SAILING IN THE ALGARVE

Your yacht charter is always lovely, but jumping onto dry land for a stay in a resort in the Algarve is also sublime. Luxury hotels are the top choice. They are exclusive, and the level of service is unparalleled. Luxury villas are another opulent option. They often allow you to rent them for more extended periods from a week to well-beyond. The villas are a better match for a larger group, or if you want more space on your romantic sailing adventure.

There are also state-run hotels called Pousadas. They can be found in desirable locations and have highly competent service as well as comfort. Like the luxurious accommodations, these too offer stunning surrounds. Honestly, it’s hard to find ugliness in the Algarve. You’ll see three Pousadas: Sagres located in the west, Sao Bras de Alportel situated in the center, and Tavira in the east. Most Pousadas once served as stately homes, monasteries or even convents. While lovely in accommodation, these give a higher value without sacrificing quality or service.

Try an Estalagem or inn. These places have 4-star and 5-star ratings with outstanding service levels. Estalagems are an excellent choice if you’re looking for a quiet place to lay your head each night. Another option is to choose Aparthotels. These are self-catering, meaning you must take care of yourself. Selecting a 4-star Aparthotel will result in a good experience, but if you go for a lower rating, the value might not be worth what you get.

Guesthouses, known as Albergaria, are another comfortable type of place to stay. Look for 4-stars for the rating and find one that speaks English unless you understand Portuguese. You can also choose resort villas, though those usually have shared facilities like swimming pools and fitness centers. If you’ve boarded your yacht charter to the Algarve with small children, it’s a good idea to find one of these places that has a highly-rated babysitting service. One downside though is that these types of places often have revelers well into the late hours of the night all the way through the wee hours of the morning, making it a fun yet much less quiet option.

Pensao are boarding houses. There are many options for them though that allow you to choose bed and breakfast or have all of your main meals included. They start at four stars and work their way down. The best choice is one that ranks in the 4-start realm, which will give you an affordable and comfortable place to stay on dry land.

Prefer more of an adventure? Camping has become quite popular. There are private as well as municipal sites. They’re a great value, and you can find them from Aljezur in the northwest to Vila Real sitting on the border with Spain. The facilities vary by park, but most are decent enough for a pleasurable stay.

If you can’t stay in one place for too long, when you dock your yacht charter you may just find that a Residencial is best for you. This single room, usually an en-suite bedroom, can provide breakfast if you wish. It’s decent, clean, and good if you’re moving around more.

Agroturismo is another rustic approach toward accommodations in the Algarve. Unlike camping though, it’s inland with farmhouses. While it affords you more comfort than roughing it in the wilds, it presents some stunning countryside views you won’t get by sea.