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.

Algarve Villas - West Algarve - Click here to search for holiday properties

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.

Central Algarve Holiday Villas - Click here to search

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.

Autumn and Winter Sunshine Breaks – Come and visit the Algarve!

Portugal and the Algarve in particular are excellent autumn and winter holiday destinations, due to their wonderfully temperate climate. Out of season, the golf green fees are cheaper and the sun still shines for around 5-6 hours a day, making this a wonderful holiday destination for golfers and sun worshippers alike.

Villas in Algarve – click here to search for holiday properties

The Algarve has a wealth of other sporting activities available throughout the autumn and winter months. There is go carting in Almancil, you can take coastal boat trips from Albufeira, go deep-sea fishing in eastern Algarve and enjoy parasailing over western Algarve. The larger resort towns of the region, Albufeira, Lagos and Vilamoura play host to many fine, Michelin starred restaurants and entertainment venues that remain open till the early hours throughout the low season.

You will also receive a warm welcome in the smaller, quieter, in land locations. Here, away from the coast, you are able to relax peacefully with the locals enjoying pasteis de nata and a glass or two of local wine from Lagoa, Portimao and Tavira. Local dishes here include wild boar and stews of lamb or goat that literally fall off the bone. And of course, a trip to Portugal’s Algarve at any time of year would not be complete without the obligatory glass (or two) of Port. Whether your preference is for young, tawny or white Port, this blend of local wines makes a fabulous after dinner treat.

If you are thinking of getting away for a short break or longer holiday this autumn, the Algarve is the perfect choice. Algarve Villas and Apartments – click here to browse our range of luxurious holiday accommodation in all of the popular areas.

The sun is shining in the Algarve today!

As the days get shorter and the weather continues to decline in the UK its nice to know that just a few hours away by plane in the Algarve on the western side of Spain, its an entirely different story.

Its 10.30 am here in England, it’s grey, cold and raining and not at all what you’d look forward to waking up to and we know that today, its just not going to get any better. In the Algarve right now it’s still early and its 59 degrees. There’s sun on the weather map and it’s set to get warmer. The temptation to jump on a plane and be there in time for lunch is almost too hard to resist.

Ever popular with the British holidaymaker, because of its ease of access, the Algarve is a peaceful sun haven in which it is possible to lose yourself for the duration of your stay. The rolling hills, beautiful, protected forestry and miles of glorious golden beach are, in themselves, enough to entice those looking to get away from it all for a while.

Add to this, award winning, championship golf and facilities, which are of the highest standard and it’s little wonder, that this area is so popular with the British golfing tourist.

The rental accommodation in the area leaves very little to be desired. Unlike some holiday destinations, developers have been keen to preserve the natural beauty of the area, not overpopulating it with high rises or high-density housing. This has ensured that the villas and apartments, available to rent in the area, which have been prepared to the highest standards, retain their fantastic coastal or fairway views.

So, with grey skies, even shorter days and the prospect of nothing more than the cold winter months ahead, a short flight to Faro and a cab ride to the fairway is looking increasingly appealing.

Algarve Villas - click here to browse our luxurious holiday villas and apartments

The Algarve – Portugal’s Number 1 Holiday Destination

The Algarve is the southernmost region of Portugal. It is bounded to the south by the Atlantic Ocean, and to the north by the Monchique mountain range. It has an area of 5, 412 Kilometres, and in the most recent survey a population of approximately 410, 000 permanent inhabitants were returned. The capital of the region is Faro, although historically, the ancient Moorish city of Silves was for many centuries the centre of the region, which now comprises of 16 municipalities.

Geographically, the region is quite hilly, with its highest point (the village of Foia) being 903m above sea level. The coastline runs the entire length of the region, and this is 155 kilometres from east to west. Beyond the western most point of Cape St Vincent, the coast returns north and continues for a further 50 kilometres up the westerly edge of the country.

Algarve Villas - click here to start planning your next holiday!

The region is historically rich, and critical to the development of Europe and the modern world. Heavily influenced by the Moors – who ruled outposts of their empire from the city of Silves for centuries – it was however under Roman influence that much of the region fell, and it was the Carthaginians who founded Portus Hanibalis – today known as the city of Portimao – around 550 BC. The Moorish occupation ended in the 12th Century and fell under Christian dominion.

In the 15th Century Henry the Navigator took residence in Lagos, from where he conducted some of his most important maritime expeditions, thus establishing Portugal as the colonial Super Power of its day.

From the early 1960’s onwards the region has become an increasingly popular holiday destination for most Europeans whose homelands do not share the temperate climate and plentiful supply of beaches. Faro International Airport soon followed the first foreign developers, and today tourism plays a key role in the economy – both of the Algarve and Portugal as a whole.

Extensive development of the touristic infrastructure in recent times has seen the flourishing of a golf course network second to none in Europe, and most of the traditional coastal towns and villages now owe their economic stability more to the temporary visitors who land in Faro each year than to the traditional trades of fishing and agriculture.

Of key importance to the flourishing tourist industry has been the weather. Temperatures fluctuate between 15 °c in the wintertime, and upwards of 33°c during the long summer months (although much higher temperatures are regularly recorded). A zero value to temperature is almost unknown in the winter months, although the year 2008/09 – which was exceptionally cold and wet – saw a zero value reported for the first time in many years.

Today, tourism in the Algarve is flourishing, and the various governments are keen to invest heavily in the ‘Algarve Brand’ – which is seen as being more than capable of rivalling its closest neighbour, Spain. Tourist numbers continue to rise year on year, and even with the current challenging economic circumstances, the region continues to grow and prosper. Major new developments are underway – a case in point being ‘The Amendoeira Golf Resort’ between Alcantarilha and Lagoa which is the latest in the line of resort developments by the Irish lead development group Oceânico – and more are planned in the districts surrounding Carvoeiro, Silves, and Vale de Parra.

As the cost of air travel rises – making longer haul flights for tourists increasingly expensive – it is expected that the Algarve will benefit from the fact of lower cost flights, supported by lower carbon emissions generated by the shorter flights. These expectations have helped to some degree to stem the lack of appetite for property development, and as such, modern property outlets in the Algarve remain appealing by the standards of the 2009/10 weary investor.The principal towns of the region – notably Vilamoura, Almancil, Faro, Albufeira, and Carvoeiro – look forward to increased investment and development which will see them well positioned to capitalise on the tourist market for the 2010 season and beyond.

Holidays in the Algarve - click here to search for villas and apartments

Sun, Surf & Fun – Sporting & Leisure Opportunities in the Algarve

The popular image of the Algarve is one of long sandy beaches, quaint whitewashed houses, and unusual picturesque chimney pots perched upon single storey farmhouses, with windows and doorways picked out in yellow or blue paint. And for the vast majority of visitors to the region, the expectation is of a serenely blue pool at which to sit by whilst enjoying the summer sun and local wines. Small wonder then that the Algarve has not traditionally been thought of as a location of specific interest to those with sporting pursuits in mind.

Holidays in the Algarve - click here to browse our villas and apartments

Of course the region is famous for its golf courses, and it rivals Florida with its huge choice and temperate climate, which is ideal for play at all times of the year. Championship courses can be found close to almost every resort, with Vilamoura, Vale do Lobo, Quinta do Lago, and Carvoeiro boasting more than their fair share of opportunities for players of all levels. The Old Course in Vilamoura is world famous of course, but so too is Henry Cottons’ The Penina, near Alvor (10 minutes drive west of Carvoeiro), and newer courses abound in Silves, Alcantarilha, and Lagos. Younger golfers can also expect plenty of challenge, with ‘Balaia Village’ (on the outskirts of Albufeira) and ‘Vale do Milho’ in Carvoeiro, offering great par 3 venues.

In fact, speaking from experience, I can confirm that the second at Vale do Milho is just about as challenging a water hole as will be found anywhere..... With the exception perhaps of the infamous ‘Salgados’ course, which is located close to Vale de Parra and Guia. Almost all the holes bring water into play, and it is not a course for the faint hearted.

Most of the luxury class hotels have courses attached to them, as do many of the resorts and developments within the principal towns. Carvoeiro for example has ‘Carvoeiro Golf’ (courses ‘Pinta’ and ‘Gramacho’), whilst The Sheraton Hotel has ‘Pinecliffs’, and The Amendoeira Resort (close to Alcantarilha) boasts a new course designed by Nick Faldo. The Amendoeira Resort is the latest venture by Oceânico Group (owners of Vilamoura Golf), who also offer splendid resorts and facilities at ‘Jardim da Meia Praia’ (in Lagos), and ‘Estrela da Luz’ in Praia da Luz.
So, as a golfer, there is plenty to choose from, and it is fair to say that the Algarve now rivals any region in the world both for choice and quality of venue. But what other sporting pursuits are available in the Algarve, and where does a visitor go to find them?

Well, as with golf, the more common pursuits such as horse riding and cycling can be found just about everywhere. Horsemanship is a traditional skill for Algarveans, and until very recently it was not uncommon to see horses used as a regular mode of transportation in the rural districts. Maintaining this love for horses, equestrian centres abound, and from Praia da Luz, to Carvoeiro, to Vilamoura, cross-country or beach riding (for novice and experienced rider alike) is available. All of the larger towns and villages also offer mountain bike rental, and if you are staying in Carvoeiro or Luz for example, the opportunity to hire bikes and travel outside of the towns – perhaps even as far as the foothills around Silves or Sargacal, is not to be missed.

Another sporting activity which will also offer a fabulous opportunity to explore the Algarve is kayaking or canoeing. Only experienced users should consider this, but the opportunity to take a small craft out into the Atlantic Ocean, and explore the coves and secret beaches, which can only be accessed by boat, is not to be missed. Again, the waters around Carvoeiro, Vale de Parra, and Portimão, will provide the opportunity to see at close quarters some of the most stunning cliff scenery to be found anywhere in Europe. And access to hidden beaches and coves around Benagil (just east of Carvoeiro) and Vale de Parra (west of Albufeira) is only possible using small craft such as this.

If open water is beyond the remit, then the opportunity to explore inland is also not to be missed. There are some fabulous river runs which begin outside of Silves for example, and will allow the canoe to travel down as far as Alvor. This is an absolutely wonderful way to explore the Algarve, and to experience the weather and countryside whilst having fun.

Another sporting pursuit which is increasingly enticing novice and veteran alike to the Algarve is surfing. The surfing here is considered by experts to be some of the best available in Europe – very consistent, and often undertaken on uncrowded beaches (if you know where to go). For the experienced surfer there are several world class point and beach breaks. As the Algarve is located on the southern most point of Europe it picks up both south and west swells, and the mild winters mean that this is definitely a year-round venue.

Although the beaches around the main resorts (such as Carvoeiro, Vale de Parra, Vilamoura, Luz and Lagos) will tend to be not the choice of the experienced surfer, from any of these towns it is only a short drive to Sagres, and from here up to the West Coast beaches such as Carapateira where International competition regularly takes place. There are several dedicated companies offering surfing holidays and packages, and these can easily be found by searching online.

With the Ocean always close by, it is little wonder that so many watersports are readily available. Another favourite is scuba diving of course, and again, Centros de Mergulho, or Diving Schools, can be found in most of the resorts. There is an excellent centre in Carvoeior for example, and this is one of the only schools offering the opportunity to dive with nitrox (enriched air). Novices should ensure that the instructors they find are PADI qualified, and the best schools also offer PADI, DSAT, and DAN courses for beginner to instructor level.

Of course, with the generally high temperatures found in the Algarve, the water temperature tends to remain stable, ranging somewhere between 16 and 22 degrees, depending upon the time of year. Apart from the opportunity to experience at close hand the wonderful ocean life found in this part of the Atlantic, there are also several old wrecks and reefs which can be explored with a dive school – and most of these schools will offer the opportunity to explore the local caves and cove beaches – with many schools offering this as a night dive. Search online for dive schools which are close to your intended destination on the Algarve.

Staying with the Ocean, fishing is another very popular sporting pursuit in the Algarve. Deep sea fishing trips are readily available from Vilamoura, Portimão, and Lagos Marinas. Blue sharks, Makos, and Marlin are all to be found in the waters off of the Algarve, and Tuna and Swordfish are common further west around Lagos and Sagres. Most of the skippers offering game fishing excursions will also offer complimentary hospitality packages, both for full and half-day excursions, and again, a little research on the internet before you travel to the Algarve should produce plenty of results.

We’ve only had the opportunity in this article to mention a few of the sporting activities available in the Algarve, and nothing has been said of the less common pursuits such as rock climbing, paragliding, skydiving and microlighting – all of which are readily available in and around the resort towns of Vilamoura, Albufeira, Carvoeiro, and Luz. Similarly, it goes without saying that the more popular sports such as tennis are well catered for – again, the resorts of Vale do Lobo and Carvoeiro have excellent tennis clubs which offer temporary membership to holiday makers. The Carvoeiro Clube de Ténis for example offers regular competitions for adults and children (novice and experienced player alike), along with coaching by professionals, and the opportunity to meet new friends or just improve your game whilst you have a little more time to play than perhaps you would at home.

Again, The Vale do Lobo Tennis Academy has 14 courts, of which ten are all-weather and four synthetic, as well as a mini-tennis and paddle tennis court. One of the largest tennis facilities in Portugal, it attracts national and international tennis fixtures, including an annual ATP Seniors Tour competition, the Vale do Lobo Grand Champions Caixa Geral de Depósitos, and the Portuguese Ladies´ Open. To compliment the tennis, a gym is available, along with swimming pool, pro shop and two restaurants overlooking the courts.Most of the tennis academies in the Algarve run a busy year-round programme of individual and group coaching, tournaments and social events, for members and holidaymakers alike.

Whilst your rental property should be enjoyed, we hope that this article has reminded its readers that a visit to the Algarve offers all kind sporting and leisure opportunities, and if you would like more information on any of these activities, or the resorts and towns where they take place, please contact us for more information.

Algarve Villas - click here to start planning your next holiday!