Holidays in the Algarve

Algarve Villa Holidays: Spotlight on Lagos Part Two

2012-01-19T09:19:00.000-08:00

Here on this blog we produce monthly articles to help you plan your Algarve Villa Holiday or just enjoy a few moments day-dreaming on a dreary winter day! Last month we reviewed holidays in Lagos Algarve - looking at Lagos town, the accommodation, the beaches, the marina, the coastline and the dolphins. This month we continue our exploration - and look at what there is to do here in terms of sports, shopping, restaurants and nightlife.

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The Sports

There are all sorts of sporting opportunities in Lagos from golf at the excellent courses of Parque de Floresta, Belavista and Palmares, to surfing including mountain biking, off-roading in buggies, boat and jet ski hire, water skiing, scuba diving, sailing, fishing and snorkelling, There is tennis and bowling, squash, swimming and of course, there’s always the gym. Horse riding is also available nearby at the Quinta do Paraiso, so whatever sport you’re into, you’re bound to find something to get the adrenalin pumping.

The Shops

Lagos’ fish market, in the centre of the town is second to none. A wonderful selection of fresh sea food is available and you simply wont buy fresher. Upstairs there’s a fruit and veg market and up another level is a terrace restaurant, so you can effectively make your food choices as you climb the stairs, to be seated and served when you reach the top. The top floor also gives you a great photo opportunity, as the view is lovely.

There are two supermarkets in town. The Mondelo and the Intermarche, both with a good selection of all your favourite foods but if you want English imported foods, these will be more expensive. There’s a photographic store so you can have your snaps developed or buy another memory stick (because you are going to need it). There’s a post office or “Correios” where you can buy stamps to send postcards home and there’s an Aladdin’s Cave called “O Coixote” which stocks local arts crafts, antiques, gifts, jewellery and lots more besides.

Other stores include accessory and jewellery stores, women's clothing boutiques,
unisex fashion boutiques, shoe shops, leather goods stores, gift shops, wineshops, a bakers, a Pastelaria e Gelataria' featuring yummy cakes, tarts, ice creams and regional specialities, a ceramics, pottery and household furnishings store, arts and crafts stores, furniture shops, antiques shops, fabrics and soft furnishings, in fact, everything you’d imagine from a fully functioning, self sufficient, sizable, holiday town

The Restaurants

As you might expect, there are good quality restaurants a plenty in Lagos, so if you decide to go out for a meal a few times, rather than cook for yourselves, you’ll have plenty of choice. Arguably the best Italian in town is Borsalino, reasonably priced a child friendly, the food is excellent. If your preference is for something a little more Portuguese and romantic then try Restaurante dos Artistas, priced in the mid range, this is ideal for those lovely romantic holiday meals. It has been said that they serve the best food in Lagos, by far.

If you’re feeling a little homesick and fancy a good old English breakfast or brunch, pop along to Oasis where they serve up a cracking full English. The staff are very friendly and the food is excellent. Lagos is very family oriented with many excellent restaurants happy to welcome younger children and cater for all tastes and budgets.
Many of the restaurants have tables spilling out into the streets for that typically Continental/Mediterranean dining experience.

The Nightlife

The nightlife in Lagos is a mixed bag, but in a good way. Whatever your musical tastes, there is something to suit. The Duna Beach is a popular nightspot and arguably the best nightclub in the Algarve. Up to the minute tunes combine with a stunning beach location to make a great night out. The Wolfs Lair is another top spot with interesting decor that takes you to medieval times. It's open till 4am so you could stay there all night if you wished. Close by is the Bon Vivant rooftop terrace which is a great spot for a "sundowner" (a last drink as the sun goes down or, the first drink of the evening). A lot of the bars in Lagos are British owned so you wont have a problem with the language, even the German bar keep at Bar Terapia speaks perfect English. There are sports bars and karaoke bars, Irish bar, reggae bars and techno music bars, so there’s something to suit everyone.

You don’t even have to go in. For some, just wandering about and soaking up the atmosphere is an experience in itself. Check out the main square in Lagos, this regularly stages events, which are fun and exciting and lots of them are free.

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Algarve Villa Holidays - Take the Family to The Algarve Next Summer for Sunshine, Beaches and Loads of Activities!

2012-01-19T09:12:00.000-08:00

Looking at options for your 2012 family holiday? Have you considered Algarve Villa Holidays? Truly Algarve provides a wide range of well equipped Algarve Villa Holidays perfectly suited to families. The Algarve’s year round climate, beautiful beaches and local hospitality continue to make it a popular destination with visitors returning year after year. With many excellent resorts to choose from offering a wealth of activities for the whole family, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

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Algarve Villa holidays offer a home away from home; each villa is individually decorated providing good quality and comfortable accommodation. For those families with babies and infants, highchairs and cots are provided on request. Many Algarve Villa Holidays offer private pools and barbeques, with well maintained surrounding grounds offering a safe haven for children. If you haven’t stayed in a villa before, you may not have considered the many benefits - there’s no fixed timetable as with a hotel, so get up when you want, eat when you want and relax in the privacy of your own surroundings without interruption from other guests. Welcome packs containing grocery essentials can also be provided, as can airport transfers.

Year Round Climate
The Algarve benefits from the best climate in Europe, with year round blue skies, 3000 hours of annual sunshine and only a short period of rainfall between the months of November and March. Due to its location in the Atlantic, temperatures in the high season are slightly lower than other European destinations, offering perfect weather for tourism and making it particularly attractive to families with younger children. Sun worshippers need not be disappointed as the Algarve enjoys particularly long sunny days and glorious warm evenings.

Temperatures in the Algarve range from 15 degrees to around 31, but never dip below freezing in the winter. Such a pleasant year round climate sees increasing numbers of families visiting the Algarve, to maximise the long hours of sunshine. With almost guaranteed sunshine and a destination offering countless activities for all the family there will be no shortage of things to do and definitely no wet afternoons to fill with things to keep the children amused.

Even families on a tight budget will be assured of a fantastic holiday, the cost of living in the Algarve is renowned for being relatively inexpensive compared to neighbouring European holiday destinations and it’s many fine sandy beaches provide the perfect location for a family picnic, lazing in the sun, building sand castles and splashing in the beautifully clear water.

Beautiful Sandy Beaches
The Algarve’s extensive coastline is blessed with a wealth of long sandy beaches and small sheltered coves; a calm clear sea coupled with water temperatures of around 22 degrees in the summer months make it a bather’s paradise.

Whist there is no end of beaches for you to visit during your family holiday to the Algarve, our recommendations for the most family friendly beaches include:

Praia da Gale, an excellent all-round choice for families providing safe swimming and watersports. Offering a quiet, tranquil beach, Praia da Gale offers the perfect place to escape the bustling resort of Albufeira. The beach offers trouble-free parking, a friendly family atmosphere with ample places to eat. Better still the length of the beach means that it rarely feels overcrowded.

Praia do Vau - Alvor is a pretty sandy beach situated in a sheltered bay. Again this beach offers a fantastic choice for families, providing a good selection of places to eat, safe swimming and plenty of peace and quiet so you and your family can relax and enjoy the Algarvian sunshine.

The Eastern Algarve’s Praia Verde, which takes its name from the pine tree forest which borders the beach, offers sandy dunes, a couple of beach bars and a restaurant offering a relaxed day out for families with children.

Those families looking for a little more action in the way of water sports and other beach activities including diving should head to either Praia da Luz, a half mile sheltered sandy beach near Luz and Lagos or Meia Praia located in the West of the Algarve also near Lagos which offers miles of golden sand. Both beaches are well suited to those holidaying with children of any age providing plenty of activities to keep them occupied whilst you watch them have fun from the comfort of one of the many sun beds on offer.

Fun for all the Family
What better way to spend your summer holiday than visiting a destination with a reputation for its hospitality and family friendly atmosphere. Many of the locals speak either English or German as a second language, so language should not pose a barrier.

Children are welcome in restaurants and bars, allowing you to eat your evening meal as a family whilst sampling a glass or two of the good local wine. The Algarve’s extensive coastline also means that most restaurants have an excellent array of fish on their menus, most of which will have been caught only hours before.

The Algarve offers resorts to suit families with children of all ages. Those with younger children should look at the smaller resorts of Praia da Luz, Caroeiro, Vilamoura and Vale do Lobo, whilst those with teenagers perhaps better suited to the larger resorts of Albufeira and Lagos due to the choice of nightlife, shops and cinemas.

For the sports enthusiasts the year round sunshine means that the Algarve is able to offer a multitude of family friendly outdoor activities to suit all ages including fishing, horse riding and tennis. Many of the Algarve’s beaches offer an array of water sports including scuba diving and water skiing, and budding golfers can take advantage of one of the many fine courses on the island.

Whatever resort you choose we are sure you and your family won’t be disappointed. The Algarve is truly a wonderful holiday destination offering fun for all the family.

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Algarve Villa Holidays - Spotlight on Lagos

2011-12-08T07:25:00.000-08:00

If you are thinking about an Algarve villa holiday next summer, then why not come and stay in Lagos? Read on to find out more about this popular Algarve villa holiday destination.

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Lagos Town

The A22 motorway now takes you all the way from Faro International Airport to Lagos and without pushing it, the journey should take about an hour. You’ll pass some lovely scenery en-route but don’t worry; there are many more photo opportunities to come. The historic town of Lagos is now a lively and very busy place, popular among tourists and holidaymakers. This belies its quiet fishing village past, of which there are still plenty of reminders.

Lagos is in the western Algarve, not the point breaks and craggy rock faces of Sagres, where all the adrenalin junkies hang out, but a chilled out, more grown up version of its loud and kiddy-centric neighbour in central Algarve. The town is guarded by a 17thC fort, which was erected to protect the town and their piece of the coast. The building now houses a small museum with information about Portugal's maritime history and is worth a look if you’re into that sort of thing.

The third largest town on the Algarve, Lagos is a maze of winding cobbled streets, lined with pavement cafés, restaurants and bars. Some dimly lit, brooding and seductive, others laced with neon and pumping out eurotrash. Antiques and art shops abound here in a town desperate to cling onto its culture and history. Somehow though, this quaint old fishing manages to serve both masters, combining the charm of it's past, with the demands of a modern and popular Algarve holiday destination.

One of the ways Lagos manages this juxtaposition of both age and style, is by staging street entertainments on a regular basis. Throughout the year you will find buskers (some paid, some not) and performance artists displaying their skills, eager to pose for a photo or two. You’ll find street markets and a whole calendar full of festivals and many times the two will clash, filling the main square and streets with revellers. The Portuguese are also passionate sports fans, especially when it comes to their football, so if a high profile game were also to coincide with a festival, as often happens, there’ll hardly be room to move on the streets – It’ll be fun though.

The Accommodation

At Villa in Algarve we have a wide selection of Algarve villas and apartments for rent in Lagos, sleeping up to 10 people. Villas to rent and apartments for hire in Lagos in Portugal are extremely popular and are sure to suit almost everyone. In the beautifully landscaped Jardim da Meia Praia, development for example, you’ll find superb 2 and 3 bedroomed townhouses, sleeping 4 to 6 people respectively. Elsewhere in the town, you’ll find self-catering apartments for rent with fully equipped kitchens, comfortable beds and balconies, some affording superb views of the countryside, whilst others present breathtaking views of the coast. You’ll find individually styled Algarve holiday villas which offer a luxurious base, from which you can either explore the beaches or simply lounge around your own private pool surrounded by lush green gardens.

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The Beaches

Lagos lays claim to eight beaches, namely; Batata, Estudantes, Camilo, Dona Ana, Luz, Meia, Pinhão and Porto de Mós, though, it should be said that 1 or 2 of them are shared with the neighbouring town of Luz. Meia is by far the largest and most popular beach in Lagos, stretching from the edge of the bay, to the Alvor estuary. The beach presents miles of soft white sand and crystal blue waters, and there is a wide range of beach bars and restaurants to choose from.

The Marina

The recently constructed marina is postcard pretty and a wonderful place to while away a few hours people and boat watching. Besides its permanent moorings, many of which, themselves are not cheap, it is usually full of expensive yachts passing through on their way to or from the Mediterranean and the Americas. From the marina you can book boat tours, hire yachts and go on deep sea-fishing outings. Or if you’d rather stay on firm land, you could climb the steps of the 17th Century “Forte da Bandeira" which guards the entrance to the harbour. If you climb the steps, to the top of its outer perimeter the view from there is amazing. The Fort houses a small but very interesting museum which is dedicated to the Portuguese Discoveries.

The Coastline

The coastline here in Lagos is a great mix of soft sanded beach and rugged rock formations, making this location ideal for families and groups of mixed ages. You can choose between laying on a beach, reading a book and sunbathing, or clambering around the rocks, looking for sea creatures in the small pools of water left behind by the tides.

If you fancy going on a boat trip, pop down to the harbour at Lagos, you’ll find several guides there that will be only too pleased to take you for a tour to the many caves along the coast. They are very friendly and will happily regale you with stories of pirates and smugglers, some true, some maybe not quite so true. Other guides will give you a running commentary on the different rock formations, their names and the folklore that goes with them. These interesting and informative tours tend to last for around three quarters of an hour but the guides are more than happy to extend this, stopping to explain some of their favourite features in detail. They will navigate around and in some cases, under the intriguing rock formations and take you into caves, pointing out the many secluded beaches that surround the town.

The Dolphins

If you do decide to go on the dolphin safari you really need to book the day before, as they tend to be very popular. Your party will be taken out in a rubber inflatable boat, with an outboard engine. The captains are very experienced and you are issued with life jackets so it is very safe. The boats can get up to about 40knots (46mph) which is great because even if its really hot, the breeze will cool you down. Remember to take lots of sun cream with a high spf number though because the sun reflects off the water, intensifying its power.

Dolphin watching is a truly exhilarating experience. The dolphin's relationship with man has been well documented throughout history and many stories are told of how these magnificent creatures have saved lives by protecting people from sharks and guiding lost ships to safety. Sadly, most people only ever get to see the dolphin in captivity but on a Dolphin safari, you get the opportunity to see the dolphin in its natural environment.

Villas in Lagos - click here to view our Lagos Algarve Holiday Villas

Algarve Villa Holidays - Spotlight on Luz

2011-12-08T07:17:00.000-08:00

Luz is a great all round Algarve villa holiday destination in western Algarve. Read on to find out all about Luz town and the accommodation, beaches, coastline, sports, shops, restaurants and nightlife in Luz Algarve.

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Luz Town

Luz is a resort town close to Lagos but a little further west along the A22. The motorway leading from Faro International Airport to the town of Sagres on the Algarve’s western tip, will connect you to Luz in a little over an hour, which is good news if you have youngsters because they won't have time to get fractious. They’ll be too busy looking out of the car windows and too excited about their holiday to worry about anything else.

Once you arrive in the town, you’ll notice how really quite different it is to the towns in central Algarve. Here it seems, there’s more going on. The sea is a little less quiet, not choppy or rough but just that bit more exciting. You can wind surf here and there are rocks to climb. The beach is clean and tidy and the waters are still very safe, but there’s more action here. There are banana boats and huge rubber rings, which get towed behind boats and there’s water-skiing and jet skiing.

It is a lively and popular tourist location, close enough to central Algarve not to be too rough and rugged and yet far enough west to be interesting. There is more to Luz than laying on a sun bed catching some rays while the kids play in the sand. You can do this of course, there’s nothing to stop you, but if you want to explore and clamber about the rocks and caves or go wind surfing then it is all here for you to do.

The Accommodation

Luz was once a quiet fishing village but over time it has become recognised as a favourite holiday resort and as a result, there has been some extensive development, particularly to the west of Luz Beach

At Villa in Algarve we have a wide selection of Algarve villas and apartments for rent in Luz, sleeping up to 10 people. Villas and apartments for hire in Luz are extremely popular as is the wonderful purpose built development called Estrela da Luz, which has a range of different sized apartments to suit couples, groups of friends and families alike.

Elsewhere in the town, you’ll find self-catering villas, townhouses and apartments to suit parties of up to ten people. Many of them are beautifully furnished and decorated to the highest standards, coming with their own, private pools. Some afford superb views of the countryside, whilst others provide wonderful coastal views. You’ll find unique Algarve holiday villas in Luz, which offer a luxurious base, from which you can explore the beach and the surrounding countryside or where you can simply lounge around poolside and get lost in that book you picked up at the airport.

The development of Luz, around the central beach or “praia”, is almost exclusively 'low rise', consisting of apartments and villas of all sizes with facilities principally aimed at family holidays. Many of our villas in Luz are beautifully located in the village itself so they are perfect if you are looking for a resort, which blends character and history, with the demands of a modern holiday destination. Luz has something for everyone and its safe, sandy beaches are a real boon for many visitors.

Villas in Luz- click here to view our Lagos Algarve Holiday Villas

The Beach

The beautiful beach at Luz boasts miles of soft white sand and crystal blue waters and there is a wide range of beach bars and beachside restaurants to choose from, serving up tasty lunches and evening meals.

The Coastline

The coastline in Luz is a mix of soft-sanded beach and rugged rock formations, making this location ideal for families and groups of friends of mixed ages. You can choose between laying on the beach, reading your book and sunbathing, or clambering around the rocks. Many young adults take this past time very seriously and you’ll often see them in Luz, as they prepare their kit for the rocks and rougher waters of Sagres and points further west.

The Sports

Water-sports are available including windsurfing and boating. Tuition is available for water skiing and diving if you fancy learning something new. The key to getting up out of the water, as the Luz water skiing instructors will tell you, is straightening your legs out in front of you. Sounds easy doesn’t it! The area is also good for surfing. The Luz Ocean Club offers tennis courts, a fitness gym and swimming pools, and the sports centre in Burgau offers squash, tennis, aerobics and other facilities as well as evening barbecues and live music.

The nearby riding centre in Bensafrim offers rides, instruction and day-long picnic rides. Bird watching can be arranged at various protected reserves in the area guided by experienced ornithologists. The Luz Water Sports Centre offers scuba diving, windsurfing, fishing, sailing and snorkelling. There are also 3 excellent golf courses nearby at Parque de Floresta, Bela Vista & Palmares.

The Shops

Luz supports quite a good range of shops that will provide for all of your shopping needs, whether that’s day-to-day food shopping or present buying for the folks back home. There’s a small café and cake shop on the left hand side (coming from the 'square') just past the Ocean Club, which is the best place to get bread and croissants first thing in the morning. There’s a bookstore, for those essential holiday novels and they will even do exchanges, so you can give them the one you bought for the plane, in exchange for something else. There are boutiques, fashion shops and beachwear shops for your flip-flops and beach towels. There is a butcher for all your barbecue meat and there are a number of craft shops selling genuine, and not quite so genuine, original artworks. There’s a car rental office in case you decide you want to trip around a bit and they also hire out quads, scooters and pushbikes too. There are furniture and soft furnishing shops as well as interior designers too. Luz also has two dentists as well as a pharmacy and opticians. There are supermarkets, a post office and a fresh fish, fruit and veg market, in fact, if you can imagine living here full time, which won't be difficult, you’ll have everything here that you’ll need for the home, and if its not here, its a quarter of an hour away in Lagos.

Restaurants and Nightlife

There are a number of very good restaurants in the village serving a variety of local and International dishes, There’s Italian and English as well as Portuguese. Check out Lote 1, Pastelaria Chicca, Cafe a Fabrica and Jake's Bistro, they all come highly recommended. As well as restaurants, there are some great beach bars too and in the centre, some lively pub type bars that turn into small discos or clubs later.

Villas in Luz - click here to view our Lagos Algarve Holiday Villas

Autumn and Winter in the Algarve

2011-12-05T06:38:00.000-08:00

Arguably one of the best times to visit the Algarve, the autumn and winter months of September through to December are never what you’d call cold. They are at worst warm and you can still get a good colour with temperatures reaching the mid 30’s at times. This time of year many of the tourists and holidaymakers of the summer have disappeared, leaving miles of golden sanded beach for you to explore, at your leisure.

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Flights to the Algarve, from the UK and other parts of Europe are that much cheaper at this time of year, making for a great value break. There’s also less traffic on the roads so your trip along the A22, that glorious stretch of tarmac leading out from Faro Airport, will be a breeze and when you get to your destination, whether it’s a villa in the eastern Algarve town of Tavira or an apartment in the central Algarve golfing resorts of Quinta do Lago or Vale do Lobo, you’ll feel nicely refreshed from your journey.

The same is true if you’ve taken a villa in the western Algarve town of Sagres, or made it round the point to Castelejo or Arrifana, or stopped anywhere along that piece of the coast at Zavial, Mareta, Tonel or Beliche. Here the journey time from the airport might be that bit further, but it is well worth it, especially if you are into action sports like surfing and climbing or just prefer the more rugged scenery that this part of the Algarve is famed for.

During the autumn and winter months, there’s increased availability in terms of accommodation. You’ll find that you’ll be able to look at hiring a villa or renting an apartment that, during high season, might have been out of budget. You’ll find also, that pretty much everything else, drops in price too. You can hire cars and motorcycles cheaper, your can get a table at a restaurant more easily and the service is likely to be better, since they’ll have more time. This is great because you’ll often get an impromptu lesson in Portuguese thrown in to the bargain.

If you’re into bartering, you won’t have to barter quite so hard and if you do, you can often come away with some good deals. The only price you pay for this increased flexibility and friendliness is the risk of the occasional shower and temperatures that are not quite as hot but it is still shorts and T-shirt weather here, most of the time.

Some people prefer the lower temperatures, making for a different style of holiday. Sports such as tennis are great played in the lower temperatures – and for golf enthusiasts lower green fees are charged out of season and there are fewer people to ‘play through’. This even applies to the championship courses of Vale do Lobo and Quinta do Lago.

If golf is not your thing; how about a pleasant stroll in the Algarve countryside? At this time of year, tramping around the Ria Formosa Natural Park is lovely and there is lots to see. The forty four thousand acres of wood and park land are largely protected by a string of islands that form a natural barrier against the off shore elements. This barrier shelters a large, tidal salt-water lagoon which is home to a diverse mix of wildlife, both animal and vegetable. The vast green space is of particular importance to numerous wintering waders and ducks and the reed beds here form important nesting sites for many of them.

During the autumn, the lagoon regularly attracts 20,000 or so water birds including; Eurasian Wigeons, Greater Flamingoes, White Storks, Eurasian Spoonbills, Little Bitterns, Purple Swamphens, Black-winged Stilts, Pied Avocets, Grey Plovers, Common Ringed Plovers, Kentish Plovers, Bar-tailed Godwits, Ruddy Turnstones, Dunlins, Little Terns and the bird that has become the symbol of the Ria Formosa, the Collared Pratincole.

If you are in Portugal and the Algarve for Christmas, you are in for a real treat. Things get started as early as December the 8th, that’s way before most of us in the UK have even got into the festive mood! Festivities and firework displays will generally happen throughout December but Christmas proper is celebrated on the evening of December 24th. This tends to be a comparatively quiet, family affair, but the celebrations kick off again afterwards, in the run up to New Year when there are yet more firework displays, culminating in the big ones which take place over the water.

All of the main resort towns will have their own highlights and the shopkeepers make a special effort with decorations, lights and trees. Goods wise though, you’ll find nothing much changes, there isn’t the big Christmas consumer push that there is in the UK. In Portugal, and even in the most Anglicised parts of the Algarve, Christmas is still, first and foremost a family affair. That’s not to say, they don’t like to party, of course they do and they love their festive treats too, but when it comes to buying presents and in particular, Christmas cards, the Portuguese are a little more, reserved.

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Algarve’s “Golden Triangle” Quinta do Lago, Vale do Lobo and Almancil - See It To Believe It

2011-12-05T06:07:00.000-08:00

The Golden Triangle is the name given to the area between Quinta do Lago, Vale do Lobo and Almancil. This area, located barely 20 minutes drive from Faro International airport, contains some of the richest real estate in Europe with studio apartments priced at a cool quarter of a million Euros and villas available at anything up to six and a half million. Here at Truly Algarve, we specialise in Algarve holiday villas and Algarve apartments to let throughout the Algarve, including the prestigious resorts of Quinta do Lago, Vale do Lobo and Almancil.

Our luxurious Golden Triangle Algarve villas and apartments are ideally placed for playing at some of the best golf courses in Europe. But if you disregard the golf, what is it about this location that makes it so special?

Algarve Villas - click here to view our full range of Algarve holiday villas and apartments or browse for villas in the Golden Triangle resorts

Villas in Quinta do Lago | Villas in Vale do Lobo

Property

Property in the Golden Triangle is highly regarded and sought after because of its build quality and location. The Portuguese government have long since known that the Algarve is their country’s crowning glory and their best hope of attracting tourism, holidaymakers and serious external investment. The Golden Triangle is the jewel in that crown and for that reason; property development has been very closely monitored and restricted. These restrictions ensure that any development in the area, is carried out sympathetically, so as not to adversely affect the intrinsic beauty of the area.

Landscape

The beauty of the landscape is here for all to see and the villas and apartments have been thoughtfully designed to complement their surroundings. Most of the villas for rent in the Golden Triangle are offered with beautifully landscaped gardens and even those that have not been professionally landscaped are so well and regularly tended that you would think they have been. This attention to garden detail means that you can relax in very beautiful surroundings with lush green, manicured lawns, amid colourful flowerbeds and verdant trees.

Shopping
No holiday destination worth its salt, would be complete without some decent shopping and the Golden Triangle is no exception. What is exceptional about the Quinta shopping centre in Quinta do Lago, is its range of fashionable boutiques and wonderful restaurants. There is a choice of excellent Chinese and Italian food along with a traditional English pub, just in case you fancy a little taste of home. Quinta shopping offers a host of other delights and is well worth your perusal. The centre has some lovely open air terraces and wide esplanades lined with designer fashion, jewellery and cosmetics emporia. Also for your day to day shopping needs, for bread and eggs rather than designer handbags or watches, there’s the Bougainvillea Plaza, just next door. Here you’ll find all the super markets, banks and newsagents necessary to keep life ticking along as usual.

In Vale do Lobo there is a small shopping area in the main square that overlooks the sea and there are a number of others in and around the resort entrance. The most widely used supermarkets and shops and the local chemist is at Almancil. Slightly further afield, but well worth a visit for souvenirs and gifts is the Forum shopping centre on the outskirts of Faro. It has in excess of 120 shops and around 20 restaurants and there’s a hypermarket for your groceries.

Weather

The Algarve’s climate is one of year round sun. It’s going to be warm-hot whenever you go, it’s just a matter of how hot. August and September are usually the hottest months with temperatures rising to the mid to late 80’s, but even if you were to take a holiday villa in the Algarve in January, you’d still experience temperatures in the 60’s.

Facilities

The facilities on offer in the Golden Triangle are second to none. There’s world-class golf here, and lots of it. The Golden Triangle boasts no less than 6 championship courses, the 'Royal' and 'Ocean' courses at Vale do Lobo and the 'Pinheiros Altos' and 'San Lorenzo' courses as well as the 'North' and 'South' courses at Quinta do Lago. There’s the fabulous shopping we’ve already touched on, but there’s far more than that. There are salons and health and beauty spas, there’s tennis and a wealth of other sports available including water sports either in the ocean, or on one of the many man made lakes in the area.

Restaurants and Eateries

As you would expect, there is a great choice of restaurant in the Golden Triangle. Not least of which, is La Terrazza in Vale do Lobo. This stylish Italian serves up pizza and pasta dishes as well as meat and fish specialities, all prepared and cooked in an open plan kitchen so you see the chefs at work. Other restaurants and eateries in Vale do Lobo include; Amore, a modern pasta and pizza restaurant, La Place, which serves up gourmet French cuisine in very elegant surroundings and provides stunning views of the sea from most of its tables. There’s Ken Lo’s “Memories of China” in Tennis Valley. Here, the late Ken Lo, has set up this refined eatery with a wonderful view of Tennis Valley. Monty’s is still another recommendation, dishes include tempura prawns, lamb shank and seared salmon and they do a great cumberland sausage and mash for those less adventurous souls.

The Breeze Papagaio Beach Restaurant overlooking the beautiful Vale do Lobo Beach has been refurbished quite recently and now looks much more contemporary with its aluminium and white resin furniture. This gives the place a wonderfully relaxed holiday feel. If you’re watching your diet, or just want to eat more healthily, Spikes in Vale do Lobo, is the restaurant for you. They serve up appetizing salads alongside fresh vegetable soups and grilled meats served with vegetables. In Quinta do Lago some equally tasty treats await and you can pop along to any of half a dozen or so very tempting eateries, among them Koko Lane, Casa do Lago, Gigis, Casa Velha, Koko Beach and The Quinta do Lago Clubhouse, all of them with delightful menus of fresh meats and fish cooked to order and served at your table.

Bars and Night Life

Much of the night life in Quinta do Lago is based around the stylish shopping area known as Quinta Shopping. Here you’ll find “De Barra”an Irish themed bar, you’ll also find Master Pub and The Melting Pot. Elsewhere in Quinta do Lago there’s the T Club piano bar and disco and in the Bougainvillea Plaza you’ll find Bar DCK and Trigonometria.

In Vale do Lobo check out the Beach Bar. It's right on the beach, so you can’t miss it! This place turns from a great stop off for a tasty light bite during the day, to a sports bar/night club in the evenings. Another great nightspot is the Gecko Club in Vale do Lobo. Here the music is a mixture of everything from the latest dance tunes to some of the all time great classics.

Language

Another reason The Algarve is such a popular holiday destination, particularly among the British, is that English is so widely spoken here. You can quite happily ask a bar steward or a member of the waiting staff for your favourite drink in English and they will understand you perfectly. Their response will doubtless be in English too, albeit, with a Portuguese lilt. That said, as with anywhere in Europe, if you make an effort to speak the language, the natives will respond with an encouraging smile and maybe even a brief language lesson to help you on your way.

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Villas in Quinta do Lago | Villas in Vale do Lobo

Algarve Villa or Algarve Apartment - Planning your Perfect Algarve Holiday Accommodation

2011-10-18T07:39:00.000-07:00

When planning your Algarve villa holiday or Algarve apartment holiday, you first have to consider your budget and the length of your stay. You then need to look at the size and age range of your party. Are you holidaying as a couple, as a family with one or two children, or as a group of friends? The answers to these questions will largely decide upon the size and/or type of holiday accommodation you need.

A family with two children will require very different accommodation to that required by a couple and a couple’s requirements will be different again, to those of a group of friends who are holidaying together.

Your next consideration is the area. Is your party drawn to western Algarve with its rugged coastline, cliff faces and fast and furious surfing action or is there a pull to the more family-centric, central Algarve, with its calmer waters, sandcastles and pedaloes? Or would you prefer instead somewhere quiet and romantic, somewhere in eastern Algarve perhaps? Read on for more information on each of these Algarve areas.

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West Algarve

The principal towns in Western Algarve are Lagos, Luz and Sagres, with Sagres almost at the Algarve’s westernmost point. The further west you go, along the coast towards Sagres and beyond, the more rugged and exhilarating the coastal terrain becomes. Here, you’ll find groups of fit young adults with four wheel drive vehicles, climbing equipment and/or surf boards, with never say die glints in their eyes.

As you come further east to Luz and Lagos, the choppy, sometimes rough seas give way to calmer, gentler, more pedalo friendly waters. The town of Lagos is situated on the edge of a bay, which is protected from the elements by large rock formations. There are five different beaches all within walking distance of the town centre, which is itself, enclosed within 5th century walls. There’s a modern and well equipped marina on the sea front which has gone some way to making Lagos the tourist centre it is today.

Holiday villas and rental apartments are in plentiful supply in the area, many of which take advantage of their proximity to Meia Praia, the beach which runs from the west of the town’s marina, right along the coast to Alvor. Other fine beaches, together with some lovely restaurants can be found at Dona Ana and Porto de Mos.
The once small fishing villages of Rocha Negra, Burgau and Salema are now firm favourites among holidaymakers for their many Algarve holiday villas and apartments. Development in these areas however, as with most of the Algarve, has been sensibly controlled so as not to spoil and over-commercialise the area.

Central Algarve

Further along the coast into Central Algarve and the situation calms still further. Here, vast expanses of golden sand, give way to crystal blue waters, ideal for those with lilos and rubber rings. Watersports here are plentiful still but they are of a different kind. The waters are warmer and calmer, perfect for splashing around in and for petrol powered sports like waterskiing and jet skiing. Banana boats and huge rubber rings regularly carry hoards of screaming kids, twisting and turning as they go, in an attempt to dump their loads, unceremoniously into the bath like warm waters as parents watch on from the safety of their sun loungers and beach parasols.

East Algarve

The eastern Algarve is altogether more sedate, more relaxed, quieter and romantic. The wide soft sanded beaches here are a haven for couples who wish to spend some quality time alone together. The coastal town s of Olhao, Tavira and Vila Real de Santo Antonio, cater for those who would rather not hop on a jet ski but, instead, spend their time in each others company or buried deep in the pages of a good book.

The town of Tavira itself is still very fishing oriented and there are many more reminders of the old ways here, than there are of the new. As time goes on of course, this situation is changing but in general it is quieter and more gently laid back part of the Algarve, a part that continues to move at its own pace. Fishermen still land their hauls here and the many good quality fish restaurants that seem to have been here forever, even if they haven’t, delight in serving the very best of the day’s catch.

With the area roughly sorted and the size and type of accommodation decided, it’s now time to consider some of the other variables. Do you want your own private pool or would you be happy to share? Do you want to be high up in the hills with a great view of the coast or surrounding countryside or do you need to be on the flat? Would you rather be close to town for all its amenities and nightlife or somewhere a little more remote for the peace and quiet or privacy? Will you be hiring a car or motor scooters during your holiday? The answers to these questions will help you to narrow down your search for your ideal Algarve apartment, help you to zero in on your perfect Algarve villa and help you to enjoy a wonderful Algarve holiday.

Here at Villa in Algarve we offer a wide range of holiday accommodation including luxury villas sleeping from 5 to 16 people and beautifully appointed holiday apartments accommodating from 2 to 4 people. We have Algarve holiday accommodation available in all parts of the Algarve from western Algarve into central Algarve and eastern Algarve, including villas and apartments in Sagres, Luz and Lagos, Alvor, Portimão, Albufeira, Carvoeiro, Quarteira, Vilamoura, Olhao and Tavira as well as the golf resorts of Vale do Lobo and Quinta do Lago.

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Algarve Villa Holidays – All About Monchique

2011-10-18T07:24:00.000-07:00

If you are thinking about an Algarve villa holiday either this autumn or next summer, Monchique is a great Algarve holiday destination or place to visit during your stay. Read on for more information on our guide to Monchique in the Algarve.

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The first thing you’ll like about the Monchique is how very easy it is to get to. From Faro International Airport, head west along the A22. This four lane motorway is a delight to drive and affords some breathtaking scenery along the way. Take Exit 5, then at the roundabout, simply follow the signs to Monchique. Pick up signs for the N124 and follow that north, to a split in the road. Take the left hand fork and soon you’ll be climbing the hill to the village of Monchique.

The narrow, winding road, lined with tall eucalyptus and groves of orange and lemon trees, will take you past the Omega Park Zoo. You might want to make a mental note to pop back there at some point during your Algarve villa holiday. It’ll take a few hours to properly enjoy the park and you’ll get to see a number of endangered species like the crowned sifaka, which is a kind of lemur, the bamboo lemur, the oryx, which is a member of the antelope family and the cheetah. The zoo is run very much with the animals in mind. They are not confined to small spaces, but have plenty of room to move about and their environment is kept as close to “natural” as possible.

On your way to Monchique, you’ll pass several little villages with shops and stalls selling pottery, cork and leather goods and the Caldas de Monchique, which often gets confused with the town of Monchique itself. The Caldas de Monchique is a spa town with supposedly healing waters. Just a short drive away fromMonchique proper, they are close enough for you to visit as many times as you wish during your stay.

In Monchique itself, there are a good number of shops offering a great selection of cork, leather and brightly coloured, typically Portuguese pottery pieces. There are many restaurants and bars tucked away down the narrow cobbled streets, along with great little cafés serving tasty pastries and snacks, some of which are only found locally. So, find somewhere to park, either in the main square or further up the mountain and wander down the hill for a leisurely mooch around town.

If you happen to pop into one of the bars or fancy a drink with your lunch or dinner, check to see if they are serving Medronho. Medronho is a locally produced liqueur made from the fruits of the Arbutus unedo or “strawberry tree”, which grows in the surrounding hills. Although their fruits look a little like strawberries, hence the name, they don’t taste anything like as sweet and so, Medronho is an acquired taste. It is, or can be, rather strong though, so if you do acquire a taste for it, go easy!

Another particularly good local product is Monchique honey. It is used in the making of the most delicious cakes and desserts, which you’ll find on sale in the cafes and pastelarias (cake shops) in the region. If you want to take some home though, remember it must go into check in luggage, not hand luggage.

Holidays in Monchique are all about rest and relaxation. They are all about spectacular scenery and history, peace and quiet. There are plenty of walks to go on and lots to explore and discover. You don’t come here for the party atmosphere or for the bars with neon lights that stay open all night; there are other parts of the Algarve for that. You come here to relax, unwind and enjoy life at a slower, steadier, more comfortable pace, in a climate that is never too hot, nor too cold.

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Algarve Villas - Featured Holiday Resort Location: Albufeira

2011-09-12T09:40:00.000-07:00

Once a small fishing village, Albufeira was levelled by the earthquake of 1755. It has since been rebuilt but has lost a lot of what was once quaint and charming. You can still find pockets of the old town that are reminiscent of old Albufeira but for the most part; it has changed beyond all recognition.

The centre of Albufeira is today a Mecca for tourists looking for all night revelry in the Algarve's Capital City of Fun. The area known as The Strip is not for the feint hearted. It is THE place to head for if you are looking for a pulsating, party atmosphere and a nightlife that simply does not stop. It is lined with neon clad cocktail bars and theme pubs and there is every imaginable fast food outlet serving food right through the night.

Located on the coast of central Algarve, just 29km from Faro's International airport, it boasts no less than 23 golden-sanded beaches, which are filled with holidaymakers soaking up the sun and enjoying a wealth of water sports in the almost Mediterranean temperatures.

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Water Sport in Albufeira

Jet Ski – At Dreamwave in the Marina de Albufeira you can hire Jet Skis. It's maybe not something you get to do everyday but it is a lot of fun and well worth doing. Riding a jet ski is a great way to live your holiday life to the fullest, so pack your swimming trunks and head to the Albufeira Marina to book a ride! The Yamaha Waverunners feature a quiet 4-stroke, 1100 cc engine with 110 horsepower. They can go very fast but don't worry, if you've never ridden a jet ski before, the guys at Dreamwave will provide you with safety and operational training until you feel comfortable at the wheel. You can book sessions of either 15 & 30 minutes at a cost of €45 and €80 respectively and pinion riders go free.

Stand Up Paddle Boarding – This fun sport is gaining recognition as an alternative sport to surfing and boating despite being a combination of both disciplines. To enjoy this sport, you do not need to rely on waves or wind; all you need is the open water, a paddle and a board! Why not try stand up paddle boarding at Albufeira, on the Obidos lagoon?

Water Skiing – The calmer waters off the coast at Albufeira and at Oura Beach lend themselves perfectly to being towed along at high speed behind a racing powerboat with just two small planks for support.

Banana Boat / Tyres or Hoops – Oura Beach and Albufeira Marina are the locations for these fun waterbased activities as well as parasailing, pedal boating and Kayaking. Look for a representative of the company Ski Molhado, Their distinctive two flying dolphins motif can always be seen at Oura and at Albufeira beach.

Snorkelling / Scuba Diving - The seas along the Algarve coast are crystal-clear and very clean. Visibility under the water is very good and provides ideal diving conditions.
The most well-dived spots are the waters off Quarteira, Lagos and Sagres, but all along the coast you will find a breathtaking array of marine life.

Sailing or Boat Hire – The Algarve's warm waters and particularly the calmer ones off the coast of Albufeira, provide the perfect conditions for sailing of every kind. Whether you choose to do all the hard work yourselves or let a large outboard motor do it for you, you can hire all kinds of vessels from the smallest of sailboats, to the grandest of gin palaces.

Clubs and Bars in Albufeira
There are many clubs and bars in Albufeira pandering to every different taste in beverage and music. There are theme pubs, Irish Bars, English Pubs, cocktail bars, discotheques, and nightclubs of all sorts so you will never run out of choice. From Real Guinness to WKD blue and from Rusty Nails to Cosmopolitans, whatever you fancy is available here and you don't even have to go too far, if all you fancy is a cup of coffee.

Steps Bar in Rua de Outubro, Albufeira is said to be one of the best bars in Albufeira, but then the chap who runs it would say that! Another tripadvisor source however, has it as "the place to go at night, excellent live music, great staff." And gave it 5 out of 5 so it can't be bad. Other bars in the town offering live music are Six Degree Centrido, Floyd's bar and The Cho-bar, also look out for Eddies Bar and Diamonds, both of which are great for younger adults.

Augustos Sports Bar on Avenida da Liberdade attracts fans of all sport and whilst football is a clear favourite, they will show other high profile match ups including rugby, boxing and motor racing. The sports fans are good natured and friendly and the drinks aren't hugely expensive.
If you fancy a bit of a boogie, head for Capitulo V, Kiss and Planet C, there are loads of others you can go to for sure but these are right up there with the best that Albufeira has to offer with impressive light and laser shows and some great tunes.

Nightlife, sunshine, beaches and lots and lots of fun are just some of the guaranteed features of Albufeira. Here life takes on a rhythm of its own and it really comes alive after the sun goes down. There is every chance you'll bump into those sun worshippers you met on the beach earlier because here, in Albufeira, no one really wants to go to sleep.

illas in Albufeira – click here to browse our villas and apartments to rent for fun packed holidays in the Algarve

Autumn holidays in the Algarve

2011-09-12T09:01:00.000-07:00

The Algarve is a wonderful place to holiday at any time of year but it is in the autumn when the Algarve’s wild life really comes into its own. You can sit and watch in awe as the region bursts into autumnal colour and life with splendid and ever changing pictures presented to you, from the windows or verandas of lovely Algarve villas or Algarve apartments.

You will never tire of the views. At this time of year, the grass seems to grow greener and wildflowers decorate the landscape with reds, oranges, dark purples and creamy whites. Vineyards, coming to the end of their yearly harvest create spectacular scenery, while thousands of migrating birds fill the skies with shapes, colour and delightful sound.

Summer’s rush is over and autumn brings with it a certain sigh of relief and the chance to settle back and enjoy the fruits of this fine country; its beautiful scenery, its wonderful foods, fine wines and the peace and contented quietude of an area, secure in the knowledge that it is truly blessed. Blessed that is, with beautiful beaches, stunning rock formations, a glorious climate and wonderful scenery.

The beaches are relatively quiet around September/October time but still attract temperatures of around 20°C, making an afternoon’s lazing around in the sun, a peaceful and relaxing pleasure. But beaches are not all the Algarve has to offer. You’ll enjoy walking along the coast and taking in the colourful autumn flora and fauna or you can always take to the greens and play a few rounds of golf. The region offers many of Europe’s finest golf courses with a large number of them reaching championship standard.

Another way to enjoy your autumn holiday in the Algarve is to wander through the vineyards. If you really fancy getting stuck into some great Portuguese wines then look for those from the Douro, Bairrada and Dão regions. The Douro is probably the country’s premium wine-producing region. This area of steeply terraced vineyards has produced some real corkers! Look out for Barca Velha, Duas Quintas Reserva and Quinta do Côtto Grande Eschola as well as the Muxagat Tinto from 2006 and the Casaca de Ferro Colheita Branco, all of which are very worthwhile. From Bairrada, check out the wines from Casa de Saima, Luis Pato, Quinta das Bágeiras and Quinta do Baixo and from Dão; Quinta dos Roques, Quinta das Maias and Quinta do Pellada are some of the names to look out for.

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Featured Algarve holiday resort - Vale de Parra

Villas in Vale de Parra are ideal for relaxing family holidays in the Algarve and for Algarve couples’ holidays. Within easy access of either Albufeira or Armação de Pêra, depending on the type of nightlife you’re after, Vale de Parra also boasts the Salgados Golf Course, one of the finest golf courses on the Algarve and some of the loveliest beaches including those at Castello, São Raphael and Praia da Galé.

Salgados Golf Course

The Salgados Golf Course is located on a nature reserve close to the town and beach of Albufeira. This gives golfers a unique experience, since several species of endangered and rare birds have made the course and its surrounding area, their home. The beach is a few metres away and the sea view makes playing the field a relaxing and wholly pleasurable experience.

Castello Beach

Castello Beach is one of Portugal’s hottest adventure spots and holiday destinations, not just in terms of temperature, but in terms of all there is to do here. There are countless shades of seawater blue and numerous rocks to climb, you can sunbathe on the long beach and enjoy some great nightlife after the sun goes down. You can watch the sun set as you relax in a nearby restaurant or bar and later, go on to one of the area’s exciting discotheques which are open to the early hours even in autumn.

Sao Rafael Beach

The Sao Raphael beach is one of the real treasures of the Algarve. It is a picturesque beach in Vale de Parra, not far from the popular resort of Albufeira. With impressive limestone rock formations including those known as the Ponte Pequena or “the small bridge” and the Ninho das Andorinhas or “swallow’s nest” and its fine, golden sands, this beach is a must see for anyone holidaying in the Algarve.

Praia da Galé

The Praia da Galé is a continuation of the beach at Armação. The western part is wide and open while at the eastern end; there are more rocky outcrops, some wonderful rock formations and caves. The rock pools are always a hit with families, particularly those with young children who are fascinated by the marine life they shelter.

So, if you’re looking for the perfect Algarve autumn getaway, then consider the Vale de Parra. With its fine sandy beaches, wonderful golf course and delightful scenery, it makes for the perfect holiday destination.

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Featured Algarve Holiday Resort – Carvoeiro

2011-08-03T05:22:00.000-07:00

If you are thinking of taking an Algarve villa holiday this summer or autumn, we have still got availability in the town of Carvoeiro – a popular Algarve villa destination in Central Algarve.

About Carvoeiro

The population of Carvoeiro is steadily on the increase. Last recorded in July 2011 as approaching 3000, this obviously does not take into account the huge influx of tourists that artificially swell the figures to 2 or 3 times that, for the better part of the year. Formally a small fishing village whose livelihood depended entirely on what its inhabitants could pull from the sea, Carvoeiro is now extremely popular with tourists, a popularity that has been growing steadily since the early 1960’s.

With this increase in popularity came the inevitable and much needed improvements in infrastructure and a rise in the standard of living, not just for the tourists, but also for the indigenous population as a whole. For fifty years now, tourists from all over Europe and especially from England have been flocking to this part of the world in their thousands, lapping up its sun, sea, sand and sangria lifestyle and in so doing, bringing with them, cultural changes and influences that have permanently altered life in this once sleepy little fishing village.

Carvoeiro is now a tourism hub and a hive of activity from daybreak to sunset and long afterwards. The streets in the town and its beaches are alive and buzzing with couples, families and groups of holidaymakers who are either enjoying the sun and relaxing on one of Carvoeiro’s five gorgeous sandy beaches, paddling or swimming in the sea or living it up on the busy Carvoeiro “strip”.

It’s not all about tourism though; Carvoeiro still has along way to go before it comes even close to comparing to the hedonistic fervour of Albufeira. Carvoeiro is first and foremost, a family resort, with plenty to entertain children and young adults as well as the grownups. The villas and apartments in Carvoeiro provide everything you could possibly wish for in terms of quality and convenience. Whether you are holidaying as a couple or as a larger family group or group of friends, there is the accommodation here, to suit. There are studio apartments, ideal for that quiet, romantic couples break and there are large detached villas that will comfortably accommodate larger family groups and groups of friends.

One of the joys of Carvoeiro is that despite its increasing popularity, it still manages to hold onto its roots, The charming atmosphere and character of old Carvoeiro is still very much present, particularly around the old harbour and this permeates the very fabric of its buildings with their traditional tiled roofs, white painted walls and colourful shutters. The modern, contemporary villas and apartments that have sprung up of recent years have been sympathetically created to blend well with these buildings of yesteryear and the result is a harmonious yet eclectic blend of style and culture.

Three “must dos” during your stay in Carvoeiro are a visit to Algar Seco, just down the road and visits to Zoomarine and Slide and Splash.

Algar Seco is arguably the most beautiful spot around Carvoeiro. It is a strange rock formation, carved out by the wind and the sea. It is amazing to see the effects that the elements have had on this rock face and the weird and wonderful shapes this has created. As with many tourist attractions in this part of the world, there is a bar on hand, in case you get thirsty.

Zoomarine and Slide and Splash are not far from Carvoeiro and both make for great days out with the family or with a group of friends. Their names are a bit of a give away and describe exactly what you can expect when you get there, but the chances are, you have never before seen anything quite like what’s on offer here.

Zoomarine, as the name suggests, is a waterpark for marine animals but more than that, it is an education zone with presentations about dolphins, sea lions, seals, birds of prey and reptiles. There is so much to see and do here, you’ll have fun and come away having learnt something about these wonderful creatures.

Slide and Splash is a water fun park with so many different slides and water based activities, you can be there all day and never get bored. In fact there are only two reasons the kids will want to stop playing; they’ll either get hungry or tired and if they’re hungry a quick visit to the onsite restaurant will soon have their batteries recharged. This is an ideal opportunity to give the kids a great and active day out, whilst the parents relax and enjoy the relative peace of the beautifully landscaped garden areas within the park.

If you fancy playing a bit of golf in what is after all, Europe’s capital of golf, you have three very good, local courses to choose from. The Gramacho, Pinta and Vale de Milho courses are all within reasonable striking distance. The first two are 18 hole courses and the last one; Vale de Milho is a par 3, 9-hole course. There are many more, further afield but these three are quite challenging in their own right and well worth a day out if you are a golf enthusiast!

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Last Minute Holidays in the Algarve – Its Not Too Late to Book Your Algarve Villa Holiday

2011-08-03T05:13:00.000-07:00

If you haven't booked your summer holiday yet, it is not too late! Here at Villa in Algarve, we have hundreds of Algarve holiday villas and a few are still available for late summer and early autumn 2011.

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Holiday Villas in the Algarve

The holiday villas available for rent through Villa in Algarve, range in size from 2 bedroomed townhouses with sun terraces in Carvoeiro and Rocha Brava through to large detached villas with beach frontages or set in land with breathtaking sea views, that can comfortably accommodate up to 16 people.

Many of our holiday villas to let in the Algarve come with their own private swimming pools and some come complete with well-appointed games rooms too. All of them however, are offered in superb condition and furnished and decorated to make your stay as comfortable as possible.

Located on Portugal’s popular Algarve coast, the villas, townhouses and apartments to rent here, benefit from the area’s fantastic Mediterranean climate. Indeed, the climate is so good here, that the Algarve has become one of Europe’s most popular holiday destinations. With an average of 3000 hours of sunshine every year the Algarve is actually sunnier than California and in the summer months, the Algarve will see around 12 hours of sunshine per day and have virtually no rain.

If it’s sunshine and heat you’re after, and for some there is simply no substitute, then head for the eastern coast. Here, the easterly press of the Mediterranean and the squeeze of the Atlantic from the west, keeps the temperatures up in and around Tavira, making the area seem just that bit hotter than the likes of Lagos or Luz. In the summer months of course, the variance is not enough to make any real difference, but in spring and autumn, you may just notice those few extra degrees.

Summers in the Algarve are hot, not unbearably so but certainly hot enough to make it well worth the trip. From June to September, long hot days and balmy evenings are the norm. Temperatures are up in the late 20’s regularly and rise to the mid 30’s in peak season but even this is not too uncomfortable as the sea breezes make it seem cooler and the low humidity means that as warm as it gets, it’s still a very pleasant, dry heat.

Activities and Places to Visit

Many people return to the Algarve time and again. It very quickly becomes a favourite holiday destination with holidaymakers returning to the same town, if not the same villa. It is interesting to see how much the place changes from one year to the next. The local government restricts building in the area so that it remains in keeping with the environment, but that does not stop improvements to roadways and it does not stop the constant upgrade and improvement of facilities and properties in the Algarve. So even if you’ve been here many times before, there is nothing better than wandering around and exploring to see how much the place has changed since your last visit and if this is the first time you’ve visited the Algarve, you’re in for a real treat.

Once here, you can explore the area to your hearts content. You can take yourselves off on lovely coastal walks, enjoying the scenery, you can explore by car or even by boat. What better way to properly appreciate the drama of the Algarve coast than from the deck of a boat you’ve hired for that very reason. If you want to stick to the shore, why not enjoy a lovely picnic together or go for a meal at one of the very fancy local restaurants. Alternatively you can enjoy lovely meals in very reasonably priced local bistros or cook up a feast of your own back at your Algarve villa.

This part of Portugal is famed for its fresh fish and meat dishes and the towns and villages of the area celebrate this fact, by regularly holding fresh produce markets. These markets feature stalls offering every kind of fruit and vegetable imaginable and a range of fresh meats and fish that will have your taste buds working overtime.

Every kind of fish is available here including Halibut, Salmon, Swordfish, Sole, Sea Bass, Sea Bream, Mullet, Turbot and Tuna. In fact the area has a centuries old tradition of tuna fishing, which is still alive today. The fishermen would lie in wait for the tuna schools as they made their predictable way from the open Atlantic, to spawn in the Mediterranean during May and June and if they missed their catch on the way in, the fishermen could always await the Tuna’s return journey, which would happen in July/August.

You can still see the fishermen of today, hauling their catch up onto Fisherman’s beach in the old part of Albufeira. There is a frenzy of activity as each boat comes ashore, the fishermen quickly unload the catch and get it into safe, cold storage as fast as possible and its good to know that within a very short time, one of those fresh finned fancies will be gracing a barbecue or a dinner table near you. On your travels, particularly around Tavira you will see the huge but now derelict fish canning factories, many of which will over time be levelled or converted as part of the future regeneration of this part of the Algarve.

Booking your Algarve holiday

It is not too late to book your Algarve villa holiday for 2011! Browse our web site now to search for Algarve villas and apartments to rent.

Algarve Villa Holidays - The Benefits of Self Catering Villa Accommodation

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Our self catering Algarve villa accommodation provides flexibility which is great for families

One of the principal benefits of self-catering Algarve villa holiday is flexibility. Flexibility in all things such as what time you get up in the morning, what time you have breakfast and when and where you have your lunchtime and evening meals. There are no fixed schedules; you can simply enjoy your Algarve holiday at a pace that suits the needs of your party.

For good all round family accommodation, check out Albufeira - A principal holiday destination on the Algarve, Albufeira offers excellent family holiday accommodation and it is also an excellent choice of destination for groups of friends. The marina is the perfect place for a leisurely stroll with a relaxing view of the many boats in their moorings whilst Albufeira town offers all you’ll need when looking for supplies as well as an interesting and vibrant night-life.

Our self catering Algarve villa accommodation is luxurious (with pools).

Our Algarve villas offer luxurious holiday accommodation for a relaxing and enjoyable holiday. The majority of our villas for rent in the Algarve come with private pools, set in attractive gardens and all come with air conditioning to make your stay even more comfortable. Villas are cleaned prior to your holiday and the majority of properties receive maid service 2-3 times a week as well as a weekly linen change. They also contain everything you will need for a relaxing summer break, such as a BBQ, patio furniture and well equipped kitchen.

For luxurious Algarve villa holidays, check out Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo – At Quinta do Lago or Vale do Lobo a villa with a pool takes on an entirely new meaning. Manicured lawns and beautifully tended walkways lead to pristine poolside areas complete with loungers and umbrellas to keep the sun off. Here you can relax by your pool with a cocktail or settle into a good book amid stunning surroundings.

Our self catering Algarve villa accommodation is family Friendly.

Our Algarve villa accommodation is family friendly with cots and high chairs available on request and even a baby-sitting service. So, if you a planning on bringing your young ones away with you, simply let us know when you book and we will ensure that their stay is as comfortable as yours.

For another great family friendly resort, check out Luz - Beautiful beaches abound here, boasting miles of white sand and lovely crystal blue waters. There are beach bars and restaurants aplenty, all with great views of the ocean. Luz is very family friendly with a great deal on offer to suit all tastes and budgets.

Our self catering Algarve villa accommodation provides lots of space.

Villas in the Algarve have been constructed with an eye to quality and style and particularly to maximising the space available. All our villas are spacious, light and airy. They are offered with contemporary décor and with an eye to luxury and comfort.

We have villas in the Algarve to suit parties of all sizes, including townhouses sleeping 2, small villas sleeping four to six through to large Algarve villas which can comfortably accommodate parties of 8 to16. Our larger properties are perfect if you would like to come away on holiday to the Algarve as a large group of friends or an extended family.

For great views and a great selection of villas, check out Rocha Brava - Rocha Brava is a resort location on the cliff tops just outside Carvoeiro. There is a large central pool area which is surrounded by gardens and sunbathing terraces. The poolside 'Palm Bar' sells drinks and ice creams, and adjoins the 'Pool Balcony' of the 'Farol' restaurant. The restaurant offers an à la carte menu and a variety of international and typically Portuguese dishes.

Our self catering Algarve villa accommodation is set in stunning locations.

You never have to look too far to find a stunning location in the Algarve. Whether it’s a beachfront villa, a cliff top vantage point or a cosy little hideaway, the location is bound to be breathtaking. You might look out over a verdant golf course, or the deep blue of a swimming pool, you may have sight of a crested wave or overlook a deep green pine forest but whatever your view, it is sure to be stunning. This part of the world is picture postcard perfect. Remember to bring your camera!

For a truly stunning location, check out Vilamoura - Vilamoura is centrally located around a beautiful Marina, with excellent shopping, trendy bars and fabulous restaurants, as well as a world famous Casino and great sporting facilities with golf courses not far away. One of the largest resort locations on the Algarve, Vilamoura is a very popular family holiday destination providing activities for people of all ages.

Algarve Villas – click here to search for Algarve Villas and apartments

Algarve Villa Holidays in the Golden Triangle

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If you are searching for a choice of Algarve villa holidays in the Golden Triangle, you have come to the right place. We have a huge choice of Algarve villas for rent in this most desirable of locations between Almancil and the luxurious golfing and holiday resorts of Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo.

Summer in the Algarve is one thing, but summer in the Algarve’s Golden Triangle is quite another. Do not expect loud discos, all night bars and cheap, take away food here. This is not the Algarve for that. Do not expect beach revelry, drinking competitions and tacky souvenir shops either. Instead, expect the finest quality, expect peace and quiet, the best service, amazing food and expect to be mixing in the best circles. The Golden Triangle takes the best of what the Algarve has to offer, packages it in one neat little tri-cornered bundle and presents it as a gift, for the world to enjoy.

In Quinta do Lago for example; high end shopping is available at Quinta Shopping. Located at the roundabout which marks the entrance to the Quinta do Lago Resort, this shoppers paradise is filled with fashionable boutiques and fine dining restaurants, elegant furniture emporiums, jewellers and beauty salons. There are even English speaking estate agents on hand in case you decide to turn your luxury Algarve holiday into something a little more permanent.

Quinta do Lago offers three of the worlds finest and most challenging golf courses, the North and South courses and the newer Orangery course. This exclusive golfing holiday complex stands on nearly 810 hectares of the most picturesque countryside with pine forests abutting the Atlantic Ocean and the Ria Formosa Natural Park. Since the early 70’s it has been wining awards for excellence and it has built an enviable reputation as one of the premier spots for golf in the Algarve.

Vale do Lobo offers more of the same - more luxury, relaxation, superb villa accommodation, fabulous views and great golfing experiences. The activities, shopping, dining and the other entertainments laid on at this resort are all superb. Everything here is done to make the lives of the residents and guests that bit sweeter.

Vale do Lobo is a luxury golf and beach resort and it is no accident that the world golf is mentioned first in it tagline. Golf is the reason for Vale do Lobo and high quality, high end golf at that.

Vale do Lobo offers two of Europe’s most famous golf courses; The Royal Course and The Ocean Course. The Royal Course provides dramatic cliff top vistas whilst the Ocean course plots a gentler sweep down to the beach.

Vale do Lobo is unashamedly posh, it is decadent and luxurious in the extreme. Apartments here start at around €250.000 and don’t stop far short of a million and for a detached villa you can expect to pay anything up to €6.000,000.

Almancil, the third of our Golden Triangle locations has grown to provide support for the neighbouring holiday and residential developments of Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo This has had the effect of raising the bar in Almancil. The town has had to pander to the more discerning tastes of the residents and guests of these neighbouring developments and as a result, it too has taken on an entirely new and upmarket persona.

A good selection of restaurants offers many different cuisines and as you might expect, a number of estate agents offices, interior designers and furniture shops have sprung up to cater to the needs of both locals and expatriates alike.

Algarve Villas – click here to search for Villas in Quinta do Lago | Villas in Vale do Lobo

Ten Top Algarve Holiday Destinations from West Algarve to East Algarve

2011-05-25T03:39:00.000-07:00

Everyone has their own personal favourite Algarve holiday destination. Some like the busy bars and happening nightlife of Carvoeiro and Albufeira. Some prefer the peace and quiet of the Algarve coast’s secluded coves, some like nothing better than lying in the sun, relaxing with a good book and others, particularly those with young children, like the organised excursions and adventure playgrounds. People love Algarve holidays for a host of different reasons. Here are just a few ideas to help you decide on the ideal location for your next family holiday in the Algarve.

Algarve Villas – click here to browse our luxurious Algarve holiday accommodation

Sagres

Sagres, in western Algarve, is the most southwesterly resort destination in the Algarve. It is relatively untouched by tourism compared to the likes of Luz and Carvoeiro further east along the coast, but it does attract its own particular breed of tourist.

The tourist here is less likely to be concerned about getting a tan and much more likely to worry about when the next big wave is coming in. Here the “tourists” prefer wet suits to linen ones and spend more time applying wax to their boards than their chests. This, if you like, is the business end of the Algarve. Cocktails give way to energy drinks and steaks, to pasta and jacket spuds. They might have fun lying around in the sun further east but here, it’s all about catching the wave and having the energy to do it properly.

Luz

Families with small children may like the safe, clean beaches of Luz. Praia da Luz is the beach at Luz in western Algarve. Not the western Algarve of the surfer and adrenaline junkie, but the western Algarve of the pedalo and banana boat. Add this to the miles and miles of soft sandy beach that are available here and you have the perfect recipe for a fun filled beach family holiday. You can lie around on the beach to your heart’s content, knowing the kids are under the constant supervision of the beach lifeguard and that if/when they get peckish, you are never to far from a restaurant, bar, café or ice cream vendor. Praia da Luz is the ideal resort location for young family holidays. Everything is close at hand including supermarkets, shops and banks.

Lagos

Lagos in western Algarve is full of history. The older part of the town is still encircled by city walls that were built during the 16th century when it was the residence of the governors of the Algarve and there is evidence of more of Lagos’ history all over town. That said, Lagos has very definitely moved with the times and today’s Lagos is as vibrant and lively a place as you could wish for.

Restaurants and cafes abound in the tiny streets off Praça de Gil Eanes, which is the main town square and there are loads of bars that stay open until the early hours. In the summer, the town and its modern marina really come to life and people of all ages mill about, enjoying themselves and enjoying the party atmosphere. Lagos has a large marina which can berth more than 450 vessels. It has been awarded both the Euromarina Anchor Award and the Blue Flag award and with its variety of shops, bars and restaurants, it has an atmosphere all its own, together with great views of the boats.

Alvor

The 1960’s was the time when Alvor, like most of the Algarve began to witness tourism. Since then it has undergone a steady flow of development but this has been carefully monitored by the authorities so as not to lessen the area’s appeal. Alvor can still boast a charming old town with narrow cobbled streets which wend their way down to the harbour.

The riverfront in Alvor has had a face-lift in recent times and is now fully paved and lined with palm trees. Several bars exist offering plenty of outside seating for those endless summer days and balmy evenings. The riverfront is lovely and watching the fishing boats as they offload their daily catch, mostly to the local restaurants, is a delight, especially as you know that one of those barbecued beauties will land on your plate very soon.

Portimao
The largest town in western Algarve, Portimao is a busy town and perfect for the family who just don’t want to run out of anything. There are a myriad of shops here, selling everything from a bucket and spade to a jar of olives. There are gift shops and clothes shops aplenty, some of which you’ll recognise from British shopping malls and there are even hardware and garden furniture stores.

Portimão’s architecture is a mix of late 19th, early 20th century in the older part of town but the ice cream coloured high rise apartment blocks which are dotted about the place are obviously a little more modern. Bars, restaurants and café’s are in no short supply either. You can sit outside at the pavement tables enjoying a bite to eat or a drink as you watch the world go by. A modern marina now joins Praia da Rocha which is the main beach of Portimao and has become a tourist resort in its own right. The marina sees many boats at anchor and its development has given rise to yet more bars and restaurants, many of which are of a very high quality.

Carvoeiro

Originally a traditional fishing village, like many others on the Algarve coast, Carvoeiro has become very popular with tourists and has grown accordingly. The old part of town, the original village has been expanded upon and built around, to accommodate the increasing demand for residential property in the area and the reason for this, quite simply, is the small beach, Praia do Carvoeiro and its surrounding rocky inclines are beautiful.

With plenty of shops, you can source whatever you need in terms of groceries and household items in the town centre or just outside at one of the larger supermarkets and as far as nightlife is concerned; Carvoeiro is well served with bars and restaurants but it is not the place for nightclubs.

Albufeira

One for the young adults this; Albufeira is a party town. Benefiting from more than 3000 hours of sunshine every year, it seems that the summer is never really over here and that the party season lasts all year. The atmosphere that pervades the town is one of fun and excitement and small wonder really, as the town is jam packed with bars, nightclubs, restaurants, cafes and fast food outlets.

Unlike Luz, Albufeira does not have just one beach by which it is known, there are several, all within easy reach of the town centre. There’s the Praia do Peneco with its wide promenade lined with restaurants that look out onto the beach. There are look out posts which are great for sightseeing and row upon row of sunbeds, ideal for catching some rays. Then there is Fisherman’s Beach or Praia dos Pescadores. Here, unlike at the majority of Albufeira beaches, there area no rocks, the water is clear and the place is quiet and relaxing. Then there's Praia do Inatel, a beach that is named after the Inatel tourist complex, which overlooks the sea at the beach’s eastern end. The Praia dos Alamães, Praia das Areias de São João, Praia dos Aveiros and the Praia da Oura all go to round off the list of Albufeira beaches and as many as there are, they are responsible for just five of the Algarve’s 155km coastline.

Vilamoura

There isn’t much about Vilamoura, aside from the weather that is typically Portuguese but if you want to see how the Portuguese do luxury accommodation in the Algarve, this is the place to come. It is arguably the most impressive resort of its kind in Europe and one of the best in all of Portugal. There are luxurious villas and apartments and townhouses with picture perfect views of the coast or of manicured golf courses.

There is a gorgeous marina, which is lined with high-end designer shops, quality restaurants and trendy bars, and as you’d expect of this location, the marina itself is full to bursting with expensive yachts and gin palaces. Vilamoura offers something for everyone, boat trips can be arranged for those that don’t own one of their own and if you’re feeling fit and fancy a trek, you can embark on one of the specially designed walking or biking tours of the area, safe in the knowledge that a cocktail awaits your return.

Olhao

Olhão is the largest fishing port in the Algarve and you can look at the town in two ways; you can see it as a busy, industrial port town or as a very pleasing water front facing village type environ with a delightful promenade which is lined with trees offering cool respite from the heat of the sun. At once, Olhao is both these things, it just depends which way you look.

The town of Olhao is well known for its large fish markets. The produce, which comes fresh off the boat in the port, is lined up alongside colourful locally grown vegetables and fruit, creating an array of sights and smells and all around the markets are little pavement café’s, great to sit out and enjoy the sights and sounds of this bustling arena.

Tavira

Tavira tries hard to avoid the march of progress and tourism, preferring instead to cling to its traditions and live life at a more genteel pace. That said, the market hall on the river has been re-vamped and is now home to several shops, cafes and restaurants, which have been arranged around a central space, regularly used for exhibitions and special events.

This very attractive town boasts some grand old buildings which reflect its
wealthy past and these can be found around the Praça da República. Off of the square you’ll find rows of typical Portuguese 'town' houses along narrow cobbled streets a good number of shops to browse around and some very pretty little squares to sit and relax in.

Algarve Villas – click here to browse our luxurious Algarve holiday accommodation

Ten reasons to take an Algarve villa holiday this summer.

2011-05-25T03:31:00.000-07:00

Great weather

The weather in the Algarve can always be relied upon to deliver and this is especially true of the summer months. Summer can be said to last from late May to early September in the Algarve. In early summer, the average temperature in the Algarve rises during the day to around 27°C that’s about 80°F and even when it drops, it only drops to around 17°C or 63°C. This daily dose of sunshine increases in intensity right through to August, the hottest month of the year, when it reaches approximately 31°C or 86°F

Beautiful beaches

The summer months are a wonderful time to experience and enjoy the great Algarve beaches and with around 200km of coastline, there are too many beaches and coves to count. Many of them have been awarded the blue flag marker for cleanliness and with life guards posted at all but the smallest beaches during this time of year, they are among the safest beaches in the world too.

Wonderful scenery

Another aspect of the Algarve that is extremely popular among its visitors is its scenery. The Algarve has some of the most stunning and breathtaking scenery in Europe and it is in the summertime, between late May and early September that the flora and fauna of this beautiful region, really comes to life. The Ria Formosa Natural Park is one of the Algarve’s greatest must sees. Located in central Algarve and slightly to the East, it is on the periphery of some of the finest, prettiest and most challenging golf courses, in the world.

Luxurious accommodation

With all the area’s beautiful natural attributes, it should come as no great surprise that the accommodation on offer here is of the highest quality too. From the Algarve’s apartments to its town houses and Algarve villas, all have been created and are offered to a standard that befits their location and surroundings. Quality is standard here as holidaymakers have come to expect nothing but the best from the Algarve’s very popular resorts.

Great choice of villas, apartments and townhouses

Here at villa in Algarve, we pride ourselves on offering the highest standards of accommodation at very reasonable rents. We have villas for rent in the Algarve countryside and also on the outskirts of town. We have villas and townhouses with coastal views and with views over golf courses and we also have seaside apartments and apartments and townhouses close to so of the very popular seaside towns with views of the coastline and the beaches

Algarve Villas – click here to browse our luxurious Algarve holiday accommodation

Algarve Apartments – click here to view our Algarve apartments

Friendly People

Despite their proximity to Spain, the Portuguese are not Spanish. They have and are very proud of, their own identity. There are similarities of course, but it is important to respect their cultural differences. The Portuguese do not like being referred to as Spanish any more than the Welsh, the Scots or the Irish, like to be called English. They are very friendly and hospitable people who believe strongly in the importance of family and tradition. They are also a very religious people as can be seen through the importance they attach to ceremonies and festivals

Wonderful food

The traditional Portuguese meal is a healthy combination of just about anything they can find in the larder but its fair to say that if you love fish, you’ll love Portuguese cooking. You’ll find everything from anchovies to swordfish, sole to sea bream and bass to salmon mixed with chicken and pork or beef with rice and spices. It is not unusual to find fish and meat served together as part of the same dish. These ingredients together with fresh vegetables, spices and nuts are often thrown together to create a hearty warming stew. From a culinary perspective, Portugal’s position, south of Europe and north of Africa, places it perfectly for the eclectic mix of food flavours, tastefully represented in its restaurants and cafes.

Great nightlife

When thinking of the nightlife in the Algarve, the bright lights and loud music of the clubs and bars in Carvoeiro and Albufeira come to mind but it doesn’t end there. The Algarve has a nightlife to suit every taste. Jazz is very popular here; from February right through the summer, to mid August there are Jazz festivals all over Portugal, starting at Seia in February and ending in Lisbon in August. Lisbon in fact has a live music event of one kind or another, occurring throughout the year, as do many of the larger towns and cities.

Great range of sports available

The most popular of the sports in the Algarve of course, has to be golf. The Algarve is world famous for its golf courses, many of which have played host to the Portuguese open. The course at Estoril and the old course at Villamoura have a dedicated following amongst the golfing fraternity as do the courses at Vale do Lobo, Quinta do Lago and Tavira in the East Algarve. The Algarve is not all about golf though, further west out toward Sagres and Vila do Bispo, you’ll find some of the greatest watersports in Europe and then there’s football. Portuguese football is considered among the best in the world and you may well get the chance to witness some of Portugal’s star players either on a training ground or perhaps in a live match.

Great kids entertainment

A great family holiday destination, the Algarve has plenty to offer kids of all ages. The little ones can amuse themselves creating sandcastles on the beach, those slightly older migtht fancy a trip to aqualand. As the name suggests, this is a waterpark with several aquatic attractions, chief among which are the Banzai Boggan, the kamikaze and the Anaconda. For those who would prefer to stay out of the water, there is Blokarting (wind assisted go-karting) available near Sagres and across the other side, a little east of Faro, you’ll find Braveland which features Slides, Bouncy Castles, Archery, Mountain Biking, Trekking, Paintballing, Climbing, Rappel, Low and High Ropes, Adventure Bridges and loads more.

Algarve Villas – click here to browse our luxurious Algarve holiday accommodation

Algarve Apartments - click here to view our Algarve apartments

Relaxed Algarve Holidays – Your guide to unwinding in the Algarve

2011-05-17T07:13:00.000-07:00

Choice of location is all important when it comes to finding your ideal place to relax and unwind. The Algarve in Portugal is just such a place. It can be all things to all people; it can be riotous and fun in parts, it can be very business like in others and it can also be your perfect place to relax and unwind.

Looking across the warm North Atlantic Ocean toward North Africa, this really could be paradise on Earth. It never gets too hot here, or too cold, in fact the climate remains temperate all year round, delivering some 3000+ hours of sunshine annually. The beaches and scenery are lovely and the rock formations, breathtaking.

Under the stewardship of a concerned government; the natural beauty of the Algarve has not been allowed to be undermined by the irresponsible over-development that has affected so many other holiday resorts and second home locations.

It is true that there are a lot of golfing developments here and many of them are world class, but their presence does not harm the landscape. They have been designed to sympathetically merge with and beautify the countryside rather than destroy it. The natural habitats like those found in the Ria Formosa Natural Park have been encouraged and allowed to develop naturally and where the game of Golf does encroach upon the Park, it does so with empathy and respect.

When looking for your perfect relaxing holiday hideaway, consider this; the Algarve can be roughly split into 3 separate and distinct sections. They are Western Algarve, Central Algarve and Eastern Algarve. Western Algarve takes you to areas such as Lagos and Luz, the Central Algarve area takes in such places as Carvoeiro, Albufeira and Vilamoura and Eastern Algarve brings you areas like Olhão, Tavira and Vila Real de Santo Antonio all of which are very different and very beautiful locations, in their own right and offer different forms of relaxation.

Algarve Villas – click here to search for Algarve villas and apartments.

Relaxing Western Algarve

In Lagos for example you’ll find luxurious private holiday villas with wonderful Algarve sea views, you may even find one with its own private heated infinity pool allowing you to bathe quietly as you look out toward the calming azure sea. Many Lagos villas come with spacious terraces, balconies and roof terraces, barbecues and most are offered with air conditioning throughout.

The same is true of Luz. in Luz you’ll find villas of exceptional quality located just 10 minutes or so from Praia da Luz which boast the loveliest views. You’ll find villas with pools and barbecue terraces, some even with their own, private tennis courts. Many of these homes will have been decorated to the highest standards and, like all our villas, their condition is constantly appraised to ensure that your holiday experience is as comfortable, relaxing and as luxurious as possible.

Relaxing Central Algarve
Most of the villas in Carvoeiro in Central Algarve come with private pools, terraces and barbecue facilities. They are offered in exceptional condition and many will be within easy walking distance of local shops and amenities. Golf courses and tennis courts are a short distance from here so if you fancy getting active you’ll never be short of something to do, alternatively you could take the time to relax with a long cool drink by the pool playing Sudoku or a friendly game of Backgammon.

The foodies among you will love a relaxing holiday in Guia. Guia is located about 30 minutes from Faro airport; it is quite close to the town of Albufeira, on the central Algarve coast. The village is famous for its delicious chicken piri-piri restaurant dishes and is the perfect place to stay if your idea of a relaxing holiday is not to have to cook. There are 20 or so great restaurants in the area so even if you’re staying for two weeks you won’t have to pick up a pan or even a dishcloth once.

If you like the thought of teeing off at 7am and find that going for a long walk following a little white ball around on some grass relaxes you, then you’ll love the Central Algarve area. It is chock full of Golf courses, of varying degrees of difficulty. Many of the Greens have been graced by the presence of some of the world’s top Golfers including; Thomas Bjørn, Michael Hoey, Grégory Bourdy , Ronan Rafferty, Colin Montgomerie and Sam Torrance so you’re in for a real treat if that is your bag.

Relaxing Eastern Algarve

The Eastern Algarve is arguably the most relaxing side of the Algarve, mile upon mile of beautiful golden sanded beach stretch out along the coastline and, like parts of Western Algarve, much of it is unspoiled by tourism. Picture yourself here, sitting out on the terrace, a long cool drink in one hand and a good book in the other. Picture those around you busying themselves with the barbecue as you relax, sit back and wait to be served.

Most of the villas on offer here in Eastern Algarve come with pools, terraces and bbq facilities as well as air conditioning. Some will have breathtaking sea vistas whilst others will have lovely views of open countryside and others still, will look out onto manicured golf courses. Whatever view you are graced with, you can be sure of a truly relaxing Eastern Algarve holiday.

Algarve Villas – click here to search for Algarve villas and apartments.

Spring in the Algarve – What’s going on?

2011-05-17T06:52:00.000-07:00

Early Spring in the Algarve is marked by increasingly warmer temperatures and there is a sense of anticipation and excitement in the air as the locals, who have enjoyed a fairly peaceful first few months of the year, ready themselves for the start of the festival and tourist seasons proper. That said, anyone who knows anything about the Algarve knows that the festival and tourist seasons operate pretty much all year round here anyway so what respite there was, was always going to be short-lived.

Marked as much by the emerging flora as by the improving weather conditions, you’ll begin to see vast numbers of Pyramidal Orchids and swathes of similarly coloured Field Gladious, both a deep radiant or shocking pink. You won’t fail to notice the red and pink of the Bougainvillea, the white of the Orange blossom and the rich ripe orange of the prickly pear with its full succulent leaves and of course, the Bird of Paradise plant which whilst not indigenous, can be found everywhere in the Algarve.

With the Easter holidays just gone and festival time beginning in earnest once more, the Algarvean countryside is flourishing and the region looks beautiful in its spring colours. May sees the return of bright sunny days and with them, a calendar of events ranging from festivals to concerts and sports to food and wine fairs. It is the ideal time for long walks in the Algarve countryside, for outdoor activities like golf and boules and for family fun on the gorgeous Algarve beaches.

The spring months are probably the best times to be holidaying in the Algarve. The weather is beautiful, not too hot and certainly not cold, reaching the mid 20’s with no sign of rain and there are festivals aplenty. These festivals are held to celebrate all that is great about the Algarve. There are festivals celebrating the weather, festivals celebrating food and wine, there are music and dance festivals and arts and crafts festivals. It seems that in the Algarve, at this time of year, even if there is nothing in particular to celebrate, they’ll have a festival anyway.

The warming temperatures not only bring on the flowers, they are an attraction for the Portuguese people themselves. Many city dwellers like to come out to the beaches at this time of year because they are not crowded with tourists and the heat levels are pleasant and comfortable. This lends an air of authenticity to the Algarve as many of the accents you’ll here around the place carry with them the warmth of Algarvean and Spanish tones.

As the long, lazy evenings stretch out before you, with the nights getting longer day by day, outside socialising in the balmy night air, is where you’ll want to be and there can be no substitute for sharing a relaxing drink at your villa or a romantic meal at an Algarve beachside restaurant, a world away from your busy working lives.

Book an Algarve Villa Holiday now for late spring / early summer and enjoy a week or two of warm sunshine, beautiful beaches, barbecues, bars and a wide range of activities – including golf, horse riding, watersports, shopping, tennis, boat trips and swimming. Holidays in the Algarve – there really is something for everyone here!

Algarve Villas – Truly Algarve offer a wide range of villas and apartments to rent throughout the Algarve including the areas of Vilamoura, Carvoeiro, Luz, Lagos, Albufeira, Quinta do Lago and Tavira.

Holidays in the Algarve - Algarve's Nightlife – Part 2

2011-05-03T06:22:00.000-07:00

If you are planning a holiday to the Algarve this summer, you can rest assured that there is plenty to do in the evenings, for all ages and tastes! Whether you want to dance till the early hours at one of the Algarve's many bars and clubs or prefer a romantic drink with fabulous sea views, you will not be disappointed.

Here is part two of our Algarve holidays nightlife guide – covering Monte Gordo, Portimão, Praia da Rocha, Quarteira, Silves, Tavira and Vilamoura.

Monte Gordo Nightlife

Monte Gordo is not the place to go if you are looking for a lively nightlife. It is however, just perfect for families with young children and for those of the older generation whose partying days are over. Mostly flat it is ideal for those whose mobility is restricted and its lovely beach makes family visits very enjoyable. There are plenty of fine walks in the area and of course, if you want to ruin one, you are never far away from a decent golf course.

Rent an Algarve Villa in Monte Gordo – click here to browse our Algarve Holiday Villas!
Portimão Nightlife

Portimão is a dormitory town for those looking to enjoy the nightlife in nearby Praia da Rocha. As such, it has little in the way of nightlife of its own. There are a number of restaurants and bars in the centre of town but these aside it is a quiet almost retiring place, until summer that is, when Portimao holds its annual shrimp and sardine festival. This is when Portimão puts on its party hat and comes out to play, with live music and firework displays.

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Praia da Rocha Nightlife

For its nightlife Praia da Rocha is right up there with the best of them. If your idea of a great night out is thumping loud drum and base, house music and trance, bright lights and lots of drinking in bars then you’ll be in your element. If that’s not your cup of tea, then the area is probably best avoided.

There are so many bars and live acts to choose from it would take forever to list them so we won’t, but come the end of the night you’ll want to be safely ensconced in one of the many clubs. They, like any good club, don’t get going till well after midnight but then, many of them stay open til 6 am so you won’t have missed anything by going out later.

Themed and fun pubs are everywhere as are the ubiquitous Irish bars, most of which serve “real” Guinness (read into that what you will), and in general, everyone is out to have a good time. But, like everywhere, there are always some out to try to spoil things. Be aware that in Praia da Rocha there are pick pockets, drink spikers and beggars with hard luck stories, sometimes very plausible ones, that are out to part you from your hard earned.

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Quarteira Nightlife

Quarteira tends to defer to neighbouring Vilamoura for its nightlife but you will find a small selection of wine bars and taverns within the town centre, catering to the locals. Restaurants are where it’s at for Quarteira; there are plenty of relatively cheap fish restaurants, serving up the fresh catch of the day, together with eateries of French and Italian persuasion.

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Silves Nightlife

Silves, like Quarteira has very little in the way of nightlife, although you will find a number of bars that are open late into the evening. Silves prides itself on its restaurants and has a number of very good ones. Specialising in fish as you might expect from somewhere on the coast, there are also restaurants serving up a variety of different foods including pizzas and pastas.

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Tavira Nightlife

There are some lively bars in Tavira, though it really isn’t the place for parties through the night. Many a pleasant evening however, can be spent meandering through the narrow streets of the town or along the river side, enjoying a drink or a good meal in the many friendly bars and restaurants.

It is a quiet town but it still manages to support 2 nightclubs and a number of bars that stay open well into the night. There is a mix among them of Irish and local themed bars as well as an Australian and a typically English pub. Live music can be heard at many of these venues and there is even karaoke if you fancy yourself as a bit of a Sinatra, a Presley or Mercury.

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Vilamoura Nightlife

Vilamoura is busy year round. Favoured by golfers for its world famous courses, many of the bars, clubs and restaurants are aimed at this target market. As a result, the standards are very high. The Marina area is where you’ll find them, all the bars and restaurants are located here, and why not, the views are tremendous. Okay, you can’t see a golf course but if you’ve been looking at one all day then well, a change is as good as a rest as they say.

Checkout the choice of chilled lounge bars in Vilamoura, such as Vilamoura's popular Jazz Club situated on Prava do Cinema. You’ll find live, quality jazz here and a very chilled out vibe. There are some excellent clubs in Vilamoura, making it a great holiday resort choice for stag and hen parties and young groups with plenty to do during daylight hours too.

Vilamoura also boasts the largest club on the Algarve, namely “Kadoc”; it’s huge, with room for 7000 partygoers on 5 large dance floors. Open til 7 am this is a real all nighter. If you don’t have the energy for that but still fancy a good night out, try the Blackjack Club at the Vilamoura Casino. It attracts an older crowd and is a little more expensive but the standards are excellent throughout.

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Holidays on the Algarve Coast

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Renting holiday villas and apartments in the Algarve, Portugal opens up a world of opportunity for high octane holiday sports and new and exciting experiences. Whether you choose to go as far west from Faro as you can along the A22, to rent a holiday villa in Sagres or stop short and rent an apartment in Lagos, Portimao or Ferragudo, your choice of adrenaline fuelled fun is limitless.

Even if you don’t fancy travelling that far and would rather stop off at Carvoeiro, Vale de Parra or Albufeira or the splendid golf resorts of Vilamoura, Vale do Lobo or Quinta do Lago, there is still plenty to do to get your heart racing and if you turn instead, to go east from Faro, you’ll come across the quiet and beautiful, if broken coastline of Tavira, with its many natural “ilhas” or islands. Here too you’ll find there’s plenty to keep the adventurous of mind, body and spirit happy.

There are also plenty of quieter, more couple and family orientated holiday destinations on the Algarve coast, with safe bathing and glorious sunbathing. In the Algarve you are truly spoiled for choice!

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Starting in Sagres in the west, the vehicle of choice is anything chunky and colourful, with a roof rack. Here you’ll not be held up by slow moving holidaymakers caravanning their way to the beach, rather you’ll be competing for road space with 4 wheel drives and powder blue or lemon yellow VW campervans. This is the land of surf boards and sex wax. Here they rise with the tides and sleep on the beaches, well, not quite but you get the idea.

If you have stopped a little earlier en route along the motorway, you may have chosen to stay in an Algarve villa or apartment, at one of the many resort locations around Lagos, Portimao or Ferragudo. Here the sporting activities available offer a slightly different but still exhilarating feel. In these popular Algarve holiday destinations, swap the surf board for a pair of water skis or perhaps the chance to ride on a jet ski. The waters, although calmer here, are still tidal and can be quite challenging at speed.

Those, for whom pumping adrenaline does not play a part when on holiday, will love it in the waters and along the coast around Carvoeiro, Algar Seco, Benagil and Marinha. Carvoeiro is very popular among couples, families and young adults. Its 4 golden sanded beaches are sheltered by sandstone cliffs with rocky outcrops at either end. The spectacular rock formations at Algar Seco, just 750 metres from the main square in Carvoeiro are a photo opportunity not to be missed. Benagil is home to a number of fishing boats and although the beach is not very large, it is very popular. This small bay of fine sand sees locals regularly putting on musical performances and inviting you to join them as they dance the night away. The beach cove at Marinha is not the easiest of beaches to access, but well worth the trip if you can. A lick of sand nestles below orange limestone cliffs and the calm, aquamarine waters are perfect for snorkelling

If you prefer to seek your thrills on land rather than in water, you should head for the stunning golfing resorts of Vilamoura, Vale do Lobo, Quinta do Lago and Faro. The courses here are very impressive and quite demanding. Many of them have been designed with the help of famous golfers, among them; Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer.

Turning to the east out of the airport will send you in the direction of Tavira with its quieter coastal islands and sand bars. The emphasis here is more on rest and relaxation than on riotous revelry and krazy golf. Here you’ll find quiet, couple-centric beaches with unspoilt landscapes and towns and villages that pride themselves on the quality and quantity of their food as well as on their quality of life.

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Algarve Holidays: Where to go in the Algarve

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The Algarve can be all things to all people; a romantic getaway, a youngster’s delight, a sun worshipper’s joy, a late night/early morning party or an adrenaline junkies dream vacation. Whatever type of holiday you are looking for, you will find it here in Portugal’s Algarve and the best part of it is, whatever time of year you choose to visit, the weather will not disappoint.

Many people have different ideas about what makes their perfect Algarve holiday. For some it is finding that perfect secluded spot on a beautiful beach with breathtaking views and a warm sea breeze. For others it’s a safe haven in which the kids can enjoy themselves making sand castles and eating ice cream. Others still, will prefer lazing on a beach catching the sun’s rays between liberal applications of Tropicana sun tan lotion. Some will prefer to sleep for large parts of the day, waiting for the lights to come on and the DJ’s to start working their decks whilst others, will want nothing more than to down some red bull and catch the next big wave.

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Where to go for romantic Algarve holidays

Coastal Algarve is full of romantic spots; secluded beaches that are not so easily accessed, making them ideal for couples who are unencumbered by the paraphernalia associated with children and who are intent only, on whiling away a few uninterrupted hours in glorious solitude.

If you are looking for the perfect spot to share precious romantic moments with your partner, then you should check out some of the beaches in the eastern region of the Algarve, around the town of Tavira. The beach at Tavira is known as Ilha de Tavira, or Tavira Island. It is 14 kilometres of offshore sand spit which, whilst it is easily accessed via ferry from the mainland, has a good number of isolated, romantic spots for you and your partner to share.

Also in the east you’ll find romantic beaches in the Vila Real de Santo António region, look out for the beaches of Cabeço, Gancho, Monte Gordo, Santa Luzia, Verde and Barril. Praia Verde, so called due to the forest of Pines that forms its backdrop, is simply stunning. If you can imagine it, a painter would need just three colours to conjure this setting; crystal blue, golden yellow and deep, dark green. It is beautiful and relatively uncrowded too.

Where to go for family holidays in Algarve with younger children

Having decided to bring your young family away with you to the Algarve, you will want to know, where’s best to take them. East central Algarve is our tip. Here you’ll find beaches of soft golden sand which is ideal for building sand castles and digging large trenches or holes for Dad to sit in while the kids try to bury him.

East central Algarve, between Albufeira and Vilamoura is home to the rubber ring, the water wing, the lilo and the peddaloe but most importantly, it is also home to the life guard, leaving you able to relax and sunbathe or lose yourself in a good book, at least until someone wants an ice cream or to play with the bigger bucket and spade.

Where to go for an Algarve beach holiday

If your idea of an Algarve beach holiday is doing nothing more that finding a relatively quiet spot on a beach, laying out your towel and sunbathing from dawn till dusk, then you’ll be wanting to head for the beaches between Carvoeiro and Albufeira. The centres of these resort locations tend to get a little crowded, especially in high season, but head between them and you’ll find just what you’re looking for.

Check out Praia de São Rafael, here you’ll find two beaches both with bar/restaurant facilities which serve excellent food. Even in high summer, these beaches are relatively quiet. There are stunning panoramic views of the steep cliff lined coast and the more determined among you will stumble across the beach nirvana that is, a secret area totally screened from view from the sea with a small but natural lagoon. Also look for the Praia do Castelo. This sandy beach nestles between cliff walls and is full of hidden nooks and crannies and small creeks. The beach is reached by wooden steps or a wooden ramp.

Of course the Algarve beach experience would not be complete without the peddaloe, the inner tube, the banana boat the jet ski and water skiing and all of these can be found in central Algarve. Here the water is not too choppy, it is in fact quite calm though not as flat as in the east. This makes the conditions are ideal for messing about on the water and with full time life guards in peak season, it’s really quite safe too.

Where to go for nightlife in Algarve

Mention nightlife in the Algarve and those in the know will tell you, Praia da Rocha is the place to go. Lagos, Portimao, Vilamoura, Albufeira and even Vale do lobo, all have their musical highlights but Praia da Rocha is the daddy. There’s a long esplanade crammed with glitzy bars and trendy nightclubs in which you can party the night away. Lagos comes alive at night to the tune of smooth soul and sexy jazz funk and the live music on offer in the town often comes with a Latin twist. Vilamoura marina features a multitude of bars and eateries and the long hot summers evenings are often finished off in style with a spectacular fireworks display. Albufeira is famed for its “strip” with loads of clubs and bars to choose from. Among them, Lineker’s and Cafe del Mar stand out alongside some of the smaller bars like Alberto’s and Devlins, the Mustang bar, Paradise and Liberto's to name but a few. Even the Vale do Lobo gets in on the party act, with beach parties often going on well into the night.

Where to go for Algarve activity holidays

For high octane, no nonsense water sports and great diving, head for western Algarve to the waters off Sagres and Vila do Bispo, here you’ll find conditions ideal for body boarding, surfing and wind surfing as well as water skiing and parascending. For water-skiing and jet-skiing head for the beaches a little further east like those of Albufeira, Vilamoura and Quinta do Lago. For the sailors among you, the marinas of Lagos, Portimao, Vilamoura and Albufeira are the places to be.

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Holidays in the Algarve - Algarve’s Nightlife

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The Algarve is famed for its nightlife. From thumping drum and base through to groovy disco sounds and classical jazz the Algarve has it all. There are also plenty of options open to you, if you’d rather just go out for a relaxing evening with a group of friends for a bite to eat. Yes, entertainments wise, the Algarve has it pretty well covered.

Below is part one of guides to Nightlife in the Algarve. Read on for information on nightlife in Albufeira, Alcoutim, Alvor, Carvoeiro, Faro, Ferragudo and Lagos. Part two will follow next month!

Albufeira Nightlife

Nightlife in Albufeira begins and ends with “the strip”. One and a half miles long, it stretches from Montechoro at its northern end to Praia da Oura in the south. It is exactly what you would expect from any of the more popular Mediterranean resorts. It is loud, colourful and busy, thronging with revellers on a nightly basis. At the northern end of the strip, there are lots of smaller, quieter bars and pubs. You’ll not want to stay for too long as you’ll be attracted by the bright lights of the strip proper, but it’s a good place to start.

Cross the main road and this is where you might say, the strip really begins. The atmosphere hots up, the music gets louder and the lights, brighter. Where previously people were mingling in bars, now they are jostling for space. Sports bar follows theme pub, follows fast food restaurant, follows souvenir shop, follows fun pub, follows takeaway, follows theme pub, follows..Well, you get the idea.

Many of these places stay open until breakfast the following morning, when it all starts again. That said Albufeira is not all party, party, party. Off the main strip you’ll find some very pleasant and quite peaceful eateries which are ideal for a family evening out. The best tip we can give you in this direction, is look for those places that haven’t gone to town with neon and that are frequented by the Portuguese.

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Alcoutim Nightlife

Alcoutim is a small inland river town situated close to the Spanish border. It is very popular among the pleasure boat set and as a result, a number of bars and restaurants have grown up on the river’s promenade. If this trend continues, there is no reason to suggest that Alcoutim might not, one day develop a night life, but it’s fair to say that at the moment, it doesn’t have one to speak of.

This is no bad thing though, different areas, attract different people for different reasons. If you are looking for a lovely romantic setting in which you can dine on very pleasant food in relative peace and quiet, then Alcoutim should come close to the top of your list. Add to this its proximity to Spain, its hillside location presenting some wonderful views, its delightful cobbled streets and small squares and you can see its appeal.

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Alvor Nightlife

Originally a small fishing village, Alvor is growing in size and popularity. The
number of bars and restaurants is on the rise and the quality just keeps improving, not that it was ever bad in the first place. Visitors to Alvor are returning time and again for its long sandy beach, great sunbathing and swimming and for its bars and restaurants.

Alvor can boast one of the very first of the now ubiquitous Irish bars to open in the Algarve. A few more have opened in the town since, together with many others that split the difference between bar and restaurant. A number of these provide diners with very pleasant views across the harbour with the added bonus of glorious sunsets come late afternoon early evening.

At present there is no nightlife to speak of. No nightclubs or discos but with the area’s increasing popularity, these are sure to come. In the mean time, the bars and restaurants provide their own entertainments and Irish bars being Irish bars, you can appreciate many of these go on well into the night.

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Carvoeiro Nightlife

There is a good of number pubs and bars in Carvoeiro, many of which crossover from bar to bar/club as the evening progresses, but where Carvoeiro comes into its own is in its choice of restaurants. There are excellent restaurants in and on the outskirts of town where evenings of a more intimate and atmospheric nature can be enjoyed.

The pace of life and the noise levels are geared more towards families with young children than groups of young adults so whilst there is a reasonable nightlife here, it’s fair to say that if you’re looking for clubs or discos, you’re better off looking elsewhere.

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Faro Nightlife

The Portuguese love to party and in Faro, it is no different. The streets of Faro have been likened to those of New Orleans which, in itself, tells you a little of what you might come to expect of the town. It has not for example, been likened to the Albufeiras or the Praia da Rochas of this world, Faro’s brand of partying is somehow more intelligent, more intellectually challenging.

Perhaps is has to do with Faro being the provincial capital of the Algarve and a university town but it certainly seems that here, the art of playing music is more widely appreciated than the art of spinning discs and splicing tunes. That is not to say that it is in any way high brow or pretentious, like any university town, it has its cafe culture but it also has a great nightlife with some fabulous family friendly restaurants mixing cheek by jowl, with trendy dance clubs.

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Ferragudo Nightlife

Just a quarter of an hour’s drive from Praia da Rocha, Ferragudo gives way to its livelier neighbour when it comes to nightlife. Not that it’s given up completely, there are a few local watering holes waiting to quench your thirst but Ferragudo is a town of restaurants and in particular, fish restaurants. As with Alcoutim, a number of fine eateries have grown up around its quay and the sunsets and cooling sea breezes can be quite magical.

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Lagos Nightlife

The main square in Lagos in the evening is where you’ll catch the majority of the nightlife. There is always something going on and because it’s laid on by anyone from the local magician through to street busker's it is free. It’s free also to sit and watch the local artists at work, painting portraits of anyone who’ll pay them to do so.

Shops and cafes in and around the square stay open til quite late, usually 9-10 o’clock or so when the dance clubs and bars start to open their doors and of course the restaurants around and about the square remain open a good deal later.

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Algarve Villas and their stunning beach views

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Truly Algarve specialise in Algarve Villas on the coast, overlooking some of the most beautiful and famous beaches of the Algarve, including Praia Verde, Praia da Luz, Praia da Galé and Praia do Vau, a stunning selection of beaches which cater for everyone from couples looking for romantic and secluded hideaways to groups of friends looking for popular beach bars and adrenaline fuelled water sports. Many of these Algarve villas are also located close to the ever popular coastal towns and resorts of Albufeira, Vilamoura, Carvoeiro, Vale do Lobo and Quinta da Lago and when renting your Algarve villas here, there are four things of which you can be certain; bright sunshine, beautiful blue seas, soft sand and a holiday that will live on in the memory for a lifetime.

In this part of the world there is a never-ending stream of entertainments along a shoreline that itself seems like it will never end. The Algarve coast is some 100 miles long and there are Algarve villas dotted all along it. The beaches vary in terms of their size, their popularity and their prevailing conditions but wherever you are, you cannot fail to be impressed by the stunning beach views that are on offer.

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Algarve villas in Sagres

In the town of Sagres which is located on the western tip of the Algarve, some 25 kilometres from Lagos, the beaches are long and quite quiet. It is a favourite haunt for surfers and other adrenaline junkies and wetsuits rather than swimming trunks are “de rigueur”. It is ideal for those wishing to rent their Algarve villas, close to the action.

Algarve villas in Lagos

Moving eastwards to Lagos and the beaches are a little more popular. Many of the smaller, more intimate ones can only be reached by rough staircases hewn into the rocks but the journey is certainly worthwhile. The waters are calmer and a lovely azure blue, fringed by golden sands which are backed by high, craggy rock faces offering some protection from the wind. A word of warning, here you can bake! The beaches are sun traps and with the rocks keeping the winds at bay, it gets very hot. Algarve villas here benefit from stunning beach views with the added bonus of calm blue waters.

Algarve villas in Portimao and Albufeira

Further east to Portimao and Albufeira and this is where the action really heats up. This is the area known as central Algarve or more specifically, coastal central Algarve. Algarve villas here are in constant demand and for all the right reasons. Cheaper than the golfing resorts of Vale do Lobo and Quinta da Lago, the area is a hive of activity with disco bars, nightclubs, cafés and beaches attracting holidaymakers in their droves. A villa here makes an ideal base from which to explore this vibrant and colourful area. The children will love playing in golden sands and splashing about on lilos in the sea and the grown ups will enjoy mixing and meeting with new friends in the restaurants, bars and nightclubs.

Algarve villas in Vilamoura and Quarteira

The beaches at Falésia which is backed by unusual red coloured cliffs and Olhos de Água, which is surrounded on three sides by pine-clad cliffs are ideal for a day out in the sun as is Vilamoura beach itself, though this is slightly less natural looking. Quarteira Beach is beautiful and, in stark contrast to the beaches at Portimao, virtually rock-free. There are plenty of eateries located along the Avenida Infante de Sagres which runs along behind it, so if your tire of cooking for yourselves during your stay, you can pop in to any one of them for a bite to eat or some refreshments. Quarteira still has a thriving local fishing community and the fishermen can be found at the western end of the beach or selling their catch at the nearby fish market. If you are staying nearby in one of our Algarve villas, get up early one morning to buy some fresh fish and you can prepare it for lunch or dinner that very day.

Algarve villas in Tavira

Farther east still and into Eastern Algarve, you’ll find the Algarve villas and beaches of Tavira, all 11 kilometres of them. Ilha beach and Cabanas beach are well worth looking out for here. They form part of the Ria Formosa Natural Park which is a protected environment so you will not find many Algarve villas here but those you do find are quite lovely with splendid views not only on the stunning beaches but also of the Ria Formosa too.

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Algarve villas and their beautiful countryside views

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Thoughts of taking a holiday in the Algarve are quite often centred on those Algarve villas located close to the sea with entertainments for the kids and loud music, dancing, bars and restaurants for the adults. But there is another side to the Algarve, an altogether gentler, more sedate side that is just as appealing albeit for different reasons.

Truly Algarve specialise in Algarve villas in Monchique, Silves and Loule and the beautiful inland areas of Portugal’s Algarve.

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Algarve villas in Monchique

Monchique is a market town in the Serra de Monchique, which is a wooded mountainous region separating the Algarve from Alentejo. Nestled between the two highest peaks in the Algarve, it is located to the northwest of the region and is one of the area’s most beautiful towns. It has remained largely unaffected by tourism with many of the townsfolk still working in farming or in wood and cork production, as their fathers and forefathers did before them.

A 17th Century Franciscan monastery overlooks the town, offering a panoramic view over the peaceful countryside . On a clear day if you make your way to the highest point, Foia which is 902 metres above sea level, you’ll be rewarded with truly breathtaking views. You can see over to Cape St. Vincent in the west, Faro in the east and the Serra da Arrabida, near Lisbon in the north. Take a coat with you though because it can get quite chilly at that altitude.

The narrow cobbled streets of Monchique are lined by whitewashed houses which criss-cross their way up the hillside but, whilst they may resemble those found on the coast, with their white walls and bands of colour around the windows and doors that is where any similarity between inland and coastal Algarve ends. Coastal Algarve is all holiday homes, hotels and tourism, the Monchique is the epitome of rural charm, exuding peace and tranquillity.

The town’s central square has an attractive paved area with seating benches and a lovely water feature. It is the ideal setting for a holiday break designed to refresh and revive the soul. There are natural hot springs nearby, said to have healing properties but in truth, a visit here is healing in itself. Look out for the spa of Caldas de Monchique; the Romans built baths here to utilise the natural spring waters and today a thermal treatment centre exists to treat rheumatism and respiratory illnesses.

There are a number of cafe bars and restaurants in the town serving up delightful and typically Algarvean fare, many of which will also serve Medronho, a local brew made from the fruits of the arbutus or strawberry tree. It is an acquired taste and quite strong but it is good for clearing the sinuses. Those of you with a sweet tooth should head for the pastelarias where you’ll find delicious cakes and desserts made with local honey.

Algarve villas in Silves

The first things you’ll notice on approach to Silves are the impressive castle and cathedral that sit atop a hill above the town. The Castelo de Silves is now the best preserved castle in the Algarve. It is classified a National Monument and has been the subject of extensive restoration works which have involved rebuilding sections of walls and some of its eleven towers which were severely damaged by the earthquake of 1755. Silves cathedral is one of the Algarve’s few remaining gothic monuments; sitting alongside the castle it houses several ancient tombs.

Located on the banks of the Arade River, the town is steeped in history, everywhere you look you’ll see reminders of its affluent past. Silves was once the main shipping access to inland Algarve but nowadays the river is too silted up for large vessels to use.

Like many towns in Portugal’s Algarve, Silves is constructed around a central square; the very pretty Praça do Municipio, with its palms and flowers has beautifully tended gardens and a newly paved river frontage. The town’s market building is on the main street opposite the river along which you’ll find numerous cafés with outside seating taking advantage of the lovely river views. Within the town, there are cobbled streets lined with cafés and shops and some quite beautiful buildings dating back to the time when Silves was a rich merchants town

Like Monchique, Silves is very relaxed and has history in abundance but time and a willingness to move with it have seen cafés and housing erected in close proximity to some of the more ancient buildings. The river is still utilised commercially but on a much smaller scale; there are boat trips from Portimão to Silves along the Rio Arade, which give the visitor time to look around the town and stop for coffee (just over an hour) before returning whilst the tide is still high enough for the boats to make the return journey.

The relaxed pace of life in Silves makes it ideal for a truly restful break. There are plenty of eateries around the town and a good selection of bars and cafés too. The local authority has tried to ensure that the most notable, historic and picturesque areas are presented in the best possible light, attracting visitors and tempting them to stay for longer as a result. That said, they have been at pains to ensure that the town has not lost its typically Algarvean appeal and that it remains both charming and picturesque.

Not far from the coast, Silves provides idyllic country living with the opportunity to spend days by the seaside should you so wish and for the children, there is the slide and splash water park at Lagoa, Lagos zoo with its famous monkey islands and Zoomarine at Guia with its dolphins and sea lions.

Algarve villas in Loulé

The first thing you’ll notice as you approach Loulé from along the A22, is a curious dome shaped building set high on a hill. This landmark building is in fact a church; the church of Nossa Senhora da Piedade or “Our Lady of Mercy or Piety.” It looks from the inside, more like a modern concert hall than a place of worship and from the outside, all painted in Algarvean white, it looks for all the world like a spaceship likely to disappear upwards at any moment.

Loulé has all the amenities you’d expect of a fully functioning, self sufficient town. There’s a fine selection of art galleries and many shops concerned with producing and selling souvenir items made of copper, leather, cane and wood, to service the tourist industry. A weekly fair attracts visitors from all over the Algarve and the annual carnival held in February is considered to be one of the best in Portugal. Markets are held regularly on Saturday mornings and there is also a very good daily (except Sundays) market to be found on Praça da República.

Most of the touristy bits of Loulé, including the remains of a 12^th century Arabic castle and the 13th Century Church of São Clemente are contained within a relatively small area of the town and due to its layout it is quite easy to miss them, seeing the town as nothing more than a modern shopping area with very little character. Best advice is to buy a local map, this will point out the areas of historic interest and in this way you’ll avoid wasting time and shoe leather wandering the streets. Many of the places of historical interest in the town are surrounded by quaint little cobbled streets that play host to restaurants, cafés and shops, so there is plenty to do and see in these areas and the town’s council has ensured that these areas are as attractive as they can possibly be, paying close attention to the cleanliness of the streets and the beauty of the gardens.

Loulé carnival is one of the biggest events in Loulé and is famous across the Algarve. It takes places in February (over 3 days, ending on Shrove Tuesday and is a truly colourful affair, reminiscent of the Brazilian carnivals. People come from all over the Algarve to watch the processions and join in with the party atmosphere as everyone takes to the streets. It is something of a tradition at carnival time for people to throw water bombs and eggs etc, so if you are attending the carnival, it is probably better to go in an old pair of jeans and a top that you’re not precious about. The town centre is shut off during carnival so get there early for parking and admission.

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Quinta do Lago Central Algarve – An Algarve Holiday Destination Filled with Outstanding Natural Beauty

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Villa in Algarve offer a range of apartments and villas for rent in Quinta do Lago central Algarve. We also have Algarve property for rent in both Monte da Quinta and Dunas Doradas. This prime holiday location is suitable for couples, young families and larger groups of friends as it offers high quality accommodation and a wide range of entertainments to suit all tastes.

About Quinta do Lago

One of the largest golfing holiday destinations in the Algarve, the golf courses of Quinta do Lago are world renowned. They have hosted no less than eight Portuguese Open Championships and are continually called upon to stage other major events in the national and international golfing calendars like the World Senior Golf Championship, the BMW Golf Cup World Final, numerous charity and press tournaments and outstanding private, national and international events. These have been participated in by world famous celebrities like David Beckham, Michael Owen and other premiership footballers, many of who’s sole purpose for visiting Portugal, was to play at Quinta do Lago’s golf courses. Madonna even owns a villa here.

No surprise then, that they should be as beautiful as they are. Constantly tended by expert grounds staff, the tees, fairways and greens are always in excellent condition. They have to be, since they are continually under the gaze of the media, an international audience and the world’s most famous players. Severiano Ballesteros, Sandy Lyle, Ian Woosnam, Bernhard Langer, Sam Torrance, Bernard Gallacher, Vijay Singh, Colin Montgomerie, Tiger Woods, Padraig Harrington, Henrik Stenson, Justin Rose, Ian Poulter, David Howell, Nick Dougherty, Trevor Immelman, Paul McGinley, Steve Webster and Paul Lawrie have all played here.

A testament to Quinta do Lago’s own natural history and that of its surrounding environment is the fact that the areas indigenous wildlife is here in such abundance and that migratory species, given a bird’s eye view of the landscape, choose to make the area a favoured resting place on their journeys between Europe and North Africa, bringing with them the delights of their plumage and song. Quinta do Lago has successfully married the natural and the golfing worlds, creating a 2000 acre oasis, nestled between the countryside and pine forests of the Ria Formosa and the shores of the Atlantic Ocean.

About Monte da Quinta

Set in the middle of Quinta do Lago, 'Monte da Quinta Club' is an exclusive private development of villas & townhouses all of which have been built to an exceptionally high standard. The club is uniquely located at the centre of the Algarve's most exclusive development and as such benefits from the outstanding level of services & facilities on offer at the resort.

Centred around the Monte da Quinta Clubhouse which provides a 24 hour reception desk and numerous leisure activities including a gym, steam bath, jacuzzi and heated indoor pool, along with an outdoor pool, restaurant and a club for the children, the clubhouse is the ideal environment in which to while away a few pampered hours whilst your other half is playing golf. The 'MQ Shopping' district gives guests the opportunity to indulge in some high class retail therapy or to pretty themselves up in the on-site health & beauty clinic and hair salon. You can relax over a cup of coffee in the "Trattoria da Quinta" and visit the "Gourmet shop" for some special treats.

About Dunas Douradas

Dunas Douradas on the Algarvean coast is famed the world over for its top quality golf course and stunningly beautiful beach. Situated at the heart of the Algarve’s Golden Triangle this prestigious resort lies on the coast between Vale do Lobo and Quinta do Lago. A beautiful location, it benefits from the Gulf Stream that flows along the coast, warming the waters of the Atlantic Ocean as it goes. This, and the year round sunshine give the area a distinctly Mediterranean feel.

Sympathetically developed in recent times and beautifully located on the golden Algarve coastline between the luxurious resorts of Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo, Dunas Douradas enjoys an enviable position in every sense. Its spacious villas, townhouses and luxury apartments have all been constructed so as to be in keeping with traditional Portuguese development styles whilst taking full advantage of its position, commanding wonderful views of the Atlantic coastline, its beaches and its crystal clear waters.

Local Beaches

Separating the Ria Formosa Natural Park from the Atlantic Ocean is the thin strip of soft white sand known as the Quinta do Lago Beach. Surrounded by unspoilt nature with not a straight line in sight, this beach connects you to nature in a way that is rarely experienced these days.

Praia de Garrao is one of the main beaches serving the Golden Triangle. The beach stretches between Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo and in addition to offering private areas with sun loungers and umbrellas, it offers some of the finest beach restaurants the Algarve has to offer.

The Monte da Quinta Beach resort is situated in the centre of the Algarve's most exclusive holiday destination and offers an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity

Activities in the Area

Activity holiday changes to relaxing break as you move from west to east along the Algarve coast. At the westerly end which features the towns of Sagres and Portimao, you’ll find surfers. The breaks here are high and strong with some deep swells, attracting adrenaline chasers from all over Europe. Move east, towards the centre and the coastal pursuits become a little more relaxed. This is jet ski and wind surfing country, further east still and you join the ranks of the lilo, banana boat and arm band brigade.

On land and its golf all the way with courses at Albufeira, Alcantarilha, Almancil, Alvor, Carvoeiro, Castro Marim, Lagos, Portimao, Sagres, Silves, Tavira , Vilamoura and Vila Sol and if golf doesn't float your boat, then there’s always tennis. Tennis courts can be found on the outskirts of most towns and these are, for the most part, free to use. There is also horse riding in the countryside. The Portuguese are big fans of horses and many stables exit from where you can hack around the countryside.

If you prefer something a little less active, you can always take yourself off on a leisurely walk to enjoy some of the much talked about countryside with its colourful flora and fauna.

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Winter Holidays Algarve

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Truly Algarve specialise in Algarve Villa Holidays throughout the region, including the East Algarve, West Algarve and Central Algarve. We also offer holiday apartments to rent in all of the major resorts including Carvoeiro, Vilamoura and Albufeira

The weather in winter

Unlike many holiday destinations, the Algarve is just as popular in winter as it is in summer. During the winter months, the weather across the Algarve is warm and sunny for up to 6 hours a day with temperatures reaching the mid 60’s. This is the perfect weather for strolling around on manicured greens or going for long walks in the countryside. Sixty degrees Fahrenheit is also a great sunbathing temperature; not too hot, nor too cold, it is just perfect for lazing around and losing yourself in a good book without it being uncomfortably hot.

Activities on a winter Algarve holiday

Sporting activities are widely available across the Algarve with options including a few rounds of golf and taking long, leisurely walks in the country. You can also sunbathe and play water sports and when you’re ready to eat, you can dine out at some quite wonderful restaurants.

The excitement of the Atlantic coast, with its steep, ochre cliffs and secluded coves, its pine-clad hills and picturesque hamlets, makes the Algarve a stunning corner of Europe to visit at any time of year.

Playing Golf in the Algarve

The golf is superb in the Algarve. You are literally spoiled for choice here - championship courses abound, many having played host to the Portuguese Open. The beauty of it is that in winter, you can still play and you don’t need fluorescent yellow balls to do it.

In winter, the reduced green fees at many courses attract players from around the world and the virtually guaranteed sunshine and warm winter temperatures mean that the weather rarely, if ever stops play.

Walking in the Algarve

There are many delightful villages and towns in the Algarve just waiting to offer a warm and friendly welcome to visitors later in the year. It is not unusual whilst out on a trek to stumble upon a quiet village where the locals will welcome you and your custom with open arms and a friendly smile.

Many of them of course speak English as a second language and some are as fluent, as they are in their mother tongue, but those that aren’t, are keen to learn and will gladly recount brief but nonetheless, interesting stories in an effort to improve their linguistic skills and be only too pleased for you to endeavour to return the compliment

Dining in the Algarve

Great restaurants are plentiful in this part of the world. Here is a selection of some of the finest;

1. Ristorante Belmondo is a rather fine Italian restaurant stunningly located atop the cliffs at Senhora da Rocha, near to Armação de Pêra. The food, the service, the décor and the setting blend wonderfully together for an excellent Italian gourmet experience.

2. The Michelin starred restaurant Sao Gabriel is one of the finest around. Close to the famous Algarve resorts of Vale do Lobo and Quinta do Lago, it was founded by Rudi Maerkle 10 years ago. The restaurant itself is set in a beautiful old villa surrounded by luscious gardens. Palm trees, bougainvillea, birds of paradise and sub-tropical plants add to the magical ambience and the Al fresco dining here is unforgettable.

3. Scoobys Pool Bar in Galé is just a short distance from Albufeira. Its more than just a bar – it’s an all day restaurant with great entertainment, There’s a 15 hole Krazy Golf course for the kids and a play area, as well as a fantastic pool. Scoobys is set in a large private garden and the pool and sun beds are available for the free use of Scoobys customers.

4. Ruccula restaurant in Alvor combines excellent food with professional service and the warmest of welcomes. Located just up from the Ria Alvor, and next to the local church, Ruccula serves quality international cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere. Ruccula is a great option for couples and larger groups of friends. It is also perfect for golfing parties.

5. The Zanzibar Restaurant in Vilamoura is an attractive white stone building in a peaceful setting. It has a friendly bar and offers fine dining. Located in the self contained complex known as “Old Village” in Vilamoura, the setting features lovely sub tropical gardens and traditional Portuguese paving.

The list goes on of course and there are many great eateries throughout the Algarve waiting for you to discover them.

Winter sun in the Algarve

At this time of year, the temperature hovers around 15 degrees and whilst that’s not particularly hot, it is easily warm enough to comfortably lie out in the Sun and get a decent tan, so lazing on the beach is definitely an option. With a daily average of 5-6 hours of sun, why not spend most of your day out there soaking it up, you are on holiday after all!

Water sports in the Algarve

The Atlantic Ocean may be a little too chilly at this time of year for those without a wet suit but suitably attired, the waves can be tremendous fun and whether your preference is for surfing, riding jet skis, waterskiing or snorkelling, there’s plenty of choice, you just have to know where to look. As a general rule, the further west you go, the rougher (and colder) the waters become. Towards the west, in Sagres, is where the surfers head for. You can catch some good breaks here and have fun recounting stories to your mates. Come in to central Algarve and the east and this is the playground for lilos, jet skis and water skis, here the waters are much calmer and you can enjoy messing about in boats.

Christmas and New Year in the Algarve

Spending Christmas and the New Year in the Algarve is a great idea, especially as it gets so cold in other parts of Europe at this festive time of year. You can hire an apartment that will accommodate two people in comfort or a villa large enough for a large party. With the whole family present you’re bound to have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Although this may seem like a real departure from the norm, more and more people are choosing to spend Christmas and the New Year period away from home; some because they want to avoid the festive hullabaloo and others, just because they are looking for something that little bit unusual to do at Christmas time. The Algarve is the ideal Christmas holiday destination as it provides you with those alternative Christmas memories of sun, sea, sand, Sangria and Santa hats.

The Algarve won’t be short of parties over this festive season either; especially over the New Year. There’ll be live music concerts and firework displays to be seen stretching from Sagres through to Lagos and Portimao in the west, to Albufeira, Vilamoura and Vale do Lobo in the centre and on to Faro and Tavira in the east. The streets will be thronged with revellers too and resound to the beat of party music through until the early hours of next year.

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West Algarve – A great location for sun, sea, sand and surf

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West Algarve is a great holiday destination for families, couples and groups of friends. With some of the Algarve's safest and most beautiful beaches, quaint towns and luxurious holiday villa accommodation, this is a great destination for your next holiday. But exactly where does Central Algarve finish and Western Algarve start?

The main road that connects the East, Central and West Algarve is the A22 and it is along here that holidaymakers will drive after leaving Faro airport. It is generally considered that on this road, exit 6, the junction for Portimao and the Monchique, marks the start of the Western Algarve.

If you are planning an Algarve holiday break, read on to find out about West Algarve's tgwns: Portimao, Monchique, Ferragudo, Alvor, Lagos and Sagres

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Portimao

Portimao is the largest town in the area and is fast becoming THE place to shop in western Algarve. There is a huge selection of fashion outlets and a wide range of shops, some of which will already be familiar to you, offering gifts, souvenirs, electrical goods and general household items. There are also plenty of traditional shops selling the leather goods, handbags and belts that Portugal and the Algarve are so famous for. There are retail parks and shopping malls aplenty and supermarkets galore. Car parking around the town is plentiful and, for the most part, free.

Unlike many other parts of the Algarve, Portimão’s architecture is quite modern, mostly dating mostly from the late 19^th to early 20^th centuries. High rise apartment blocks in ice cream colours can be seen punctuating the skyline, whilst the ground level accommodates cafés, restaurants and trendy bars. Parts of Portimao are about sun bathing and relaxing but most of it is about shopping, bars, pubs, clubs and restaurants. As commercial as all of that sounds, you can still get away from it all and find relative peace and quiet in Portimao. For example you can take romantic boat trips to the caves, go dolphin watching or take a trip up the Arade river to Silves. There are also several golf courses nearby and at Portimão municipal aerodrome near Alvor, the adventurous can experience a parachute jump.

Monchique

The small market town of Monchique forms part of the Serra de Monchique, a woodland mountain range between the Algarve and the area known as Alentejo. A visit to Monchique is a journey upward - its highest point, Foia is 902 metres above sea level. There are two essentials to take with you when travelling up and through the Monchique; these are a camera and a jacket. There’s some quite remarkable scenery en-route and some ancient buildings, so you’ll want to take lots of pictures, but it can get quite chilly up here so be sure to wrap up warm.

If you are driving through, best advice is to pull over, park up somewhere and walk. A walk through the steep cobbled streets is rewarded with some views of the hills that you won’t want to miss. Glimpsed from between the white painted houses with their carved stonework, coloured apertures and delightful chimney pots, the Monchique Mountains are romantic in the extreme and their memory instils within you, a strong desire to return.

Into the town centre and the cobbled street theme continues. Narrow roads criss-cross one another dotted with pretty little cafés and restaurants, many serving the local liquor “Medronho”. An acquired taste, Medronho is made from the fruits of “arbutus unedo” or the strawberry tree which grows abundantly in the surrounding hills. The central square of Monchique boasts an attractive paved area with benches, trees and a lovely water feature. Monchique is a very quiet and relaxed place, a place to slow down which is ideal for pottering around and appreciating the breathtaking views.

Ferragudo

It’s rare to come across the authentic Algarve amongst the well developed resorts of the west but Ferragudo is just that. Ferragudo is a town of cobbled streets and whitewashed houses clustered around a small church. Smaller than Portimao and much prettier, Ferragudo is widely tipped to become one of the Algarve’s new property and tourism hotspots. The centre of this beautiful village is called Praça Rainha Dona Leonor, it is a picturesque cobbled square lined with cafés and restaurants serving a wide range of foods from a simple cup of breakfast coffee to more substantial lunchtime or evening meals. The square is a popular place in which tourists and locals alike, congregate to chat over coffee and sit and watch the world go by. Restaurants situated on the quayside afford lovely views over the Arade River and serve up some delightful fish dishes. Some cook their food on barbecues, filling the air with the most mouth-watering aromas.

Ferragudo has carried with it, its fair share of history and this is proudly displayed by the ancient and well preserved buildings in the village. Take a look at the Castelo de São João de Arade. Originally a 15th century lookout tower, it was extended 200 years or so later as part of the fortifications aimed at protecting the river mouth. A couple of hundred years later, at the beginning of the 20th century, it was turned into a private dwelling by poet, Coelho Carvalho. It remains a private house to this day, looking out over the river and the village’s main resort area of Praia Grande. Protected by a sea wall, this is a great spot for water sports, such as windsurfing. In the evening, the marina at Ferragudo makes for a wonderfully relaxing place to while away a few hours as you sample the catch of the day in one of the harbourside’s renowned fish restaurants.

Alvor

The site of a traditional Moorish village that was levelled by the earthquake of 1755, Alvor has become the ideal tourist resort and a great place to take a family holiday. There are still the reminders of its ancient historical and romantic past but today Alvor embraces tourism. It offers everything that you’ll need for a relaxing family holiday. The area has undergone a steady transformation since tourism first started here back in the sixties but they have shied away from erecting the multi-storey holiday apartments so popular in other parts of Europe. Here, as with most of the Algarve, they have concentrated on low rise development so as not to spoil the landscape. They have also retained the charm of the old town with its narrow cobbled streets leading down to the harbour and the river estuary.

The riverfront in Alvor has been given a facelift recently and is now fully paved and lined with palm trees and several beach bars, all of which have plenty of outside seating, perfect for those long summer days and balmy evenings. It has to be one of Alvor’s most idyllic settings, as you sit and watch the fishing boats come and go. As with Ferragudo, there is a collection of restaurants at the waterfront, tempting you with the aroma of freshly barbecued fish. The Praia de Alvor, the main beach in the village, is a lovely long dune backed, sandy beach, the eastern end of which features some large rock formations. Here you can shelter from the sun if you wish as you lay on the beach, enjoying the warm breeze. The really nice thing about the beaches at Alvor is that even at the height of the season, there is plenty of room for you to lie down, relax and enjoy it and the restaurants and snack bars close at hand, mean you don’t have to wander too far for a bite to eat.

Lagos

The town of Lagos in Portugal’s Algarve has something for everyone. Its appeal spans generations as does its history. Its roots can be traced back as far as 2000 years BC and there are many examples throughout the town, of architectures from these bygone eras. A popular trading post throughout the centuries, it has been fought over and visited many times in the past and has the landmarks to prove it. The Phoenicians and Carthaginians, the Moors and the Romans, they’ve all been here and left their calling cards. Lagos is full of history and today it is a vibrant town with lots going on. In the middle of town, at Praça de Gil Eanes, there are evening entertainments that are put on throughout the year; you’ll often see live bands or soloists on the guitar or violin, there may be a fair with a medieval theme going on and if Portugal are playing football, or there is a major football league competition on, the cafés will have big screens up in the square so everyone can enjoy the match.

Leading off the main square are several streets housing restaurants to suit all tastes. These streets are criss-crossed with many smaller ones so it can be quite confusing to the newcomer but, since it’s not a big place, it doesn’t take long to get to know your way around. If you do get lost and happen to ask for directions, you will probably be guided via a number of modern landmark roundabouts in the town. One features a ship and another, a large black ball. Still another unusual landmark and a well used signpost in the town, is a roundabout featuring 7 large Perspex chairs. This installation is lit up at night time making for a popular tourist holiday snapshot.

Lots of bars in the town stay open until the early hours especially in the summer when the town is a buzz with people of all ages. Whilst out and about, you should take a walk along Discovery Avenue which runs along the water front. This will take you to the modern Lagos Marina, an award winning 450 berth boat park with a variety of shops, bars and restaurants to enjoy, all with a great view of the boats. Just over the marina bridge is the harbouring point for the local fishing boats where you’ll find a number of fishermen and fishermen’s wives, selling some of their catch. The more enterprising among them even having set up their own small fish restaurants.

Sagres

The best surfing in the Algarve is to be found here at Sagres. During the summer months surfers from all over Europe flock here to ride the waves whilst soaking up the sun. It’s not just surfers that come here though and not just in the summer months either, Sagres attracts visitors all year round. The land here is breathtakingly dramatic, stark in places yes, but that doesn’t take away from the romance of the place. The main square in Sagres, Praça da República, is very pretty with lovely views, surpassed only by the views from the cliffs that tower above it.

Sagres is the perfect activity holiday destination. It’s the kind of place that appeals to your sporting side, not necessarily to play golf, you can do that at Parque de Floresta, a short drive from here, but to go walking, cycling, diving and surfing. Sagres offers a different side to the Algarve, its edgy, barren and hard but very cool. The local restaurants are renowned for the quality, variety and freshness of their fish and much of what appears on your plate, will have been line caught by a man perched precariously on a ledge in the rock face 2-300 hundred yards away from your table! Fish doesn’t get much fresher than that.

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Romantic Holidays Algarve

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The Algarve can be a wonderfully romantic holiday destination, there’s so much more to the area than just hotels, beaches, bars and nightclubs. Of course, these things exist in abundance so if that’s the sort of holiday you’re after, you will certainly not be disappointed. There is another side to the Algarve though; a side that oozes romance and charm, a side that tugs at the heart strings, sticks in the memory and makes you want to return time and again. Parts of the Algarve take you to that truly romantic place and the beauty of it is you don’t have to look too far to find them. Take for example the romantic Algarve destinations of Vilamoura, Carvoeiro and Tavira.....

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Vilamoura

The resort of Vilamoura is a self contained romantic retreat that offers the discerning couple a huge choice of activities on the one hand and the opportunity for peaceful, quality time, on the other. It occupies an area measuring approximately 8 sq/miles which consists of beautiful Atlantic coastline, some glorious golden beaches and lush inland greenery so there is a wealth of romantic and secluded spots to choose from both on and off the beach.

Many of the villas and apartments to rent in Vilamoura have been finished to a very high standard, a standard that befits one of the most upmarket resorts on the Algarve. There is a wealth of restaurants, shops, bars and clubs to choose from and if you’re the sort of couple that likes activity, there is plenty to do including waterskiing, parascending, jet skiing, horse riding, tennis and golf . Or if you’d rather just take it easy and relax, you can charter a luxurious yacht from Vilamoura Marina, go dolphin spotting or take a long, romantic walk along the coast.

The views along the Vilamoura coastline are breathtaking, regardless of what time of day you happen to be there. If you are early risers, you’ll catch a fabulous sunrise and the sunsets are to die for. Watch as the rocks change colour and marvel at the sight of them illuminated against the night’s sky. Vilamoura is a sophisticated resort, located in the central region of the Algarve, an area of widely contrasting character, blessed with superb golf courses, beautiful golden beaches and wild rolling hills. History has left its mark here, with Stone Age megaliths, the remains of Roman Villas, imposing Moorish Castles and noble Gothic Cathedrals. There is a strong maritime heritage evident in the fine seafood restaurants and in Quarteira, the fish market sells produce straight off the boat.

If you do enjoy great food, check out Willie’s Restaurant on the Rua do Brazil in Vilamoura. Willie is a Michelin starred chef who delights in serving food with a mixture of international influences. His restaurant has a relaxing ambience and is ideally located in a beautiful residential area, close to the famed Pinhal Golf Course, in Vilamoura. Willie loves to share his passion for food with his guests and he and his staff create a relaxing atmosphere where the level of enjoyment and hospitality lend to the most memorable of dining experiences. The perfect venue for that special romantic dinner, Willies is air-conditioned and decorated in soft yellow pastels, creating an atmosphere for elegant dining by soft candlelight. Lovely fresh flowers add to this already intimate and relaxed interior. As you might expect, Willies reputation is excellent so booking is highly recommended. Closed on Wednesdays Willies is otherwise open from 19.00. Tel. 289 380 849.

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Carvoeiro

Another romantic stop in the Algarve is the village of Carvoeiro. Here you can take a boat ride and tour around looking at the dramatic coastline with its many grottoes. You can either employ the sailing services of one of the local fishermen or take a trip to Portimao where there is a larger choice of boat. If you opt for a trip from Portimao, you will pass Paraiso Beach before reaching the beaches of Carvoeiro. Paraiso Beach is not far from Carvoeiro at all and you reach it by climbing down some fairly steep steps that have been cut from the rocks. The climb down is worth it though, it is rarely if ever crowded and a great place to while away a couple of romantic hours. Spend a bit longer on the boat though, and you can explore the caves and inlets of Carvoeiro beach. The beach itself is a vast sandy expanse, bordered on both sides by dramatic rocky outcrops which help to shield the area and keep it relatively wind free.

These days Carvoeiro is one of the main destinations for those looking for private villa holidays in the Algarve, Portugal. This delightful old fishing village retains the charm of its past whilst meeting the demands of a modern holiday destination. It offers something for everyone, including some very romantic restaurants, chief among which has to be a little place called Ele & Ela, right in the centre of town. With a menu that changes frequently it is best described as incorporating the wildest of flavours from all over the world, served with a Portuguese twist. This place is well worth checking out. Closed on Mondays but otherwise open the rest of the week from 6.00 pm - 10.30 pm in season, they offer a cosy, intimate atmosphere together with some of the best food served locally. They get booked up regularly so call them on 282 357 509 to make your reservations.

Another great restaurant and definitely one to add to your list of romantic places in Carvoeiro, is Tia Ilda, located right in the centre of Carvoeiro and close to the beach. Its position guarantees some fabulously romantic sunset views. Colour is a real theme here as the ground floor is brightly decorated with Portuguese pottery and a hand painted typically Algarvean tiles. These are complimented by gorgeous hand painted dishes and they come together beautifully to create a warm, calm and romantic ambience. Upstairs and the terrace provides a spectacular view of the sea which is simply magical in the early evenings. The menu of international and traditional Portuguese cuisine presents more than a hundred different dishes including a variety of tapas, salads, grills, daily fresh fish, meat dishes, fish, pizzas, pastas, fondue, seafood and Cataplana, the traditional Portuguese dish. Tia Ilda, situated on the Rampa do Paraiso in Carvoeiro, Algarve is open every day from 12.00 noon to 12.00 midnight. To book your romantic meal for two at Tia Ilda call 282 357 830

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Tavira

The ancient town of Tavira in East Algarve is one of the principal tourist attractions of the area. The town is full of history at every turn; Moorish and Roman architectural influences are there for all to see. The impressive seven-arched bridge that traverses the River Gilao exists courtesy of the Romans whilst the 8^th century church that overlooks the town was originally placed there by the Moors. There are many more ancient buildings in the town including an 8^th century Moorish castle and numerous churches built through the ages. Taking a timeline from the Moors, it is possible to trace the history of architecture through the different buildings in the town.

Elevated to the position of city in 1520, Tavira boomed in the period of the Portuguese discoveries and the old houses that line the banks of the river, dating from this period are testament to that. They have a grandeur about them that speaks clearly of this time of great riches. As a result of the earthquake of 1722 and the silting up of the port, the city’s fortunes reversed and it fell into decline. It wasn’t until much later on, towards the late 18th century that things started to pick up again, through carpet selling and the growing tuna fishing industry.

Today, Tavira attracts its tourist crowds with some delightful specialist shops and a bustling central square that is lined with bars, trendy cafés and fine restaurants, ideal for that romantic dinner for two. Among the old cobbled streets and bougainvillea-hung balconies, you’ll find such gastronomic delights as Amore Vero, probably the best Italian restaurant outside of Italy, located on the Rua Joao Vaz Corte Real in Tavira. The view is not the best but the food more than makes up for it. You’ll need to call them to reserve your table. To book your romantic Italian meal for two at Amore Vero call 281098007.

If Italian’s not really your thing and you fancy something with a bit more choice you’ll love the Tavira Lounge. This modern, stylish bar just off the main square overlooks the river. There are a number of vegetarian options including quiches, salads and pastas. If you’re eating inside, try to get a seat by the window overlooking the river as it can get a bit hot. They also have a seating area outside but it’s away from the bar itself so they only serve drinks and cold food there.

Another fine restaurant that is ideal for romantic meals for two in Tavira is Brisa do Rio on the Rua Dr. Augusto Silva Carvalho in Tavira, Tavira 8800-324. The food and service are so good you’ll want to return time and again. It is always full so you’ll need to book. This is just a taste of the many fine restaurants that await you in Tavira. There are plenty more besides, many of which have lovely views making them just perfect for your romantic dinner treat.

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Family Holidays Algarve – Toddlers to Teenagers Essential Destination Guide

2010-11-08T03:50:00.000-08:00

The Algarve is a fabulous holiday destination, suited to everyone from families with small children to teenagers and from couples to larger groups of friends. The key is in choosing the right resort. The Algarve boasts a superb climate, plenty of award winning blue flag beaches, lots of land and water based activities, very many fine restaurants and some great fashion outlets too. There are also plenty of attractions to keep the youngsters happy including water sports, zoos and adventure parks.

As we write this article, at the end of October, it is a warm and balmy 73° which is fairly typical for this time of year. It is also pleasing to note that the lowest temperatures for the year rarely, if ever, drop to below 60° and even then, there is a minimum of 6 hours of sunshine every day. Come summer, we can look forward to 12 hours of glorious sunshine every day, with temperatures up into the early to mid eighties.

These are the perfect conditions for messing about on the water. Portugal can be justly proud of her coastline, many of the beaches have been awarded the European blue flag for cleanliness and as for the views, some of them are quite stunning. Early evening is perhaps the best time to catch them, just as the sun sets. The colours, shapes, silhouettes and shadows cast by the rock formations are wonderful and later, when parts of the coastline are illuminated, the view is extremely romantic.

Algarve Holiday Destinations for Young Families

If you are bringing your young family away on holiday with you, you’ll need to know where the best and most family friendly locations are. Here are a few pointers for you. Look for the supervised blue flag beaches, there are plenty to choose from along Portugal’s south facing coastline. Here you can be safe in the knowledge that there are lifeguards present at peak times and also that the beaches are clean and the sea is calm. These conditions make it ideal for your little ones to splash around in the shallows. Protection from the sun is particularly important too and all the beaches in the area have sun beds and shades that are either free to use or available for hire.

Some beaches however, can get very busy, particularly those near to the really touristy areas like Albufeira. As a general rule of thumb, the livelier the beach during the day, the busier the nightlife, so if it’s a good night’s sleep you’re after, you’d do better to stay away from the strip in Albufeira. Quieter beaches which lend themselves a little more to family time can be found from Praia da Luz to Armacao de Pera and at Vilamoura, Carvoeiro, Alvor and Portimao not forgetting Tavira in the east. All of these locations serve up a delightful mix of things to do and see for the youngsters with plenty to interest the parents too.

Algarve Activities for Young Families

Family is very important here in Portugal and so it should come as no surprise that there are plenty of activities open to people of all ages. Days spent at the beach will keep some children and most adults happy for hours, especially if they’ve come armed with their buckets and spades and a good book. Smother the children in sun cream and set them free amongst the rock pools. They’ll soon come back when they’re hungry.

For the more adventurous and slightly older children, there is all the excitement of the sea. Armbands, rubber rings, tyre tubes and lilos will keep them safe and above water. Other great watery destinations are the Algarve’s water parks, chief among which is Aqualand, which claims to be the largest water park in Europe. It is big too, at over 14 acres, boasting more than 1500 metres of watery fun with slides, flumes and fountains, look out for the Banzai Boggan, the Kamikaze and the Anaconda. There is plenty of supervision in place so parents can go off to relax in the shaded gardens while the youngsters play. Aqualand is easily accessed from Albufeira, Alvôr, Armação de Pêra, Galé, Lagos, Portimão, Praia da Rocha, Tavira, Vilamoura and Vila Real S. António.

More water based fun can be had near Quarteira. Here, it’s all about the Aquashow, another family fun park with plenty of slides ranging from slow ones for the tots to faster ones for the more daring. East of Lagoa is Slide and Splash and not far from Albufeira you’ll find Zoomarine where you’ll encounter such things as dolphins, seals, sea lions, sharks, and tortoises, exotic and marine birds, crocodiles and tropical fish.

Algarve Holiday Destinations and Activities for Teenagers

Older children and teenagers may feel they’ve outgrown the slides, zoos and water parks, preferring instead to head for the busier beaches with their water sports, arcades and activities. Some may even prefer heading out to sea on sailing boats. From Alvor, you can catch a ride aboard a traditional Portuguese sailing boat and go snorkelling, ocean swimming, fishing or island hopping. Family day trips are offered as well as barbeque sailing trips and sunset party cruises, all of which set off from the waterfront promenade near Alvor's old fish market.

Should you be staying near the town of Portimao, you could take the opportunity to sail aboard a double masted Portuguese vessel known as a Caravelle. It looks just like an old pirate ship, whilst on-board you’ll be taken to see the breathtaking caves and hidden grottos at Benagil, Alfanzina and Lagos and the trip could end with a tasty beach barbecue.

Other nautical expeditions include dolphin safaris. Leaving from the Portimao Marina at Praia da Rocha, low riding boats will take you to get as close as you are able, to these beautiful and intelligent creatures of the sea. Alternatively, you could take the Aquabus. This is a glass bottomed boat which travels around the Algarvean coast’s clear blue waters, bringing its wealth of sealife into ultra clear focus.

If your children qualify as thrill seekers, you might want to steer them in the direction of the Alvor estuary for a canoe trip. It’s not exactly white water rafting but it is fun and will leave them feeling exhilarated. Forest path walks near the Monchique are great for nature lovers and cross country mountain biking is on offer from Foia, the highest peak in the Algarve, to the coast. There are pick up points for all these excursions at Alvor, Portimao, Praia da Rocha, Lagos, Meia Praia, Praia da Luz, Ferragudo, Carvoeiro and Armação de Pera so wherever your holiday villa or apartment is located, you shouldn’t be too far away from one of them.

Further east, back towards the airport and there is the aerial adventure playground of Braveland. A daft name for sure but it tells the tale alright. Here children and young teenagers will be able to test their climbing skills and bravery to the limit. Activities include: slides, bouncy castles and traditional group games like mine fields, human ski and treasure hunts as well as, archery, trampolining, mountain biking, kayaking, trekking and paintballing and climbing games like spiders webs, rock and tree climbing, rappel, low and high ropes and adventure bridges.

The calmer waters on the western end of the south-facing coast are the best spots for canoeing, windsurfing, kite surfing and jet skiing and here’s where you’ll find all the pedaloes and banana boats. If you’re into surfing, head north along the coast at Sagres, here you’ll be able to catch some great waves, in fact this area in renowned in the surfing world for its radical highs and deep swells.

Another active holiday pass time to keep your young adrenaline junkies happy is Blo-karting. Blo-karting is, as the name suggests, wind powered go-karting. This too is held in Sagres as it is here where the oceanic winds are at their highest. The riders of these sailing karts are put through their paces on purpose built tracks where they can reach speeds of up to 30mph.

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Algarve Villas Holidays – The Luxurious Central Algarve

2010-11-03T07:34:00.000-07:00

Luxurious Algarve villa holidays can be enjoyed throughout the year by couples, families and groups of friends alike. There are some areas of central Algarve, the 45 mile stretch between Faro and Portimao on the Algarvean coast, that epitomise luxury and others still, that re-define it. It is small wonder then that the majority of holiday makers who come to the Algarve looking for their dream holiday destination, head straight for the central Algarve region for their Algarve villa holidays.

The area has much to offer the discerning traveller, with top quality villas aplenty. Luxury is a much vaunted word, but here, it applies in spades. These stunning buildings have been created with nothing but the very best in mind. The best designs, the most wonderful views, the finest materials, the ultimate in facilities, there are simply not enough superlatives to describe it accurately.

There is a high concentration of top quality villas and apartments to rent in the area, most of which benefit from either coastal or fairway views and all of which have been built with the key word luxury in mind The popularity of golf in the area cannot be ignored and this is reflected in the number of villas and apartments that are available to rent, arranged around golf courses.

The central Algarve region is not all about golf though. Some of the most fabulous golden sanded beaches exist along many miles of breathtaking coastline and move inland just a little and you’ll discover The Ria Formosa Natural Park, a natural parkland to rival the best in Europe that simply begs to be explored.

Other “simply musts” in the area include the Quinta do Lago, the Vale do Lobo and the Vila Sol Resorts, all of which are located in the heart of Algarve’s 'Golden Triangle'. This area, bounded by Quinta do Lago, Vilamoura and Loulé also boasts the smaller but equally luxurious developments of Dunas Douradas and Vale do Garrão.

Quinta do Lago

The luxurious resort of Quinta do Lago has been designed around the game of golf and features some of the most stunning courses to be found anywhere in Europe. That said, there is so much more to Quinta do Lago than golf. Within its bounds are two beautiful lakes that form part of the Ria Formosa Natural Park, a fine restaurant known as Casa do Lago and Quinta Shopping; a wonderful collection of fashionable boutiques, elegant interior design shops, some excellent restaurants and much more. There is even a traditional English pub in case anyone gets homesick.

Vale do Lobo

Vale do Lobo is another one of the central Algarve’s luxurious golfing holiday destinations. This unspoilt area of coastline with its year round sun and rich local history attracts visitors from all over the civilised world. The resort is located just 20 minutes from Faro International Airport which makes it easily accessible by aeroplane from just about anywhere. Vale do Lobo has two outstanding golf courses to offer, The Royal and the Ocean, both of which have played host to the Portuguese Open.

Nestled between Quinta do Lago and Vilamoura, the Vale do Lobo is one of Europe's finest holiday resort locations. Its luxurious villas and apartments benefit not only from the fabulous, year round weather but also from some of the most delightful scenery in the country.

Vilamoura

Vilamoura is famed, not only for its golf but also for its villas and apartments, beaches, restaurants, bars and marina. It is the biggest private resort in Europe and has been purpose built to cater for the discerning tourist. Privately owned villas and apartments on golfing complexes, and a wide range of villas and apartments near to the marina wait to cosset you in the very lap of luxury.

The marina can berth up to 1000 boats and it boasts a huge range of quality restaurants, trendy bars and designer shops to pander to the needs of the wealthy, yachtsmen, golfers and celebrities that line the quayside of an evening. The area becomes very lively, particularly at night when the well heeled step out to party or dine in style.

Dunas Douradas

The prestigious resort of Dunas Douradas is beautifully located on the golden Algarve coastline between the Quinta do Lago and the Vale do Lobo. It offers luxurious apartments and villas for short or long-term rentals, most of them featuring five-star accommodation.

The Algarve Coastline is of course famous for its world-class golf courses and beautiful beaches but there are plenty of other activities to keep everyone busy too. There is a wealth of water based activities from sailing to snorkelling and natural reservoirs and park land abounds in the area, just waiting to be explored.

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Algarve Villa Holidays - A Romantic Destination for Couples

2010-10-04T08:36:00.000-07:00

An Algarve villa or apartment in the Algarve is ideal for a romantic holiday getaway. Whether you are looking for a romantic holiday for two or honeymoon accommodation, Villa in Algarve have beautiful private villas and apartments in all the popular Algarve holiday destinations throughout east, west and central Algarve.

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Romantic Resorts

Whilst it might be said that romance can be found anywhere, not all Algarve holiday destinations can be considered “romantic”. Some are lively and touristy and some are ideal for families with children but others will be just perfect for a romantic break. We have selected a few that should appeal to those who only have eyes for each other.

Romantic Western Algarve

Figueira

The town of Figueira features a wonderful beach with coves in which you can lose yourselves. The ideal hideaway, this area is guaranteed to light a romantic fire. It can only be reached by foot and you’ll need to be quite determined but once there, you can enjoy your time together in relative peace and quiet.

Sagres

Sagres is a wild, untamed place and therein lies its romance. The area is of tremendous historical importance. The site of the Sagres School of Navigation founded by Prince Henry the Navigator in the 13^th Century; it was where Christopher Columbus sought refuge having been attacked by pirates in 1476.

Among the other famous names to have passed this way are Sir Francis Drake, Admiral Tourville, Sir George Rooke, Admiral Sir George Rodney, Admiral Don Juan de Langara, Sir Charles Napier, Don José de Cordoba, Sir John Jervis and Lord Nelson and the place hasn’t changed that much since last he saw it back in 1805 on his way to the Battle of Trafalgar.

Romantic Central Algarve

Armação de Pera

Here couples may spend hours on end, lazing around on the quiet beaches and come evening time, find romance in the old cobbled streets too. There a great choice of restaurants and bars and because it’s not hugely touristy, it gives itself over to couples who are more interested in each other than in going out and painting the town red.

Vilamoura

With its marina and upmarket restaurants, Vilamoura is the epitome of romance. Take a stroll along the waterside gazing at the boats, enjoy the beaches, play a round or two of golf, have a game of tennis or try something more adventurous like parasailing. For a really romantic occasion take a 'champagne cruise' aboard a luxury cruiser and see the beautiful coastline and stunning views from a different perspective.

Romantic Eastern Algarve

Tavira

The East Algarve is quiet and less touristy so could be ideal for a romantic break. The town of Tavira is choc full of romantic heritage and boasts the most beautiful and surprisingly empty beaches that seem to go on forever. Fields of orange trees, hills of fig and almond and houses with dazzling whitewashed walls offer just a hint of the charms of Tavira and its municipality.

Altura

Take a close look at the extreme east of the Algarve, here, where Portugal borders Spain and you’ll find some real hidden gems. Close to the beaches on the coast is the quiet town of Altura, an ideal location for those seeking a secluded resort away from the crowds and the noisy pubs and nightclubs. The laid-back feel of Altura is reflected in the pace of life here from the daily market to the hospitality of the local people, it is romantic to its core.

Romantic Beaches

There are lots of romantic beaches on the coast of the Algarve. Some feature beachside restaurants, some have clifftop views, others are lit up to dramatic effect in the evening and all provide the perfect opportunity to relax and watch a truly magnificent sunset.

Praia da Mareta in Sagres is very popular with lots of water side and beach activities but is still quiet and romantic at times.

Baleeira beach again in Sagres is ideal if your idea of romance features a meal in a fine restaurant with wonderful views overlooking the ocean. You will also like the beaches at Porto de Mós and Meia Praia in Lagos and Praia Verde in Tavira.

If you prefer to enjoy the sights in relative peace and quiet, the beaches of Esteveira and Vale Figueira in Aljezur; Bordoeira in Carrapateira; Barranco das Canas and Praia de Ingrina in Vila do Bispo and Cacela Velha in Tavira are really good choices.

Romantic Activities

Portugal combines the exotic with the romantic; it combines natural beauty with medieval splendour and sophistication. The area boasts year-round sunshine and clean blue Atlantic waters. Wherever you choose to stay on Portugal’s Algarve, you'll find lots of places to enjoy romantic activities and to savour those very special, romantic moments.

Romance of course means different things to different people, some may find romance in sporting activities like hot-air ballooning, horse riding, canoeing, hiking, mountain biking or water sports. Others may find romance in enjoying a cruise together or touring a winery.

Romance can also be found in the markets as you shop together for jewellery, fine wines and ports, pretty embroidered fabrics and ceramics to feather your nest. You can have fun choosing from the colourful “azulejos” These are the distinctive, hand-made tiles used to decorate the interiors and exteriors of many of the most beautiful homes in Portugal.

Some find romance in food and Portuguese cuisine is as diverse and tasty as you would expect any Mediterranean country’s to be. Fresh grilled sardines and succulent lobster can be found on many Portuguese menus, and you’ll find locally grown almonds and figs adding their own sweet flavours to many a dessert. These taste sensations are even more delicious when enjoyed “al-fresco”, dining in one of the Algarve's many open-air restaurants.

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'Get to know the East Algarve' – an ideal Algarve Holiday Destination

2010-09-20T04:54:00.000-07:00

East Algarve

The eastern region of the Algarve is the ideal place to look for Algarve villas to rent. The eastern Algarve region starts at Faro with its international airport and ends at Villa Real St Antonio, the border town between Portugal and Spain. Eastern Algarve is comprised of six regions namely Olhão, to the west of the eastern region, São Brás de Alportel, a little further east on the coast, Tavira, which occupies a more central position and Vila Real de Santo António, on the coastal border with Spain. Further in land and to the north are the regions of Castro Marim and Alcoutim. Each of these very different areas has something unique and exciting to offer.

Olhão

The town of Olhão, situated in the Ria Formosa national park, eastern Algarve was established back in the 17^th Century. With still very strong links to the fishing industry, it was the first to open a tuna and sardine canning factory of the sort that are now ubiquitous along the Algarve coast. Olhão is still the busiest fishing port in the Algarve and proudly displays its regular catches in its fish markets.

Outer Olhão is typical of a modern and busy working town but reach the waterfront and things are markedly different. You’ll find a delightful area full of markets and well kept gardens. Stylish cafés line the cobbled streets leading to the old 'Moorish style' town where fascinating architectures and a lively market atmosphere await. A ferry moored at the pier, island hops from here, to Armona and Culatra which offer contrastingly relaxed sunbathing on beautiful, unspoilt sandy beaches and a pleasant swim in the Atlantic

São Brás de Alportel

São Brás de Alportel made its fortune in the cork trade in the early 20^th C. It was the largest producer of cork in world at that time and was made a municipality in recognition of its economic importance. In recent times however, the centre of the cork trade has relocated to central and northern Portugal with the result that São Brás is left to rely on its local craft work and tourism.

Old São Brás is typical of the Algarve of yesteryear. Low rise white painted houses interspersed with small shops and cafes, line the maze of cobbled streets centred around the church which, like pretty much everything else in this part of the Algarve, was rebuilt after the earthquake of 1755

São Brás is proud justly of its past but it does not cling to it. Further out of town and the streets widen. The cobbles give way to pavers and tarmac and modern apartment blocks stand in place of older, more traditional housing. The town has fully embraced its new life as a tourist and 2^nd home location. The older parts remain of course, for posterity and tourism’s sake but new São Brás is a place of modernity. Many shops, supermarkets, restaurants and cafés are thriving in the area, serving their new, if slightly foreign clientèle.

For the tourist and visitor São Brás de Alportel, in the foothills of the Algarve is the ideal base from which to explore the local countryside. There is plenty to do and see in the area and days at the beach and some superb golfing are just a short drive away.

Tavira

The ancient and architecturally stunning town of Tavira can be dated back 4000 years. The town was built on the fishing and later the shipping industries and still today bears the hallmarks of both these trades. The earthquake of 1755 saw the area completely rebuilt and perhaps by way of prayer that such a calamity should not befall the area again, saw the erection afterwards, of some 37 churches.

The rural areas of Tavira, on the outskirts of town are gradually changing with the times to welcome the tourist and the ex pat. Three superb golf courses, four if you count Colina Verde though that’s a little more toward Olhão, now pander to the increasing number of professional, semi professional and hobby golfers that are drawn to this part of the world. The beach in Tavira is known as Ilha de Tavira. It is a wide natural sand bar accessed via ferry from the mainland and is a very popular destination for locals, tourists and ex pats alike.

Vila Real de Santo António

Vila Real de Santo António to the east of the Algarve coast, lies at the mouth of the river Guadiana and marks the border between Portugal and Spain. The waterfront is a glorious display of gardens and colour and its busy marina is a very lively and trendy place. The town has grown from the humble beginnings of a small fishing village to now feature a wonderful selection of shops.

In 1997 a bridge spanning the River Guadiana was built to connect the city of Seville in Spain with the Algarve. This now serves as a popular crossing point and an area where the two cultures can mix freely. You can also cross the River Guadiana by ferryboat to visit the Spanish town of Ayamonte. It is a pleasant and relaxing experience, since the Guadiana never gets too rough.

Alcoutim

Alcoutim is located at the point where the River Guadiana becomes tidal, so anyone wanting to ship goods had to wait here until conditions were right. And so, a town was born and a once thriving one at that. The diminishing role however, of the river as a transport route, the distance of Alcoutim from the sea and the decline of the local mining industry led to a long period of economic stagnation.

Today visitors to Alcoutim can enjoy peaceful hours walking through the streets of this charming old town or along the river. There is a wonderful 14^th Century castle overlooking the river, built to defend the border against invasion from neighbouring hordes, this had to be adapted some 300 years later to deal with the changes in artillery warfare, as such it gives an interesting insight into changing battle practice

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Late Summer and Autumn Algarve Breaks – With Truly Algarve

2010-09-08T02:24:00.000-07:00

Unlike some other resort locations, the Algarve is an excellent holiday destination for late summer and autumn breaks, especially if you fancy packing your clubs. The greens and fairways are always in great condition since they are worked on all year round, the fees are reduced making a round of golf great value as well as great fun and the weather is a very pleasant 15°-19°C.

It may perhaps be a little to chilly to swim in the ocean but you can still laze around on the beach or the pool and enjoy 5 or 6 hours of very warm and unbroken sunshine, with all the beach bars and restaurants at your disposal.

At this time of year you'll find the delightful villages and towns of the Algarve offering just as warm a welcome as they do in the height of summer. Less crowded and with fewer children since most of them are back at school, you’ll find the emphasis shifts from mass appeal to a relaxed, more service oriented approach. Shop keepers, bar owners and restaurateurs are happier to take time out to welcome and talk to their guests and the whole area takes on a more laid back and contented feel.

Another advantage of coming away slightly later in the year is that sporting activities of all sorts are more widely available, especially if you choose to visit one of the larger resorts like Albufeira, Lagos or Vilamoura, here you can have your pick of the restaurants, cinemas and clubs and enjoy a still very lively nightlife.

Great Late Summer and Autumn Destinations

Albufeira

Albufeira on the coast of central Algarve is an extremely popular destination amongst holidaymakers and 2^nd home owners from the UK and Europe and a visit to this beautiful old town, particularly in late summer will quickly reveal why so many find it such an appealing destination. Just a short drive from Faro international airport it is the ideal location for a relaxing end of summer break.

Albufeira is sunny all year round, vibrant and lively, it can also peaceful and romantic. In late summer it is a relaxed haven, the crowds have all but disappeared and the children have returned to school leaving Albufeira to relax into its naturally idyllic pace. The town is all things to all people it caters for families, couples and groups of friends looking for plenty to do combined with great beaches.

Lagos

Lagos on the western side of the Algarve has something to offer everyone. It is an ideal family holiday destination, catering for people of all ages. Lagos can trace its roots back 4000 years and has always had connections with the sea, it was these connections that bought great wealth to the town from North Africa some 500 years ago.

Lagos is brimming with historical artefacts and statues commemorate great figures from its past but Lagos is not all about the past. It is a lively town with many attractions taking place around its central square. The Praca de Gil Eanes regularly plays host to Portuguese football which is played out on big screens in the town centre. The Portuguese are a passionate people and this is as true of their sport as it is anything else, so you’ll often find the town square filled with people enjoying the sport and other entertainments laid on by the nearby restaurants and bars.

Vilamoura

To really experience luxury on the Algarve, Vilamoura is the place to come. It is among the largest private tourist resorts in Europe but don’t let size put you off. This delightful town features some of the most luxurious hotels, villas and apartments in the Algarve, all set in glorious scenery with views over golf courses, the town, the marina or coast.

Vilamoura is a hive of activity featuring many quality restaurants and trendy bars. There is a wealth of designer clothing on offer here and the marina has to be seen to be believed. It can berth up to 1000 boats and many of the craft that are moored here are very special indeed.

The town and the marina in particular, come alive of an evening with the bars and restaurants opening themselves up to embrace the warm night air. Later in the evening the clubs open their doors but these are not the clubs of Ayia Napa or Ibiza, they are nocturnal venues for a more discerning, genteel crowd.

We have highlighted just three of the many wonderful destinations on offer in the Algarve and know that you will be delighted with a stay at any one of them but, wherever you choose to take your late summer holiday or autumn in the Algarve, you are assured of great weather, golf, food, entertainment and a fabulous time whether you come here as a couple, a group of friends or a family.

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Apartments at the Rocha Brava Resort - great value accommodation for couples

2010-08-20T05:28:00.000-07:00

Just 45 minutes drive from Faro International airport, in the Portuguese Algarve, lies the fabulous resort location of Rocha Brava or “Wild Rocks”. Set amid nearly 57 acres of landscaped gardens and rolling coastal countryside and consisting of just 410 luxurious holiday units, the accommodation is offered in a wide range of styles and sizes from 1, 2 and 3 bedroomed apartments and townhouses through to 3 and 4 bedroomed villas with their own private swimming pools.

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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.

Algarve Villas – Click here to view our full range of Algarve accommodation

Carvoeiro and Five of it's Beaches

2010-07-08T08:49:00.001-07:00

The seaside town of Carvoeiro has some 12 beaches for you to choose from. They range in style from the very busy and family fun orientated, to the quieter, romantic and more couple centric. This fabulous selection of beaches cater for everyone from the couple just wanting to relax and enjoy each other’s company, to families with young children enjoying, sun, sea and sandcastles and groups of friends looking for beach bars and adrenalin fuelled water sports.

Part of the Algarve’s appeal is that it can be all things, to all people. Its vast coastline, varying terrains and changing waters, make it the ideal holiday location. One day you can be enjoying the thrills and spills of waterskiing and the next, the peace and quiet of a secluded beach cove.

The waters are warm and generally calm. The currents pick up in a few places but these are well marked with flags and the main beaches are manned by lifeguards throughout the summer months keeping them as safe as possible.

1. Praia de Marinha

Ideal for a day trip to the beach, once here, you won’t want to leave. Marinha is located 5km southeast of Lagoa and just 1km east of Benagil but from wherever you are staying in the Algarve, Praia de Marinha is well worth a visit.

One hundred and sixteen wide shallow steps, cut from the rocks, transport you effortlessly from a cliff top car park to the soft golden sands beneath. This small beach cove sits below some magnificent rock formations providing an intimate, cosseted feeling that will make you want to stay on longer and this feeling is further enhanced, by the friendliness of the staff at the beach side snack bar.
At high tide this relatively small beach is reduced in size still further, becoming no more than a sandy strip.

At this time, the sand is usually home to the gear of snorkellers. The quality and clarity of the water here is so good that it attracts people from all over, to spy on and mingle with species from the sub aqua world.

When the waters recede, the area becomes a fascination for children of all ages as the many rock pools play host to some interesting and varied marine life. Previously submerged coves become accessible once again and harbour treasures left behind by the sea.

2. Praia de Benagil

This small beach, a short drive from Rocha Brava on a sharp bend in the road, is often used by local fishermen. They haul their boats up onto the beach, laden with the days catch which makes for an interesting spectacle. A small number of restaurants and bars in the area regularly benefit from the fisherman’s catch, ensuring the very freshest of fish gets served at their tables.

Having unloaded their catch and finished for the day, for a small fee the fishermen will offer to take holidaymakers out on the water. As you trip up and down the coast, you can properly appreciate the majesty of the rock formations and the diversity of the scenery that this part of the world has to offer.

3. Praia de Carvalho

If you leave the resort of Rocha Brava and wander across the cliffs tops with views of the sea out to the west, you will stumble upon this tiny but beautifully presented beach. With steps in the rocks leading down to a tunnel, through which you have to climb to get down to the beach, access to the sanded paradise is not exactly straight forward, but it is certainly worth it.

This secluded spot is a haven for couples who are looking to escape the other more touristy beaches and because it is relatively difficult to access, many of the more committed peace seekers find their way there. With rock formations on either side it is a natural sun trap and out of the cooling breeze, it really can get very warm indeed. A number of stubborn rock forms protrude from the sea and present dramatic sunset photo opportunities.

4. Praia Centianes

This lovely beach is proving more and more popular, so much so, that a new apartment complex is being built in the vicinity. Just 500 metres from the resort of Rocha Brava, the beach provides plenty of space at least when the tide is out.

A measure of its increasing popularity is the fact that the beach has recently been extended, through the removal of some crumbling cliffs. These needed to go, to make the beach safe but as a result of the increased space, this has led to increased patronage. The beach is approached by a pathway from a small gravel car park and there are a few steps leading down onto the sand. Sunbeds and shades are available here.

5. Vale de Covo

The beach at Vale de Covo is about as picturesque a setting as you are likely to find in The Algarve, especially in the evening. The rock formations are dramatic, the beach is small and intimate and the whole thing is lit up at night time giving it an especially, magical feel.

This pretty little cove just past the Almonsor Hotel is reached by quite a few steps so you must go prepared, but it is well worth the effort once you are there. There are lots of small caves that have been eroded into the rocks providing perfect little hideaways for those feeling romantic.

Villas in Carvoeiro – click here to search for holiday villas and apartments

Villas in Carvoeiro | Holidays in Carvoeiro

2010-06-15T05:26:00.000-07:00

If you are planning on taking your holidays in Carvoeiro this year, or are looking at villas in Carvoeiro to rent, then you are quite literally spoiled for choice. We have an extensive range of villas and apartments to rent, in and around this popular Algarve location.

Holidays in Carvoeiro are very popular among families and couples alike as there is such a large choice of quality self-catering accommodation both large and small. Whether you are looking for an intimate apartment with 1 or 2 bedrooms or a large villa to accommodate an extended family, we have many holiday properties to choose from, which will exceed your expectations.

Once a traditional fishing village relying on its Tuna catches, Carvoeiro has moved with the times to become a very popular seaside holiday resort. Catering for the wants and desires of the modern day tourist, the town now offers a high standard of accommodation, together with quality restaurants and bars. One thing you certainly won't be short of in Carvoeiro, is somewhere to eat and drink! There is a huge selection of bars, restaurants and cafés all within easy walking distance of the town centre.

The centre of Carvoeiro itself is still quite contained as it hasn’t sprawled like so many other popular holiday resorts. There are just two roads leading down into the town, meeting in a small square adjacent the beach. Unfortunately there is no longer any parking available in the town square since it’s re-vamp in 2009, so if you’re driving, you should look for parking in one of the side streets. It’s not too far to walk though and besides, it’s nice to get out and wander round.
Although the town itself is quite small, in Carvoeiro’s case, small does not mean sparse. The town has all the things you are likely to want in a holiday resort and a lot more besides.

You’ll find plenty of shops catering for your everyday needs and because they are so used to British visitors you will be able to find most of your normal groceries here. There is also a large “Intermarché” on the Lagoa road which is on the outskirts of Carvoeiro. Like our out of town supermarkets, these larger centres stock a huge range of goods and groceries, including electrical items, but do remember, the power grids are different here, so you’ll need a converter plug to use any electrical item bought here, back in the UK.

As with most seaside holiday resort locations, much of the larger accommodation is located on the outskirts of town but it has all been sympathetically designed to merge with the existing architectures of the area, so as not to stand out as bold, brash, new or garish. Carvoeiro is not a town of high rise hotels and apartment blocks, nor will it ever be, the authorities here will simply not allow it.

The town square features plenty of bars and cafés so you can enjoy watching the action on the beach, while you sit comfortably in the shade with a cool drink in hand. If you prefer something a bit more hands on, you could catch a ride with the local fishermen who offer boat trips around the coastline to see the caves or you could seize the opportunity to jump on a jet ski or go water skiing.

There is so much to do here; the list of activities is endless. From boat trips to big game fishing, from cycling to golf and from horse riding to water sports, you’ll never run out of things to do. The cliff tops around Carvoeiro offer plenty of scope for walking and some great views but do beware of the ‘algares’. Algares are holes in the cliffs where the sea has eroded them from underneath, there are some near the lighthouse at Cabo de Carvoeiro. Luckily, they have been fenced off but it just goes to show how fragile the cliffs can be.

If even the thought of all this activity is tiring you out, or you simply want to relax quietly with your partner and soak up the sun, you can. Away from the main beach of Carvoeiro, there are plenty of smaller bays and coves. Here, couples can relax in a truly romantic setting, taking in the sights, sounds and sunsets of this glorious seaside location, whilst enjoying nothing but each other’s company.

Algarve Villas – click here to search for holiday villas and apartments in Carvoeiro

Family Holidays Algarve – Albufeira

2010-05-19T09:41:00.000-07:00

Truly® Algarve offer a stunning selection of holiday villas and apartments, just perfect for Algarve family holidays. Available for rent, in and around the beautiful coastal town of Albufeira, these delightful and luxurious holiday homes come fully equipped* with everything you’ll need for a relaxing family holiday.
One of the larger towns on the coast of the Algarve, Albufeira has lots to offer the whole family. From children’s entertainment, through to ample shopping, to water sports and a great nightlife, there is plenty to occupy older children and teenagers alike.

Family Holidays Algarve - click here to search for Villas in Albufeira

If you prefer the quiet life and want simply to lounge around by a pool, then a villa just outside of town should suit you to a tee. Many of them are within walking distance of local shops, so stocking up on supplies is easy and this highlights the true beauty of a self catering villa holiday; you are free to do exactly as you wish. If that means nothing more than sunbathing and tending to a barbecue between drinks, before sitting down to a freshly prepared alfresco family lunch, then so be it.

If you feel a little more adventurous and would like to explore the local countryside, there are walking, cycling and horse riding opportunities aplenty. Alternatively you could go fishing, play tennis or golf. The area is famed for its golf and with many of its courses benefitting from breathtaking countryside and coastal views; it is quite possible to lose yourself for a while between the first and ninth or even the eighteenth holes. With so much to occupy the older children, why not take advantage and escape for a while?

Albufeira combines its old town tradition and character with a modern outlook. Its contemporary marina offers all the modern tourist conveniences including supermarkets, beach resort shops, bars, pubs and restaurants and yet, within a short time, you can be amongst the fishing boats or out in the countryside and in a quiet place that has deliberately ignored the march of time.

The town is centrally located on the Algarve’s Atlantic coast. The weather here is consistently warm, without being unbearably hot which makes it ideal, even for those with very young children. The beaches are wonderful, soft golden sand stretches for miles in both directions along the shore and the relatively calm, quite shallow waters are perfect for snorkelling or splashing about on lilos and pedaloes.
Many parts of this glorious coastline have received awards for both cleanliness and safety and if you are beach lovers, you are quite literally, spoiled for choice.

There are over 20 beaches to choose from in the Albufeira region, from large expanses of golden sand to intimate little bays. These are wonderful locations from which you can marvel at stunning sunsets and photograph some awesome rock formations.
Whatever you choose to do and however you choose to spend your time here, a self catering villa or apartment holiday in Albufeira on Portugal’s Algarve coast will relax and rejuvenate and provide some quite wonderful holiday memories.

*Cots and highchairs are available on request.

Algarve Villa Holidays - The Resort of Monte da Quinta

2010-04-27T08:50:00.000-07:00

Set deep in the heart of Quinta do Lago is the exclusive private members club of Monte da Quinta. This premier development affords a level of service and facilities, unmatched anywhere in Europe. Every care has been taken to ensure that the superbly appointed accommodations, set amid beautifully landscaped gardens, blend with and compliment the surrounding countryside.

Part of Quinta do Lago and internationally renowned as one of Portugal's finest residential and leisure developments, the area consists of high quality residential accommodation designed in a mix of architectural styles. Surrounded by well-tended trees and shrubs and perfectly manicured lawns each property benefits from its own private pool.

Variously described as “heaven on earth” and “a lovely quiet resort” in which to have “a very enjoyable family holiday”, the management and staff of Monte da Quinta pride themselves on their attention to detail and their level of customer service. They are acutely aware that those who choose to holiday here do so, on recommendation and on the strength of their memories and experiences from previous visits. They know that it is only through maintaining these high standards that they can expect to welcome their guests again.

Monte da Quinta is a relaxed and comfortable environment, offering a peaceful haven to those requiring nothing but the highest standards of holiday accommodation. The “club” is uniquely located, right at the heart of the Algarve’s prestigious Quinta do Lago and within easy access of many award winning golf courses including, Pinheiros Altos, Quinta do Lago North & South and The Ocean and Royal courses of Vale do Lobo. With year round sun, the golf season never ends at this exclusive resort. Temperatures never fall much below 15º even in winter, making 18 holes at any of the 25 or so local courses, a very real pleasure.

Central to the Monte da Quinta development is the MQ Clubhouse. Here you’ll find The Quinta Cafe and The Quinta Restaurant. Both serve excellent food and are beautifully positioned, overlooking a large private swimming pool and health spa. This entirely self contained development also offers “Quinta shopping”. Here you’ll find a newsagent, a souvenir shop and an Italian trattoria together with a health and beauty clinic.

An added attraction and a real joy is the Quinta club yacht. Available for half or full day bookings, this luxurious craft trips up and down the beautiful Algarvean coastline, treating you to some quite wonderful scenery as you enjoy lunch and drinks onboard.

Monte da Quinta, in the heart of Quinta do Lago, is Portugal’s principal holiday destination and probably the finest residential, holiday and leisure development in Europe. Sandwiched between the Atlantic Ocean and the Ria Formosa estuary, an area of outstanding natural beauty, it is located just a short drive from Faro International Airport and therefore, just a few hours from most European capitals.

Algarve Villas - click here to search for villas in Monte da Quinta

More than just a golf resort – come to Vale do Lobo Algarve for sun, sea and sandcastles

2010-04-05T04:49:00.000-07:00

Vale do Lobo in the Algarve is much more than just a golf resort. It has developed over the years and now forms one of the principal tourist and holidaying destinations on the coast of the Algarve, catering for families and groups of friends and yes, the odd golfer too. Situated just 20 minutes from Faro International Airport, and with direct flights from most European cities, Vale do Lobo is a convenient and luxurious holiday destination.

Algarve villas – click here to view our villas in Vale do Lobo

One of the main attractions to this part of the Algarve is of course, the magnificent golfing facilities on offer and the many championship standard courses. However, now virtually a town in its own right, the area known as The Vale do Lobo, has plenty of other things to offer too including a vast array of entertainments, shops, restaurants and sporting activities.

If its activity you’re after then you may wish to hire bikes and take yourselves off cycling or perhaps go horse riding in the rich, unspoilt greenery offered by the local countryside. If all that sounds too much like hard work, you can always relax on the long sandy beach or lie around on sun beds by the pool, peacefully unwinding as you soak up the sun.

The first development of its kind, ever to be established on the Algarve, Vale do Lobo has undergone numerous improvements and facelifts over the years to keep pace with the latest trends and to keep the resort in tiptop condition. Redevelopment continues today but it is strictly monitored to ensure that nothing is done to adversely affect the scenery or its landscape. The authorities are very keen to avoid over developing the area as they have seen the effect this has had on other resort locations.

The building of high-rise developments above 3 storeys has been stopped and beachfront development is now very restricted, all of which is aimed at maintaining the very high standards that the area has become internationally famous for.
We have many holiday villas to rent in Vale do Lobo, all within very easy reach of the extensive range of sporting and leisure facilities as well as the beautiful, two kilometre stretch of golden-sanded beach which lines the coast.

Villas in Vale do Lobo – click here to view.

Beaches of the Algarve

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Portugal’s Algarve has a quite stunning selection of beaches. Catering for everyone from the couple just wanting to relax and enjoy each other’s company, to groups of friends looking for beach bars, water sports adventure and adrenalin to families who need quiet, clean safe beaches – they are all here a plenty. This is the appeal of the Algarve, with its vast coastline and varying conditions; it can accommodate and satisfy every kind of holidaymaker.

The waters are warm and generally very calm. There are one or two places where the currents pick up but these are well marked with flags. All of the main beaches, are manned by lifeguards throughout the summer months keeping them as safe as possible. Many of the Algarvian beaches hold the blue flag award. This means they have been recognised for their cleanliness, their safety, and their facilities. The Gold award for good water quality is also much in evidence in this part of the world.

Great Family Beaches

Praia Verde

Eastern Algarve is home to Praia Verde. Literally translated as Green Beach, it is named after the Pine tree forest that skirts the sand dunes. A number of beach bars and restaurants make this beach a firm favourite among family holidaymakers looking for a relaxing day out.

Praia da Arrifana

Situated to the north of Lagos along the EN 124, just before you get to Aljezur, this lovely little beach, with incredible views, can be reached via a very steep narrow road leading down from the coast road. With not much parking available, this delightful area is rarely busy and makes the ideal picnic hideaway.

Praia da Luz

A firm family favourite, with slide and splash pool and a zoo nearby the area has attracted many British expat families. The beach itself is lovely with many restaurants, bars and cafes making it ideal for families of all ages. Well served by a bank and shops, it is little wonder that once here, people rarely venture too far.

Meia Praia

Literally translated as 'half beach', this long ribbon of sand skirts one of the biggest bays in Europe offering protection from the rough seas and making it particularly popular with families. Dotted with snack bars and restaurants, it attracts windsurfers and kite surfers. Other sports on offer here are paragliding, sailing, volleyball and tennis.

Praia da Galé

An escape from the busy town of Albufeira, its nearest neighbour, this beach takes you away from all that and transplants you to an area of comparative serenity. There are a few bars restaurants and shops to cater for the necessities but generally this is a much more peaceful location. With no cliffs or steep inclines to negotiate, the beach is easy to reach and the perfect setting for a relaxing family holiday.

Praia do Vau

Praia do Vau is one of the western Algarve’s most popular beaches. Calm good quality waters and direct, easy access to the beach, where there are sun loungers and umbrellas for hire, make it ideal for families with young children. The beach is served by a number of all day restaurants but be aware, it can get pretty busy in high season. It is a beautiful place though, so don’t let that put you off.

Family Holidays Algarve - Click here to search for villas and apartments

Quiet Secluded / Romantic Beaches

Praia da Ingrina

Voted the tenth most romantic beach in the world, this Algarve beach is a mix of sand and stone amid awe inspiring natural beauty. A wonderfully quiet location offering complete privacy this beach is ideal for couples in love. Restaurants and bars are dotted around but not so many as to be intrusive and they serve up some great locally caught seafood as well as the more popular international dishes.

Praia de São Rafael

A stunningly beautiful natural beach environment consisting of rocks and cliff faces, the soft white sand contrasts beautifully with the light blue of the sea and the waters are very clean. There is little in the way of entertainment here or food and drink facilities so it’s very much a “bring your own” beach. Easily reached on foot with good parking nearby, it’s ideal for picnics and because it’s so clean, you’ll want to keep it that way.

Praia do Barranco

This beach offers calm waters and basic facilities for visitors. Accessed via a 5 km stretch of dirt track, only the most determined sun worshippers will make it to this beach and that’s the way the divers like it. Its abundance of marine life attracts underwater explorers from all over and these guys will walk miles to swim with the fishes.

Praia Figueiras

Another beach that delights in its privacy, this one offers very limited facilities but absolutely hits the mark if you’re after peace and quiet. You’ll need to be quite determined again though; the car park is a good 15 minutes walk away.

Lagos Algarve – A Good All Round Holiday Destination

2010-02-18T08:17:00.000-08:00

Truly® Algarve invite you to holiday on some of the most outstanding coastline to be found anywhere on the Algarve. The historic marina town of Lagos has some of the finest beaches in Portugal, which can be accessed easily from any of our holiday homes in the region.

Whatever type of accommodation you are looking for, whether it be a centrally located apartment or a town house within easy access of this lively and cosmopolitan resort, Lagos, and Truly® Algarve have something for you.

We offer spacious apartments and townhouses at the ‘Jardim da Meia Praia’ Resort in Lagos, close to one of the longest sandy beaches in the Algarve. This stunning resort is quietly located, just a few minutes from the centre of Lagos and the beautiful Meia Beach, it is family-friendly with lovely landscaped gardens. You can relax and sunbathe beside the pool with sun loungers and umbrellas or, if you’re feeling a little more energetic, there is a well kept tennis court for you to run around on. Younger guests are well catered for too, with a play area and kiddies pool.

As well as the beautifully appointed accommodation available at ‘Jardim da Meia Praia’ we offer a number of privately owned villas within close proximity of Lagos and the surrounding countryside.

Villas and apartments in Lagos Algarve – click here to search

The wide range of facilities in Lagos, amply cater for a self-catering holiday and the facilities and amenities on hand, mean you won’t have to travel too far for sporting pursuits either. There are a number of world-class golf courses close by, as well as horse riding, tennis, diving, deep-sea fishing, and sailing. All this is close to the stunning Meia Praia beach, which is filled with leisure activities for young and old alike. The town boasts great shopping and there’s even a cinema complex ready for you, if you ever tire of the sun.

Lagos, its marina, the old and new towns combine to present a picturesque resort that features some magnificent beaches, stunning coastal scenery with rugged cliff faces and fascinating old villages. As an area, it is fairly steeped in history and it doesn’t take much to uncover some of this areas fascinating stories. Statues in the town commemorate brave sailors and Kings who sailed from here to victory or famous defeat in years gone by.

There is a peaceful, relaxed ambience to Lagos now, an atmosphere and a quiet charm that is rarely found in an area as popular as this. Locals and visitors like nothing better than to sit at open-air café tables and watch the world go by. And with the great choice of restaurants, bars and cafes in the area, there is plenty of opportunity for you to do exactly that.

Vilamoura – A Truly ® Great Algarve Holiday Destination

2010-01-28T08:15:00.000-08:00

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.

Villas in Vilamoura - Click here to browse our Algarve Villas and Apartments

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

2010-01-25T03:30:00.000-08:00

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!!

2009-12-21T05:32:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-17T04:24:00.000-08:00

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.

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Holidays in Carvoeiro – An Increasingly Popular Holiday Resort

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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

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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.

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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.

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Autumn and Winter Golfing Breaks in the Algarve

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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!

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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.

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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!

2009-10-21T04:54:00.000-07:00

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.

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The Algarve – Portugal’s Number 1 Holiday Destination

2009-09-29T04:51:00.000-07:00

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.

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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.

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

2009-09-29T04:46:00.000-07:00

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.

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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.

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