11 Best Hotels in The Algarve, Portugal

Perched high on a cliff overlooking the dramatic coastline, the freshly refurbished Tivoli Carvoeiro has striking modern architecture, stunning ocean views, and well-kept grounds dotted with lots of trees. Rooms are sleek and minimalist, all overlooking the sea or garden. Outside there's a sizeable ring-shaped pool, along with tennis and diving facilities. A steep stone stairwell leads down to a private beach that has amazing cave formations.

Stately rows of palm trees give this modern hotel the feel of a tropical retreat. The focus here is getting outdoors, whether it's to swim in the sparkling outdoor pools ringed by lounge chairs or to play a few rounds on the adjacent golf course. Afterwards you can pamper yourself at the world-class spa. The hotel recently divided itself into adults-only and family-friendly areas (including dedicated pools)—a welcome addition for most, though family rooms can be pricey.

This intimate hotel was designed in 1918 by Graça Viterbo, one of Portugal's leading architects of the time, in grand maximalist style that includes cathedral windows and a soaring tower. The luxe feel continues inside with opulent fabrics, tiles, and wood—but, as opposed to overwhelming, the cool-colored hues make the whole thing feel like a breath of fresh air. Most rooms are in new buildings, and have a mix of seaside chic with Portuguese tradition. The hotel has an expansive L'Occitane spa, a gourmet eponymous restaurant, and a rooftop bar that's a popular gathering spot for sunset cocktails.

This luxury property has golf on its mind: guests get reduced green fees and preferential tee times at the prestigious San Lorenzo and Pinheiros Altos golf clubs. The hotel also has a brilliant Arabian-Portuguese fusion restaurant, two bars (including a pool bar), its own tennis courts, and is close to the renowned Vale do Lobo tennis center. Rooms are spacious and modern, and most have sea views.

This resort's low-rise architecture beautifully blends into the landscape, which includes sand dunes and pretty gardens shaded by pine trees. There are six pools (including one indoor and one exclusively for kids), a fitness center, six restaurants, and a large, well-serviced spa where treatments can be enjoyed in the open air. Located in a prime spot overlooking Albufeira's Falésia Beach, the Epic Sana may not have the postal code of its Golden Triangle counterparts, but it certainly has the high quality to match them.

Grand in style, the cliff-top Santa Eulália occupies a privileged position just a short drive from the town center. It has large, modern rooms (ask for one facing the sea), and a host of facilities, including an impressive spa. Multiple restaurants on site satisfy appetites large and small; from a family-friendly buffet to a seasonal seafood restaurant overlooking the bay.

Direct access to a lovely beach is one of the main perks at this family-friendly resort, with playgrounds and pools exclusively for children of all ages. Adults aren't neglected, either—there's the luxurious Finisterra Spa with a nature-first range of treatments, plus multiple sports centers. The property itself—set within a natural park on the edge of the beautiful Martinhal Beach—has lots of opportunities for outdoor adventures. A range of accommodation is on offer here, from two-bedroom houses and villas to ordinary hotel doubles.