May in Algarve

k8leeb19 - You can do the 5 to 6 nights split between Lagos and Faro and day trip to Tavira from Faro. Albufeira and Carvoeiro are also good options for day tours. On the Algarve, many towns including Faro, Lagos, Albufeira, and Portimao have their own urban bus networks, and there are frequent daily long-distance services connecting all the major towns in the region with Lisbon and other areas in Portugal.

https://www.travel-in-portugal.com/carvoeiro

Is faro worth it ?

There is a accommodation is tavira I really want to stay in as it looks amazing !

Yes you can stay in Tavira and use the bus network to visit Faro. Faro is a beautiful town. But since you have your heart set on Tavira, stay at that accommodation you want. Pamper yourself and feel happy that's what a vacation is all about.

All the Algarve is better with a car. Public transport west of Lagos is very sketchy.

Faro old town can be seen in a couple of hours and personally, I wouldn’t rush back there and I certainly wouldn’t stay there in preference to the charming Tavira. Albufeira is popular for cheap stag and hen parties.

There is a reasonable but slightly infrequent train service between Lagos and the Spanish border.

There are more interesting areas of Portugal than the Algarve, including beach areas, but if you want the Algarve, then splitting your time between Lagos and Tavira is the best option IMO. The beach at Tavira is out on the barrier island, easily reached by water taxi. Take the train to Faro, not the bus.

Can I ask what other beach areas you recommend ? I just assumed in may my best bet for a warmer climate was the algarve - but would love to hear if u have additional recos :)