Ah, the Algarve… a feel-good destination with long expanses of burnt butter sands, blue waters washing against golden limestone cliffs. The aroma of sizzling fresh fish drizzled with local olive oil fills the air, complemented by the clack of storks perched atop the squat olive trees lining the winding roads. This region is rich with magic, featuring hidden beaches where fishermen mend their nets, charming white-washed Portuguese villages echoing the sonorous sound of church bells, and picturesque vineyards that invite you to taste the wine crafted from the surrounding terroir. The Algarve also boasts a lively scene, with warm nights filled with music, cocktails, and beach parties, along with thrilling days of surfing and exploration. There is indeed something for everyone in this stunning region, and below are the best hotels from which to experience it all.
Choosing the Best Hotels in Algarve
Every hotel on this list has been independently curated by our editors and features insights from a iBestTravel journalist who possesses in-depth knowledge of the destination and has experienced each property firsthand. In selecting hotels, the editors evaluate a mix of luxury accommodations along with boutique and lesser-known spots that offer an authentic, insider experience. Beautiful design, exceptional locations, and warm service are paramount, along with strong sustainability practices. This list is updated regularly to include new hotels and highlight exciting changes in existing properties.
%2520pine-cliffs-resort-aerial-apr24-pr-global.jpeg)
Pine Cliffs
With its charming whitewashed villas and hand-painted tiles, this delightful resort, set amid lush gardens filled with rosemary and parasol pine forests, offers a perfect sun-soaked getaway. Located just 40 minutes from Faro, Pine Cliffs caters to both families and active individuals alike. The landscaped estate features a unique nine-hole golf course, famously known for the Devil’s Parlour – a shot to be made over a breathtaking ravine that overlooks a stunning beach. This setting offers the perfect backdrop for dining at the Mare restaurant, where you should not miss the delectable seabass ceviche with crunchy corn.
At the resort, you can choose to indulge in rich flavors or opt for lighter fare; the lemon-scented courtyard serves up fresh salads and ginger shots in the Zest restaurant, while the Pescador restaurant is renowned for its wood-fired catch of the day and succulent prawns. Exciting new options coming this summer include MIMO by Little Portofino, an Italian pop-up, and the first-ever Indian restaurant, Rohini by Little Miss India. Younger guests can play captain in the Pirata kids club, a sprawling 4000 sq ft wonderland, while adults can enhance their skills at the Annabel Croft Tennis Academy. The Serenity spa offers expert deep tissue massages and luxurious thermal baths. For families, the two-bedroom Ocean Suites provide an advantage, but various accommodations, from single rooms to grand villas, cater to every traveler’s needs.
— Jemima Sissons
