Choose the eastern Algarve for lagoon landscapes and a gentler rhythm; the central coast for the widest resort choice and easier access to famous caves; Lagos for historic character and dramatic beaches; the far west for space, surf and Atlantic exposure. Four or five nights creates a coast holiday; two nights is usually only a pause between cities.
Three decisions that shape the trip
Base yourself near the experience that matters
A celebrated hotel loses its advantage if every chosen beach, restaurant and boat departure requires a long drive.
Treat the sea as a condition, not a guarantee
Wind, swell and safety decisions can change boat plans. Keep flexibility and never build a non-refundable day around one cave entrance.
Decide whether you want resort ease or local life
Neither is inherently better. The right answer depends on restaurants, children, golf, nightlife, walking and how much you want to drive.
A better Algarve holiday is geographically selective.
The coast rewards travellers who commit to one atmosphere instead of trying to collect every famous beach. A day of driving from Tavira to Sagres proves the Algarve is varied; it does not necessarily make a good holiday.
Select the base, book the experience most dependent on availability or sea conditions, and leave enough open time for the coast to do what it does best: slow the trip down.