Choosing where to stay can completely change the feel of an Algarve holiday. Beyond the region’s larger resorts, there are whitewashed villas overlooking the Atlantic, converted village houses in the countryside, intimate design hotels, and peaceful coastal retreats. From the fishing village of Salema to the quieter landscapes around Vila do Bispo and Lagos, these four stays each offer their own take on southern Portugal, whether you want the freedom of a villa, easy access to the beach, or somewhere small and characterful to come back to after a day exploring.
Salema Beach Village: Villa living by the sea
If you like having your own space on holiday, Salema Beach Village puts a contemporary spin on the classic Algarve villa holiday. Set above Salema, its two and three-bedroom townhouses come with generous living areas, fully equipped kitchens, terraces, and views towards the Atlantic, making them particularly well suited to families and groups travelling together. The village itself is a big part of the appeal. Salema has retained much of its fishing heritage, with colourful boats pulled up onto the sand, seafood restaurants close to the waterfront, and Praia da Salema right on the doorstep. From here, you can also head west towards Sagres, Cape St Vincent, and some of the Algarve’s wilder beaches.
Aldeia da Pedralva: A village brought back to life
Close to Vila do Bispo, this once-abandoned rural village has been carefully restored, with its traditional houses transformed into individual holiday homes. Staying here feels less like checking into a conventional hotel and more like having your own little base in the western Algarve. The surrounding Costa Vicentina is made for getting outdoors, with walking routes, cycling trails, and beaches such as Praia do Amado and Praia da Bordeira within reach. Back in Pedralva, cobbled lanes, whitewashed houses, and a relaxed atmosphere make evenings pleasingly low-key.
Vila Valverde: Boutique calm near Lagos
Just outside Lagos, Vila Valverde – Design & Country Hotel is a good choice for couples looking for something smaller and more personal. The property combines contemporary design with the feel of a country house, surrounded by gardens and open countryside, yet it is only a short journey from some of the area’s best-known beaches. Praia da Luz is nearby, while Lagos has plenty to fill a day, from the cliffs and sea caves of Ponta da Piedade to the restaurants, tiled streets, and marina around the old town.
Vila Alba Resort: Clifftop Algarve views
For a stay that puts the coastline front and centre, Vila Alba Resort sits above Praia de Albandeira near Caramujeira, an area known for its limestone cliffs, coves, and clear Atlantic water. Suites and villas are spread across the grounds, while pools, restaurants, and spa facilities mean there is plenty of reason to stay put for the day. A path leads down towards the small sandy beach below, and the location also works well for exploring this stretch of coast, including the famous Benagil sea cave and Praia da Marinha.
To book one of these incredible stays in the Algarve, speak to your Travel Counsellor today.
Europe is filled with places we return to time and time again, from the sun-soaked Greek Islands to the colourful towns of the Amalfi Coast. But sometimes, discovering somewhere new can make a summer holiday feel even more special. Whether you’re looking for turquoise bays, incredible food, atmospheric old towns, or simply a slower pace, these European destination swaps offer a fresh take on some much-loved holiday favourites.
A winter escape doesn’t have to mean returning to the same familiar resort or travelling for long hours in search of some sunshine. A short flight can bring you to Atlantic islands, Moroccan coastlines, and Mediterranean towns where mild days are made for exploring at an unhurried pace. These places each have their own character, from volcanic trails and harbourfront cafés to ancient landmarks and long, breezy beaches.
Touring holidays come in all kinds of shapes: you might travel solo, follow a planned route by rail, sail between ports, or combine several stops into one trip. The right style depends on how much structure you enjoy, how far you want to roam, and whether you’d rather plan the details yourself or leave them to someone else. Here are five approaches to consider, with destinations that suit each one.
Finding your match...
