Algarve is an amazing place for a relaxing week. Don't be worried with the choice. You'll have a great time.
What month will you be there?
2h radius from Faro by car pretty much covers all of the coast from the West in Sagres to the border with Spain (Vila Real de Santo Antonio). The A22 highway (Via do Infante) is the best way to travel along the coast.
I'd strongly recommend getting a car as you'll be able to enjoy the variety of beaches and go shopping
Algarve has 3 main types of beaches (Praia in portuguese). White wide sandy beaches in the Eastern part. Cliffs and wide(ish) sandy beaches in central Algarve. Cliff and narrow sandy beaches in Western Algarve.
Western algarve beaches:
Visit Sagres, the Sagres point and the beaches around.
I recommend
Beliche small sandy beach
surrounded by cliffs
You can drive 30m north to
Praia do Amado which is becoming the surf
hotspot of Algarve. You'll get a feel of the differences between the West and South coasts.
Still near Sagres.
Zavial - If you're looking for a
more empty beach. There is a nudist corner.
Salema - It's an in-between. fisherman village starting to grow into a beach town.
Eastern Algarve beaches:
Manta Rota -
White sandy beach. Just walk a couple of minutes west and you'll plenty of space for yourselves. Great for walks along the beach low-tide.
A visit to
Cacela a velha (5 min drive from Manta Rota) with an
amazing view over the lagoon and beaches is a must. Seafood galore.
Praia do Barril is also an interesting experience with an
anchor yard and a
train ride to the beach.
Central Algarve beaches:
These are the postcard beaches of Algarve. They also tend to get crowded.
Praia da Marinha is a must in my book.
picture perfect.
Praia da Falesia.
Along with most of the beaches between Vilamoura (more posh part) and Albufeira (for the masses). These are typically night spots as well.
Bottom line there is a beach for each day of the year.
This area
Albufeira-Vilamoura judging by your wishlist is also probably your best bet in terms of place to stay.
Vale do Lobo, Vilamoura, Quinta do lago the more upscale places (and your fabulous places)
Albufeira, Olho de Agua more to the masses
Food:
- Fish and seafood are must do.
Go for the catch of the day (ask what is fresh, some of the places will display the fish).
Last year I spent 4 days eating
Conquilhas(Clams) 'a bulhao pato. - Red wine. Alentejo wine will not disappoint. Ask for recommendation or house wine to explore.
Shopping:
Just browse the shop directory in these 3 big malls and you'll find what you're looking for. They're open until 11pm, so you don't miss the beach time.
http://www.algarveshopping.pt/
http://www.aquaportimao.pt/121-14071...ortimao.pt.php
http://www.forumalgarve.net/
GBM