebuni, during the last 3k years, the Algarve has been mostly visited by native Algarvians, Portuguese, Celts, Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Arabs, Vikings, Visigoths, Suevi, Jews, Sub-saharans and Eastern Europeans and I apologize if I forgot anybody. Still today you may expect a mixture of the above.