Guide to Luz

Our villa holidays in Luz, in the western Algarve are popular with families because of the fabulous local sandy beach which is known for its water sports. Luz is believed to be named after the beacon which was lit to warn fisherman of invading Moors. Today, the fishermen use lights at night to find squid, and they shine like an underwater motorway headed for Africa (The Road to Morocco), so the village is aptly named.

The village retains its traditional Portuguese charm and winding cobbled streets with quaint whitewashed houses blend easily with the facilities of modern tourism and beach life. The old fortress has been converted into an impressive restaurant serving superb food. A further array of interesting restaurants can be found in the village as well as two good beach bars. For a wider selection of restaurants, Lagos is nearby and has a more lively nightlife with discos.

The surrounding beaches are safe and sandy, with a good selection of water sports for the more adventurous, including windsurfing, boating, waterskiing and diving. This is also a good area for surfing, and horse-riding, fishing, sailing and golf are all within easy reach. Further to the west, is Sagres, the most south-westerly point of Europe and the place where Portuguese explorers set forth to navigate the globe.

Villas to Go recommended local beaches...

Praia da Luz (Beach of Light) - A large bay, well established as a family resort as sand gently shelves into the sea, making it excellent for children. Has several bars, flag system and lifeguard in high season. Well known for water sports.

Meia Praia - One of the longest stretches of beach in the Algarve, with 4 kilometres of fine white sand that spreads from Lagos as far as Alvôr. Many beach bars and restaurants. Good for surfing, but take care as there can be strong currents.

Salema – Travel west towards Sagres, and you will find this small fishing village with its white sandy beach, surrounded by cliffs. Quiet and unspoilt, it has a beach restaurant/bar and parking, but this is limited.

Villas to Go recommended golf courses...

Bovista - West of Lagos, this course has stunning views of the coastline from most holes. A variety of interesting holes weave through water hazards and carefully placed bunkers.

Palmares – A course overlooking the Bay of Lagos from the side of a hill with breathtaking views. The fifth presents a real challenge – a par 5 of 550m. There is little development along the fairways giving a refreshing sense of open space.

Parque de Floresta – A test of stamina as well as golf, this course is on sloping uplands. Situated to the west, close to Budens and Salema.

Take time to go…

Take a walk along the hillsides of the Serra de Monchique and enjoy the bracing fresh air, or visit a Roman spa to sample crystal clear water.

Catch the Aquabus at Lagos marina, and tour the coastline in a glass bottomed boat and discover the wonders of the underwater world.

Visit Portugal’s ‘land’s end’ at Cape St Vincent and watch the sunset at Portugal’s most south westerly point.

For the adventurous, follow the coastline north towards Lisbon and take advantage of fabulous surf amid villages untouched by tourism.

Take the children to Omega Wildlife Conservation Park, near Monchique and see the animals wandering free. Stop at the café for lunch, there is a shop and parking is free.

Take a tour of the local countryside on horse-back. Quinta da Paraiso Alto offers hour to full day rides, and evening barbeques.