Golden cliffs
Luxury hotels in Algarve
Europe's sunniest coastline: golden cliffs, sea caves and coves, world-class golf and some of the best restaurant tables in the country. Our original home and the region we know best.
- Clifftop resorts with private beach access
- Michelin dining and fresh seafood
- Boat trips to the Benagil caves
- Best time
- April to October
- Arrival
- Faro Airport, 20 to 60 minutes
- Pairs well with
- Alentejo
The story of Algarve
Golden cliffs
The Algarve is Europe's sunniest coastline, with more than 300 days of sunshine a year. In the west, golden cliffs, grottoes and sea stacks frame hidden coves; in the east, the Ria Formosa lagoon shelters islands, flamingos and quiet fishing villages.
It is also one of Europe's great golf destinations and a serious food region, with Michelin-starred restaurants alongside beach shacks grilling fish caught that morning.
Its luxury resorts are among the finest in Portugal, many set on cliffs with private beach access. It is where Portugal Magik began, and the region we know best.
The 11 hotels we recommend in Algarve
Algarve · Porches
Vila Vita Parc Resort & Spa
Clifftop gardens, a private beach and one of Portugal's most celebrated dining rooms.
Algarve · Quinta do Lago
Conrad Algarve
Polished contemporary luxury in the Golden Triangle of Quinta do Lago.
Algarve · Galé
Vila Joya
A small Moorish-style villa by the sea with one of Europe's great restaurants.
Algarve · Lagos
Casa Mãe
A design-led boutique hotel in Lagos with its own organic garden.
Algarve · Porches
Vilalara Grand Hotel Algarve
Lush gardens above Praia das Gaivotas, with a renowned thalassotherapy spa.
Algarve · Praia da Rocha
Bela Vista Hotel & Spa
A 1918 seaside mansion with azulejo interiors, on the rocks above Praia da Rocha.
Algarve · Praia da Falésia
Pine Cliffs Resort
A clifftop resort in pine forest above Falésia, one of Europe's great beaches.
Algarve · Quinta do Lago
Hotel Quinta do Lago
A refined resort in the Ria Formosa nature park, close to the Algarve's top golf.
Algarve · Galé
W Algarve
Bold contemporary design and lively energy on the cliffs above Galé.
Algarve · Moncarapacho
Octant Vila Monte
A whitewashed farmhouse among orange groves in the eastern Algarve.
Algarve · Carvoeiro
Tivoli Carvoeiro Algarve Resort
A clifftop resort above Vale Covo, close to the Benagil caves.
Signature experiences
What to do in Algarve
Benagil sea caves
A private boat early in the morning to the famous caves.
Seven Hanging Valleys trail
A guided clifftop walk along one of Europe's finest coastal trails.
Ria Formosa islands
Boat trips to island beaches and lunch in Olhão or Tavira.
Championship golf
Tee times at Quinta do Lago, Vale do Lobo and more.
A perfect day
A day in Algarve, with your driver
- Morning
Private boat to the Benagil caves.
- Midday
Seafood lunch overlooking a cove.
- Afternoon
Spa, pool or a round of golf.
- Evening
Dinner at one of the Algarve's starred restaurants.
Private chauffeur drive times
| Faro Airport | 20–60 min |
| Lisbon | 2 h 30 |
| Lagos–Tavira | 1 h 15 |
| Alentejo | 2 h |
Approximate times by private Mercedes-Benz, outside rush hour.
Good to know
Planning a luxury stay in Algarve
Which part of the Algarve is best for luxury?+
Central Algarve for resorts and golf, the west for dramatic cliffs, the east for authentic towns.
When is the best time to visit?+
April to October for the beach; the climate is mild all year.
Is the Algarve good for families?+
Exceptionally, with resorts offering kids' clubs and safe beaches.
Begin your journey
Plan your Algarve journey
Tell us your dates and wishes. We reserve the hotels, a private Mercedes-Benz with your own driver, and every table and experience in between.