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Situated on the southern coastline of Portugal, the Algarve is a diverse region of glorious golden sand beaches, historic towns and a vibrant nightlife.
Whatever type of holiday you are looking to enjoy, you’ll find the choice and variety of destinations on the Algarve all-embracing, from family-friendly beach escapes and laid-back holidays to golf breaks and fun friends getaways.
At Holiday Homes Direct, you’ll find the perfect place to stay with a great selection of Algarve villas and apartments to choose from. Let’s take a look at some of our favourite places to stay on the Algarve.
Families travelling with young children or holidaymakers looking for a more peaceful base for their Algarve holiday will appreciate the wonderful resort town of Alvor with its laid-back and relaxed atmosphere and authentic character.
Situated on the banks of the Alvor Estuary, Alvor looks out across the beautiful marshlands that make up the Ria Alvor Natural Reserve and to the south lies the Praia do Alvor - one of the Algarve’s largest sandy beaches.
This spectacular and vast blue flag beach is ideal for families and is well serviced with sunbeds, toilets and accessible facilities for wheelchair users or the disabled.
You’ll also find watersports rentals and schools for kitesurfing, waterskiing, windsurfing and sailing, and a great selection of beach restaurants to choose.
Alvor town is quintessentially Portuguese with narrow cobbled streets lined with whitewashed village houses. It might be low-key but it has a wide choice of restaurants, bars and shops around town.
It’s central location on the Algarve makes it an ideal base for exploring the region. Close to hand you can enjoy water parks, hiking, historical city visits and boat trips, and then head back to tranquil Alvor at the end of an exciting day’s adventure.
Who is Alvor for? Alvor is very popular with families travelling with young children who are looking for a traditional Algarve beach holiday with good facilities to hand.
It’s laidback and peaceful atmosphere also makes it an ideal destination for couples and retirees looking for a charming and central base to explore the Algarve or just to enjoy a relaxing holiday.
Where to stay in Alvor: Holiday Homes Direct has a great selection of private villas in Alvor, as well as holiday townhouses and apartments on complexes.
Whether you’re looking for a beachfront holiday home or somewhere tucked away in the countryside, you’ll find the perfect base for your Algarve holiday.
If you are looking for a resort that is bold, vibrant and utterly outspoken then head to Albufeira. This is the Algarve’s largest coastal resort town and it attracts holidaymakers looking for a beach destination with a distinctly upbeat holiday vibe.
Albufeira has it all. This once small fishing village boasts glorious beaches, activities galore, and after a fun-packed day you can party the night away in the bars and clubs along the Strip. And then get up and do it all again the next day!
Upbeat it may be, but Albufeira old town still retains its old world charm with cobbled streets lined with little boutique and souvenir shops, tree-lined squares and al fresco dining.
Albufeira ‘New Town’ is known as The Strip. Situated around 2kms away from the old town, this single street is packed with bars and clubs, and attracts a younger ‘party until you drop’ crowd.
If you want to get away from the busyness of the coast during your stay in Albufeira, we recommend a day trip to the beautiful inland towns of Silves or Loulés.
Who is Albufeira for?
Albufeira has so much to offer for families, couples and friend groups. It’s hugely popular with younger travellers looking to explore the local nightlife, but if you want a more peaceful and laidback holiday, you can stay around the Old Town and quieter beaches and still enjoy all that Albufeira has to offer.
Where to stay in Albufeira
We have a wide selection of accommodation for you to choose from including beach apartments, townhouses and villas in Albufeira.
Vilamoura was honed to perfection in the 1980s when it was transformed into a five-star golf resort. Today it is home to six spectacular courses and is one of the most stylish resorts on the Algarve where the super-rich come to play.
Situated on a scenic stretch of the Algarve coastline, visitors to Vilamoura have a choice of beautiful sandy beaches including the unbeatable Praia de Vilamoura, situated on the front of Vilamoura, the beach is synonymous with pure golden sands and crystalline azure waters. And to the west lies the 8km stretch of Praia de Falesía which is backed by its distinctive cliffs the colour of blood orange.
At the heart of Vilamoura is the marina complex where visitors can enjoy fine dining and a cocktail whilst checking out the million-dollar yachts moored in the harbour.
It’s central location on the Algarve means you can head out and explore the region’s historic towns and countryside, or take the kids for a day at the waterpark, or why not splash out - literally - and hire a yacht for the day?
Who is Vilamoura for?
With six challenging golf courses, Vilamoura is a firm favourite for golf holidays on the Algarve and one of the most popular European golf destinations.
It’s also a good choice for families who are looking for a chic beach resort with excellent amenities, great beaches and plenty of day trip options within a 30 minute drive.
Although there is plenty of nightlife and great restaurants in Vilamoura, it doesn’t have a party all night vibe, so is more suited for older friend groups and couples who want to eat well and enjoy a cocktail or two in chic surroundings.
Where to stay in Vilamoura?
If you are looking for a contemporary and private holiday villa close to the marina and golf, Villa Pearl is for you.
We have an ample selection of private villas in Vilamoura, apartments located in Vilamoura Marina itself and stylish golf accommodation in Quinta Do Lago golf resort.
Situated between Vilamoura and Faro is the wonderful Mediterranean resort Vale Do Lobo. This exclusive golf community of apartments, townhouses and private villas is situated on a spectacular golden sand beach and nestled within verdant pine forests.
Here, you can enjoy the best of all worlds with the towns of Vilamoura and Faro close to hand, and of course two championship golf courses - Ocean and Royal - on-site plus a selection of challenging courses close to hand.
Vale Do Lobo is the perfect place to stay for golf lovers and for those who enjoy a little slice of luxury, tranquility and access to glorious beaches.
If you want to keep fit and active during your Algarve holiday, Vale Do Lobo is an ideal place to stay, as aside from golf you’ll have access to tennis, a gym, football training camps for adults and children, watersports, or simply head out for a walk or cycling in the natural environment that surrounds Vale Do Lobo.
The resort has several excellent restaurants and bars. Enjoy a sundowner on the beach and cuisine from around the world.
Who is Vale Do Lobo Resort for?
If you are looking for a resort where you’ll want for nothing during your stay, then we highly recommend Vale Do Lobo. It’s ideal for golf holidays in the Algarve and for couples or families who are looking for an exclusive environment, close to main towns, so you can dip in and out of busier resort life when you choose.
Vale Do Lobo Accommodation:
At Holiday Homes Direct we have a selection of villas in Vale do Lobo. From ultra luxury contemporary villas to cosy family-friendly villas close to the beach. Which will you choose?
Situated next to Vale Do Lobo resort is the elegant Dunas Douradas Beach Resort. This award-winning resort is located just 12kms (20 minutes) from Vilamoura and attracts discerning guests looking for peace, five-star facilities and of course, great beaches.
On site you have everything you need to enjoy the holiday of a lifetime. Exquisite dining at Saudade Restaurant & Bar, four swimming pools, a gym and fitness classes, kid’s club and more.
With six challenging golf courses just a short distance away, Dunas Douradas is also a great place to stay for golf holidays.
Head along the boardwalk to the blue flag beach of Dunas Douradas where you’ll find sun loungers and parasols. The beach is backed by pine groves and there are plenty of beach bars to choose from. This is truly a privileged location on the Algarve.
Who is Dunas Douradas Beach Resort for?
If you are seeking a little slice of luxury on the Algarve, we highly recommend a stay at Dunas Douradas. It’s ideal for couples, golf groups and families who are looking for a relaxed pace of life in elegant surroundings.
Where to stay in Dunas Douradas
You’ll find a good selection of villas in the Dunas Douradas Beach Resort. From contemporary to traditional villas. There are also townhouses and luxury apartments for smaller groups.
Snuggled in a gorgeous sandy bay on the western coast of the Algarve is Praia da Luz, or Luz as it’s affectionately known.
The once sleepy fishing village has been transformed into a relaxed and welcoming holiday destination which perfectly combines old school charm with excellent tourist infrastructure making it ideal for family holidays as you have everything you need to hand.
The town offers a wide selection of restaurants, beachside cafes, bars and shops. Everything you need for a laid-back holiday is here.
Luz’s long sandy beach is sheltered by the Rocha Negra headland and the sea here is calm - although cold - and perfect for smaller children to play in the gently lapping waves. The beach is backed by a selection of cafes and restaurants.
If you are feeling energetic and up for a challenge you can climb up the Rocha Negra and soak up the incredible views. From the beach you can book boat tours, dolphin watching and kayaks, amongst other water-based activities.
Praia da Luz is situated just 7kms (8 minutes drive) to the busy port town of Lagos, which is well worth a visit and it’s ideally situated to explore other towns and sights of the western Algarve.
Who is Praia da Luz for?
We recommend Praia da Luz for families with small children and couples looking for a relaxing and peaceful holiday away from the hubbub of the busier side of the Algarve.
Where to stay in Praia da Luz
We have a great selection of family-friendly villas in Luz. Choose from beachfront accommodation to secluded villas in the hills overlooking Praia da Luz and with amazing views of the Atlantic Ocean.
The historic walled town of Lagos is situated on the Western Algarve. Situated on an estuary, this seafaring town has lost little of its old world charm and although the town and surrounding region offers plenty for tourists, it has managed to stay relatively untouched by mass tourism.
Lagos is an excellent destination for couples and families with older children who are looking to stay in a more authentic town, with cultural attractions and visits combined with a great beach and smaller towns to visit close by.
The old town of Lagos with its cobbled streets and authentic atmosphere has plenty to see and do from a cultural perspective, and a great selection of restaurants and local boutique shops to browse. Head to the marina complex for a more modern outlook on Lagos.
If you are visiting the Algarve for a beach holiday, Lagos is an excellent choice. Close by are the beautiful coves of Praia de Dona Ana and Praia de Porto Mós, and Meia Praia, a 4km golden sandy stretch of beach.
Small children and teenagers will be pleading for you to take them on a day trip to Slide & Splash or Aqualand Algarve, both of which are within a 30 minute drive of Lagos.
Who is Lagos for?
Lagos is ideal for couples - young or older, as there is plenty to see and do and an excellent nightlife in Lagos. It’s also great for families with older children who want to combine an authentic destination with great beaches and plenty of activities.
Where to stay in Lagos
Whether you’re looking for a beachfront apartment, authentic Portuguese townhouse, or a villa in Lagos, you’ll find an accommodation to suit you on Holiday Homes Direct.