Apartments in Rocha Brava – click here to search
Rocha Brava has the accommodation and the facilities to suit everyone, so, whether you are a couple, just looking to get away from it all for a while, a large group of friends holidaying together or an extended family away for your annual break, there is something here for everyone and all set within the most delightful of coastal locations.
Central to the development is a large kidney shaped swimming pool with a smaller, circular kids pool adjacent to it. There are many reclining sun beds arranged in the pool area, for you to relax and enjoy the sun and a poolside bar serves refreshments and light snacks in the afternoons and through to the early evenings.
Situated just two and a half kilometres from the popular fishing village of Carvoeiro, where fishermen can still be seen hauling their daily catch ashore, it is the ideal location for a self catering holiday but if one day, you choose not to cook, there are some delightful restaurants offering a la carte menus and a wide choice of both international and Portuguese cuisines, located all along the shoreline. Some hold pride of place, fronting onto the beach, from where you can dine as the sun sets looking out over the Atlantic Ocean and enjoying its cooling breeze.
If you are feeling active you can indulge in a spot of tennis. There are four tennis courts available and a tennis school operates year round with its own resident coach. Other amenities include a children’s club, a games room and a fitness centre offering everything from free weights to treadmills.
A short walk, 500 metres or so from the resort itself is the picturesque beach of Centianes. Here a steep craggy cliff face gives way to a wide and sweeping, sandy beach. The waters here are never too rough so it’s the ideal place to practice your snorkelling, scuba diving and wind surfing. If all that sounds a bit too energetic, you could always paddle around on a lilo or simply sunbathe, taking the occasional refreshment from one of the conveniently located bars and restaurants.
If you are prone to wanderlust and feel the urge to explore, the coastline will certainly not disappoint. There are numerous coves and beaches to explore, most of which are served by at least one bar or restaurant. There are some quite lovely walks to be had along the cliff tops too, with more beautiful views. Watch your step though and look out for signs of erosion, most have been well signposted but it pays to be on your guard.
Slightly further afield, yet still within easy reach are the two golfing resorts of the region, the Gramacho and the Vale de Pinta, for which residents of Rocha Brava can obtain discount passes. Both courses were designed by Ronald Fream together with the former world No. 1 golfer, Nick Price and with their 18 holes and numerous different tee points, you’ll be able to enjoy both courses time and again, but from ever changing perspectives.
The Gramacho has played host to the Portuguese Ladies Open several times and as such, it is recognised as an official championship course. Don’t let that put you off though, golfers of every handicap are invited to play here and enjoy the natural stone outcrops, dry stone walling and ancient trees that have been left in place and incorporated into the design, together with the attractive lakes and devilish bunkers.
Other local family entertainments include an equestrian centre and two large water parks, one of which, called Zoomarine, plays host to Dolphin and seal shows, has a number of different swimming pools, fairgrounds and a large family picnic area.
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