All-Inclusive Algarve: Best Resorts & Vacation Packages

Is All-Inclusive Common in the Algarve?

Less than many travelers expect. Portugal has only a handful of true all-inclusive resorts, far fewer than Turkey or Spain's Canary Islands, and nearly all of them are in the Algarve.

That makes the choice smaller but easier. The resorts below are the all-inclusive properties we offer in the Algarve, and they cover the main travel styles: families with young children, couples and groups who want to stay close to Albufeira's nightlife.

What Is Included in an Algarve All-Inclusive?

Inclusions vary by resort and sometimes by room type, so always check the details before booking. As a general guide:

At some resorts the à la carte restaurants are included but have limited space, so book your tables on the day you arrive.

The Best All-Inclusive Resorts in the Algarve

1. Tivoli Alvor Algarve: Best for Families Who Want Space

Tivoli Alvor sits on the cliffs near Alvor, west of Portimão. It has four restaurants, six outdoor pools and an indoor pool, a free kids' club, a playground and evening shows. Some stays include a water park pass in season.

• Best for: families, travelers who want lots of pools and activities on site.
• Keep in mind: the beach is reached by steps from the clifftop, and Alvor is 70 to 80 minutes from Faro Airport.

2. Pestana Blue Alvor Beach: Best for a Beach Location in Alvor

Pestana Blue Alvor Beach is close to Praia dos Três Irmãos, one of the long sandy beaches between Alvor and Praia da Rocha. The resort has three restaurants, three bars, three outdoor pools and an indoor pool, and a free kids' club.

• Best for: families and couples who want to walk to the beach.
• Keep in mind: like Tivoli, it is in the western Algarve, so the airport transfer is longer than to Albufeira.

3. 3HB Guaraná: Best for Food Lovers

3HB Guaraná is in Olhos d'Água, east of Albufeira and close to Praia da Falésia. It has four restaurants, four bars including a swim-up bar, two outdoor pools and an indoor pool, and a free kids' club. The à la carte restaurants are a strong point, but they work by reservation.

• Best for: couples and families who care about food, travelers who want quick access to Albufeira.
• Keep in mind: the hotel is not directly on the beach.

4. Jupiter Albufeira Family & Fun: Best for Kids Who Love Water Slides

Jupiter Albufeira is built for families, with an all-inclusive plan that runs 24 hours. It has waterslides, three outdoor pools and an indoor pool, a swim-up bar, a free kids' club and a free shuttle to the beach. Guests also get free access to a water park.

• Best for: families with children of all ages.
• Keep in mind: it is designed around kids, so couples looking for quiet should choose another resort.

5. 3HB Clube Humbria: Best for a Simple Family Stay Near Albufeira

3HB Clube Humbria is near Praia da Água Doce in Albufeira. It has a waterslide, an outdoor pool, two bars, a free kids' club and free water park access.

• Best for: families who want a simpler resort close to Albufeira.
• Keep in mind: there is only one restaurant, so the food offer is more limited than at larger resorts.

6. Ukino Palmeiras Village: Best for Families Between Albufeira and Carvoeiro

Ukino Palmeiras Village is a family resort in the Lagoa area, between Albufeira and Carvoeiro. It has five restaurants, four bars, three outdoor pools, waterslides, beach volleyball, a free kids' club and evening entertainment.

• Best for: families who want variety at meals and a base close to Benagil and Carvoeiro.
• Keep in mind: a car helps to explore the coast from here.

Where to Stay: Alvor, Albufeira or Lagoa?

The resort's location decides how easy it is to leave the pool and explore.

• Albufeira and Olhos d'Água: the most choice, the shortest transfer from Faro Airport (about 40 to 45 minutes) and Albufeira's restaurants, beaches and nightlife close by.
• Alvor: quieter, with long sandy beaches and the western Algarve's cliffs nearby, but a longer transfer of 70 to 80 minutes.
• Lagoa: between the two, close to Carvoeiro, Benagil and Zoomarine.

When to Go for an All-Inclusive in the Algarve

May and June bring warm days, usually between 22 and 28°C, and fewer crowds than midsummer. September is one of the best months, with warm water and quieter beaches. July and August are the hottest and busiest months, so book family resorts three to five months ahead.

From November to April the weather is mild but not beach weather. An all-inclusive then works for golf, spa time and relaxing, ideally at a resort with a heated indoor pool. The Atlantic stays cool all year, roughly 18 to 23°C even in summer.

Is All-Inclusive Worth It in the Algarve?

It depends on how you like to travel.

Reasons to choose all-inclusive:

• You know the total cost of the trip before you leave.
• Children can eat and drink whenever they want without extra bills.
• Pools, kids' clubs and evening shows keep everyone busy on site.

Reasons to choose a regular hotel:

• The Algarve's seafood restaurants and beach bars are part of the experience, and you may skip meals you have paid for.
• The choice of all-inclusive resorts is small compared with other hotels.
• If you plan many day trips, you will often eat outside the resort.

A middle option is half board, or an all-inclusive stay for part of the trip and a few nights in a town such as Lagos or Tavira.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there all-inclusive resorts in the Algarve?

Yes, although fewer than in Spain or Turkey. Most of Portugal's all-inclusive resorts are in the Algarve, mainly around Albufeira, Alvor and Lagoa.

What is the best all-inclusive resort in the Algarve for families?

Tivoli Alvor has the most pools and activities, while Jupiter Albufeira Family & Fun focuses on children, with waterslides and free water park access. Ukino Palmeiras Village is a good option between Albufeira and Carvoeiro.

Are drinks included in Algarve all-inclusive resorts?

Usually yes: soft drinks, beer, house wine and cocktails are included. Premium imported spirits normally cost extra.

What is the best month for an all-inclusive in the Algarve?

May, June and September offer warm weather with fewer crowds. July and August are the hottest months and the busiest.

Which part of the Algarve is best for an all-inclusive?

Albufeira has the most choice and the shortest transfer from Faro Airport. Alvor is quieter, with long beaches, but farther from the airport.

Can you combine an all-inclusive with sightseeing?

Yes. Our all-inclusive package with car lets you spend some days at the resort and others exploring places such as Benagil, Lagos and Sagres.

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