The Best Beach Villas in the Algarve

There’s no better place to tick off sun, sea and sand than staying in a gorgeous villa where the beach is just metres from your door. It’s an indulgence that suits every type of holiday – whether it’s romance, family or luxury that’s taking you beachside. Portugal’s sun-kissed southern coast is one of our favourite destinations for a barefoot getaway – we’re talking long, lazy days of utter seaside simplicity, with sun-soaked skies and the loveliest of golden beaches. Below are five of our favourite villas for a dreamy beachside getaway in the Algarve. There’s no need to think about travel here – these villas all offer gorgeous beaches right next door.

Beach Cottage, Ferragudo

There’s plenty of charm and contemporary indulgence in this old beekeeper’s cottage near Ferragudo. The lovely shaded terrace is endearingly unfussy, with built-in seating and a dining table for outdoor meals. Take the steps that lead down to the infinity pool for the most dizzying views of the Atlantic. Inside Beach Cottage, it’s all white-washed walls and summer colour splashes, with modern bathrooms and bedrooms that are stylishly simplistic. Bicycles are provided so it’s an easy ride to nearby shops and restaurants – or you can just wander through the garden to a gentle track which leads down to a fabulous stretch of honeyed sand just below. Get up early and you’ll have chance to be the first dip of the day here.

Villa Balbina, Galé

It’s all about the barefoot luxury at this oceanfront house which sleeps 10. Sweeping lawns are perched right at the water’s edge, and it’s just a stroll to a semi-private beach which rarely sees any day trippers. Mixing style with comfort, Villa Balbina comes with a full set of indulgences; there’s a private gym, all bedrooms are en suite, and the heated pool comes fitted with a Jacuzzi and poolside bar. There are plenty of outdoor sofas for maximum relaxation, while ping pong, paddle boards and kayaks are all provided. With a private cook and some of the Algarve’s best beaches on your doorstep, there’s very little to encourage you to leave this private hideaway. But, for when it’s time to get sociable, the villa’s in walking distance to a two Michelin-starred restaurant, too.

Casa da Praia, Vale do Lobo

One of the Algarve’s best beaches is just an easy walk away from this small but stylish family villa in Vale do Lobo. Just metres from a stretch of sprawling golden sand, Casa da Praia is contemporary simplicity done right. Crisp white walls blend with an old-style charm, while huge floor-to-ceiling sliding doors spill out on a shaded dining terrace. There’s a generous feeling of space inside – the open-plan style is great for socialising, and all three bedrooms are indulgently en suite. Outside, there’s no shortage of spots to flop to for a day of total relaxation. It’s all about lounging in front of panoramic ocean views on the gorgeous sun deck or taking a dip in the villa’s quirky pool.

Villa Mourisco, Carvoeiro

You certainly won’t be lacking in spectacular sea views at this clifftop country house near Carvoeiro. Discreetly hidden in nine acres of palm-filled gardens, Villa Mourisco is the ultimate getaway for beachside exclusivity. Sunset sea views are at their best from the shaded patios, and there’s a private path which takes you right down to the sands of Praia de Paraiso. If you fancy indulging in total isolation instead, there are plenty of little luxury touches to keep you here. There’s a master suite which sits romantically poolside, and the villa comes fully staffed with its very own private cook – there’s even a tennis court in the grounds if you’re feeling a touch of competition to your relaxing stay.

Casa da Filipa, Ferragudo

Casa da Filipa was built by a member of the Portuguese royal family and today still retains a regal feel on its clifftop perch looking out to the Bay of Lagos. Set right above a beach – steps in the garden actually lead down to a heavenly honeyed stretch – this nine-bedroom villa is pure royalty when it comes to a special celebration. There’s a bar by the pool and it’s got its own private chapel, with plenty of supersized terraces for drinking in the most gorgeous of ocean views. Inside, the villa has a very grand look and feel  – think faded antiques, beamed wooden ceilings, and old-era accents like the lovely grand piano in the sitting room. If you’re here to splash out, there’s cook service available on request – otherwise it’s just a short stretch of the legs to a simple selection of restaurants down by the beach. 

The Algarve has a number of gorgeous Portuguese beach villas so is a standout choice for a villa getaway by the sea - take a look at our Algarve travel guide to start planning where you should go.