Best Algarve locations

Cakerbaker

I'm looking for recommendations of an area in the Algarve for a family with a one year old. We don't want anything too touristy. Somewhere that isn't miles from the airport would be an advantage too! We've never been to the Algarve so have no idea really.

2smiggy

was in Alvor for a wedding a few years ago. Thought it was a lovely laid back place. Plenty of restaurants and nice bars and a nice beach. Went near the end of May and the temperatures were mid to high 20's. So later in the summer you go it no doubt gets very hot there

Theboinkmaster

Alvor & Lagos are nice - about an hour away from Faro.

Quinte de lago is meant to be nice but ive never been.

TherapyBoy

If you're not too concerned about losing access to the beach & want to avoid touristy stuff try Loule or Silves, they each about 15-20 minutes drive from the coast but really nice to stay in.

nhunter100

My family and I stayed in a place called Quiteria (forgive my spelling) right beside Villanova 20 mins from Faro airport. We stayed in a campsite, quiet after 11pm, enforced. Right beside the beach lovely spot, not to far from the main strip for restaurants and shopping.

joeysoap

Without the baby I would say Carvoeiro, with the baby agree with Alvor. Also most Irish don't go east out of Faro. Manta Rita and Cabanas and Monte Gordo are worth looking at. In general the west is more picturesque with cliffs and rock formations. The east towards Spain is flatter. In general it's also cheaper. The seas are gentler too (and warmer) but in some resorts the beach is on a spit of sand and you have to get a little boat out to them. First time I might stick to Alvor as it's pretty flat, loads of restaurants. Avoid the Irish rip offf bars.

hullaballoo

We stayed in a place near Luz last year with a 1 year old boy and it was very quiet and family friendly. The Portuguese love children and will be quite forward so be warned as it can be disconcerting for Irish sensibilities when your little one is getting touched/kissed by random strangers.

That said, we really enjoyed the place we were in, although it was far enough away from the town that we had to rent a car. (We always rent a car anyway as I love driving to different places in the Algarve and have a few non tourist sanctuaries for family fun but they are obviously off the beaten track!)

The accommodation was in Porto Dona Maria Golf Resort - an unfinished resort with some mega rich people and villas as well as more universally accessible places to stay. Being unfinished, services are lacking, so again, a car is needed to drive to Luz or wherever for dinner. It's also very close to Sagres and probably the best and quietest beach in the region.

The nearest city is Lagos (Lah-GOSH) and has your supermarkets etc for pretty much everything you'll need, less than ten minutes drive once you know the way.

chasm

nhunter100 wrote: »

My family and I stayed in a place called Quiteria (forgive my spelling) right beside Villanova 20 mins from Faro airport. We stayed in a campsite, quiet after 11pm, enforced. Right beside the beach lovely spot, not to far from the main strip for restaurants and shopping.

I was in Quarteira for the first time last year, I had been to Albufeira twice in the past, but i wanted somewhere with a shorter transfer time so Quarteira was ideal. It has miles of sandy beaches, a 15/20 minute beachfront stroll to Vilamoura, quite a few supermarkets dotted around the area for those who are self catering. I liked it so much that i am going again this year, defo not as touristy as Albufeira.

ger664

Anywhere except Priara Da Rocha or Albufeira/MontoChreo and you will be grand

whatever76

Would highly recommend Tavira ! Lovely town and great beaches nearby.

uck51js9zml2yt

We went to Olhão last summer and loved it. Nice and quiet and the kids loved it.