Southern Portugal
 

Would appreciate any suggestions on what would be a good base for staying a week in southern Portugal and planning day trips during the month of June.

Do you mean a base on the coast of the Algarve, or an inland base in the South of the country?

On the coast there's Albufeira, Portimao or Lagos, but inland you'll struggle to find anywhere of any size except perhaps for Beja. It all depends on what you're looking for in a base.

Yes, Trying to decide where to stay on the coast of the Algarve.

OK, what are you looking for in a base? Lots of restaurants, hotel choices, bars, cafes?

Sorry, posted too soon. Quieter resort or somewhere in between?

The coast is a bit overbuilt, like the Costa del Sol. I'd look for something around Alvor, or inland around Monchique.

Lagos is pleasant.

I've ridden a bicycle from one end to the other of the ALgarve and generally most of the towns blurr into a indistinct mess of tourist villas, golf courses, ex-pat areas and locals' areas, however three areas do stand out as interesting.

Faro itself, is at least central and has local restaurants and nice squares which can be pleasant. Most tourists do not go there as they go to the airport and then leg it off for their hotel/villas. Not many hotels and some down at heel but if you chose carefully this can be very pleasant.

Sagres has a very end of the world feel about it, with some nice little places about and a very large nature park (plus one more up the west coast) if you like bird watching and walking a good area even in June. Surf up in this area too.

Tavira, on the east side, has an old Roman bridge, some lovely old buildings (renovated ruins really) a beach that is on a sand dune outside the coast (actually really nice), salt pans, good bird watching to the east and a pack of good restaurants in the river mouth. We stayed in the old Tuna factory which is a lot nicer than it sounds. I cannot promise anything but Tavira is the centre of the porn trade in this area. ;-)

I prefer the Alentejo which is the region to the north of the Algarve, if you look up bilboburgler on TA there is a hotel we found which were fabulous, in the middle of no where, not on the beach but set back. The Alentejo also has the best wine in the south.

The people are very friendly and used to Brits/Germans etc descending on their country and normally make a space for you even in the most local of bars.

Trains are good, cars ok, but along with the Belgians suffer the worse drivers in western Europe. That does not mean terrible driving but do keep your wits about you.

Want a place on the coast with things to do in the evening. Nothing too crazy.

What are your thoughts of Albufeira as a home base?

Albufeira is perhaps the most developed of the resorts and has loud bar/club area to the east of the centre along the main road, but if you choose carefully, it can be quite pleasant. Stay as close to the old centre as possible, where there are many restaurants, bars, shops and a handful of historical sights. Great view over the sea, as it sits on a steep hill with steps leading down to the main town beaches. Will get really packed in July/August but otherwise bearable. Recommend a car for trips out, though the resort areas are well connected by bus and tourist train. Many resort-type hotels on the outskirts but I would stay closer to the centre.

My folks have been staying at the Albufeira Jardim every March for over 30 years, and the location is great (in March it's a pittance: $30 a night for an apartment with seaview, too; online reviews are very mixed as some units are better placed than others). It is a great location for daytripping - - just a couple roundabouts and you are on the highway; food shopping is very handy with lots of options (Lidl, Continente, fish market) minutes away - - in March the roads are empty but it will be different in summer. Nice and central for both west coast, as well as CastroMarim/AyamonteSpain to the east; Alte is the prettiest little village just north of there; the Saturday market in Loule is a don't-miss. There are nice beaches/hikes (e.g., Sao Rafael; Gale) within a short drive. Our fave food is Zé Leiteiro in Armacao de Pera with all-you-can-eat fresh grilled fish (multiple varieties plus squid) for 11 Euro - - and such a wonderful family that runs the place.