Where in the Algarve?

Lagos is lovely with lots of amazing beaches and coastline. It's big enough to have a variety of places to stay with lots of restaurants, and a nice walkable downtown area. From Lagos, you can drive to Sagres and the southwestern tip of the continent easily - which IMO is worth the drive. But there are also places right around Lagos that can easily keep you busy for two nights and a day. Ponte de Piadade is amazing!

I wouldn't recommend someplace further east due to the overbuilt nature of the area. I have read that Tavira is nice, but haven't been in that area. After my experience with Salema, I would definitely research additional sources than the RS book.

I am currently in the Eastern Algarve and it certainly isn't all built up as the previous poster has suggested (but never been here)! There are built up places throughout the Algarve, but it isn't all like that, but there are no longer any quaint fishing villages left.

I agree that Lagos would be a good option. It is a big town these days.

Alternatively, if you don't mind not being directly on the coast, Estoi has good Roman ruins and Loule or Silves are interesting.

On the eastern Algarve, the old town of Tavira is quaint and the nearby village if Cabanas has a great boardwalk over the beach and great walks around. Tavira and Cabanas - their beaches are reached by a boat in c 5 minutes or less as they lie on the sand bar.

All have plenty of restaurants etc.

Late May will be busy, so you may not get your first choice of accommodation, as lettings in Portugal are higher this year due to other places such as Tunisia being out of bounds.

Thanks very much. I appreciate info from you two with actual experience!