Where to Stay in Algarve for Couples

If you’re looking for where to stay in Algarve for couples you’re in the right place. The Algarve is such a romantic destination with its rugged coastline and pristine beaches.

Outdoorsy couples will enjoy the different activities you can do there, so whether you like bird watching, kayaking, or surfing, you’ll find the ideal town to stay in the Algarve.

There are even a few great adult-only hotels in Algarve where you can enjoy child-free hours by the pool, take a romantic couple’s spa, and enjoy luxurious dinners at the on-site restaurant.

Read on to find the best places to stay in Algarve for couples so that you can start planning your romantic getaway!

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Where to stay in Algarve for couples

Tavira

Right beside the Gilao river, lies the beautiful traditional city of Tavira. Awash with Moorish influences, and a perfect blend of the past and present, Tavira is home to beautiful churches, beaches, and restaurants.

One of the best places to visit in Tavira is the Parque Natural da Ria Formosa if you love wildlife and water.

The Parque Natural da Ria Formosa is a wetland that is the habitat of rare and beautiful sealife, and birds, and possibly one of the reasons why visiting Tavira has become one of my recurrences when going to Algarve.

Simply put, the Parque Natural da Ria Formosa houses fragile marine ecosystems in the Algarve. The best way to explore this place is by taking a boat trip from Tavira. 

Other places that are a must-see are Tavira Island, Tavira Castle, Roman Bridge, and Tavira’s churches. No matter if you decide to use it as a base for your Algarve itinerary or if you prefer to move around, Tavira is a must-visit. There are plenty of epic day trips from Tavira that you can take easily by bus, train, or car.

Faro

Faro is renowned for its rich history, medieval charm, and gorgeous beaches located in Ria Formosa Natural Park.

There are wonderful boat tours in Faro taking you to the barrier islands and exploring the salt marshes whether you want to go bird watching or prefer a sunset cruise with a drink of bubbles.

Faro Old Town is a lovely place to stroll around, visiting Faro Cathedral and the Igreja do Carmo where you’ll also find the Bone Chapel.

If you’re looking for a couples’ destination in the Algarve that is relaxing, yet offers plenty of things to do, Faro is a fantastic place. It’s more slow-paced than towns like Albufeira and Portimao, yet there’s a vibrant nightlife all year round due to its many students staying there.

Olhão

This is the largest fishing port in the Algarve and is known for its red-brick market selling fresh produce making it a foodie’s dream.

There are plenty of things to do in Olhão as it’s one of the gateways to Ria Formosa Natural Park. From Olhão, you’ll find some of the best Ria Formosa boat tours exploring the mesmerizing barrier islands.

Olhão is also where to stay in the Algarve for couples who love art. The Atelier ZEA art gallery and Mosaic Olhão are a must-visit for art lovers. But there’s also a lot of interesting street art in Olhão worth checking out.

Lagos

Lagos is the best area to stay in Algarve for couples that enjoy surfing. There’s always something going on, even if you visit Lagos in winter.

The heart of the town is packed with cafes, restaurants, and shops. Charming squares, tiled buildings, and a laid-back atmosphere make Lagos one of the go-to places for many different types of travelers.

Among the top things to do in Lagos are the museums, the Lagos Fortress, the Slave Market, and the Marina. 

Besides, the beaches in Lagos are epic! Among the best ones are Praia do Etudiantes, Praia Batata, and Praia Camilo.

You should also take a boat tour from Lagos to Benagil Cave and a boat tour to the impressive Ponta da Piedade. This is also a fantastic area to go paddleboarding or kayaking in Lagos.

But there are many other boat tours in Lagos – you might even just enjoy watching the sunset on the water with a glass of bubbles.

Not convinced? Read my post about the best reasons to visit Lagos Portugal.

Alvor

This quaint town is sort of overshadowed by the glamor of the big city next door – Portimao. But if you’re searching for relaxing Algarve resorts for couples, Alvor is your place.

First, the beaches in Alvor are perfect for a great slow romantic evening or even a morning stroll. The Três Irmãos and Submarino Beach are your go-to beaches. Next, kayaking in the lagoon is one of the best things to do in Alvor. 

take a romantic stroll along Alvor boardwalk. This way you get to see the beach and everything else this lovely town has to offer. 

Another lovely thing about Alvor’s architecture is the beautiful churches and religious monuments like Igreja Matriz de Alvor, and Igreja da Misericórdia de Alvor.

Portimao

Portimao is a bigger and more lively place to stay and is home to some of the best resorts in Algarve for couples.

You’ll find an array of cute cafes, upscale restaurants and bars, and a lovely marina where you can try a wealth of water activities and excursions.

Other things to do in Portimao include visiting the museums, the churches, and the marina. Besides, Portimao is home to some of the best beaches in Algarve like Praia da Rocha.

Albufeira

This is where to stay in the Algarve for young couples who love water activities and parties. One of the major things to do in Albufeira is to go for an excursion to the Benagil Cave.

Make sure you choose a boat tour from Albufeira to Benagil Cave that includes dolphin watching along the way, so you’ll spend some time looking for dolphins too – it’s so worth it!

Besides, you can go parasailing, scuba diving, snorkeling, or go on a wine-tasting tour in the Algarve.

Stroll through Albufeira Old Town, relax on the beaches, or party all night at the Strip. Below are some of the best places to stay in Albufeira for couples.

Vilamoura

Vilamoura is the best place to stay in Algarve for couples who enjoy spending the days on the golf course and the evenings sipping drinks with a sea view.

There are also many boat tours from Vilamoura whether you want to explore the coast and sites like Benagil Cave or you prefer sailing into the sunset with a glass of bubbles.

If you’re feeling adventurous, go paragliding, mountain biking, snorkeling, or parasailing. There are also diving schools where you can go scuba diving. The Algarve underwater world is just as impressive as above water! 

The Casino de Vilamoura is another hotspot in Vilamoura where you’ll be entertained with cabaret shows and live performances.

Carvoeiro

Carvoeiro is one of the most charming coastal towns in the Algarve offering a serene and active holiday. Among the best things to do in Carvoeiro, stroll along the Carvoeiro Boardwalk to the impressive Algar Seco Rock formations.

From there, you can venture further onto the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail or relax with a glass of bubbles at the Boneca Bar.

The laidback town is home to plenty of bars, cafes, restaurants, and ice cream parlors which make for perfect breaks while wandering the narrow streets.

Most famously, is Carvoeiro Beach for its colorful fisherman’s houses spilling down on the beach. Make sure you head up to the viewpoint for the iconic image of the beach town.

Exploring where to stay in Algarve, couples who like a mix of relaxation and nature experiences will fall in love with Carvoeiro.

Summed up: Where to stay in the Algarve for couples

Summing up where to stay in Algarve for couples, there are so many lovely destinations with fantastic hotels to choose from.

Eastern Algarve is best for couples who are looking for a quiet retreat and so is the little town of Alvor. If you’re into a more active vacation, the central and Western Algarve gives more options like hiking, kayaking, and surfing.

Happy travels!