The normal destination for American College students visiting the Algarve is Lagos.
Many of your compatriots doing semester exchange programmes at colleges in Seville make Lagos their main getaway pilgrimage destination.
We have great beaches, some historic culture, plenty of nightlife, and accomodation to suit all pockets.
Look up the following on the web for more info:
http://www.risingcock.com/
http://www.3monkeys.me.uk/
Hotel wise:
Hotel Dom Pedro
http://www.dompedro.com/DomPedro/OurHotels/Algarve/MeiaPraiaBeachClub/tabid/116/Default.aspx
Although a little bit out of town it overlooks our wonderful Meia Praia beach and is one of the only true beach hotels.
There are other great hotels near town and in easy distance of the beach such as:
The Aqualuz
http://www.aqualuz.com/pt/home.html
Marina Club
http://www.marinaclub.pt/
For travel details on getting to Lagos see:
http://www.solpraiaferias.com/index.php?content=cheg_en
and Cubsur's
http://www.algarvebus.info
