Vilamoura – A Truly ® Great Algarve Holiday Destination

A short 15 to 20 minute drive from Faro International Airport and you will have arrived in Vilamoura, the ideal Algarve holiday destination in which you and your family or group of friends can relax, kick back and start to fully enjoy your break.
Vilamoura is one of the most stylish and cosmopolitan resorts in Europe and the list of entertainments on offer here is staggering. Designer shops and boutiques, cool cafes and bars and trendy restaurants are strung out over the fashionable marina, which is flanked by two beautiful golden sanded, blue flagged beaches.

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Synonymous with the sport of golf and world famous for its challenging courses with breathtaking coastal views, Vilamoura in the Algarve has six high quality rounds to offer, all of which are within fairly easy reach of the centre.

If golf is not your thing and you prefer splashing about in the water, you are spoiled for choice here too. Almost every conceivable water sport is on offer, from windsurfing to water skiing and jet skiing to paragliding, to the more gentile, less energetic, pedalos and canoeing. There is little or no tide in this part of the Algarve, so there are no real breakers, making it ideal for lazing about on lilos and splashing around with the kids.

If you’ve played enough golf and had your fill of water sports you can choose from a wide range of other activities that will add to your Algarve holiday experience. These include playing tennis, riding horses, picnicking in the countryside, placing bets at the local casino, watching a movie at the multiplex or keeping your eye in, at the local green lawn bowling club or shooting gallery.

The day done and your mind turns to what there is to do of an evening. Again you are quite literally, spoiled for choice for nightlife in Vilamoura. World-class restaurants vie for your attention alongside glitzy bars and nightclubs. You can party here till the early hours if you want, safe in the knowledge that you don’t have to be up bright and early the next morning, unless you’re teeing off at 07.00 that is.

Whatever you are looking for in a summer holiday destination, whether you are holidaying as a couple, a family with children or as a group, whether you want to get active or simply laze around, Vilamoura has something for everyone. It’s hot sunny weather, great beaches, wide variety of activities and varied evening entertainment guarantee a holiday to remember.

Food and wine in Portugal’s Algarve

Portugal’s Algarve, famed for its sun, sea, sporting activities and nightlife, is perhaps less well known for its gastronomy. But scratch beneath the surface, venture beyond the familiarity of the international chain restaurant with its many different takes on steak and chips and you’ll discover a world of traditional Portuguese fare that will live long in the memory.

By European standards, the traditional Portuguese/Algarvian restaurant tends to be comparatively cheap but this is in no way, a reflection on the quality of the food being served. The Portuguese love their food and are delighted to share their passion with any visitor that shows more than a passing interest.

Take a trip inland, away from the tourist spots and you will find lovely bistro style restaurants, frequented by locals. The food will be excellent and extremely good value and the atmosphere, authentic. If you happen on a local eatery around lunchtime, order the “dish of the day”. This is likely to be served with a glass of good local beer or wine thrown in, adding to the warmth and enjoyment of the meal.

Breakfasts in this part of the world are generally speaking, fairly non-descript affairs of breads, sweet spreads and strong coffee to help kick start the day. Lunch on the other hand, is taken far more seriously. Starting around noon, this relaxed grazing can sometimes go on for two hours or more. Not surprising then, that dinner is served that bit later, generally around eight in the evening.

Algarve cooking – simple, honest, fresh food with spiced flavours

Portuguese/Algarvian cookery, has assimilated, the tastes, flavours and cooking styles introduced to the area by travellers, explorers and invaders throughout its history. Garlic, onion, fig, almond and cinnamon, paprika, curry spice and piri-piri have all been welcomed and ably incorporated into a style of cookery that is distinctly Portuguese/Algarve.

Their love of all things meat and fish is reflected in a typical menu. Three course meals will normally consist of soup to start, a warming caldo verde or cold gaspacho, followed by fresh grilled sea bass or sole along with sardines, particularly in the summer months. For the carnivores among you, chicken, lamb and suckling pig are firm favourites. These tend to be arranged on skewers along with the many varieties of spiced sausage available. You can look forward to sampling some lovely dishes during your Algarve holiday, many of them, with meat, fish and shellfish all served together. And if you have a sweet tooth, local delights include the traditional Algarve almond cake and custard tarts – both wonderful treats to finish your meal.

Wine in Portugal’s Algarve

Portugal’s Algarve has only recently come into it’s own and been recognised as a true wine producing region. 1980 saw the area split into four DOC (Controlled Denomination of Origin) regions; Lagoa, Lagos, Portimão and Tavira. These regions were designated as growing areas and subject to the rules and regulations imposed by government and local authorities, encouraging the production of good quality wines. As with the wines of Portugal, Algarvian wines come in four varieties:

Red wine - VinhoTinto
White wine - Vinho Branco
Verde wine - Vinho Green
Rosé wine - Vinho Rosé

The reds and whites tend to be rather full bodied with a fairly high alcoholic content and low acidity, whilst the greens and sparkling rosé’s are that bit lighter, making them the ideal accompaniment to your relaxing holiday feast.

Self-Catering Holidays in the Algarve - Family Holiday Destinations Don’t Come Much Better Than This!!

A self-catering holiday allows you and your family the flexibility, freedom and privacy to do exactly what you want, when you want to do it. There are no itineraries, aside from those you set for yourselves. You can eat what you like, when you like and sunbathe from dawn till dusk if that’s your thing. Or you might decide to take yourselves off on a fishing trip or spend the day cycling together, it’s entirely up to you.

The Algarve is the perfect setting for a truly relaxing yet fulfilling family holiday. Its beaches are among the safest and cleanest in the world, and there is a wide range of water sports and activities available, which make it ideal for older children. The fine selection of restaurants and bars make for a great nightlife too and there is a wide range of sporting activities here including horse riding, tennis, golf, fishing and diving.

If you decide to take a look around the place, you’ll uncover a wealth of quite fascinating little villages, interesting towns and stunning verdant countryside. The inland mountain range is a must see as are the breathtaking coastal views. Sixty plus miles of coastline and beaches stretch from Sagres, famed amongst surfers for its wild and windy conditions, to the warming, calming seas off Tavira in the East. And nestled in the middle is the Ria Formosa National Park, a beautiful and protected nature reserve, home to an array of bird and plant life.

Add to all of this, the great, year round weather with up to 330 days of glorious sunshine and it is easy to see why Portugal’s Algarve, with its long sunny days and warm balmy evenings, rates as one of the finest family holiday destinations in Europe.

At Truly® Algarve we are delighted to be able to offer you your choice of quality family holiday accommodation. We have a wide range of very comfortable, family sized villas, most with their own private swimming pools, situated throughout the Algarve and can be certain of finding the ideal location for you, whatever your holidaying requirements. Algarve Villas - click here to search

Holidays in the Algarve

For many years now the Algarve has been attracting visitors from all over the globe. Some come for the golf, some for the peace and quiet and some for the nightlife but the majority choose a holiday in the Algarve for the beaches and beautiful sunny weather. For nearly 330 days of the year, there is sunshine here. Not the unbearably stifling heat of the Mediterranean but a far more pleasant and comfortable warmth, delivered courtesy of the Algarve’s Atlantic coastal position.

The geography of the Algarve makes it quite easy to split the region into three distinct, if not separate parts. Western, Central and Eastern Algarve each have their own special flavour and attract visitors for very different reasons.

Western Algarve

To the west of the Algarve, where the waters of the Med mix with those of the North Atlantic, the sea and winds combine to create the perfect surf. Sailing, wind surfing, water skiing, scuba and of course surfing are hugely popular here as people flock to take advantage of the rolling waves.

Onland are superb beachside restaurants, which set the scene for some fine seafood dining. Daily catches mean your fish dish is as fresh as it can be and the views from your table are a delight. The verdant rolling hills and beautiful countyside lend to long and picturesque walks with quaint old towns and villages providing photo opportunities aplenty. And for golf enthusiasts there are an abundance of world-class courses to play on.

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Central Algarve

More developed than the West, Central Algarve is synonymous with family holiday fun. Virtually every holidaying, sporty, fun thing to do, is available right here. Peddaloes and sun worshippers line the beaches and swimmers delight in the warmer, calmer, Mediterranean waters.

This is not the place for surfing or getting radical. This is the place simply to relax, soak up the sun, have a drink or two at a beachside bar, enjoy great seafood dining and have fun, safe in the knowledge that the kids will never complain of being bored. If on the other hand, you tire of them, there are plenty of good golf courses here too.

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Eastern Algarve

Less family orientated than Central Algarve and less adrenalin fuelled than the West, Eastern Algarve is the perfect destination for couples. Romantic trips away for some quality one-to-one time are the order of the day here. Lazy days and balmy evenings are the perfect antidote to today’s hectic modern lifestyles and Eastern Algarve gives you the opportunity to relax and get away from it all.
Nightlife, leisure and sporting activities can still all be found in the East but they don’t scream at you to get involved. If you are looking for an authentic Algarve experience, this is the place to go; with its historic towns to explore, unspoilt beaches and superb restaurants – you will find here everything you need for a peaceful, tranquil holiday.

Algarve Villas - East Algarve - Click here to search

Holidays in Carvoeiro – An Increasingly Popular Holiday Resort

Thanks to the recent extension of the A22 motorway, the already popular resort destination of Carvoeiro is now even easier to access and becoming increasingly popular, as an Algarve holiday destination. Now within 1 hour of Faro International Airport, this once charming old fishing village has moved with the times and meets the demands of its increased patronage, whilst maintaining some of the rustic appeal from its bygone past.

In common with much of the rest of the Algarve, Carvoeiro has seized upon the popularity of Golf in the region, providing three good quality courses at Vale de Milho, Quinta do Gramacho and Vale de Pinta. Also within a half hour drive, are the world famous Golden Triangle courses, making it is easy to see why this location is such a Mecca for golf fanatics.

The good news is that ‘golf widows’ have not been forgotten here either. There is plenty to do for all ages including boat trips, horse riding, tennis, swimming and walking. Two water parks lend to the appeal for the youngsters and some of the safest Algarvian beaches cater for the sun worshippers. There are also a varied selection of bars, restaurants and nightclubs providing food and entertainment into the early hours.

Where to stay?

If you are looking for a family holiday in Carvoeiro, the Rocha Brava resort is an excellent place to stay. With a great beach, shops, swimming pools, dining and bars all within walking distance, there is everything you need here for a truly relaxing holiday. In fact there is no need to drive, unless you want to explore some of the other picturesque towns in central Algarve.

Those looking for a quiet base, still within walking distance of all Carvoeiro’s facilities will like the peace and tranquillity of Areias dos Moinhos. There are some great beaches within fifteen minutes walk, where you can relax, sunbathe or take a boat trip. Also available is scuba diving, deep sea fishing, sailing and windsurfing.

Colina Branca is a livelier base within walking distance of the village centre and central beach. Water-sports, tennis, bars, restaurants and beautiful scenery are all on your doorstep here and this is a great location for families, couples and groups of friends – as it caters for all interests.

If you want some help choosing your 2010 Algarve Holiday – get in touch. We can advise on the best location for you and your group to ensure you have a break to remember!

Villas in Carvoeiro - Ideal for Family Holidays and Romantic Breaks

Carvoeiro, on Portugal’s Central Algarve coast, is the ideal location for a family holiday or a romantic break away for two. For a couple wanting a week in the sun, the apartments available to rent here provide the perfect base from which to explore. Or for larger groups of family and friends, a villa in Carvoeiro offers plenty of space, luxury accommodation and your own private pool.

Villas and apartments in Carvoeiro – click here to search

Carvoeiro has grown up around the traditional fishing village it once was. Now a tourist friendly sunspot and holiday resort to rival some of the best on the Algarve, it is centred around three main streets, lined with shops, restaurants, clubs and bars. There is plenty to do and see in the town as well as some impressive sporting facilities awaiting the more active among you. Championship golf courses, deep-sea fishing and water sports are all on offer here together with walking, horse riding and tennis.

As the area has developed it has integrated the old with the new, resulting in a very appealing mix of architectural styles. Modern building techniques have been blended well with the older Portuguese designs creating charmingly rustic yet fully functioning accommodations that feature all of the modern luxuries you’d expect.

There are twelve sandy beaches in the Carvoeiro area where you can sunbathe, walk and relax. The main Carvoeiro beach in the centre of the town is easy to get to and has many nearby shops and bars for those much needed refreshments. Whilst this beach can get busy during peak seasons, it is perfect for a quick dip in the sea.

Another of our favourites is Vale do Covo beach where you will find caves that are lit up at night. And if you like walking, there is a great cliff top path at Marinha beach, near to Carvoeiro, where you can enjoy great views over the sea.

Holidays in the Algarve – click here to search

Autumn and Winter Golfing Breaks in the Algarve

Whilst it is possible to play golf this time of year in the UK, you’re likely to get cold and wet. So why not snatch a week away and opt to play your favourite game in the Algarve?
Just a few hours away by plane, it is the perfect Autumn/Winter golfing destination.

With reduced green fees and temperatures on the fairways typically around the 15-19 degree mark, these championship courses with their associated high quality facilities are very popular at this time of year.

If you’re along for the ride, you’ll be pleased to know that the sun bathing is also still great out of season, with 5-6 hours of daily sun. There is also plenty going on, as the Algarve, unlike other holiday destinations, caters for year round tourists, with shopping, water sports and entertainments available in all the larger resorts. Vilamoura, Lagos and Albufeira for example offer a tremendous choice of restaurants, bars, clubs and cinemas so there is lots to do, whatever your interests.