11 Best Hotels in The Algarve, Portugal

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 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.

Positioned around a generously sized swimming pool, this low-rise complex offers more affordable studio and one-bedroom apartments. The accommodation is basic but charming, with azulejo tiles decorating bedrooms. The on-site restaurant, bar and snack bar are low-key and no-frills, but provide a bit of interaction in the otherwise self-serving digs. Golfers will be in their element, as the hotel is flanked on all sides by high-quality courses.

One of Albufeira's most popular lodgings is a 10-minute walk from the main square. Smart, well-equipped rooms have private balconies; ask for one with a sea view, or you may end up facing the busy main road. Reserve well in advance for summer stays here, as package-tour operators tend to book whole blocks of rooms.

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. 

This hotel has a simple but stylish interior cleverly laid out around three outdoor swimming pools complete with wooden decks and palm gardens. The spacious apartments have private terraces and kitchens with everything you need to prepare your own meals. If you are traveling by boat, this is the perfect place to base yourself—not only is the marina steps from the old town but there's also a beach nearby.

With three challenging courses on the property, it's no surprise that the Penina attracts large numbers of golfers (especially because guests get discounted green fees). Beyond the golfing lure, there's a smart hotel that caters well to families, including a kids' club and a bus that shuttles you to and from the hotel's beach. The hotel has four restaurants, a bar, and a beach snack bar.

Whether you have a room with a sea or a garden view, this cliff-top property looks good from all angles. All of the inviting rooms have balconies, many overlooking the gorgeous beach. Although it is an easy walk to the pleasant sands below, there's an elevator that can take you down, saving your tired legs after a day at the beach. For year-round indulgence, the hotel also has its own spa as well as an on-site restaurant, Almofariz, serving Algarvian specialties.

About 1 km (½ mile) west of town, the Viking stands on a promontory directly above a lovely beach. Its manicured grounds are studded with palm trees and include several massive swimming pools (one just for children) and a lawn with lounge chairs where you can enjoy the view. All rooms include balconies, though only some look out to sea. Self-catering apartments are available, too.