In the pleasant market town of Loulé, this apartment is ideal for a family seeking an authentic Algarve escape. The patio was the first thing that caught our eye – with its barbecue, it's perfect for alfresco meals in the shade. Talking of eating, there's also the well-equipped kitchen, and there's plenty of eateries within walking distance too. At capacity, two guests will be using the living area's sofa bed, so space might be a little tight. Luckily, Loulé offers plenty of reasons to be out exploring, and you can take a bus directly to the coast in less than an hour.

Home truths:
*This home was purpose-built for rentals, so it's not the most soulful or charming space.
*At full occupancy, two guests will be sleeping on the sofa bed in the living area.
*This home is entirely on the ground floor.
*If you'd like to do some work, you won't find a dedicated desk here. However, the dining table doubles up as a laptop-friendly workspace.
*The bedroom curtains here don't fully block out the sunlight. If you're hoping to enjoy a lie-in, you might want to pack an eye mask.