Family Holidays Algarve – Albufeira

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

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

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

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.

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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

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

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

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.