Brief Description Of Algarve Resorts
Western Albufeira
Our villas are situated in the coastal resort area to the west of Albufeira, the largest and most well know resort in the Algarve.
The area consists of Sao Rafael, Sesmarias, Castello, Gale and Vale de Parra and is where you will find exclusive villas and hotels, as well as fabulous sandy beaches and coves, all with charming beach bars and restaurant. Guia, just a few kilometres to the north of the coast is famous for its selection of restaurants, and especially the famous chicken piri-piri dish. This is where Sir Cliff Richard has his villa and vineyard.
Albufeira
As a result of the tide of tourism, this “once upon a time” fishing village has expanded since the 1960s into a major holiday resort and now has over 12,000 permanent residents.
As the sun sets, the centre of the town changes its character. A plentiful collection of bars, restaurants and clubs start to fill up with people, until they spill over into the narrow streets.
A fine selection of good beaches extend east and west from the town., Arrifes, Praia de São Rafael, Praia de Castelo, Evaristo, Sao Lourenco and Praia de Galé. To the east you will find Prais Falesia, Olhos d’Agua, Praia de Maria Luisa, and Praia de Balaia being the main ones.
Nearby Village Of Guia
We are sure you will have heard of the popular dish “Chicken Piri Piri”. This started in the nearby village of Guia in 1964 when Jose Carlos Ramires prepared the very first chicken piri piri dish, which has become famous the world over. The chicken you may get at Nandos is not the same as the real thing you will find in Guia.
The original Ramires Restaurant is still massively popular together with several others in Guia which specialise in chicken. They are not luxury restaurants but just very good value and great chicken. We visit every time we are in the Algarve and have done for the past 40 years.
The nearby resorts of Olhos D’Agua, Vilamoura, Quarteira, and Armacao de Pera are well worth a visit.
A Little Bit About Portugal
Portugal is famous for its golden glistening sandy beaches and there are some destinations in Portugal of high class attracting the rich and famous with exquisite villa rentals. The Algarve has long been renowned for its ability to provide excellent holidays to suit everyone with many alternatives to consider when eating out.
Albufeira is probably the most well known of the many resorts in this region with its typical ‘old town’ and its pavement cafes. An ideal resort with transfer times from Faro airport of around 40 minutes by taxi. In the Eastern Algarve the most well known town is the river town of Tavira with its famous history, Moorish culture, cobbled streets and beautiful scenery. In the western area the famous port of Lagos is worth a visit with its sandy beaches, and in central Algarve the old town of Albufeira and the well known Vilamoura Marina are all great destinations. Temperatures are good all year round dropping to around 15 degrees in the winter time. Those wanting to get away from it all can consider our lovely villa Casa das Heras which is situated in a very quiet country position but only 5 minutes drive from the lovely beaches of this area.
You will also find good wine and food in Portugal with an excellent choice of restaurants from good local chicken Piri Piri to fine dining. Our “Foodie Guide” will let you into our secrets which has taken us over 40 years to know.
It was here that, in the 15th century, the Portuguese set off on the epic journey that led them to discover other peoples and cultures… and it is in the Algarve that we cheerfully welcome many of our visitors. Even the climate is mild and sunny all year round!
There’s no shortage of high quality beaches either. Sandy stretches as far as the eye can see, framed by golden cliffs, virtually deserted islands marking the boundary between Ria Formosa and the sea, and small coves sheltered by the rocks. The ocean, in every shade of blue and mostly calm and warm, invites you for long swims and to indulge in water
And there are also the mountains, where people live in harmony with nature and maintain traditions that they love to share. And the cities. Silves preserves traces of its Arab past and Lagos from the time of the Discoveries. More cosmopolitan Portimão and Albufeira are bustling towns by night and day. Tavira is a showcase for traditional architecture and Faro, the gateway to the region, deserves a long stop to discover its beautiful historic centre.
At the table, you will be delighted with the fresh fish and seafood, either grilled or in a casserole. These are divine flavours which you can enjoy on a simple beach terrace or in the most refined Michelin-starred restaurants, where chefs turn out new versions of traditional cuisine. They are further experiences not to be missed on a visit to the region.