Algarve, Portugal offers a cliff-side slice of coastal paradise

Moira Mccarthy

Lisbon: It was just past sunrise and there I was, frolicking on a beach, jumping in tidal pools, running in circles with arms spread wide as starlings flew around me, taking in the beauty as the morning light slowly filtered up and over the cliffs and rock formations along the beach known as ‎Praia dos Três Irmãos.

At a time of day when I’m usually pretty quiet, I was giggling with delight.

That’s the thing about visiting Algarve, Portugal. The scenery, the sea, the storks (wow!), the history and the many ways to experience it all lead me to declare this as one of the best beach destinations on the planet.

I headed to the Algarve region of Portugal – the southernmost part of the country – for a late spring escape. What I found was nothing short of magical. That early-light beach romp was a Day One “aha!” moment, but there were so many more.

Like the guided boat trip along the coast with Thalassa Yachts (thalassayachts.com). We cruised up along the shore, easing into caves with hidden beaches and nature-created sunroofs. We dove into the just-warm-enough Atlantic and floated, soaking in the azure sky.

Or the visit to ‎Castelo de Silves, one of the best-preserved Moorish fortifications in all of Portugal. Here I learned more history as I looked out on the hills, fields and cityscape of the region, but also on nest after nest of majestic, soaring storks (I’d never seen one in the wild before).

Or the morning shopping the fresh seafood, produce and bakery at the vibrant ‎Portimão Market, where local foodies don’t just shop but linger and chat (two Michelin-star chefs were at the coffee bar during my visit).

Or the entire day spend on ‎Ilha da Culatra, a tiny island community so sublime you’ll feel you stepped into a painting.

One of the secrets to making all this easy? The Tivoli hotels (tivolihotels.com) that dot the region. I split my stay between three, each their own vibe and dedicated to perfect stays as well as easy access to the experiences available just past their front doors. There’s an Algarve Tivoli choice for every traveler.

First up, Tivoli Alvor Algarve Resort, a family-friendly choice with an upscale, all inclusive set up (it even includes a voucher for a seaside dinner in the nearby fishing town), an all-age pool and adults only pool, vibrant kids center, lush grounds and walking distance from that spectacular beach I visited day one.

You’ll find lots of families there, but also golf groups and other guests looking for a good price, easy access to food and drink, and a comfortable setting.

Next up (and my favorite), is Tivoli Carvoeiro Algarve Resort, a five-star masterpiece tucked onto a cliff-hugging coast. The view itself is worth the stay, but there’s so much more.

The hotel is a landmark; boats linger offshore catching the view all day long. And while you’d be happy at their pool area overlooking the sea or at one of their many restaurants with epic views (do not miss the Sky Bar, not just for the best view you may ever have with dinner but for over-the-top creative and delicious sushi and cocktails), a cute little town and a lovely beach (where you can even do a cliff jump) is an easy 10 minute walk away.

Last came Tivoli Marina Vilamoura, a more classic style hotel with a Miami-beach like feel: Look out one side of the hotel and you’ll spot two big pool areas as well as their Purobeach set up, their own spin on a party-style oceanfront locale. Expect lots of music (sometimes live), excellent beach bed-side drink service and a lot of fun.

Look out the other side and you are right in the center of a vibrant marina. Strolling the boardwalk near 11 p.m., I passed by Irish bars in full song, a hopping karaoke spot and families out in the warm summer night for ice cream. (One note: they like their nightlife on the marina side. If you hope for a quieter evening, book a room on the beach side).

They’re all set in the seaside region I’m now hankering to get back to —the sooner the better. Algarve, Portugal and the Tivoli spots? You had me at bom dia.