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!

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. That means that if you make a purchase through one of those links, I will get a small commission at no extra cost to you.

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AP Maria Nova Lounge
This 4-star hotel in Tavira boasts a spa and wellness center and an outdoor pool. It’s a lovely adults-only hotel with great service and a rooftop lounge bar.

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Mirachoro Carvoeiro
A fantastic 4-star hotel within a short walk from Carvoeiro town and restaurants and bars. Enjoy the outdoor swimming pools and spa.

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Hotel Marina Rio
Perfect location on Lagos Marina and close to old town Lagos. The rooftop swimming pool is heated in the colder months making it perfect all year round.

Where to stay in Algarve for couples

Tavira

The Roman Bridge crossing the river in Tavira, the best place to stay in Algarve for couples for a laid back vacation.

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.

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AP Maria Nova Lounge
This 4-star hotel boasts a spa and wellness center and an outdoor pool. It’s a lovely adults-only hotel with great service and a rooftop lounge bar.

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Pousada Convento de Tavira
Set in a 16th-century Convent in the heart of the old town, this is a unique place to stay. Enjoy the pool and the restaurant on-site.

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Altanure Boutique Hotel
A charming boutique hotel within walking distance from the town’s attractions. They serve fabulous breakfast!

Faro

where to stay in Algarve couples - 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.

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3HB Faro
Fabulous hotel with 2 pools and restaurants, a bar, and a spa and wellness center.

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Le Jardin Secret de Faro Guesthouse
Beautifully decorated guesthouse in the heart of Faro.

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Sunlight House
Private rooms with both shared or private bathrooms, and a shared kitchen.

Olhão

where to stay in the Algarve for couples - Olhao

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.

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Real Marina Hotel & Spa
This 5-star hotel offers views of Ria Formosa Natural Park. Enjoy the pools and relax in the spa and wellness center for the ultimate luxury.

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Seeds of Silence Boutique Hotel & Retreat Center
A romantic retreat surrounded by nature with an outdoor swimming pool and lovely staff.

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Zenit Olhao BB Guest House
Located in the historic center, this is a lovely guest house with a rooftop pool and terrace with exceptional views.

Lagos

A saquare in Lagos, one of the best places to stay in Algarve for couples

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.

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Cascade Wellness Resort
5-star hotel overlooking the ocean with outdoor pools and a fabulous spa and wellness center for complete relaxation.

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Charming Residence & Guest House Dom Manuel
Close to Lagos Old Town, this hotel offers an outdoor pool and spa and wellness center in a cozy environment.

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Hotel Marina Rio
Perfect location on the marina and close to old town Lagos. The rooftop swimming pool is heated in the colder months making it perfect all year round.

Alvor

best area to stay in Algarve for couples - 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.

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Longevity Health & Wellness Hotel
An excellent 5-star hotel with a spa and wellness center, inside and outdoor pools, and exclusive views of the town.

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Pelican Alvor
Set in a quiet area close to Ria do Alvor Natural Park, this 4-star apartment hotel offers outdoor swimming pools and a spacious outdoor area.

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Alvor Ar de Mar
A simple but comfortable hotel in the center of Alvor with a nice rooftop terrace with views. Walking distance to restaurants, cafés, and the beach.

Portimao

adult only hotels in Algarve - Portimão

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.

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Algarve Casino Hotel
This beachside 5-star hotel has a large outdoor pool and a vast green outdoor space. Indulge in the spa and wellness center for the ultimate relaxation.

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Jupiter Marina Hotel
This 4-star hotel offers complete luxury with a spa and wellness center where you can do couples treatments, a rooftop pool with views, and a fantastic bar and restaurant.

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Villa Rio Guest House Suites
A lovely boutique-style guest house located centrally in Portimao within walking distance of restaurants and bars. It’s got a nice outdoor swimming pool.

Albufeira

where to stay in Algarve for young couples - 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.

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EPIC SANA Algarve Hotel
A fantastic 5-star hotel with a large outdoor area with swimming pools and green space. Treat yourself at the spa and eat in the hotel’s restaurant.

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Bellavista Avenida
A lovely apartment hotel with a large pool and outdoor area to spend lazy mornings. Cook in your own private kitchen or go to the hotel’s restaurant and bar in the evening.

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Casa dos Arcos – Charm Guesthouse
A truly charming guest house in an 18th-century palace with a cute courtyard. They offer both private rooms and dorms, all with private bathrooms.

Vilamoura

Algarve resorts 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.

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As Cascatas Golf Resort & Spa
This 5-star hotel is perfect for golfers looking for luxury. Take advantage of their spa and wellness center, have a drink in the bar, or relax in the pool.

MID-RANGE
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Crowne Plaza Vilamoura
A fabulous seaside hotel where you can get pampered in the spa and wellness center with your partner or lounge by the pool and have a drink in the bar.

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Hotel Parque das Laranjeiras
A lovely budget option with an outdoor pool and a nice outdoor area. It’s located a bit outside of town, but with a car, you’ll easily reach the beach.

Carvoeiro

where to stay in Algarve for couples - Carvoeiro beach with white and colored houses leading to the beach

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.

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Monte Santo Resort
Located 1 kilometer inland from the beach, you’ll get the ultimate luxury with multiple outdoor pools and a fabulous spa and wellness center.

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Mirachoro Carvoeiro
A fantastic 4-star hotel within a short walk from town and restaurants and bars. Enjoy the outdoor swimming pools and spa.

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Villa Welwitshia
Just a few minutes walk from Carvoeiro town and the beach, this lovely hotel lets you indulge in the pool and relax in the outdoor area.

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!