Home to some of the most sort after properties in the south of Portugal

When you ask most tourists where they are planning to go on holiday in the Algarve most will name somewhere within Central Algarve. It’s the area that most think of when they visualise Portugal. And this is not surprising, stretching from Armação de Pêra to Loulé, Central Algarve has amazing golden beaches, rugged coastline, a cosmopolitan feel and is home to some of the most sort after properties in the south of Portugal.

Each town has its own distinctive feel despite being in relative proximity to each other, however, most Central Algarve towns are more developed, multicultural and touristic in relation to their neighbours to the East and West. World-class golf courses, Michelin-starred restaurants and multi-million euro gated villas are found in this area but don’t think that you need to be a millionaire to own here, there are amazing property options around every corner for every budget. Buy an apartment on the marina and soak up the hustle and bustle of the coast or buy a family villa inland and enjoy the contrasting peace and tranquillity of the hills.

QUINTA DO LAGO & VALE DO LOBO

If you are looking at buying in one of the most luxurious, sophisticated and exceptional areas of the Algarve then look no further than Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo. Long established as the go-to for luxury in the Algarve, properties here have the price tag to match. However, there are still deals to be had especially if you are ok with buying an older property, knocking it down and building another. Here you are spoilt for choice in terms of lifestyle options and don’t be surprised if you recognise celebrities sitting next to you in the cafes and bars. With Michelin stared restaurants, world-famous golf courses, picture-perfect beaches and quality shopping on tap these giants of the Algarve will always be a safe bet when it comes to buying real estate.

ALMANCIL

Almancil is a working Algarve town with plenty of businesses, shops, restaurants, supermarkets and the odd go-karting track to keep you entertained. As the gateway to Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo, Almancil tends to attract buyers who want to be close to the glitz and glamour of the Algarve’s luxury resorts but don’t want to be in the mix all year round. With easy access to international and public schools, Almancil is a great choice for families looking to relocate or for those investors looking to rent out their properties.

VILAMOURA

Vilamoura is one of the go-to places if you are looking for a late lunch by the marina, a glittering night out, a lazy day on the beach or a round of golf on any of the award-winning courses. At its heart is the multi award-winning marina that plays host to a myriad of boats and yachts throughout the year. Surrounded by fantastic restaurants, bars, pubs and shops you can while away an afternoon here quite easily. At night, the marina comes to life with live music, great food and the hustle and bustle of folks letting their hair down. As well as its marina, Vilamoura is also famous for its excellent golf courses and its extensive sporting and lifestyle facilities. Buying property here is great for those looking to live all year round, spend the winter here, own a holiday home or even look at diving into the rental market. An extremely well-kept area with international schools and vibrant nightlife, it is a busy place to live in the summer but has a much quieter atmosphere in the winter months.

BOLIQUEIME

Boliqueime is a hit with ex-pats. There is something about this town that keeps Brits, Dutch, Americans, Germans and many other nationalities coming back. It might be the stunning views you get of the coast, or its proximity to Vilamoura, it could also be the variety of property on offer or the well-priced real estate available. Whatever the reason we know that living in Boliqueime will always be a good bet. With a vibrant social scene, supermarkets within easy reach and minutes from one of the best beaches in the area, Boliqueime has more to offer than you may think.

ARMAÇÃO DE PÊRA

At first glimpse, Armação de Pêra may not look like much, but not only does it have one of the largest beaches in the Algarve – Praia Grande, it has super chilled beach bars, amazing restaurants and is home to some of the newest developments to hit the Algarve. Offering many reasonably priced properties, particularly for the second home market, Armação is a popular tourist center with white sandy beaches, hotels, cafés, restaurants and bars.

QUARTEIRA

Vilamoura’s closest neighbour is Quarteira, a vibrant Portuguese town, with a fantastic promenade along the seafront, amazing markets, superb fresh fish restaurants and welcoming locals. Due to its proximity to Vilamoura, Quarteira has always enjoyed a certain anonymity when it comes to real estate. Popular with locals, Quarteira has never really hit the high spots that Vilamoura and its neighbour Vila Sol have. But, as the demand for real estate in Vilamoura increases, Quarteira is the obvious answer for where savvy buyers will choose to invest. There are still bargains to be had here, but don’t let everyone know!

ALBUFEIRA

For many people, their first experience of Portugal was the lively resort of Albufeira on a family holiday or a girls/boys holiday in the sun. It has long been a popular tourist spot and is ideal if you are looking to buy a second home, holiday home or investment property. Albufeira is arguably the most famous place for a good time in the Algarve and is a buzzing resort with great nightlife.  As well as bars, clubs and restaurants there are also some excellent beaches if you are looking for somewhere to recover after the night before. Praia dos Pescadores – Fisherman’s beach can be accessed by a tunnel in the centre of the town and is probably the most popular, but you can explore some of the smaller, quieter beaches near Galé on the outskirts of Albufeira. The old town of Albufeira is centred around the main square, a short walk from the beach and is packed with restaurants and bars. There are plenty of street entertainers, live bands and a multitude of events, festivals, and concerts during the summer months.  It’s true to say that Albufeira loves a party.

LOULÉ

18km inland from Faro, Loulé is far removed from the glitz and glamour of the coast. It is not part of the more tourist-focused areas of the Algarve and so is ideal for those wanting to settle here long term, with a little more peace and quiet around them.  With easy access to the airport and beaches only a short drive away this area is perfect for integrating more fully into the Algarve and getting to know the real Portugal, rather than the holiday version. Like many towns in the Algarve, it has a Moorish history and it hosts one of the largest markets in the Algarve.