Hip Apartments in the Algarve, Portugal, You'll Want to Call Home

Vila Luz lies on a hillside atop the dramatic Algarve coastline. Set in the west near Lagos, the apartments are named for the beach beneath, where you can soak up the Portuguese sun. Many of the studios and two-bed apartments offer tempting glimpses of the ocean from their balconies or terraces, which are set in landscaped gardens. When you’re not at the beach, make use of the pool terrace with a separate kids’ area, games room and bar.

Albufeira is the most popular tourist haunt in the Algarve, packed with seafront restaurants, a heady bar scene and tiled streets lined with white-washed buildings. At Novochoro Apartments, you’ll be within touching distance of the city, yet able to retreat to a tranquil apartment when you need some peace and privacy. Choose from one- or two-bed units set around an outdoor pool and bar, or ask about the nearby villas, which sleep up to five.

Looking for something lavish? Book Villa V – one of the more luxurious options in this collection of private rentals – for a flower-filled garden with heated pool, kitchen and three en-suite bedrooms, one with a hot tub. Premium and superior villas aren’t too shabby either, offering bedrooms with ocean-view balconies and a communal pool. All apartments lie steps from São Rafael Beach, which is sheltered by cliffs and known for its calm, clear waters.

There’s a resort vibe at this contemporary apartment complex, which hosts nightly entertainment at the pool bar including bingo, karaoke and quizzes. Daytime activities feature tennis and pampering at the spa, or you can head to nearby Falesia Beach, which stretches over 6km (4mi) and is backed by jagged cliffs. Studios and one-bed apartments come with kitchens and balconies, plus there’s a spacious family studio that sleeps four.

The wild, western coast of the Algarve is home to Sagres, famous for soaring cliffs and an imposing fort, which sits at the southwesternmost point of mainland Europe. Experience this less touristy part of the Algarve by checking into Tonel Apartments, set in Vincentian Coast Park just five minutes from Tonel Beach. Apartments have up to four bedrooms and come with balconies that frame ocean views or look over the garden, which has a pool.

The large salt-water swimming pool is the crowning glory of Sol a Sul Apartments, which occupies a prime position in the heart of Albufeira, just three minutes from the wide, curvy beach. You can easily stroll into the Old Town or onto the sands from these sunny apartments, which cater for up to six people and come with modern kitchenettes, living spaces and a furnished balcony for al fresco dining.

Larger groups or families will find Casa Azul Sagres ideal for an Algarve holiday, with apartments that sleep up to five guests. Studios on the ground floor have an inviting outside area, while the one- and two-bed apartments feature terrace barbecues and kitchens for leisurely group meals, as well as handy family amenities such as a washing machine. The apartments lie on the coast of windswept Sagres, not far from Lagos.