Algarve villa holidays

Article updated every 6 months. Last update: 1st October 2007
Author: Susan Roscoe (Travel Expert) Ask me a question.

Villa holidays in the Algarve

The Algarve is the southernmost region of Portugal and it is one of Europe's favourite holiday destinations well known for glorious year round sunshine and excellent sandy beaches - and not to mention its golf!

With resorts such as Albufeira, Lagos, Vilamoura and many others, it's an ideal choice for anyone planning a villa holiday - from couples to families or large groups - due to the high number and excellent standard of villas throughout the area!


Kayte Williams
Kayte Williams
(Holidays Expert)

James Villas - Our selection of 258 beautiful villas in the Algarve give you an oasis of tranquillity from which to enjoy the copious leisure facilities, pleasant climate and stunning golden beaches of this popular Portuguese holiday region.

Cosmos - Cosmos offer a range of properties across the Mediterranean and Canary Islands. From the Balearic Islands to the Algarve and Cyprus, they include a variety of quality-checked properties from cosy rural hideaways to spacious family villas, all with pools, many of them private.  They also offer flights from most UK airports.

See more of our recommended companies

Albufeira villa holidays

Albufeira is the most popular Algarve resort for UK holiday makers. With its fabulous beaches it's a great choice for a villa holiday as there are over twenty of them. Popular beaches include the large sandy beach of Praia dos Salgados with its sand dunes and the beautiful rocky beaches of Praia do Castelo. The resort has a mixture of the modern seafront and the cobbled streets of the old town with plenty of popular attractions including Albufeira Castle, the Zoo Marine with animal shows, a play area, a pool, restaurants and a picnic area and Albufeira Church - the landmark of the old town.  Once a quaint fishing village, the Algarve still retains plenty of its charm whilst still offering a fun packed holiday!

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Alvor villa holidays

Alvor's charming old town and fantastic beaches combine to make the ideal destination for any one seeking a more relaxing villa holiday. Top attractions include a visit to the medieval castle ruins and checking out the local water park, 'Slide and Splash'! In the evenings, there are some fabulous fish restaurants to choose from and trendy music bars. Not far from Alvor you can experience breathtaking views at the highest points in the Algarve - Monchique and Foia.

Carvoeiro villa holidays

Carvoeiro retains the charm of an old fishing village with its low rise buildings and pretty sheltered coves.  Relax in the sun or hire a boat to explore the isolated beaches and caves.  There is a great choice of restaurants and bars on the tree-lined streets of the old town where you can dine on freshly-caught fish.

Lagos villa holidays

Situated in the west of the Algarve, Lagos is the ancient capital of the area and a popular choice for villa holidays. Lagos is a historic and charming coastal town with winding narrow streets and plenty of shops selling a range of goods, including the brightly coloured pottery that the area is famous for.  It's a great choice for a relaxing holiday with its nightlife mainly based around its range of high quality restaurants rather than nightclubs.

Praia da Rocha villa holidays

Praia da Rocha is the second largest resort on the Algarve with golden sand stretching as far as the eye can see and caves and tunnels leading to idyllic sandy coves.  There are numerous restaurants and bars, lots of shops, and for those wanting a little more activity, windsurfing and horse riding is available - along with a fantastic water park located nearby!  Enjoy panoramic views of the ocean from the 16th Century castle Fortaleza de Santa Caterina. Praia da Rocha is also close to the famous harbour town of Portimao with countless seafood restaurants serving freshly caught grilled sardines and the local wine Vinho Verde!

Quarteira villa holidays

Quarteira is next to Vilamoura and is popular with both Portuguese and British visitors looking for value for money villa holidays. With tall blocks of holiday apartments, many tourists return annually to make use of the long open beach.  The town lies next door to the popular resort of Vilamoura with an excellent range of facilities including fantastic shops, restaurants and a marina.

Quinta do Lago villa holidays

Quinta do Lago is one of the main beaches of the town of Almancil, although both have now grown to become very well known residential and holiday developments for British holidaymakers and a paradise for golfers and walkers alike! The town of Almancil has a decent selection of restaurants and an even bigger selection of estate agents, interior decorators and furniture shops.

Vilamoura villa holidays

Vilamoura has a fantastic range of facilities, a choice of fine hotels, and a sophisticated marina with designer shopping. Boasting a casino and some of the best golf and sports leisure facilities in Europe, most Vilamoura villas are conveniently located for the centre of the resort. Holidays here are predominantly beach based with two large, sandy beaches stretching away on either side of the marina. One is quieter; perfect for getting away from the crowd. The other - Falesia Beach - buzzes with life, with its snack bars, music and sun loungers. There's also a huge choice of cafes, bars and restaurants.

Who do we recommend?

With so many companies to choose from, we have researched the market to find those with a wide range of options as well as some that are more specialist.  Browse our list below to find the right company for you, then click through to their web site for more information and how to book.  It couldn't be easier!

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