Alfagar Village

A pleasant cobbled street lined with palm trees and potted plants leads to the hotel reception area -- a bright modern space with a slightly cobbled-together feel housed in an angular, contemporary building. The impressive complex, however, is set on 27 acres of manicured gardens perched on a cliff overlooking the Atlantic, and is built in a blend of traditional Algarve and Moorish style. Guests are comprised largely of vacationing families with kids, who stroll along the cliff-top paths flanked by cactus gardens and recline on sun loungers that dot the resort's many manicured lawns.

Facilities are shared with Alfagar II, which is a bit farther from the sea. This section is where the tennis courts, supermarket, and pool bar are located. Playgrounds and game rooms can be found in both sections, and the indoor pool and water park are at the Aparthotel. The two sections are divided by a road, and it's only about a five-minute walk from one section to the other. The apartments at the Aparthotel are more modern than the units at the Alfagar Aldeamanto Turistico. 

The Alfagar Aldeamanto Turistico is located on the top of a cliff overlooking the Atlantic, about three miles from the popular Algarve resort of Albufeira. The lively shopping streets, bars, and restaurants of Areias Sao Joao are less than a mile away, while a beautiful sandy beach lies at the bottom of a 130-step stairway. The nearest airport is Faro, about a 35-minute drive away.

Apartments are set in charming traditional Algarve-style buildings, with either sea, garden, or pool views. Interiors are spacious, clean, and cozy with modern furnishings and fully-equipped kitchens. Lounges include flat-screen TVs and sofas, as well as separate dining areas with tables and chairs. All units also have furnished balconies overlooking the garden or the ocean, and contemporary bathrooms with hairdryers (though scant toiletries). Decor is a bit basic (picture flora or striped bedspreads and bare walls), but kitchens have fresh appliances and there's plenty of space. There is no in-room Wi-Fi.

The pools at this complex are particularly impressive for this caliber of hotel -- both are large and well maintained with ample terracing, sun loungers, and separate pools for kids. Children also have access to a playground with a climbing frame and slide, and there's also a games room with arcade machines. Sporty types have use of two tennis courts and a soccer pitch, and while there's no full spa, guests can arrange for outdoor massages. There is also a pool bar serving drinks and snacks, and a mini-market for self-catering supplies. Daily shuttle buses are available to and from Albufeira, and car rental is also available on-site.