The best hotels in the Algarve: nine places to stay, west cliffs to east lagoons

Built for families

Martinhal Sagres Beach Family Resort stands by the beach near Sagres, at the south-western tip of Europe, with villas and rooms in gardens, several pools and a huge programme for children of all ages.

It is our family pick, with everything designed around children, from a nursery to teenage activities, while adults get a spa and good food. It is right for families who want nature and space. Sagres is often windy and the water cold, but the beaches are beautiful and nearly empty outside summer, and Cape St Vincent is a short drive away.

By the cliffs at Lagos

Cascade Wellness Resort sits on the cliffs at Ponta da Piedade outside Lagos, with large gardens, several pools, a spa and sea-view rooms. The coves below are reached by steps or by boat.

It is a strong pick for couples and families who want a spa, space and Lagos ten minutes away, and it is ideal for walking the clifftop trail. The beach below is small and a walk away. Lagos old town has good restaurants and bars, and boat trips into the caves leave from the harbour.

A mansion on Praia da Rocha

Bela Vista Hotel & Spa occupies an old mansion on the cliff above Praia da Rocha in Portimão, its walls covered in blue and white azulejos, the Portuguese painted tiles. Rooms are modern and bright, looking over the beach.

This is our design pick, blending old and new with real confidence. It appeals to couples who want a small luxury hotel with history and the beach right below. The street outside is busy in summer, but the hotel is an island of calm, and its restaurant and terrace above the beach are lovely at sunset.

On the cliff by Algar Seco

Tivoli Carvoeiro Algarve Resort sits on the cliffs outside the village of Carvoeiro, close to the rock formations of Algar Seco, with a pool, spa and sea-view rooms.

It makes an easy first choice, putting you in the most beautiful stretch of coast with Carvoeiro and the boat trips to Benagil close by. It is well suited to couples and families. The beach is not directly below, but Carvoeiro's village beach is a stroll away, with fish restaurants around its little square.

Gardens on the clifftop

Vila Vita Parc Resort & Spa sits on the cliffs at Porches, with extensive gardens, several pools, a spa, restaurants and steps down to the beach beneath the cliffs.

It gets our vote as the romantic pick and one of the best-known luxury hotels in the Algarve. It suits couples and families who want space, service and a choice of restaurants in one place. Rates are high and the resort is large, but the gardens bring calm.

The beach east of Albufeira

Grande Real Santa Eulália Resort & Hotel Spa stands by Santa Eulália beach east of Albufeira, with large pools, a spa and sea-view rooms.

It is a good fit for travellers who want Albufeira close by without staying in the centre, and it works for couples and families. The beach is long and lovely but popular in summer. Albufeira is half an hour's walk along the coast or a short taxi ride.

Golf and pines above the beach

Pine Cliffs Hotel stands on the red cliffs above Falésia beach east of Albufeira, with pine woods, a golf course, several pools and a lift down to the sand.

It works best for families and golfers who want a big resort with everything in one place. Falésia is one of the longest beaches in the Algarve. It is expensive and large, but there is room for everyone, and the kids' club and golf academy make a week easy.

Retro and good value in Quinta do Lago

The Magnolia Hotel sits in Quinta do Lago, with a colourful retro interior, a pool and rooms around a garden. The beach and the Ria Formosa lagoon are a short ride away.

It takes our value pick, putting you in one of the Algarve's priciest areas at a sensible rate. It is made for couples and families who want golf and beach. It is not on the beach, but the hotel lends bikes, and cycle paths along the lagoon are rich in birdlife.

An old convent in town

Pousada Convento de Tavira occupies an old convent on the hill in Tavira, with cloisters, a garden pool and rooms looking over the town's rooftops.

It is ideal for travellers who want an authentic Portuguese town with history, restaurants and boats to the beaches of Ilha de Tavira. It works well for couples who want calm and history. It is not on the beach, but island boats leave from town, and in the evening the streets down to the river are quiet and the restaurants serve fish from the lagoon.