Rick Steves' Portugal tour book page 182 indicates that middle area of Algarve region is worst of Algarve. Two females in their 60's will be traveling from Lisbon to Algarve region and were planning to stay in Albufeira for 2 nights and probably take a day tour of Algarve region. This is in mid-October.
Do you recommend us staying in the western (best) part instead?
Thanks.
Posted by
Georgetown,KY
145 posts
We are “older”. Stayed near Carvoeiro in mid September a few years back. Praia de Centianes. It wasn’t as crowded at it might be in August. Took day trips, walked trails, and had some downtime. Probably not everyone’s cup of tea. I grew up near Cape Cod and was wary about crowds. We were happy with it.
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
8100 posts
I assume you are relying on public transport? If so, and with just two nights, it really does not matter. Find the place that has the tour you want, then stay there. Probably that will be either Lagos or Faro for transport connections.
If you have a car, then someplace central works, we stayed in Loule, mainly for Carnival in February, but also because it allowed us to explore East and West over several days.
Depending where you are going afterwards, we also enjoyed Tavira enough to go back for several days on a subsequent trip. However, it is in the far east of the Algarve.
Posted by
OP
79 posts
Thank you for your replies.
Yes, I would stay near where a tour meeting point would be.
Posted by
44 posts
I have essentially the same question as the original poster. Is Lagos a better choice than Faro, if trying to avoid excessive crowds at the end of September? I know I can easily personally part of a crowd!
Posted by
Bristol, UK
1431 posts
The Algarve is not excessively crowded so don’t worry. I think anyone really stays in Faro itself anyway. Most people head along the coast to the various beach resorts.