Algarve villas and their beautiful countryside views

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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