The A22 is definitely better. The N125 is the secondary route in the Algarve and will take much longer. I have directions:

Drive out of the airport and turn right to Faro.

Follow the blue signs for the A22 to Lisboa / Albufeira / Portimão.

Once on the A22, pass exits to Loulé, Quarteira, Vilamoura and Boliqueime.

Take the Albufeira turnoff and follow the signs to Albufeira, onto the EN125.

Take the Albufeira/Ferreiras turnoff and at the T-Junction, opposite the Vale Paraiso Industrial Park, filter right.

Pass Club Albufeira on your right and cross over the Rotary Roundabout.

Pass Repsol petrol station on your left.

Turn right at the next large roundabout.

Cross over one set of traffic lights.

Pass the Dolphin Roundabout and go down the hill.

Cross over the Marina Roundabout (goldy boat in the middle) and take the very next road to your left.

Take the first road right and go up the hill and Sao Rafael is on your left hand side, just past the Maritur Hotel.

You can also turn left at the Marina Roundabout with the boat, turn right at the big roundabout in the Marina and take the second road left. It takes you up the same hill.

Thanks bld- that's a great help

I would have to agree with Bld211.

When you look at the map you'll find that one route is effectively an "A" road, the other a motorway. The latter obviously faster and so, as your hubby quite rightly says is more straightforward and quicker.

As Albufeira is one of the larger and more popular resorts in the Algarve you'll find it well sign posted.