19 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.

Explore the beaches and vineyards of the Algarve from this country residence and 25-acre farm featuring a swimming pool, fruit orchards, olive groves, and flower gardens. Fazenda Nova has 15 perfect suites, all with Balinese-style beds topped with Egyptian cotton linens, and most with private outdoor spaces. The rustic-chic main building houses a vinyl library with many genres of music, and a small bar with guests gather.

Facing the Atlantic on Praia de Faro, this slick hotel offers unfussy accommodation with direct access to the beach and the protected landscapes of the Ria Formosa Natural Park. Built in a bold modernist style by Gomes da Costa, it features charming retro touches like marble staircases and a classic inglenook fireplace. Faro city is just a 10-minute drive away.

With a cool, contemporary decor, this longtime favorite in the heart of Faro has a sunny rooftop pool and top-floor restaurant with lovely views. Rooms are modern and comfortably furnished; ask for one overlooking the harbor area. The fitness center is fantastic; sprawling, sleek—and busy.

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 sweet hotel—one of few options in Silves—enjoys a prime hillside perch in Silves, offering views of the Arade River and castle. Its Arab-influenced design adds charm, and the setting is ideal for hikers on the Via Algarviana. Rooms are fine and the gardens lovely, but dining and service options feel limited. Great for a short, scenic stay—but don’t expect full-service luxury.

This is the little sister of the more well-known, but temporarily closed, Dom Pedro Vilamoura, and has a similar focus on golf; the five challenging nearby courses are some of the best in the area. Close to Vilamoura's enormous casino, this attractive resort is right by the marina and beach. Besides golf, there's a comprehensive range of facilities like tennis courts and a relaxing spa. Rooms are furnished beautifully, combining modernity and classic style—and there's a lovely garden to relax in.

After being neglected for decades, this grand dame—the oldest hotel in the eastern Algarve dating from 1926, when Vila Real de Santo António was the center of the tinned-fish trade—has been returned to its former glory. The elegant building is full of period details like sweeping staircases, marble columns, and crystal chandeliers. The rooms don't quite match up in style—but are spacious, with artwork that recalls the city's heydey.

The sea vistas from this upscale hotel are both spectacular and legendary, so be sure to book a room with a view. The Moorish-style shared spaces are bright, most of the rooms have private balconies, and there's a spa on site, including a hammam. The onsite casino is what draws the guests here—it has a restaurant as well as floor shows.

This family-owned hilltop hotel's horseshoe configuration gives all the spacious guest quarters great sea views. Rooms and suites have terraces where you can enjoy the afternoon breezes. The two outdoor pools are lovely, as is the nearby beach—just be prepared to walk back up the steep hillside on the way back from your day in the sun.

Dating from the 1880s, this historic structure offers a pleasant stay in Faro's historic center. Rooms are bright and have some traditional touches like stone floors and French doors leading out to wrought-iron balconies. 

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.

Set on a small square in the center of the old town, this lovely hotel has a cozy home-away-from-home feel. Inside, it has a communal living room complete with a fireplace, perfect for winter; for summer it has interior patios and a pretty swimming pool.

An iconic spot in Quinta do Lago, the Magnolia Hotel has a playful vibe that pays homage to the classic motels of Miami Beach. The public spaces set out to have a youthful atmosphere, with a lively pool bar lined with chattering guests. It's worth the splurge to upgrade to one of the seven retro-chic cottages.

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 8 km (5 miles) from São Brás, Pousada Palácio de Estoi provides a comfortable base for exploring the region. The guesthouse—originally a 19th-century palace—offers a sense of luxury and history as well as a plethora of activities, such as guided tours, nature walks, and boat trips. Despite its palatial exterior, inside the decor is sleek and contemporary.

On the eastern edge of the old town, this centrally located hotel has an unusual but charming layout strung across several levels with gardens, lounges, and patios. Guest rooms are large and elegantly appointed, with blue-and-white cushions reminiscent of traditional Portuguese tiles. A shuttle bus takes you to the beach, where the hotel has good water sports facilities.