hotel
Vila Monte Farm House
Olhão, Portugal
Pro tip: Don’t pack your straw hat and beach bag; they’re on the hotel. Do bring home a massive jar of the juicy olives for sale at Vila Monte’s deli.
22 May, 2019
You've seen the eye-roll when someone mentions vacationing in the Algarve. Portugal's southernmost region has long been seen as the territory of family packages, golf resorts and English speakers.
But there's a lesser known side - one of traditional turrets, red cliffs and vegetable gardens (with a spot of Michelin-starred eating to boot).
From citrus-scented farmhouses and Moorish-style mansions to coastal idylls that are as gorgeously whitewashed as they are family-friendly, our rundown of the best places to stay will have you falling in love with the Algarve all over again.
hotel
Olhão, Portugal
Pro tip: Don’t pack your straw hat and beach bag; they’re on the hotel. Do bring home a massive jar of the juicy olives for sale at Vila Monte’s deli.
hotel
Sagres, Portugal
Pro tip: Pack comfortable shoes for leisurely hikes around the neighbouring national park – for when you get sick of the beach (if ever).
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Albufeira, Portugal
Pro tip: Head to the on-site beach shack for cocktails and sushi after hours.
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Altura, Portugal
Pro tip: Drag yourself away from the sun lounger to explore the nearby coves and beaches, or for a taste of culture, head to the castle and fort in neighbouring Castro Marim.
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Portimao, Portugal
Pro tip: Room 116 is Bela Vista’s pièce de résistance, with a lavish bathroom housed in a magnificent stained-glass turret. It’ll be the prettiest shower you ever take.
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Porches, Portugal
Pro Tip: For an especially extravagant trip, hire the Vila Vita Parc’s yacht for a day spent discovering coves along the coast and spotting dolphins.
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Tavira, Portugal
Pro tip: For commanding views of the magnificent architecture of Tavira, head to the disused water tower that has been converted into a camera obscura – less romantic than a rooftop garden, sure, but the views are worth it.
hotel
Tavira, Portugal
Pro tip: Check out the hotel’s designated vinyl room where the owners have carefully curated around 1,500 records over the years – a perfect soundtrack to your Algarve adventure.