Guide to Countryside Villages

Our villas in the Algarve countryside are comfortable and secluded, set in peaceful locations, only a short drive from the coast. The pace of life here is slow and relaxing where the colourful markets are the main social gathering place. We have a delightful selection of properties with pools to choose from. Restored farmhouses and well appointed villas with attractive gardens all have superb views of the local countryside. Local towns and villages are close by and provide local shopping and dining experiences, and all are only a short drive from the long sandy beaches of the coastal resorts.

Nestling between the mountains and the sea, Sao Bras is famous for its cork plantations and clear fresh air. It is a busy town with a selection of shops, restaurants and cafes, where almond cakes are a local specialty. Santa Barbara is a typical small rural village surrounded by rolling hills with some wonderful views of the sea and countryside. Bordeira traces its origins back to the 16th century, but is more of a hamlet than a village. Nearby Quinta das Raposeiras has a tennis court, mini-market and restaurant.

Loule is a prosperous and still relatively unspoilt town, set in a lovely location with avenues of fig, olive, almond and orange trees. The Saturday market here is famous, and among its stalls, you will find a wide variety of handicrafts. Take a stroll through the whitewashed streets in the old town and you will even be able to see artisans at work producing lace, copper, leather goods and furniture. You will also find a good selection of typically Portuguese restaurants here offering excellent good value food.

Villas to Go recommended local beaches...

Vilamoura and Falesia - Very long stretch of sand backed by cliffs at the Falesia end, running from Vilamoura marina to the fishing village of Olhos D’Agua. Warm waters with good water sports facilities and lifeguard at the Vilamoura end. There are also several good restaurants overlooking the marina.

Quinta do Lago & Vale do Lobo - Nicknamed ‘Gigi’ beach, a well kept 3km stretch of sandy beach with dunes behind and fringed with pine trees, bars and restaurants. Good surfing conditions.

Quarteira - A long beach, backed by a promenade with shops, restaurants and bars. At the far west side is a pier, which forms the harbour in Vilamoura. Near the town the beach is narrow and has breakwaters, which calm the sea. Good swimming; flag and lifeguard in season. Good for children. Leisure equipment is available for hire.

Villas to Go recommended golf courses...

Pinhal – Set back from the tourist area, this course winds through a pine forest. The outward nine wander through holiday villas, whereas the back nine have a more open feel.

Laguna – An 18 hole course where the fairways are open with few trees but there are many water hazards and well placed bunkers. Occasional strong winds make for interesting rounds.

Millennium – This 18 hole course wanders through a parkland of pine trees, and has few tricky shots, but watch out for the lake alongside the 6th, waiting for stray balls.

Take time to go…

Take the family to Aqualand waterpark, at Albureira and have a day of family fun in the water.

Search the local market at Loule for traditional handicrafts. Choose from copperware, baskets, lace and footwear.

Make the most of the great outdoors and take a walk in the Rio Formosa National park and see some of the regional birds which nest there.

Explore the pottery shops along the N125, and take home some hand painted ceramics.

Explore historic Faro, and visit the Bishops Palace or Renaissance-style cathedral. Take in Carmo Church where chapel walls are decorated with bones, or discover the Roman ruins of Estoi at the Archaeological museum. Finish the day in a restaurant hiding in a tree-lined street and enjoy the ambience of this tranquil old town.

Take a deep-sea fishing trip and try your hand at catching big fish such as marlin, swordfish, tuna and corvine. Tours operate out of the marina at Vilamoura.

Have a night out at Vilamoura - spend the evening at the Casino, take in a dinner show and have a flutter – remember your passport, they won’t let you gamble without it!