Any ideas

I'm not a Portugal expert, but I tend to believe that in February you're not going to find crowds of tourists in Algarve, no matter where you'll go. However, just for its location, I found Albufeira to be a good base to have day trips around Algarve.

I know next to nothing about surfing, but, in February, it would be too cold for me to consider any water-related activity. However, I might be wrong. I googled to see what sea surface temperature might be like, and I found a very interesting page: http://www.surf-forecast.com/breaks/PraiadaRocha. There seem to be two more surf spots in Algarve: Luz-Rocha Negra and Zavial.

If you want somewhere secluded in the Algarve, stay away from cities like Faro. Try smaller towns or look for apartment or house rentals outside of the main tourist areas.

I assume you´ll be flying in and out from Lisbon. If yes, then I´d forget about Algarve and find something closer, Estoril or Silver Coast. But, can you really enjoy surfing in winter? You´ll freeze your tits off.

Hi! I’d recommend to go to the extremes of the Algarve where you can find preserved cities (the centre, from Faro to Alvor, is very touristic. I really recommend Tavira or Sagres. The beaches are very different from one side to the other but in both cases, beautiful! In February you can have good sunny days (the Algarve has 300 days with sun / year!) Sagres is more indicated to surf but you can expect cold water (it’s the Atlantic ocean!)
From the budget to the 5 ***** you have lots of options and you’ll find good deals for sure in February.
Recommendation: you should rent a car during your stay. You won't be able to see much things around without a car.
Have fun!

hello there,i agree with Exploremore,Tavira is fantastic for a less ''touristic'' place,fantastic deserted beaches near by,(or any town east of Faro,with the exception of Monte Gordo,its like a rest home for Northern Europe!),Faro is a good base and a fantastic city with train links covering most of the Algarve Coast from the Spanish border in the east and as far as Lagos in the west,i think!.(however most train stations are out of town)but a car is the way to go.As for surfing there is not a lot of surfing weather on the eastern algarve.If surfing is a must you will need to be west of Faro,Sargres or some where on the west coast.I've witnessed surfing in Albufiera(Fishermans Beach)or Paria da Rocha,but it is very hit or miss in these areas.IF book your accomodation in advance and stay in one of the resort as your base,you should be to get a ''tourist apartment'' for your full stay for less than £150,and i think EasyJet fly to Faro very cheap!!!!!For tourist apartment rentals try www.travelrepublic.co.uk or ulookubook.com,(i've used these in the past and they have been good prices)
happy travels!

Thanks for your suggestions everyone, they have definitely been helpful in all the planning:)