Where's best place in Algarve ?

numberonemummy

Hi
Taking hubby to the algarve for his 40th end march,
will have 3 kids 16,14 & 2 with us

Never been to Algarve,
whats the best areas ?
is it Albufeira or Vilamoura (or any others /?)

going to hire a private apt. but there are so many areas to pick from

we're going to hire a car to get from airport to apt. and to go to zoo marine,
only thing is must have beach and resturants etc. as we don't cook !

if anyone could share their views it would be much appreciated

richardw

Some may people say the further west you go from the airport, the nicer it gets, so perhaps worth considering how long you want to drive for to/from the airport.

numberonemummy

About an hour or so driving from the airport, thats what we usually do in tenerife etc.

thanks

MrSmartprice

I would say that Lagos is a good place to base yourself if you want to see the Algarve. A pleasant town and not a 'madhouse' resort like Albufeira. Some nice restaurants and bars, and a nice atmosphere generally.

There are plenty of beaches all along the Algarve so it's down to personal preference on that score. If you want the full-on touristy bit with burger bars, etc then Sao Joao, next to Albufeira is for you. Vilamoura is a bit upmarket and quite expensive, but Quarteira nearby has an excellent beach and reasonable eating places.

SAZZLEEVANS

Hi

Take a look at this https://www.islacanela.magnify.net. Isla Canela is a great location and only 40 mins from Faro. You will find accomodation a touch cheaper and a great location!!

SARAH

budgetflyer

Have a look at this ebay listing . Its a 2 bed apt in Carvoeiro, a lovely fishing town on the algarve.
This particular apt goes for £600 pw in July+August so £190 is a bargain.

altyfc

Definitely not Albufeira... I haven't been to the Algarve for a few years now, but I would second Lagos. (If you'd like hotel information for this location, you'll find it here.. it covers everything from 5 star to 2 star.)

Felix

https://www.madeirahouse.co.uk

Fantasic resort, beautiful beach and an perfect sized villa for your family and only £400 per week in April.

tumbleweed261

Second vote for Carvoeiro - I was there last summer and it's lovely! Also if memory serves Villamoura whilst nice is like a giant golf resort, and with lots of roundabouts it made us think of a tropical Milton Keynes!

lily_the_pink

Ive stayed in Vilamoura and we seemed to the only non-golfers in the resort. Which suited us fine as the beaches were almost empty. We hired a car for a few days and explored (as Vilamoura is slightly limited in attractions but does have the advantage of being centrally located so you can see the whole coast quite easily). If you like wilderness, definately go west (with all the surfers).

Vilamoura itself, away from the front is a bit milton keynes a la tropical as it was a purpose built resort. I have to say given the choice I would rather live in Vilamoura, even though I am allergic to golf and golfers. If you do go, choose one of the hotels on the beach front/marina or very close to and you will avoid the worse excesses of the roundabouts etc. Taxi from faro is around £20 if I remember correctly.

Pretty much the whole of the algarve is tastefully developed in comparison with much of the Spanish costas, and although I speak spanish fluently I prefer visiting portugal as I find the people more chilled and friendly. (May be talking a different tune in a couple of months as going to Granada and Nerja).

numberonemummy

Many thanks for all your replys,

well we've finally booked it,

got flights from ba, a 3 bed villa with own pool and garden in carvoeiro £365 for the week, so under £1k ! (portland wanted £1300 for a small apt)

so excited, as never done algarve, and all the info on it sounds nice and it looks so clean compared to the canaries

roll on 6 weeks time :rotfl: