Where to Stay in Algarve Without a Car? (2024)

If you’re wondering where to stay in Algarve without a car, you have come to the right place.

When I was planning my trip to the Algarve, I thought it was impossible to enjoy visiting Algarve without a car. 

Every Algarve itinerary I read was a road trip itinerary that assumed you rent a car. 

I spent hours researching where to stay in Algarve without a car, and while having a car would surely make your trip more comfortable, it is not a necessity! 

I stayed in Lagos and Albufeira, but you might like Faro or Portimao too!

Each city has a different vibe, so there is something for every type of traveler. The coastal region of the Algarve is stunning, with plenty of things to do.

Keep reading for the best places to stay in Algarve without a car for a perfect Portuguese holiday.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. I hope you find the information here helpful!

Best Places To Stay In The Algarve Without A Car

1. Lagos – Overall The Best Place To Stay
2. Albufeira – For Nightlife And Beaches
3. Sagres – For Nature And Surfing
4. Portimão – For Day Trips
5. Faro – For The Eastern Algarve And Airport

You could stay in many stunning cities around the Algarve, from hidden gems to luxury resorts.

These 5 towns are the best if you don’t have a car and want to explore more of the region than just the city you’re staying in, relying solely on public transport. 

That way you can add many day trips to your Algarve itinerary too!

Lagos – Overall The Best Place To Stay

Lagos is overall the best place to stay in the Algarve if you don’t have a car.

This historic town hides lively cobblestone streets and beautiful beaches you can reach on a leisurely stroll from your accommodation.

Lagos is also the best place to stay for Portugal backpackers and solo travelers, as there are many hostels to choose from in the city. 

Why Is Lagos The Best Place To Stay In Algarve?

There are three main reasons you should base yourself in Lagos if you are in the Algarve without a car. 

• Lagos has a lively Old Town with many bars and restaurants to discover. 
• The beaches in Lagos are among the best beaches in Algarve! To make it even better, they are within walking distance from the city center, so you don’t need a car to enjoy the dramatic cliffs, kayak tours in Lagos, and hidden coves you think of when dreaming of the Algarve.
• Lagos is well connected to the rest of the region so you can add some day trips to your Lagos itinerary. Lagos has both train and bus stations in the city center, with many daily departures throughout the country. 

Best places to stay in Lagos, Algarve

Best hostel for backpackers in Lagos:

• Cloud 9 Hostel is the best-rated in Lagos for its social atmosphere. A great option for solo backpackers!

Best mid-range accommodation in Lagos: Most mid-range options in Lagos are family-owned houses.

• Lalitana Townhouse is a colorful oasis, right in the city center!

Best higher-end hotel in Lagos:

• Belmar Spa & Beach Resort is a high-end hotel, just a couple of minutes walk from the beach and stunning sunset views. 

How to get to Lagos?

You can reach Lagos by regional bus or train. Both stations are in the city center and easily accessible for day trips. 

There is a direct bus from Faro Airport to Lagos and multiple daily buses from Faro and other coastal cities. 

This unofficial Algarve transportation website will be your best friend for bus schedules. (until the bus company doesn’t put it online finally)

If you are coming to Lagos from Lisbon, you can take a direct long-distance bus or a train to Lagos.

Compare train and bus ticket prices, and book your tickets directly on this website!

Albufeira – The Best Place To Stay In Algarve For Nightlife

Albufeira stands out as the most versatile town in the Algarve.

If you’re wondering if you should visit Albufeira because it has a bad reputation, I found the city quite pleasant in autumn. The infamous nightlife is just one of its many experiences!

Albufeira has a charming, walkable Old town for evening strolls, many restaurants and bars to choose from, stunning beaches in the city center, and excellent connections to the rest of the region.

Best place to stay in Albufeira, Algarve

Best place to stay in Albufeira for nightlife:

• Orange Terrace Hostel is the best hostel in the city center of Albufeira, perfect for backpackers and solo travelers who want to meet new people.

Best mid-range hotel in Albufeira:

• Luna Solaqua Hotel is a great mid-range option, ideally located between the city center and Albufeira strip, for calm nights and walking distance to all sights. I stayed here and it was great value for money!

Best higher-end hotel in Albufeira:

• Hotel Sol e Mar Albufeira is an adults-only hotel located in the city center, right on the beachfront. The location is unbeatable. 

Why is Albufeira the best place to stay in Algarve?

There are so many things to do in Albufeira, and the city stays lively longer than other coastal towns.

• The long sandy beaches of Albufeira are in the city center, meaning you don’t need a car to spend a day on a beach. Also, the sea is warmer than on the more western beaches.
• Albufeira is a starting point for many tours in the region, including the highly popular Benagil cave tours. 
• You can take beginner-friendly surfing classes on the beaches close to Albufeira. 
• Albufeira has unparalleled nightlife, concentrated in the “Albufeira strip” and the city center. Therefore, the rest of the city is peaceful if you want to sleep early. 
• Escape the crowds on kayaking tours from Albufeira and discover hidden beaches and secret coves.

I liked Lagos better than Albufeira, but here’s the in-depth Lagos and Albufeira comparison to see which one is better for you!

How to get to Albufeira?

The best way to get to Albufeira is by bus. Many regional bus lines pass through Albufeira, making it a fantastic spot for day trips by bus. 

There is a direct bus line from Faro Aiport to Albufeira. Long-distance buses, like Flixbus and Alsa, have multiple daily connections from Lisbon to Albufeira. 

Compare bus prices, and book your tickets directly on this website!

Technically, you can buy a train ticket to Albufeira. But I don’t recommend traveling to Albufeira by train. The train station is located about 6km outside the city, and the shuttle bus to the city center is unreliable. 

Are you planning a trip to the Algarve? You might want to read this next:

• The Best Algarve Itinerary: 7 days without a car!
• Backpacking Algarve, Portugal: The Ultimate Algarve Travel Guide

Sagres – The Best Place To Stay In Algarve For Nature

Sagres is the westernmost town you can stay in the Algarve and an ideal place to spend time in nature, away from city life. 

The city attracts a community of like-minded travelers who prefer to steer clear of large resorts and packaged tours, so you will love Sagres if you want to spend your time hiking, swimming, and surfing. 

Best place to stay in Sagres, Algarve

Best hostel for backpackers in Sagres:

• Sagres Natura Surf Camp is a hostel that values a social atmosphere and organizes events, perfect for backpackers and solo travelers.

Best mid-range hotel in Sagres: 

• Algarve Surf Hostel Sagres is another hostel on this list, but here you can book private rooms if dorm rooms are not your thing. As the name suggests, you can take surf classes directly with the hostel!

Best higher-end hotel in Sagres:

• Memmo Baleeira is a boutique hotel, perfect for a relaxing holiday in Sagres. 

Why is Sagres the best place to stay in Algarve?

Sagres is a place where you get complete relaxation and connection to nature, while at the same time, you are in a laid-back surf town with friendly travelers.

Naturally, the best things to do in Sagres are to spend days at the beach, hike, and surf. 

• Praia da Mareta is a long sandy beach, perfect for swimming, while surfers prefer Praia do Tonel.
• Watch the most stunning sunset in the Algarve from Sagres Fortress.
• Visit the Lighthouse of Cabo de São Vicente, officially the westernmost point in continental Europe. You can rent a bike and bike there from Sagres!

How to get to Sagres?

The only way to reach Sagres by public transport is by regional bus from Lagos. There are multiple daily departures from Lagos bus station and a one-way bus ticket costs under 5€.

Sagres is the least interconnected place on this list, as for every trip you’d like to take, you need to go through Lagos. Except for Cabo Sao Vincente, there is a direct bus from Sagres to the westernmost point of Portugal.

Portimão – The Best Place To Stay In Algarve For Day Trips

Portimão is the largest city in the Western Algarve and one of the most popular places to stay in the Algarve. It is best known for its pristine, sandy beaches in the south.  

If you want to stay in the center of the Algarve you can compare Albufeira and Portimao to see which one is better for you!

Best place to stay in Portimão, Algarve

Best hostel for backpackers in Portimão:

• Alameda Hostel in the city centre of Portimão is a hostel with basic facilities, but a great rating for the atmosphere. It is the best place to meet other solo travelers in Portimão.

Best mid-range hotel in Portimão: 

• Apartamentos Mirante da Rocha is located right in front of the stunning Praia da Rocha. Perfect mid-range option for a beach holiday!

Best higher-end hotel in Portimão:

• Jupiter Marina Hotel is a place for you if you want to splurge on your accommodation. This place has an infinity pool, comfortable rooms, and a stunning view.

Why is Portimão the best place to stay in Algarve?

Portimão is worth visiting for more than just the beaches. It is a lively city where you can meet locals and see what is it like to live in the south of Portugal. 

• The beaches in Portimão are easily accessible by public transport or walking if you stay in the south of the city.
• Portimão bus and train stations are in the city center, and there are many regional lines for day trips around the Algarve.
• You can take a taxi boat to the authentic fishing village of Ferragudo or a 15-minute train to the historic capital of Silves.
• Many tour companies offer tours with transfer included to the most popular tourist spots in the Algarve. Check the most popular tours from Portimão here!

How to get to Portimão?

Portimão is well connected to the rest of the region by an extensive bus and train network. 

There is a direct bus from Faro Airport to Portimão if you want to head straight to your accommodation. Alternatively, you can take a train or bus from almost every city in the Algarve. 

If you land in Lisbon, you can get to Portimão by bus or train from Lisbon. Both options take about 4 hours but compare the prices and schedule here.

Faro – Eastern Coast Of Algarve

Finally, we have Faro, the capital of the Algarve and one of the most overlooked cities in the region.

Most people leave as soon as they land at Faro Airport. However, it is worth sticking around for a couple of days, because Faro has so much to offer.

Faro’s Old Town, adorned with cobblestone streets and charming tiled houses, hides many Instagrammable spots.

Faro is also a great base to explore the Eastern Algarve, the historic town of Tavira, and Ria Formosa Nature Park. 

If you compare Faro and Lagos, Faro is the second city with the most backpacker hostels in the region!

Best place to stay in Faro, Algarve

Best hostel for backpackers in Faro:

• Casa da Madalena Hostel is the best place to stay in Faro for backpackers. It is located in the city center, and highly rated for the social atmosphere!

Best mid-range hotel in Faro:

• Hostellicious is another hostel but with private rooms. A perfect compromise between having a place for yourself and the opportunity to make new friends.

Best higher-end hotel in Faro:

• Lemon Tree Stay is a cozy place in the city center of Faro. It’s so nicely decorated that I wished to just move there!

Why is Faro the best place to stay in Algarve?

Faro is the best place to stay in Algarve if you want to discover the less visited eastern Algarve. It is the region’s capital, well-connected to the rest of the country, and there are many things to do in Faro. 

• Faro has a picturesque Old Town with cobblestone streets, tilled houses, and ancient gates to discover. 
• You can visit the iconic Bone Chapel of Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Carmo. The bones and skulls of monks cover the walls of the whole Chapel. Disturbing and fascinating sight at the same time. 
• You can spend a day on one of the sandbar islands – unique beaches in this region. 
• Nature lovers will adore bird watching and walking in Ria Formosa nature park. 

How to get to Faro, Portugal?

You can reach Faro by air or land. 

Faro Airport is the main airport in the Algarve region, and it is easily reached from many European countries by low-cost airlines, such as Ryanair and Easyjet.

Look for the cheapest flights to Faro here. 

If you fly to Portugal from outside of Europe, you’ll probably fly into Lisbon. From Lisbon to Faro you can take a train or a bus. The trip takes approximately the same time, but compare the prices and schedule directly on this website.

FAQ

Do you need a car in the Algarve, Portugal?

You don’t need a car to visit Algarve. Most people visiting the Algarve rent a car as soon as they land at Faro airport. But don’t let that discourage you from visiting this stunning region – a car is not necessary for the Algarve, as it is well-connected by public transport. 

Where is lively in the Algarve?

Albufeira is the liveliest town in the Algarve when it comes to nightlife. All coastal towns are busy in summer, so if you want to stroll the city, grab a drink and a dinner, you can’t go wrong with any of the cities on this list. However, Albufeira is known for its nightlife, karaoke, and sports bars that turn into clubs. Albufeira stays lively in the off-season when most other cities close for winter.

Is it better to stay in Portimão or Lagos?

Portimão and Lagos both have stunning beaches and are well-connected to the rest of the region. However, Portimão is a large city, and most tourists stay outside the city centre, in one of the resorts next to the beach.

Lagos has a charming, walkable Old Town, and the city is smaller and more compact. As a solo female traveller, I’d go for Lagos every time. 

Summary: Where To Stay In Algarve Without A Car

And there you have it, a comprehensive list of the best places to stay in the Algarve without a car.

Algarve is a diverse region, and there is something for every type of traveler. 

All cities on this list are well-connected by public transport, have stunning beaches for days you don’t want to travel, and are lovely to spend time around. 

For an ideal base to explore the Algarve without a car, Lagos would be my top choice!

Lagos is overall the best place to stay in Algarve without a car as it is a lively, picturesque town with stunning beaches and great public transport.

Some places to consider staying at are:

• Cloud 9 Hostel
• Lalitana Townhouse
• Belmar Spa & Beach Resort

Now that you know where to stay in the Algarve without a car, continue planning your trip by exploring the best Algarve day trips to add to your itinerary.