We will be in the Algarve for 5 nights, with a car. Would like to stay somewhere we could easily walk on the beach. I was looking at Tavira, beaches look lovely, but are only accessible by ferry, we will be there Oct 6-10 and the summer schedule is over by then.
Has anyone stayed in Tavira, or the west side, Lagos etc.
Thanks for your advice, very valuable to a first time visit to Portugal.

Lagos has local beaches closer to the center of town. My impression is that it is better located for day trips to different sights.

We stayed in Alvor. Long beach to walk on and boardwalk, as well.