Planning a getaway this year or next? Check out my best beach hotels on the Algarve to help you on your way.
I believe when overseas holidays come back in large numbers, beach hotels are going to be the most sought after. With 100 beaches stretching over 150 km of coastline, it is not surprising that there are numerous beach hotels and apartments in the Algarve. I’ve hand-picked some of the best beach hotels in the Algarve to suit all tastes and budgets – hopefully there will be one here to suit you.
1. 5-Star Vila Vita Parc, Porches
Voted the 3rd best Destination Spa Resort in the world by Conde Nast Traveller last year, the Vila Vita Parc hotel is one of the Algarve’s most luxurious hotels. Perched on a cliff top in 54 acres of subtropical gardens, with panoramic ocean views, it doesn’t get much better than this.
There are numerous accommodation options to choose from including some of the best suites and villas in Portugal, and with six bars and 10 restaurants, including a two Michelin-starred restaurant, once you enter Vila Vita Parc, you may leave until it is time to go home.
2. 4-Star Pestana Dom Joao II, Alvor
Alvor is one of my favourite resorts on the Algarve, I love it’s beach, restaurants, and the fact that it is still relatively unspoilt. The 4-star Pestana Dom Joao II may not be the most modern hotel in Alvor, but its location on one of the Algarve’s best beaches, and its great value for money, makes it a super choice for a beach holiday in the Algarve.
You can choose to stay in the hotel rooms, all of which have a sea-view, or if travelling with children, their two-bedroom villas are superb. I stayed in one of these with my family years ago and loved it. Having full access to all the hotel’s facilities, while enjoying the benefits of a beachfront villa, offers the best of both worlds.
3. 5-Star Martinhal Sagres Beach Family Resort, Sagres
I was supposed to visit Martinhal Beach Resort over Easter holidays but unfortunately, like all overseas travel, it had to be cancelled. I have vowed to go back to what is regularly described as one the best family resorts in Europe.
Set within a protected natural park, this five-star hotel has luxurious townhouses and villas, some of which have their own private pool. Obviously five-star luxury resorts such as this come with an expensive price tag, but it is undoubtedly one of the best beach hotels on the Algarve for families.
4. 3-Star Dom Jose Beach Hotel, Quarteira
If you are looking for a five-star location, on a three-star budget, then look no further than The Dom Jose Beach Hotel. Located in Quarteira and just five minutes drive from the upmarket resort of Vilamoura, this offers a beach front location with easy access to shops, restaurans and bars.
If you like a nice evening walk, you will love the promenade that leads all the way into Vilamoura’s marina. Recently refurbished with a prime beach front location, this offers superb value for a highly rated beach hotel on the Algarve.
5. 5-Star Grand Real Santa Eulalia Hotel and Apartments, Albufeira
The Grand Real Santa Eulalia’s close proximity to Albufeira, as well as its stunning cliff top location, has made it a firm favourite with Irish holiday makers for many years. It is ideal for families or couples, with a host of facilities and room types to suit everyone. Although a luxurious resort hotel, it tends to be more reasonably priced than other 5-star beach hotels in the Algarve, and the self catering apartments are particularly good value for families.
6. 4-Star PortoBay Falésia Hotel, Olhos de Agua
This popular hotel offers direct access to the beautiful 8km beach of Praia da Falesia. Located in the pretty town Olhos de Agua, yet close enough to the lively resort Albufeira, it offers the bets of both worlds. There is a choice dining options and bars if you prefer to stay on site, as well as a spa that offers outdoor treatments.
7. 5-Star Tivoli Marina Hotel, Vilamoura
Location, location, location – it doesn’t get much better than the Tivoli Marina Hotel. With the glitz and glamour of the Vilamoura Marina on one side, and its own concessioned beach on the other, everything you could possibly want is on your doorstep. The hotel also boasts a luxury Spa and a host of top class restaurants and bars.
8. 5-Star Dunas Douradas Beach Club, Vale do Lobo
Located between the upmarket resorts of Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo, the Dunas Douradas Beach Club offers 132 apartments and villas which are ideal for a luxurious family holiday or group golfing trip. Overlooking the sea, with miles of golden sand right in front of you, its situation is superb.
Along with some excellent culinary experiences, the Dunas Douradas Beach Club also has a focus on fitness. There are indoor and outdoor pools, gym courses and plenty of golf options available. Children are well looked after too, and there is a kids club for children aged 3-9 years.
9. 4- star Alfagar Apartments, Albufeira
With a great location overlooking the sea, and a host of family-friendly facilities, it is not surprising that the Alfagar is one of the most popular self-catering properties in Albufeira. Located between the villages of Albufeira and Olhos de Água, you will find a host of shops, bars and restaurants to choose from.
There is a wide selection of swimming pools onsite, including a heated indoor pool and a separate waterpark area for kids, as well as a gym, tennis courts and a football pitch.
10. 5-Star Lake Spa Resort, Vilamoura
I can’t write about beach hotels in the Algarve without mentioning the luxurious Lake Spa Resort. As well as being just a few steps away from Falésia beach, it also boasts a private sea water lake, and a swimming pool with a unique natural sand bottom – the first of its kind in Europe!
Its gardens are designed with plants from five continents, it boasts three restaurants, two bars, a Spa, Kids Club, and it also happens to be located beside Vilamoura’s famous marina – need I say more?
11. 5-Star Epic Sana Algarve Hotel, Albufeira
Overlooking Falésia beach and close to Albufeira, the modern Epic Sana Hotel opened in 2013 to rave reviews. This modern hotel uses state-of-the-art technology in its spacious rooms and suites. There are five outdoor swimming pools, as well as an indoor pool with extensive Sayanna Wellness Center, making it an ideal choice for a summer or winter break.
Children are well catered for too with a Kid’s club, Games Room and multi-sport court. There is direct access to the 6km beach from the hotel via a wooden stairs.
I hope this post on the best beach hotels in the Algarve will help to inspire you to visit Portugal soon. It is important to note that some of the facilities / activities listed may not be operating to full capacity – please check with individual Hotel for clarification. I always recommend booking a hotel with free cancellation in case there are any changes to the listed facilities that may not suit you.
Note some of the links in this post are affiliate links, where I will receive a small commission if a booking is made, but at no additional cost to you. Read more in my privacy policy.
Sarah
