Where to live on the Algarve
The Algarve is a large region, and deciding where to live can be difficult task.
Selecting one of the three Algarve regions: Western, Central or Eastern can be a good starting point in finding your dream home.
The Western Algarve
Although the Algarve has plenty of natural beauty in all three areas, the Western Algarve is possibly the most stunning. It’s popular among surfers, nature lovers and everyone who just wants to get away.
Some of the most known cities are:
- Portimão
Portimão, which includes the Praia da Rocha, is one of Portugal’s most important cities in the south. Portimão is the second largest city of the region, located on the western side of the Algarve’s coast.
It is mainly known for its history, which explores the city’s, its harbour, and the beautiful beaches that have formed here.
- Lagos
Lagos is one of the most popular towns on the Algarve, and it is frequently recommended by visitors and residents alike.
The town is particularly popular with travellers in their twenties and thirties, particularly backpackers and surfers, but it attracts any age group, for its stunning beaches and beautiful places to visit.
- Alvor
Alvor is a quiet, relaxed resort town with a lovely long sandy beach (Praia dos Três Irmãos) surrounded by sand dunes and a lovely boardwalk.
It’s a peaceful resort town with a fun vibe that feels distant and far from the rest of the world – the ideal place to go and relax.
- Sagres
For those who want to wake up on the West Coast, Sagres is the place to be. It attracts walkers and bird watchers, but surfers in particular. Sagres provides surfers with not only access to the West Coast, but also a perfect surfing vibe.
The city is mostly made up of surf stores and hostels, as well as bars and restaurants for surfers, and almost the entire population is involved in this culture, so if you are an extreme sports lover, this will be a good destination for you.
The Central Algarve
The Central Algarve is the most famous region of the Algarve, both for visitors and for expats who have moved to Portugal. Standing in the middle of the Algarve gives you the advantage of being able to freely travel to the east or west.
Some of the most known cities are:
- Vilamoura
Vilamoura is very distinct from the rest of the Algarve cities. Vilamoura is a completely new creation, unlike the others, which were originally fishing villages that were converted into beach resorts.
It is known for its modern apartments, luxury hotels, bars, and of course the city’s harbour, one of the most recognized worldwide. There are also several beach clubs, fantastic golf courses, and many companies that offer wonderful boat trips that will leave you delighted.
- Albufeira
Albufeira is a fantastic beach resort area, with plenty of affordable restaurants and souvenir shops. It attracts a diverse range of tourists, including couples, young adventurers and older travelers. Albufeira has a lot to offer, and that’s why it has become Algarve’s most famous town.
It is close to several beaches, including some that are accessible by foot from the town center, and its central location is perfect for day trips to various parts of the Algarve. In addition, it offers several lodging options, from economy apartments to five-star hotels, thus pleasing any kind of wallet. Além disso, oferece diversas opções de hospedagem, desde apartamentos econômicos, a hotéis de cinco estrelas, agradando assim qualquer tipo de carteira.
- Quarteira
Quarteira is a popular resort town in the Central Algarve, with a large, long sandy beach. It lacks the historical attractions of many of the Algarve’s other cities, but those towns are all only a short drive away.
Quarteira, like Armação de Pêra, is known for its tall apartment blocks rather than its historical attractions, but it still has a distinct culture – which is possibly why, like Armação de Pêra, it draws more Portuguese than foreign tourists.
- Faro
Although Faro is just a 15 minute drive from Faro Airport, most people visiting the Algarve drive right past and head to resort towns on the Central Algarve like Albufeira.
Faro, on the other hand, is well worth a visit. It is the Algarve’s capital as well as the region’s largest city. Fisherman’s cottages and other small buildings with a fading glamour feel define Faro’s architecture.
The Eastern Algarve
The Eastern Algarve is located just east of Faro City Center and extends all the way to Vila Real de Santo António, which is close to the Spanish border, also property prices are usually lower than in the Central Algarve.
Some of the most known cities are:
- Olhão
Olhão is a charming fishing town in the Algarve’s central region. Within the fishermen’s quarter, the town has a lovely waterfront, a busy fishing harbour.
The Parque Natural da Ria Formosa, located in the city, opens out into the quiet waters and lagoons of Olhão. You will also have the choice to visit the sand islands of Armona Island and Culatra Island, with their beautiful beaches.
- Tavira
Tavira is one of the most beautiful towns in the Algarve and a fantastic holiday destination. Traditional tiled homes, family-run restaurants, and a plethora of colorful churches are hidden within the labyrinth of cobbled streets.
Besides this, it is a city historically known for its medieval presence, dating back to the time of the Moors, thus having a castle in the city, which is indispensable to visit, if you are traveling through Tavira.
- Monte Gordo
Monte Gordo is a popular beach resort on the Algarve’s eastern coast, close to the Spanish border. It is known for its long, white sand beach and the tall apartment buildings and hotels that line the beach.
Monto Gordo loses much of the elegance that many other Algarve towns have managed to preserve. It’s ideal for beach vacations, but it may not be ideal for those who want to learn about Portuguese history and culture.
After this guide, you may still be in doubt about which place to visit, after seeing so many possible destinations. However, one thing we can assure you: none of them will leave you unsatisfied, because each one has features that you will appreciate and make the most of your time during your stay.