Most people, when they think of the Algarve, imagine beaches, sunshine, golfers and - let’s face it - rather a lot of people. But that is to ignore a whole sweep of the region. It is entirely possible to fly in to Faro airport, pick up a hire car and soon leave the crowds behind. Use our guide to the best off the beaten track hotels in the Algarve to plan your perfect getaway.

Flickr User Martin Robson

If you still hanker after sea and sand, then head to the south-west or the west coasts. The resorts between Burgau and Sagres, in the south-west, are low-key and low-rise while Sagres and the windswept cape of Sao Vicente attract surfers and divers. The best surfing, and the quietest beaches, are to be found on the west coast; wild and windswept and where Atlantic breakers roll in. As the whole coastline is a nature reserve, development has been restricted. The most attractive villages include Aljezur, Carrapateira and Odeceixe.

Flicr user.jeanmarie.

Inland it all changes again. Hugging the eastern border with Spain, close to Alcoutim, is the spectacular mountain scenery of the wild Serra de Alcaria while, inland in the western Algarve, is the Serra de Monchique, a wooded mountain range studded with cork, chestnut and eucalyptus trees, and popular hiking country. So, if you want easy-reach sunshine but without the crowds, browse our guide to the best off the beaten track hotels in the Algarve.

8 Great off-the-beaten-track hotels in the Algarve

For great value

• Close to the west-coast surfing beaches and next to a nature reserve, Muxima offers simple and colourful rooms with an exotic theme in the rustic decoration. Each room has a small terrace plus there’s an eco-pool in which to cool off.
• Also on the west coast, and close to the beaches, Casa Vicentina offers colourful and contemporary apartments. As well as a pool and children’s playground, there’s a nearby nature reserve which is perfect for bird-watching.
• Tucked away in the lesser-visited, eastern Algarve, Companhia das Culturas, a working farm, offers just eight cool and whitewashed rooms with a charming rustic style. There’s also a hammam, saltwater pool and yoga classes.
• Also in the eastern Algarve, and close to Tavira, but feeling a world away, Quinta da Colina is a traditional manor house set amongst citrus and carob trees. Rooms are cool with high-beamed ceilings and white-washed walls, plus there’s a rustic-chic pool made from a former irrigation tank.

Best mid-price off-the-beaten-track hotels

• Between Faro and Tavira, and surrounded by citrus groves and flower-filled fields near Moncarapacho, Vila Monte Farm House has a romantic, Moorish feel with rooms full of rich colours. A couples’ retreat with spa, several pools and an outdoor cinema.
• With the Monchique hills on the doorstep to explore, Vila Valverde offers a chic retreat to return to. Rooms are ultra-modern in natural materials and cool whites, plus there’s a spa and gorgeous surrounds of orange and olive groves.

Because most people rush to Algarve’s beaches, it leaves plenty of space for seekers of space and privacy. The Algarve’s best off the beaten track hotels may surprise you with their range of styles and locations. Nothing here that fits the bill? Check out our full range of Algarve hotels or contact a friendly guru for advice.

 

Written by Helen Pickles

posted Wednesday, 25th May 2022