The Algarve stretches for around 150 km along Portugal’s south coast, and each stretch has its own character: dramatic cliffs and coves in the west, lively Albufeira in the centre, polished Vilamoura and its marina, and the quieter lagoon coast of the east.
Here is our guide to choosing, with twelve of our best-rated hotels.
You’ll find on this page
- Quick verdicts and a comparison table of every hotel
- The west: Praia da Rocha, Alvor and Carvoeiro
- Albufeira and Olhos de Água
- Vilamoura
- The east: Olhão
- Answers to the questions we’re asked most
- Live prices with flights and transfers in the search box at the end of the page
At a glance: compare the hotels
| Hotel | Where | Stars | Board | TripAdvisor | Adults only |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pestana Alvor Park | Alvor, Algarve | 4★ | Bed and Breakfast, Self Catering | 4.7/5 | No |
| Jupiter Algarve Hotel | Praia Da Rocha, Algarve | 4★ | Bed and Breakfast, Full Board Plus, Half Board Plus | 4.5/5 | No |
| Hotel da Rocha | Praia Da Rocha, Algarve | 4★ | Bed and Breakfast, Half Board | 4.4/5 | No |
| Monte Santo Resort | Carvoeiro, Algarve | 5★ | Bed and Breakfast, Full Board, Half Board, Self Catering | 4.4/5 | No |
| Vila Gale Collection Praia | Albufeira, Algarve | 4★ | Bed and Breakfast, Half Board | 4.7/5 | Yes |
| The Patio Suite Hotel | Albufeira, Algarve | 4★ | All Inclusive, Bed and Breakfast, Half Board, Self Catering | 4.6/5 | No |
| PortoBay Blue Ocean | Olhos D’Agua (Albufeira), Algarve | 4★ | Bed and Breakfast | 4.6/5 | No |
| PortoBay Falesia | Olhos D’Agua (Albufeira), Algarve | 4★ | Bed and Breakfast, Full Board, Half Board | 4.5/5 | No |
| Vilamoura Garden Hotel | Vilamoura, Algarve | 4★ | Bed and Breakfast | 4.5/5 | No |
| Hilton Vilamoura Golf Resort & Spa | Vilamoura, Algarve | 5★ | Bed and Breakfast, Half Board | 4.4/5 | No |
| Real Marina Hotel & Spa | Olhao, Algarve | 5★ | Bed and Breakfast | 4.4/5 | No |
| Real Marina Residence | Olhao, Algarve | 4★ | Bed and Breakfast, Half Board, Self Catering | 4.5/5 | No |
Star ratings are official; TripAdvisor scores were correct when we last checked and can change. Board options vary by room and date.
Quick verdicts
The west: Praia da Rocha, Alvor and Carvoeiro
Golden cliffs, sea caves and wide sandy beaches.
Pestana Alvor Park
- Alvor, Algarve
- 4-star
- Bed and Breakfast
- TripAdvisor 4.7/5
Pestana Alvor Park has well-equipped studios and apartments in beautiful gardens, with a large outdoor pool in a fantastic location.
Best for: Apartments
Jupiter Algarve Hotel
- Praia Da Rocha, Algarve
- 4-star
- Full Board Plus
- TripAdvisor 4.5/5
Jupiter Algarve Hotel is in the centre of Praia da Rocha, close to the beach, with modern décor, and it is great for couples.
Best for: Praia da Rocha
Hotel da Rocha
- Praia Da Rocha, Algarve
- 4-star
- Half Board
- TripAdvisor 4.4/5
Hotel da Rocha has modern and stylish accommodation with stunning sea views, close to the beach in the resort centre.
Best for: Sea views
Monte Santo Resort
- Carvoeiro, Algarve
- 5-star
- Full Board
- TripAdvisor 4.4/5
Five-star Monte Santo Resort in Carvoeiro has modern, spacious rooms, stunning countryside views, fantastic service and a relaxing atmosphere.
Best for: Carvoeiro
Albufeira and Olhos de Água
The liveliest resort, with beaches, bars and an old town.
Vila Gale Collection Praia
- Albufeira, Algarve
- 4-star
- Half Board
- TripAdvisor 4.7/5
- Adults only
Adults-only Vila Galé Collection Praia in Albufeira is small and friendly, close to the beach, and great for couples.
Best for: Couples
The Patio Suite Hotel
- Albufeira, Algarve
- 4-star
- All Inclusive
- TripAdvisor 4.6/5
The Patio Suite Hotel in Albufeira has spacious apartments in a peaceful location, and it is popular with golfers.
Best for: Space and peace
PortoBay Blue Ocean
- Olhos D’Agua (Albufeira), Algarve
- 4-star
- Bed and Breakfast
- TripAdvisor 4.6/5
PortoBay Blue Ocean in Olhos de Água has direct access to the beach, stunning ocean views and a modern design, great for couples.
Best for: Beach access
PortoBay Falesia
- Olhos D’Agua (Albufeira), Algarve
- 4-star
- Full Board
- TripAdvisor 4.5/5
PortoBay Falésia in Olhos de Água has direct beach access, stunning ocean views, great dining and fantastic spa facilities.
Best for: Spa and views
Vilamoura
A smart marina and some of Europe’s best golf.
Vilamoura Garden Hotel
- Vilamoura, Algarve
- 4-star
- Bed and Breakfast
- TripAdvisor 4.5/5
Vilamoura Garden Hotel has a stylish pool area, modern and spacious rooms and a relaxed atmosphere, close to an array of golf courses.
Best for: Relaxed Vilamoura
Hilton Vilamoura Golf Resort & Spa
- Vilamoura, Algarve
- 5-star
- Half Board
- TripAdvisor 4.4/5
Five-star Hilton Vilamoura Golf Resort & Spa is perfect for golfers, with great attention to detail and a beach concession at Falésia beach.
Best for: Golfers
The east: Olhão
The Ria Formosa lagoon, island beaches and a real Portuguese town.
Real Marina Hotel & Spa
- Olhao, Algarve
- 5-star
- Bed and Breakfast
- TripAdvisor 4.4/5
Five-star Real Marina Hotel & Spa overlooks Olhão’s yacht-filled marina, with excellent service and an à la carte dining option, close to shops and restaurants.
Best for: Lagoon and town
Real Marina Residence
- Olhao, Algarve
- 4-star
- Half Board
- TripAdvisor 4.5/5
Real Marina Residence has spacious, well-equipped apartments and a rooftop pool with great views, close to the marina.
Best for: Self-catering
How to choose
Scenery and coves: the west, from Carvoeiro to Lagos. Nightlife and choice: Albufeira. Golf and a marina: Vilamoura. Authentic and quiet: the east, around Olhão and Tavira, with boat trips to the Ria Formosa islands. Flights to Faro take around two and three-quarter hours; Olhão is about 20 minutes from the airport, Vilamoura and Albufeira 25 to 40 minutes, and Praia da Rocha and Alvor about an hour.
How we chose these hotels
We looked at all 106 hotels we sell in the Algarve and chose the best-rated in each area. We excluded hotels already featured in our other guides, so you get fresh choices. Every hotel here is well rated by our guests on TripAdvisor, and every one can be booked with us as an ATOL-protected package with flights and transfers. Prices change daily, so use the search box at the end of this page for live availability, or ask a Travel Designer for a tailored shortlist.
When to go
June to September is beach season; spring and autumn are ideal for golf, walking and quieter beaches. Winters are mild and sunny.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best area of the Algarve?
It depends: the west for scenery, Albufeira for nightlife, Vilamoura for golf and the east for a quieter, authentic feel.
Where is the quietest part of the Algarve?
The east, around Olhão and Tavira.
Where are the most beautiful beaches?
The western cliffs around Carvoeiro, Praia da Rocha and Lagos.
How long is the flight to Faro?
About two and three-quarter hours.
Find your Algarve holiday
Search live prices with flights and transfers, all ATOL protected, or ask a Travel Designer to compare these hotels.
Keep planning
- All Algarve hotels
- Portugal holidays
- Best luxury hotels in the Algarve
- Best family hotels in the Algarve
- Best golf resorts
- Best hotels in Albufeira
Updated October 2026. Hotels can be booked as ATOL-protected packages with flights and transfers through Travelisto.
