Forte De Sao Joao Da Barra

We only stayed a short time, but every minute felt worthwhile and we'll be back soon. It's a unique, peaceful place with lovely views from the bar terrace, a great location, welcoming staff, and a really good breakfast.

We were there in late May and had the Fort entirely to ourselves. It's a great place with fantastic staff, and there are some really good places to eat and drink a short distance away. The beach is just a quick ferry ride too.

It's a beautiful setting, with gorgeous terrace views and a lovely pool. Breakfast was adequate, but there was no other food available. After travelling all day, I was told off by Rita for eating cheese and biscuits on the terrace at 9 pm, apparently because food is forbidden on the historic flagstones. Those are the same flagstones used for breakfast. The room was small and had no windows, so I left the door open all night. There was a fan, but I still felt quite claustrophobic. It's a 15-minute walk to a very touristy area for dinner, with lots of average restaurants and a couple of good ones. The ferry to the beach is included, and it's a nice place for a swim with a good cafe.

Breakfast on the terrace comes with remarkable Algarve views. The food itself is quite ordinary, but it’s a perfectly good start to the day. The staff were warm and helpful throughout, and the grounds are beautifully kept. Staying in a 17th-century fort is a treat in itself, and the rooms have distinctive touches that call back to its history.