Where to stay in the Algarve?

On Beco do Paiol, in the lanes of the centre, 500 m from the centre of Lagos. You walk out to the old town, the Ponta da Bandeira fort and the boat departures for the caves.

Rua Doutor Faria e Silva, in Bairro Operário, a residential district of Lagos. A hostel for budget travellers, who walk to the old town and then to Praia Dona Ana.

Near Santo Amaro, on Rua de Santo Amaro, in the residential streets of Lagos. You sleep simply before heading out in the morning to Ponta da Piedade or the lanes of the old town.

On rua das Ilhas, towards Porto de Mós, 1.7 km from the centre of Lagos, facing the ocean. You move away from the town for the spa and the cliffs, with Ponta da Piedade within walking distance.

On estrada da Meia Praia, 2.6 km from the centre of Lagos, on the long beach of Meia Praia. For those who want sand at the foot of the hotel rather than coves, with the town by car or bike.

On rua das Violetas, on the Porto de Mós cliffs, 2 km from the centre of Lagos. You sleep above the ocean, away from the noise, with Ponta da Piedade and Dona Ana on foot along the path.

In the village of Sagres, 5 km from Cabo de São Vicente. A hostel near the beaches, for those who come to surf, walk to the fortress and watch the sun sink into the Atlantic.

Rua do Poente, in the village of Sagres, municipality of Vila do Bispo. A surf hostel for those who combine the waves at Beliche with sunset at Cabo de São Vicente.

In the municipality of Sagres, 6 km from Cabo de São Vicente, a resort designed for families with children. You stay put for the beach and the activities, with the cape and the fortress by car.

A farm guesthouse in the countryside around Sagres, municipality of Vila do Bispo. You sleep in peace, with a car to head to Praia do Beliche in the morning and Cabo de São Vicente at sunset.

On rua das Flores, at Algar Seco, 3.2 km from Benagil. Apartments above the coast's rock formations, within walking distance of Carvoeiro village and the start of the clifftop trails.

Rua Amália Rodrigues, in Algar Seco, within walking distance of the rocks sculpted by the sea. Guest rooms for walking along the cliffs in the morning and going down to Carvoeiro beach in the evening.

On estrada das Sesmarias, in Sesmarias, 6.7 km from Benagil, in an olive grove. You sleep inland, in peace, and drive down to Carvoeiro, Algar Seco and the caves.

In Alporchinhos, in the parish of Porches, east of Benagil and Praia da Marinha. A resort with a thalassotherapy spa for those who make this clifftop coast a restful stay rather than a race between beaches.

On rua Doutor José Pires Padinha, on the banks of the Gilão, 300 m from the centre of Tavira. A simple hotel on the quay: the Roman bridge, the Santa Maria do Castelo church and the harbour are all on foot.

Rua Borda d'Água de Aguiar, on the bank of the Gilão, 200 m from the centre of Tavira. A guesthouse for doing everything on foot: the so-called Roman bridge, the historic lanes and the ferry to the island beach.

On rua Patrão Joaquim Lopes, on Tavira Island, in a former fishing village. You sleep on the Ria Formosa side, with the beach and the lagoon at the door and the town by boat.

A converted former tuna fishermen's arraial; a small museum on tuna fishing is on site.