The Best Places to Stay In the Algarve for Couples
The best places to stay in the Algarve for couples are scattered throughout the region. In fact, the Algarve is extremely versatile for couples looking for a getaway. Whether it’s a quiet stay in an Algarve villa and regular visits to the beach or a holiday packed with activities and entertainment, it can accommodate pretty much every couple.
A Guide To the Algarve For Couples
The Algarve can be broken down and split up depending on the type of holiday you’re looking for. There are particular places that can be best for nightclubs and partying, in particular, Albufeira offers a lively strip and provides a real nightclub atmosphere.
Alternatively, the Western Algarve offers a quieter scene in a rural area for a calm walk and a relaxing day out. The resorts of Vale do Lobo and Quinta do Lago shouldn’t be ignored, providing some of the most modern luxurious escapes in the region.
Here are some examples of the best places to stay in the Algarve for couples to visit and what each of the areas offers:
- Party Scene: Albufeira, Armacão de Pera, Lagos, Praia da Rocha
- Quiet and Relaxing: Monchique, Loulé
- Luxury: Vale do Lobo, Quinta do Lago, and Vilamoura
- City Break: Faro
- Bars and Pubs: Alvor and Carvoeiro
Where to stay
The Algarve is one of those places where there are so many options to choose from when it comes to where to stay. Ultimately, the best place is decided by what you and your partner consider a priority for a getaway like this. Are you looking to stay at a resort? Or perhaps you’d like a private villa in a more secluded setting? Let’s take a look at some of the most popular areas in the Algarve and whether they’d suit your couple’s break.
Quinta do Lago
Quinta do Lago is one of the Algarve’s most exclusive destinations, making it a perfect choice if you’re looking for modern luxury. Set within the Ria Formosa Natural Park, this resort area is known for its world-class golf courses (e.g. Laranjal, South Course), pristine beaches, and fine dining options.
It’s a great place for a walk with beach views, as you can take a stroll along the wooden bridge to Quinta do Lago beach and stop off at Gigi’s Bar for a cocktail. The resort has 14 restaurants, so you’ll be spoilt for choice throughout your whole stay here. With hotels and incredible villas available in this area, it’s a fantastic option to have for a romantic escape.
Vale do Lobo
Vale do Lobo offers a similarly high-end experience to Quinta do Lago, but with a more lively social atmosphere. Known for its iconic red cliffs, this area is popular with couples who enjoy both relaxation and entertainment.
The beachside Praça is the heart of Vale do Lobo, lined with bars and restaurants that create a vibrant atmosphere in the evenings. The resort also offers wellness spas, tennis courts, and luxury villas, making it an all-rounder if you value variety on your holiday.
Western Algarve
For couples who prefer a slower pace and a more authentic side of the Algarve, the Western Algarve is a great option. Areas like Sagres and Monchique are often quieter, with plenty of local towns and markets to explore, such as the Mercado Municipal de Portimão, which sells fresh seafood, meats, fruit, flowers, and lots more!
You’ve got scenic hikes (e.g. Pontal da Carrapateira Trail in Carrapateira or Fishermen’s Trail along Southwest Alentejo and Vicentina Coast Natural Park), and beaches such as Praia do Camilo and Praia da Prainha too, just like the other areas of the Algarve, albeit potentially less busy. This part of the Algarve is particularly well-suited to couples who love nature, adventure, and a more traditional Portuguese feel, away from the resort towns.
Albufeira
If nightlife is a priority, Albufeira is the place to be. Famous for its lively strip and buzzing bars, it’s ideal for couples who enjoy staying out late and soaking up a party atmosphere. Beyond the nightlife, Albufeira also has a number of fantastic beaches, one of the most popular being Praia dos Pescadores due to its location close to Albufeira town centre, and activities available. If you feel like it, there are watersports available, including a banana boat, parasailing and more.
We can’t forget about the delightful old town, either, lined with cobbled streets that feature numerous quaint restaurants, such as Casa da Fonte and Adega do David.
Loulé
Loulé is excellent for couples who want to experience the cultural side of the Algarve. This inland town is rich in history, with a traditional market selling food, local art and crafts, and a Moorish-inspired castle thought to have been built by the Romans in the 2nd Century, and rebuilt by the Portuguese in the 13th century after the Reconquista. You can even head into the castle yourself and walk along the ramparts (walls of the castle), looking down at the view below.
It’s less touristy than the coastal resorts, offering a more authentic Portuguese atmosphere, similar to the Western Algarve. If you enjoy spending your day wandering through unexplored areas, dipping into artisan shops, enjoying local cuisine in family-run restaurants, or visiting nearby villages, then Loulé might be for you.
Vilamoura
Vilamoura is one of the Algarve’s most cosmopolitan destinations, making it an excellent choice for couples who enjoy a mix of modern luxury and vibrant atmosphere. The town is best known for its marina, where luxury yachts line the water and a wide range of cafés, restaurants and bars create a lively scene in their surroundings. Some of the most popular places include Restaurante Akvavit, Atlantic Bar, and Sete Café.
Things To Do
The Algarve offers plenty to do for couples, and it differs depending on the area you choose to visit. Make the most of the time you’re there with these amazing things to do:
Visit The Beaches
Based on the coastline of Portugal, the Algarve offers many options for beaches to visit. Popular beaches tend to be around Carvoeiro, Albufeira, Quinta do Lago, and Vilamoura due to them being coastal towns, where the beach is just a stone’s throw away from many villas and accommodations.
Try The Local Cuisine
A great way to taste the fantastic cuisine that the Algarve has to offer is through food tours. This is extremely popular in the Algarve for couples. They provide several food options to try, like the classic Pastel de Nata’s and Cataplanas, and it’s an easy way to socialise with other holidaymakers too. The type of tour depends on your preference! There are quite a few choices, with some that include cooking classes and even wine tasting too.
If that’s not what you’re looking for and prefer to explore yourself, then there’s a breadth of options, from Michelin-starred Algarve restaurants to family-run hidden gems.
Visit The Hidden Caves
A common tourist attraction for many on the Algarve is the hidden caves, which can be found in several places in the Algarve. Some are only accessible by boat or swimming (for those who are strong swimmers). Boat tours are available and can take you out to the caves, offering the chance to explore. You’ll mostly find these in the Ferragudo and Carvoeiro areas, which are based in the Central Algarve, but if you look online, there may be other hubs where you’ll find boat trips.
Some of the most popular caves in the Algarve include:
- Benagil: The Algarve’s most iconic cave, famous for its giant skylight “Eye of Benagil” that illuminates a hidden beach inside.
- Ponta da Piedade: A dramatic cluster of grottos, arches, and limestone pillars near Lagos, with formations nicknamed the Elephant, the Cathedral, and the Titanic.
- Algar Seco: A honeycombed network of caves and natural balconies in Carvoeiro, best known for “A Boneca” (the Doll Cave) with two window-like openings framing the Atlantic.
- Zorreira: A hidden gem near Benagil, known for its golden walls and blue-green waters that create a dazzling glow inside.
- Gruta do Capitão: A rare and elusive grotto with a tiny hidden beach, only reachable at low tide and calm seas.
- Arcos de Marinha: The twin rock arches at Praia da Marinha, one of the Algarve’s most photographed landmarks.
Have A Night Out
As previously mentioned, some of the best nights out in the Algarve for couples can be found in Albufeira and Lagos. Both areas have many nightclubs and bars, and become particularly busy during the summer months. A great option for couples who want to explore a little more of what the Algarve has to offer.
The Algarve really does have something for everyone. You can experience some amazing nights out in Albufeira, or alternatively, find a chilled-out beach bar in Quinta do Lago with some live music or a DJ set. The quieter towns and villages like Tavira may not have as many places open late, but you’ll be sure to find the likes of wine bars and intimate restaurants where you can enjoy a relaxed evening together.
Try Surfing
If you’re a couple of adrenaline junkies, there are activities that you can do that steer away from the standard sightseeing. The Algarve is a popular destination for surfers because of the many beaches that it has, so it’s a great destination for those wanting to try some surfing. Some of the best surfing spots in the Algarve include:
- Praia de Faro
- Praia do Beliche
- Praia da Arrifana
- Praia do Amado
- Praia do Tonel
- Praia da Amoreira
- Praia da Bordeira
- Praia do Zavial
Depending on how long you plan to stay, you can book bulk sessions with an instructor, or a casual surfing session is available. Surfing is more popular in Lagos, which has a large surfing scene.
Plan your romantic Algarve escape
Whether you’re drawn to the nightlife of Vilamoura, the tranquillity of the Western Algarve, or the luxury of Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo, the Algarve has something for every couple. From secluded beaches and scenic walks to fine dining and lively evenings, this region truly offers the best of both worlds for a memorable getaway together.
If you’re ready to turn inspiration into reality, explore our luxury villas in Quinta do Lago, Vale do Lobo, or Vilamoura. We have numerous luxury properties in other locations of the region too. Not sure where to begin? Our team is here to help. Get in touch today and we’ll guide you to the ideal villa for your dream Algarve escape.
