Best holiday homes and villas in the Algarve – boutique rentals and stylish self-catering escapes

Discover the Algarve’s most beautiful villas and holiday apartments with soul, style and a sense of place

The Algarve is more than sun and sea. Behind its dramatic ochre cliffs and golden beaches lies a world of slow rhythms and understated charm. Whitewashed villages perch above olive groves, markets hum with the scent of citrus, and time seems to stretch just a little longer under the southern light. Here, self-catering becomes something more refined. Whether it’s a minimalist villa near the beach, a traditional townhouse in Tavira, or a contemporary holiday home set among the orange trees, each space is an invitation to settle into the region’s pace. Interiors often blend Moorish heritage with modern simplicity — terracotta floors, handwoven textiles, lime-washed walls — creating a balance of texture and tranquillity. This curated collection includes luxurious villas with private pools, restored farmhouses turned rural retreats, and cool holiday flats near the ocean. Some lie tucked away in the Barrocal’s rolling hills; others gaze directly over the Atlantic from a rocky perch. Whether you’re drawn by the surf of the western coast, the birdlife of the lagoons, or the scent of grilled sardines at a local tasca, these are places where you can live like a local — with style. Each place in our collection has been handpicked for its soul, design and deep sense of the Algarve.