A large outdoor pool, a covered pool in the spa, or both: hotels are often the best equipped for a warm swim. In the Algarve, the golden cliffs of Portugal's south coast alternate with beach resorts and white villages. Here are the 51 hotels I've selected in the Algarve, all rated at least 8/10; I particularly recommend Wyndham Grand Algarve, Iberostar Selection Lagos Algarve and Tivoli Marina Vilamoura Algarve Resort.
Each city has its own selection, with a page for each type of accommodation.
Places are ranked from highest to lowest rated. The yellow bubble shows the advertised water temperature, when it's known.
51 places shown
The pool. Climate-controlled indoor pool, renovated and reopened in autumn 2025, presented as a refuge on cool days.
Opinions on the pools are mixed: one guest finds the area very pleasant, another found the water too cold in October 2024, before the renovation and without saying which pool.
Guide's tip. Get the temperature of the renovated indoor pool confirmed.
The pool. Heated indoor pool and outdoor pool.
The hot tub. Jacuzzi.
According to Kayak's review summary, guests enjoy the heated indoor pool, especially out of season. Not much shade and busy around the outdoor pool in summer.
Guide's tip. A good choice for a warm swim in winter.
The pool. Heated covered pool in the spa, as well as outdoor pools and a children's pool. The paid thermal circuit includes a hot tub.
The hot tub. Hot tub in the spa's thermal circuit (paid, by reservation).
The pool scores 9/10 on Kayak. One guest in July 2018 did find the pool cold, though, without saying which one.
Guide's tip. For a warm swim, go for the spa's covered pool rather than the outdoor ones.
The pool. Indoor pool, as well as an outdoor pool and a children's pool.
Guests talk of a lovely pool area, without mentioning the water temperature.
Guide's tip. Heating isn't specified: ask about the indoor pool's temperature if you're coming in winter.
The pool. An indoor pool complements the outdoor pool. Heating isn't specified.
The hot tub. Jacuzzi on site.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature. The few complaints are mostly about the pool bar, which is sometimes closed.
Guide's tip. Ask about the indoor pool's opening hours when you arrive.
The pool. Indoor pool and outdoor rooftop pool. Heating isn't specified.
The hot tub. Jacuzzi and sauna.
Guests rate the pool 10/10 and often list it among the highlights. I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. Adults-only hotel.
The pool. Heated indoor pool at the Genki Spa, open 10 am to 7 pm, free for guests. There's also an outdoor pool and a rooftop pool.
The hot tub. Jacuzzi and hydromassage circuit at the Genki Spa.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. Swim caps are compulsory in the indoor pool.
The pool. Indoor pool, in addition to four outdoor pools and a children's pool.
Kayak's review summary says the outdoor pools aren't heated: rely on the indoor pool.
Guide's tip. Outside summer, only the indoor pool promises pleasant water: check its opening hours when you arrive.
The pool. Indoor pool, outdoor pool and children's pool. Heating isn't specified.
The hot tub. Hot tub in the spa.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. A good choice for families out of season, thanks to the covered pool.
The pool. An indoor pool and numerous outdoor pools (six according to Hotels.com, nine according to Kayak). Heating isn't specified.
The pool areas go down well, but a few guests report closed pools, and one guest found the water too cold in August, without saying which pool.
Guide's tip. The complex has just been rebranded: check the name when you book.
The pool. Indoor pool in the wellness area and an outdoor pool. Heating isn't specified.
The hot tub. Jacuzzi.
Reviews are good overall, but Kayak's summary picks out a few complaints about the pool temperature.
Guide's tip. Get the indoor pool's temperature confirmed before you book.
The pool. Indoor pool as well as the outdoor pool. Heating isn't specified.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. Get the indoor pool's temperature confirmed if you're coming in winter.
The pool. A heated pool is advertised, plus an indoor pool in the spa.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. The listing doesn't say whether the heated pool is the outdoor one or the spa pool: ask before you book.
The pool. Indoor pool, outdoor pool and children's pool; the listing mentions a heated pool without saying which.
The hot tub. Jacuzzi.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. Ask which pool is heated before you book.
The pool. Indoor pool, outdoor pools and a children's water park. Heating isn't specified.
Families like the pools and the water park. I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. All-inclusive package: compare it with a half-board stay.
The pool. Heated indoor pool in dark slate and mosaic, with picture windows onto the grounds, as well as two outdoor pools (one adults-only) and a pool for little ones.
The Oyster guide describes the heated indoor pool. Guests quoted by Kayak were surprised that the outdoor pools aren't heated.
Guide's tip. Only the indoor pool is heated: don't count on the outdoor pools outside summer.
The pool. Indoor pool, as well as an outdoor pool and a children's pool.
The pool scores 8.5/10 on Kayak, with no comments on the temperature.
Guide's tip. Heating isn't specified: ask about the indoor pool's temperature before a winter stay.
The pool. A large indoor pool with sea views, as well as the outdoor pool. Heating isn't specified.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. A well-located chain hotel between the beach and the marina.
The pool. Indoor pool listed among the facilities. Heating isn't specified.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. Get the indoor pool's temperature confirmed.
The pool. Indoor pool listed among the facilities. Heating isn't specified.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. Get the indoor pool's temperature confirmed.
The pool. Heated indoor pool in the fitness club, free for guests, in addition to numerous outdoor pools. The spa has a hydrotherapy pool with jets, advertised at 28 °C.
Two journalists who stayed there confirm the fitness club's heated indoor pool. They don't say whether the outdoor pools are heated.
Guide's tip. The 28 °C hydrotherapy pool is in the spa: ask whether it's included or charged.
The pool. Four outdoor pools heated when it's cooler, and an indoor pool in the spa (paid).
The Oyster guide confirms that the outdoor pools are heated in the cooler season. Reviews are mixed: on Kayak the pool scores only 3/10, criticised as small, crowded or poorly maintained, though there are no complaints about the temperature.
Guide's tip. The pools come in for frequent criticism: read recent reviews before you book, and expect to pay for spa access to use the indoor pool.
The pool. Six pools, one of them indoor; the listing mentions a heated pool without saying which.
The hot tub. Hot tub, sauna and hammam in the spa.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. Ask which pool is heated and its opening hours.
The pool. Indoor pool with sauna, in addition to an outdoor pool.
Mixed reviews of the pool area (6/10 on Kayak): some find it crowded or in need of better upkeep. Nobody mentions the temperature.
Guide's tip. Mixed reviews of the pools: read the recent comments before you book.
The pool. Heated indoor pool in the fitness club, in addition to an infinity pool and other outdoor pools.
A travel adviser invited to stay there confirms the heated indoor pool. Kayak reviews don't mention the temperature.
Guide's tip. For a warm swim, head for the fitness club pool: check its opening hours.
The pool. Indoor pool and large outdoor pool; the listing mentions a heated pool without saying which.
The hot tub. Hot tub among the facilities.
Guests give the pools 8.5/10 and mention a very large pool. I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. Ask which pool is heated before you book.
The pool. Outdoor pool advertised as heated.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. Get the heating period confirmed before you book.
The pool. Indoor pool, in addition to an outdoor pool.
The pool scores 9/10 on Kayak and guests enjoy the pool area, without mentioning the temperature.
Guide's tip. Heating isn't specified: ask about the indoor pool's temperature if you're coming in winter.
The pool. Indoor pool, in addition to an outdoor pool.
Guests praise the pool area (8.5/10 on Kayak), without mentioning the temperature.
Guide's tip. Heating isn't specified: ask about the indoor pool's temperature if you're coming in winter.
The pool. An indoor pool, two outdoor pools and a children's pool. Heating isn't specified.
The hot tub. Hot tub among the facilities.
Opinions on the pools are mixed: many find them gorgeous, but one guest thought the water was too cold, without saying which pool, and another found the adults' pool dirty at times.
Guide's tip. If you're coming out of season, get the indoor pool's temperature confirmed.
The pool. Indoor pool as well as the outdoor pools. Heating isn't specified.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. Ask about the indoor pool's opening hours.
The pool. Indoor swimming area as well as the outdoor pool. Heating isn't specified.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. Get the indoor pool's temperature confirmed.
The pool. Indoor pool listed among the facilities. Heating isn't specified.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. Get the indoor pool's temperature confirmed.
The pool. Indoor pool and outdoor pool. Heating isn't specified.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. Get the indoor pool's temperature confirmed.
The pool. Four outdoor pools and one indoor pool; the listing mentions a heated pool without saying which one.
The hot tub. Jacuzzi and sauna at the spa.
Travellers rate the pools 8.5/10. I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. Ask which pool is heated before booking.
The pool. Covered pool, outdoor pool and children's pool. Heating isn't specified.
The hot tub. Jacuzzi and sauna.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. A chain hotel that's handy for walking into the centre.
The pool. The hotel advertises a heated indoor pool; there are also two outdoor pools, one of them near the villas.
The hot tub. Jacuzzi (may be charged extra).
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. The jacuzzi and treatments may cost extra: ask about prices.
The pool. Indoor pool presented by the hotel as a space for the whole family. Heating isn't specified.
One guest found the indoor pool attractive, noting that swim caps are compulsory. None mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. Bring a swim cap for the indoor pool.
The pool. Indoor pool and outdoor pool. Heating isn't specified.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. Ask about the indoor pool's opening hours.
The pool. Indoor pool in the spa, rooftop infinity pool. Heating isn't specified.
The hot tub. Jet pool in the spa.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. A hotel geared towards health cures: ask whether the spa is included.
The pool. Indoor pool listed among the facilities, in addition to the outdoor pool. Heating isn't specified.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. Get the indoor pool's temperature confirmed if you're coming in winter.
The pool. Indoor pool listed among the facilities. Heating isn't specified.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. Get the indoor pool's temperature confirmed.
The pool. Indoor pool listed among the facilities, in addition to the sea-facing outdoor pool. Heating isn't specified.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. Get the indoor pool's temperature confirmed.
The pool. Heated indoor pool open from 10 am to 8 pm, two outdoor pools including one on the roof, and a jacuzzi in the spa, all included in your stay.
The hot tub. Jacuzzi in the AP Elements spa, access included.
Regional newspaper Sul Informação reported on the opening of the heated indoor pool in 2023. I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. Swimming caps are compulsory in the indoor pool: remember to pack one.
The pool. Indoor pool, as well as outdoor pools and a children's pool.
Guests praise impressive pools (9/10 on Kayak), without mentioning the temperature.
Guide's tip. Heating isn't specified: rely on the indoor pool out of season and ask about its temperature.
The pool. Indoor pool in the spa and outdoor pools; a heated pool is listed among the facilities.
A wellness blogger who visited in November describes the spa's indoor pools, without mentioning the temperature. Kayak doesn't publish any reviews on this point.
Guide's tip. The listing doesn't say which pool is heated: ask the hotel if you're coming out of season.
The pool. Indoor pool, outdoor pool and covered water park; the listing mentions a heated pool without saying which. Access to the neighbouring outdoor water park.
The hot tub. Jacuzzi.
Guests particularly like the covered water park, especially with children. I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. Out of season, check that the covered water park is open.
The pool. Indoor pool, outdoor pools including an infinity pool; the listing mentions a heated pool.
The hot tub. Hot tub in the spa.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. Ask which pool is heated depending on the season.
The pool. Indoor pool advertised as heated, in addition to the outdoor pools.
Travellers rate the pools 8.5/10 and list them among the highlights. I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. Ask about the indoor pool's opening hours out of season.
The pool. Indoor pool as well as the outdoor pools. Heating isn't specified.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. Get the indoor pool's temperature confirmed.
The pool. Indoor pool in the spa, outdoor pool and children's pool. Heating isn't specified.
The hot tub. Jacuzzi and sauna.
A few guests found a pool closed for maintenance when they arrived. I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. Check that all the pools are open during your stay.
These places don't have a confirmed heated pool, but they do have a hot tub: the water is hot all year round. A good way to relax in the warm.
These places were suggested to us directly by their owners. The heated pool is declared by them; they don't yet have enough guest reviews to join the selection.
In my selection, the top-rated is Wyndham Grand Algarve (Hotel), with 4.6/5 (336 reviews · Expedia). Next come Iberostar Selection Lagos Algarve (8.9/10) and Tivoli Marina Vilamoura Algarve Resort (8.9/10).
Yes at Hotel Indigo Albufeira and AP Cabanas Beach & Nature: the pool is advertised as heated all year round. At Grande Real Santa Eulália Resort & Hotel Spa, heating is seasonal (heated in cool weather). Wyndham Grand Algarve, Tivoli Marina Vilamoura Algarve Resort and Vila Petra have an indoor pool, sheltered from the wind. Either way, ask for the heating dates before you book.
None of the places selected in the Algarve gives a precise temperature. Ask the property before booking, especially out of season.
Yes: Iberostar Selection Lagos Algarve, Vila Petra and Ria Park Hotel & Spa also have a hot tub in addition to the heated pool.
The word "heated" on a booking page isn't enough. Every place must have a rating of at least 8/10 (or 4/5) and carries one of these four levels.
Guests mention the heated water in their reviews, with the season when they say so.
A journalist or guide who stayed there describes the heated pool.
The hotel or the platform says so, but I haven't yet found a review that confirms it.
Heating isn't specified, but the water is sheltered from the wind and cold air. Ask for the temperature before you book.
I left these out because guests report water colder than advertised, or because no heating or indoor pool is mentioned.
| Place | What the sources say | Rating | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pestana Alvor Praia (Alvor) · Carvoeiro | Outdoor saltwater pool and indoor pool, heating not stated; pools considered dated | 8,2/10 | Heating not confirmed, pool rated 3/10 by guests |
| Falésia Hotel - Adults Only · Albufeira | Indoor pool and jacuzzi; according to the Kayak review summary, some guests feel the indoor pool water could be warmer. | 8,9/10 | Indoor pool water not warm enough |
| Holiday Inn Algarve Albufeira (ex-Real Bellavista Hotel & Spa) · Albufeira | Indoor pool and jacuzzi, but several guests found it closed or out of service, like the Turkish bath. | 8,8/10 | Indoor pool reported closed or out of service |
| Grand Muthu Oura View Beach Club · Albufeira | Indoor pool, sometimes closed according to the review summary. | 7,5/10 | Rating below 8/10 |
| Pestana Dom João II (Alvor) · Carvoeiro | Heated indoor pool at the spa (25 to 28 °C according to the website), but guests report cold water. Hotel closed for works from 31 October 2026 to 1 May 2027. | 7,9/10 | Rating below 8/10 |
| Kimpton Atlântico Algarve (ex-São Rafael Atlântico) · Albufeira | Three outdoor pools and one indoor pool, with no confirmed heating; one guest found the pools far too cold, and access to the pools and spa costs €40 per person per day according to Hotels.com. | 9,4/10 | Water found too cold, heating not confirmed |
| Luz Bay Hotel · Lagos | Outdoor pool only; guests mention maintenance and temperature issues. | 6,4/10 | Rating below 8/10 |
| Rocha Vau Hotel · Carvoeiro | Well-rated hotel in Portimão, but one guest regrets that the pool is not heated; no source confirms any heating. | 9,4/10 | Pool not heated, according to a guest |
Sources: Kayak, Airbnb, Kayak, Kayak, Kayak, Hotels.com, Kayak, Oyster, Airbnb, Kayak, Pestana (site officiel), Expedia, Kayak.
