Three hundred days of sunshine a year, grandiose beaches, traditional architecture, the Algarve, located in the south of Portugal, is full of a thousand and one gems to discover. To enjoy it 100%, here are some suggestions for hotels, B&Bs, retirement places and even holiday homes to stay in.
1/ Casa Brava
Nestled in the heights of Loulé on the edge of a protected natural area, Casa Brava is located halfway between the most beautiful beaches of the coast and the mountain ranges of the "Caldeirão". This old stone farm from 1850 is a refuge between city and nature, where the owners distill a Slow way of life, far from the Parisian frenzy that they left several years ago. Here, you will stay in the old donkey dormitory or the old pigsty, transformed into suites with authenticity and character.
https://www.casabrava.pt/bnbfr
2/ Pensão Agrícola
This small rural farm, transformed into a guest house, once belonged to the Silva Gomes family. Built in 1920 as a wedding gift for the owners' only daughter, it retained its agricultural activity until 1970 before being abandoned for 40 years. Furniture, photographs and even books found inside by the new owners have been skillfully integrated into the project by Atelier Rua, in memory of its prosperous times. Located in the fertile area of the Algarve Barrocal, framed by orchards of orange, fig, almond, arbutus and carob trees, this pension is ideal for staying a few kilometers from the historic town of Tavira and the picturesque Cacela Velha.
http://www.pensaoagricola.com/
3/ Casa Um 
Casa Um reinvents the style and details of typical Algarve architecture with this minimalist but warm ambiance. Nestled peacefully in the countryside, you enjoy a panoramic view of the sea, landscaped gardens and orange trees. Harmoniously mixing new and old, the house reveals a traditional bamboo roof painted white, whitewashed walls, a polished concrete floor as well as pretty raw elements like this table carved in stone or large artisanal pottery.
https://www.theaddresses.com/houses/
4/ Casas da Serra
Far from the crowds, but just 15 minutes from the sublime white sand beaches of Sotavento, and the untouched nature of the Ria Formosa National Park, Casas da Serra is the ideal place to spend a peaceful holiday surrounded by nature and under the blue sky. This project comprising four old country houses, carefully restored, offers an authentic environment where you can relax for a few days.
https://casas-da-serra.pt/pt/
5/ Conversations by Alpendre
With its stunning sea views, Conversas de Alpendre is an ideal retreat in the Eastern Algarve. When their son was born in 2026, Marta and Tiago, the hosts, wanted to change their lives and left their respective jobs and Lisbon to realize their dream: creating a place of rural tourism in their image. Their goal: to offer you unforgettable moments, starting with breakfast with organic products from their own farm and those of their neighbors.
http://conversasdealpendre.com/
6/ Casa Luum
This old ruin at the end of a dirt road has become an amazing villa surrounded by nature and hundreds of olive, almond and cork trees. Designed by Pedro Domingos Arquitectos, its modern architecture is dominated by strong lines, white walls and concrete, creating a bold effect in the natural environment. The construction opens to the outdoors through the use of large windows and doors, roof terraces, multiple patios and a large courtyard which encloses a semi-enclosed swimming pool.
https://www.casasportugal.eu/
7/ Casa Mãe
The Casa Mãe hotel is located in the small seaside town of Lagos, in the Western Algarve region. Designed by Christian Kraus and Véronique Polaert, the address offers a concept combining tradition, Portuguese craftsmanship and modern design. Nestled on a 19th century stone-walled estate, the hotel opened in 2016 welcomes visitors in a palette of blue and white. The interiors, which look like a family holiday home, were designed by French designer Martin Blanchard.
https://casa-mae.com/
8/ Hospitality
New address of the Pensão Agrícola group, Hospedaria is a former roadside tavern from 1917. A place of exchange for the inhabitants of the region for several decades, the address is getting a new life after 30 years of abandonment. The architectural firm Atelier RUA has mixed old and contemporary, sober colors, natural materials and antique furniture, for a rural and authentic look. In total, the guesthouse has 5 rooms, all of them have a private patio, some with a fireplace and others with an outdoor shower.
https://www.hospedaria.com.pt/
9/ Casa Dois
This former fish warehouse located in Olhão, the largest fishing port in the Algarve, has been transformed into a modern, solar-powered townhouse. We let ourselves be charmed by the high ceilings, the Mediterranean decor, a bit bohemian, as well as the beautiful materials used here and there. All the light comes in via a row of beautifully preserved arcades which give access to the patio, a small oasis of greenery surrounded by whitewashed walls, including a pool for cooling off. From the patio, an exterior staircase leads to the roof terrace, from where one can admire the Ria Formosa and the city skyline during a sunset dinner.
https://www.theaddresses.com/houses/casa-dois/
10/ Casa Modesta
This former fishermen's house located in Quatrim do Sul, in the heart of the Ria Formosa nature reserve, has been transformed into a simple, contemporary and very elegant rural accommodation. Casa Modesta offers nine rooms with private terraces in which natural materials and simplicity are the key words.
https://www.casamodesta.pt/
