I’ve been fortunate sufficient to name the south of Portugal house for a couple of years now, which has allowed me loads of time to hunt out a few of the Algarve’s hidden gems. Whether or not I’m exploring the greatest locations to go to within the Algarve for enjoyable or writing guidebooks, I’m all the time looking out for uncommon locations to remain within the Algarve.
Lately, there was an explosion of distinctive stays and boutique lodges within the Algarve. From premium glamping websites and upgraded tenting vans to personality-oozing renovated quintas (farms) and luxurious boutique lodges – the Algarve is a area which now guarantees loads of memorable stays.
After all, there are some beautiful luxury hotels within the area. However, for those who’re searching for a barely extra distinctive place to remain within the Algarve, these are ten of my favourites.
Retreat to Vale de Bispo for a recovered whitewashed village
For some of the memorable and weird locations to remain within the Algarve, head to Aldeia da Pedralva, barely inland from Sagres.
Ideally positioned to benefit from the Algarve’s windswept west coast and the breathtaking trails of the Rota Vicentina – particularly magical when coated in spring’s wildflowers – this laid-back location is right for a non-coastal keep. It additionally has a heartwarming story connected.
At one level, this whitewashed rural village was almost all left for damage. Fortunately, some Portuguese associates crowdfunded to revive the village and switch it right into a ‘lodge of types’.
Now, the previous houses act as lodge rooms, offering impartial self-catering items inside the village. The little streets nonetheless result in the previous cafe and publish workplace, and a small pool and bike leases will let you benefit from the encircling trails.
This little slice of secret Algarve bliss gives an perception right into a extra ‘conventional’ Algarvian village, albeit now not with the residents. Check prices.
Sail to a houseboat on the Ria Formosa
The Ria Formosa is a wide ranging swathe of barrier islands, wetlands, marshes and lagoons. Spanning for some 60 kilometres throughout the central Algarve coast, it’s magical.
Alongside these lovely islands, you’ll discover a paradise for water sports activities, wildlife and nature. In case you have ever flown into Faro airport earlier than, you’ll have seen the spectacular view of the Ria Formosa out of your window seat.
For an uncommon place to remain within the Algarve look no additional than a houseboat floating on these dazzling waters. One among Passeios Ria Formosa’s most particular choices is their houseboats which let you name the Ria Formosa your ‘lodge’ for a few nights.
Whereas this won’t enchantment as a base to your complete journey, it’s an awesome distinctive lodging possibility within the Algarve for a couple of nights. You may select from a smaller or bigger boat, and people lapping waves are included for those who love falling asleep to the sounds of nature.
The extra small boats connected to the houseboat permit for nearer encounters with wildlife by day. Or, you possibly can bob round gazing on the stars underneath the night time sky cover. Check prices.
Keep in a historic manor set amongst aged olive groves
Transformed right into a boutique lodge, the Capela das Artes is without doubt one of the extra uncommon locations to remain within the Algarve – each for the property and the situation.
Set in Alcantarilha, an inland space a brief drive from the coast, this isn’t a location for beachgoers. Nonetheless, if you would like a considerably elegant keep inland and to discover the extra laid-back and peaceable aspect of the Algarve, this renovated Manor Home may enchantment.
The unique chapel dates again to the fifteenth century, whereas a lot of the lodge is predicated across the Manor Home and the Seventeenth-century oil farm. With loads of olive groves nonetheless thriving on the property, a pool good for enjoyable, and a few intriguing inventive touches within the barely old school rooms, this is without doubt one of the Algarve’s extra distinctive locations to remain for a slice of historical past. Check prices.
Go royal at this transformed palace in Estoi
For some time, this lovely Pousada Estoi (pousada interprets to hostel, but it surely’s something however) was left in disrepair. However, a brand new lease of life remodeled it right into a luxurious boutique lodge by one in all Portugal’s main lodge manufacturers.
A brief drive inland from Faro, the 18th-century Rococo-style palace has been lovingly restored. Fortunately, most of the authentic parts nonetheless function whereas mixing in new additions, akin to a contemporary and spacious pool deck.
The palace’s facade is gorgeous, with the colorful tiles of Portugal (azulejos) making a hanging first impression. The palace gardens present peaceable spots to learn a guide and wind down in your vacation. Close by, the Roman ruins of Milreu are only a brief stroll and nicely price visiting.
Whereas this is without doubt one of the most original lodging choices within the Algarve, it nonetheless meets the usual of a luxurious lodge. For many who may be staying elsewhere, it’s additionally price a detour to/from the airport to come back in for a go to or drink on the terrace. Check prices.
Sip vinho at a wine property cottage close to Carvoeiro
Whereas the Algarve won’t be essentially the most famed of Portugal’s wine regions in the identical means Porto is, the native vines have began to garner far more consideration – particularly the vinhos from Lagoa and Silves. So, what might be a extra distinctive Algarve lodging possibility than staying in a winery?
At Quinta dos Vales, you are able to do exactly that! Situated close to Estombar – a brief drive from the favored coastal village of Carvoeiro – you’ll be centrally positioned to discover by the day and unwind with wine by night time.
There are lower than a handful of cottages and villas on the property, in various sizes, and most include non-public swimming pools. Nonetheless, it’s the wine experiences which counterpoint the supply.
You may flip your hand to wine making and bottle your personal, discover the winery (I used to be very excited to satisfy the goats!), or simply chill out amongst the vines with a guide whereas taking within the view from inside your charming cottage. Check prices.
Take pleasure in aerial yoga retreats at Alamos, Albufeira
One among my most up-to-date stays within the Algarve was on this comparatively new health-focused Alamos retreat in Guia. Though solely a brief five-minute drive to the waterfront, this barely inland oasis has a unique vibe to coastal lodging within the Algarve.
Celebrating the artwork of aerial yoga (often known as anti-gravity yoga), the poolside deck hosts an array of hammocks by which this new and low-impact type of yoga – combined with pilates and dance – is obtainable 5 instances per week.
The retreat additionally focuses on wholesome consuming, with natural teas, recent fruit, and gluten and sugar-free baking on the forefront. I’ve by no means had a cake so moist and scrumptious but as wholesome as may be earlier than!
The kidney-bean-shaped pool is complemented by the Algarve’s breeze and birds chirping, offering a calming place to do yoga or chill by the pool. Inside, the communal lounge space has been decked out in all-natural supplies. The up to date rooms are of nice measurement and use pure supplies akin to 100% cotton bedding and natural towels. This, and the open-plan up to date design, actually makes a distinction.
Alamos Retreat may be your good getaway if you wish to keep away from being alongside the crowded seashore resort and fancy some R&R in your Algarve vacation. With solely eight rooms on web site, I can’t think about it is going to ever really feel overly busy. Check prices.
A grand renovated convent in Tavira
Tavira is one in all my favorite locations within the Algarve and one thing of a hidden gem in Europe in comparison with the extra well-known seashore spots. Not solely does it really feel rather less touristy than different cities and resorts, but it surely’s additionally beautiful and full of heritage buildings – the Pousada Convento Tavira isn’t any exception.
Resorted to the best normal, this former convent dates again to the sixteenth century. Grand staircases, a wide ranging cloister, and archaeological discoveries are all nonetheless on show right here, including a formidable contact to your keep.
Fortunately, the rooms supply extra fashionable touches, permitting this uncommon place to remain within the Algarve to bridge the divide between previous and new effortlessly. It’s not a big lodge – there are lower than 40 rooms – so it by no means actually feels too crowded, and also you’re moments from the riverside and seashore boat service – a grand possibility for a break within the Algarve. Check prices.
Be taught to surf at a retreat faculty on the wild west coast
The Amado surf camp has a few places alongside the Algarve’s rugged, wild west coast. This can be a nice guess if you wish to get out on the water and be taught to surf whereas staying within the Algarve.
From shaded tenting packages barely inland to close the seashore bungalows, their stay-and-learn choices are primarily round Sagres and Carrapateira.
Decisions – each in worth and kind of lodging – are different. For essentially the most half, they aren’t too fancy. Nonetheless, they supply the best crash pad and group after a day on the waves.
Whereas it has grow to be all the style for foreigners to move to the Algarve and run their very own surf camps or yoga treats, this native enterprise has been going for over a decade. I believe it’s nicer to assist these native companies than the touring camps and academics who transfer on when the season ends. Check prices.
Take pleasure in an nearly ‘all-inclusive’ mountain wellness retreat
A last alternative for many who wish to escape the coast solely and retreat into Monchique’s verdant mountains, trails and waterfalls.
This barely out-of-place and hulking fashionable lodge is a far cry from the extra conventional choices often discovered within the space. Bringing a extra fashionable and futuristic contact to the area, the resort-style Monchique Resort and Spa was someplace I booked as a deal with for my Mum’s birthday.
What’s nice about it’s the packages on supply. Whereas half-board and all-inclusive may be booked moreover, for these searching for a wellness expertise, it’s the included day by day actions which is able to enchantment.
From yoga courses and exercises to foraging and aqua-based train courses, the schedule of group courses gives the proper complement to the pool and spa amenities. Check prices.
Get away from all of it at a glamping tipi amongst nature
A buddy really helpful this tipi-style lodging, and I haven’t personally visited it. However, if you wish to head in direction of the mountains of the Algarve to your distinctive lodging and glamping expertise, right here is your likelihood.
Named the ‘Algarve Safari Lodge’, the wonderful setting within the Serra Do Caderão mountain vary is enveloped by olive and orange bushes with a splash of vineyards.
The tents include non-public swimming pools and alfresco kitchens to offer privateness out of your neighbours. A bigger lodging possibility alongside the river can be a superb alternative for prolonged households. If you’d like an eco-conscious escape to the Algarve and to find the appeal of inland whereas nonetheless being a comparatively brief drive from the seashore, this might be simply the ticket. Check prices.
