The best places to buy property in the Algarve: Which location suits me? Your comprehensive guide from east to west

The Algarve is one of the most diverse and beautiful regions of Portugal. However, if you are planning to buy property here, you should not only keep an eye on the mild climate and the breathtaking beaches, but also take into account the differences between the individual towns and coastal sections.
In this article, we offer you an overview of the most popular places to buy property in the Algarve from east to west, highlighting the advantages as well as those aspects that could be disadvantageous or important for one or the other prospective buyer. In general, it can be said that the climate in the western rocky Algarve is somewhat harsher and windier, which makes the summers there cooler and more pleasant than in the eastern part of the region. In winter, however, the temperatures are more similar in both areas. Overall, summers in the Algarve are still relatively mild, especially compared to other parts of southern Europe. The average daily maximum temperatures here between June and September range between 28 and 31 degrees Celsius.

Eastern Algarve – Portuguese charm and authenticity

• Vila Real de Santo António: Located directly on the border river and thus on the Spanish border, this former fishing village offers a friendly, tidy town centre. This historic city center along the "Avenida da República" with its square "Praça Marquês de Pombal" looks pretty, very well maintained and is worth a visit. Overall, possibly also due to the extremely right-angled, symmetrical street design, the place radiates less character than other cities in the Algarve from our point of view. Practical advantages dominate here, such as the proximity to Spain, over the typical holiday flair, and the beach is also just under 3 km away.

• Monte Gordo: Monte Gordo, on the other hand, is a very touristy place, especially popular with British visitors. The fairly flat landscape, typical of the far eastern Algarve, as well as several tall buildings make the place less spectacular and less diverse as a place to live for permanent residents. With the Praia de Monte Gordo, however, the city has a beautiful beach, there are many restaurants, cafes and bars where you can enjoy cold drinks in the sun.

From here to the west, there are other smaller villages and miles of sandy beaches that are interesting for excursions. Cacela Velha is particularly worth mentioning here, as is the pretty beach at Praia Verde. However, this part of the coastal section offers relatively few attractive properties and infrastructure.

• Tavira: One of the most interesting cities in the Algarve. The pretty, historic town centre not only attracts tourists, but could also be interesting for property buyers who appreciate the authentic flair of the Eastern Algarve. Tavira is known for the river "Rio Gilão" and the old Romanesque bridge as well as the versatile and attractively restored old town. To the beach, however, you have to take a small ferry about 2km outside the village, which takes you to the offshore island "Ilha de Tavira" in a few minutes. There you will find a kilometer-long, wide sandy beach as compensation. The island is part of the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve, which basically stretches from Faro to Cacela Velha. Beach lovers, birdwatchers and nature lovers in general will get their money's worth here.

• Cabanas de Tavira & Santa Luzia: Both places are located in close proximity to the east and west of Tavira, respectively, so you can enjoy the amenities and culture of the city. Both are former fishing villages.

However, Cabanas de Tavira has grown a lot in the meantime, mostly for tourist purposes. Unfortunately, this makes it look a bit artificial to us, but it offers a nice promenade with restaurants, great views of the Ria and the boats anchored there.

Santa Luzia has also grown in recent years and the tourist influence is noticeable, but in our perception this place is much more authentic and offers a lot of charm. Accordingly, there are fewer real estate offers here.

• Fuseta: The small town of Fuseta is also relatively well-known in the eastern Algarve, which also has its own charm. In some cases, there are older, taller buildings towards the water. In some areas, however, new construction is also underway. The place is also becoming more touristy, but for the most part it does not look "spruced up" but rather more natural. In contrast to the other places in the Ria Formosa, there is a small beach here as well as the cute former "lifesaving station" on stilts, which you can't miss on site, but a short ferry ride is also required for the large beach.

A general feature of this region and the Ria Formosa: You have to take a small ferry to get to the beaches. This has its charm and doesn't take too long with a net travel time of 5-10 minutes, but could be perceived as cumbersome in the long run, as you can't just spontaneously go to the beach to take an evening walk, for example. A small insider tip in the context is "Arroteia de Baixo", where beach walkers can also reach the offshore beach islands on foot through the tidal flats at low tide or low tide.

Central Algarve – From luxury to tradition

• Olhão: This town is known for its originality, but has been modernised in recent years, especially in the areas around the two historic market halls on the water. Many modern residential projects are being built in Olhão. The offshore islands of Culatra and Farol as well as Deserta are fantastic, but can only be reached by boat in about 30-45 minutes, which can be rather a hindrance for daily beach visits. Of course, faster water taxis are also available for higher prices. If you are spending more time in the Algarve we would definitely recommend a trip here though, well worth it!

• Faro: Faro is the capital of the Algarve and is often perceived only as a transit station to the airport, but it offers much more than meets the eye. The city has a historic town centre, the so-called "Cidade Velha", which is surrounded by impressive city walls and delights visitors with its cobblestone streets, old cathedral and charming squares. Faro offers a vibrant cultural scene, numerous restaurants and cafes, and shopping, making it an ideal place for anyone looking to enjoy urban life.

• Loulé: This charming town is known for its large market and historic buildings, but it also has modern infrastructure. Loulé is located northwest of Faro, about 12 km from the coast. It could be an alternative for buyers looking for a mix of urban living and easy access to the coast.

• Quinta do Lago & Vale do Lobo: Here we are in the absolute luxury segment of the Algarve. Both places are heavily influenced by golf resorts and offer top-class properties. This exclusive region offers not only first-class villas and apartments, but also a variety of amenities that make a luxurious lifestyle complete. From upscale spa facilities to Michelin-starred restaurants and world-class leisure and sports facilities, no wish is left unfulfilled here. The exclusive beach clubs and high-class sports facilities attract an international clientele. However, these high-quality facilities are also reflected in property prices, which are among the highest in the region. For golfers, the resorts are a true paradise, as they are home to three of the most exclusive golf courses in Europe. If you are looking for a luxurious lifestyle with golf, wellness and fine dining, this is the place for you.

• Quarteira: Quarteira offers a beautiful promenade and a long sandy beach, but the attractiveness and charm of the village suffer from a dense development with many older high-rise buildings.

• Vilamoura: From Quarteira you can get seamlessly to Vilamoura, which is known for its large marina and various golf courses. There is also a sandy beach here, which further west becomes the famous "Praia da Falésia" with its reddish cliffs. The center towards the marina is quite densely built, there are a number of older, partly taller buildings - but not as in Quarteira - as well as hotels and a little outside residential complexes in golf resorts and partly also grown, older villa settlements.

• Albufeira: Albufeira, on the other hand, attracts many visitors with its lively old town and beautiful beaches, but is often crowded in the summer months and very lively in the evenings. In winter, however, the city offers a quieter atmosphere. Over the years, Albufeira has developed into a centre of nightlife and tourism, which attracts young holidaymakers in particular. If you are looking for the vibrant life, a wide selection of restaurants, bars and clubs as well as the proximity to breathtaking beaches, you will feel at home here. However, away from the tourist centre, there are also quieter residential areas that attract long-term property buyers who want more charm and some peace and quiet away from the hustle and bustle, as well as enjoy the magnificent coastal scenery. An additional advantage is the good infrastructure, which makes Albufeira an attractive option.

• Armação de Pêra: This place also has a beautiful, long beach and promenade. A special advantage is the possibility of hiking on well-laid out paths directly on the beach and through the dune landscape to Albufeira - an idyllic route. However, the townscape itself is dominated by tall, mostly older buildings, which somewhat impair the atmosphere and are not conducive to the former charm of the former fishing village.

Western Algarve – Rough, charming and close to nature

• Carvoeiro: A popular place that, despite its touristic character, scores with charming beaches and an impressive rocky coast. The outdoor areas of Carvoeiro are particularly popular with property buyers, as they offer a lower building density and relatively low building height and overall fantastic views. The area also offers high-quality restaurants, exclusive golf courses nearby and a wide range of leisure activities, making Carvoeiro very attractive not only for holidaymakers but also for permanent residents.

• Silves: This pretty and well-maintained historic inland town, known for its impressive castle and rich history, could be a good option for property buyers who prefer a quieter, culturally rich environment, but still want easy access to the coast. By the way, there is also a German school here that follows the German curriculum and offers students German school-leaving qualifications that are internationally recognized. This means that after leaving school, students are able to study at universities both in Germany and in many other countries. In general, there are also many english and international schools along the Algarve coast.

• Ferragudo: Once a small fishing village, Ferragudo has now developed a lot. Nevertheless, it retains its original charm, especially in the narrow streets of the old town centre. The beautiful bay appears on several postcard motifs. However, the beaches of the village are more on the river or the estuary. But there are numerous other beaches on the open sea, which can be reached by car in 5 - 10 minutes. Ferragudo offers a charming blend of tradition and modern lifestyle. The place is particularly interesting for property buyers who want to combine an authentic Portuguese atmosphere with upscale living comforts. High-quality new buildings and modernised properties blend harmoniously into the historic ambience.

• Portimão and Praia da Rocha: Portimão is one of the largest and liveliest cities in the Algarve. This is also due to the many locals who live and work here. Despite tourist sections such as Praia da Rocha, it is not a classic "tourist town". The city offers a variety of amenities: from supermarkets to restaurants, hospitals and leisure activities, you will find everything you need for everyday life here. Also worth mentioning is the shopping center, which invites you to go on extended shopping tours.

The district of Praia da Rocha in the south is best known for its wide, fine sandy beach below the cliffs. However, the image of the region is characterized by many tall buildings, especially near the beach promenade. This gives Praia da Rocha a strong urban character, which is complemented by the numerous bars, restaurants and clubs – perfect for those looking for a lively nightlife. Despite the dense development, the extensive beach offers enough space to escape the hustle and bustle and enjoy the beauty of the Algarve.

• Alvor: A smaller, pretty town between Portimão and Lagos, which also has a beautiful, historic town centre. The narrow streets and traditional houses give the place an authentic and welcoming atmosphere, which also attracts more and more people. A special highlight is the beautiful lagoon "Ria de Alvor", where small anchored boats and, if the conditions are right, kite surfers can be found. The natural landscapes of the lagoon and the wide sandy beach create a quiet retreat away from the hustle and bustle in most months of the year and are a walker's paradise. Despite its quiet location, the place is well connected and offers a good selection of restaurants, bars and shops.

• Monchique: If you are looking for peace and nature, Monchique could be an interesting option. The mountains of the Serra de Monchique offer breathtaking panoramic views over the Algarve countryside towards the coast and sea and a pleasant microclimate that is particularly appreciated in summer. From here, however, it is a little further to the beaches with a driving time of about 40 minutes.

• Lagos: Lagos is one of the most beautiful cities in the Algarve and combines historic architecture with breathtaking natural scenery, such as the impressive rock formations of Ponta da Piedade. The striking cliffs and picturesque bays are world-famous and offer unforgettable views of the sea and the coast. Despite the steady growth and increasing tourism, Lagos has managed to retain its authentic charm and Portuguese soul, which is clearly noticeable in the narrow streets of the old town.

Another attraction is the Marina of Lagos, which has become one of the most popular sailing ports in the Algarve. The modern marina not only accommodates numerous yachts and boats, but also a variety of restaurants, cafes and shops along the waterfront. This combination of historic flair, breathtaking nature and maritime life makes Lagos a sought-after location for property buyers who want to enjoy a modern-authentic life in the Algarve without sacrificing a variety of amenities.

• Praia da Luz: Praia da Luz is a smaller but extremely charming place right next to Lagos, with a beautiful beach, a picturesque promenade and a good selection of restaurants. Despite its manageable size, the town offers everything for daily needs, including two small supermarkets and a few shops. For more information about Praia da Luz and its assets, we recommend you read our detailed blog post "Praia da Luz: A place to fall in love on the south coast of Portugal.“

• Burgau and Salema: West of Lagos are also the two coastal villages of Burgau and Salema, which are perfect for those looking for a quiet and idyllic ambience. Both places are smaller and less developed, which gives them an authentic, relaxed character. Burgau impresses with its narrow, cobbled streets and small beach framed by cliffs, while Salema is known for its extensive sandy beach and charming fishing tradition.

• Sagres: Located on the southwestern tip of the Algarve, this town and its surroundings offer rugged, almost unspoilt nature and attract mostly surfers and nature lovers. On the way north, you will find towns such as Carrapateira, which is best known for the nearby spectacular beaches of Praia da Bordeira and Praia do Amado. The wide, fine sandy beach is framed by dunes and cliffs and is very popular with surfers and kitesurfers.
The area is comparatively secluded and there are only a few real estate offers.

• Aljezur: Aljezur is located a little off the beaten track and is known for the stunning scenery of the Costa Vicentina Natural Park. The city itself is divided by the Ribeira de Aljezur River, which separates the historic part from the newer city. The historic town centre is overlooked by the old Moorish castle and offers authentic Portuguese architecture, cobbled streets and a relaxed atmosphere. For property buyers, Aljezur is attractive if they can imagine living in a quiet, natural environment. The region offers numerous hiking and cycling trails that lead through the green hinterland and along the rugged and windier western Atlantic coast. Aljezur is also very popular with surfers, as some of the best surfing beaches in the Algarve are located nearby due to its waves and conditions, such as Praia da Arrifana. There are also communities and projects in the region that focus on self-sufficiency and living close to nature. In addition, there is a growing international community here that consciously focuses on environmentally friendly and sustainable lifestyles.

The Algarve offers an amazing variety of places to live – from the Ria Formosa nature reserve and the offshore islands further east, to the luxurious golf resorts of the central Algarve and the charming fishing villages of the west. If you value originality and tranquility, you will feel more comfortable in the eastern or western Algarve. Those looking for luxury and comfort, on the other hand, are well catered for in the central areas such as Vilamoura or Quinta do Lago. If you are looking for a mixture of modern lifestyle with all amenities and Portuguese flair, Lagos and its surroundings are the place to be. It is important to get your own picture on site and find out which region best suits your own ideas.

We will be happy to support you in finding the location that best suits your ideas and needs. Whether you are looking for a quiet retreat, a vibrant holiday resort or an exclusive property near the sea - we are at your side with individual advice. So do not hesitate to contact us.