Ladeira da Nora 6 Bedroom

Ladeira da Nora is located just 1.6km from the pretty coastal village of Alvor, with its bars, restaurants and fine white sandy beach. This quaint old coastal port on the mouth of the Ria de Alvor is close to the market town of Portimao (7km) and about 20km east of Lagos. The village has stunning views across the harbour to the Atlantic Ocean and a natural lagoon which is a haven for wildlife. Alvor itself is an interesting mixture of the old and new. Once a small fishing village with narrow streets and white-washed cubic houses, it has now become a popular holiday resort for all ages. The village hosts many interesting craft shops, boutiques, bars and excellent restaurants providing the visitor with a wide and select choice. You can take a quiet evening stroll to the nearby restaurant, just 300m from the villa, or if you prefer to eat in, the closest supermarket is only 1km away – a quick drive.

The small farm of Quinta Ladeira da Nora is well located in a rural area enjoying spectacular views across the Alvor lagoon from the house, now a national bird sanctuary, as well as the coastline of the Western Algarve. The villa is within 5km of a selection of five beaches providing the young beachcomber with surfing or the family party with small sheltered coves, beaches and rock pools. The Marina harbour in Praia da Rocha supports a windsurfing school on the beach in an ideal location looking across to Ferragudo.

The provincial town of Portimao, now a bustling commercial centre, is around 7km away and is famous for its sardine factories and fishing fleet. Continente Shopping Centres are located at the newly established Retail Park on the N125 and on the way to Praia da Rocha with its food hall and cinema complex. Down the coast going west, the town of Lagos prospers with a large marina. The fishing villages of Praia da Luz, Salema and Burgau are all within 30 minutes drive.

Those with children of all ages looking for activities will enjoy a visit to Zoo Marine and the water parks. Slide & Splash is situated at Estombar, east of Lagoa, and Aqualand, Europe’s biggest open air water park, is a half hour drive away, both on the EN125. Also there are exciting local possibilities to take a trip from Alvor out to see the dolphins, deep sea fishing, planned outward bound activities such as organised kayaking, cross country cycle tours and countryside walks, including tennis and a 25m indoor swimming pool at the sports centre. Pleasure flights in a light aircraft can be taken from the aerodrome only 2kms from the villa. There are wildlife parks at Monchique and Lagos with bird watching every Thursday at Quinta da Rocha across the lagoon in front of the villa. Bird watching can also be arranged by appointment over a wider area.

Those who enjoy a round of golf have easy access to Alto Club (5km), Meridian Penina (4km) both designed by the grandfather of courses Henry Cotton. A little farther afield, Palmares at Meia Praia, Boavista at Lagos and Gramacho at Carvoeiro are only four amongst thirty courses throughout the Algarve. For those seeking other challenges, skydiving is an active sport at Alvor aerodrome at certain times of the year. There are exciting activities for everybody even if it is exercising at leisure centres or enjoying some pampering at a spa.

This area of the Algarve played an important part in the Age of Discovery - Henry the Navigator led the 15th Century rounding of Africa out of Lagos. Magellan and Vasco do Gama studied at Sagres. In the far Western corner, the dramatic coastline features sheer cliffs and deserted beaches on the Altantic coast. Cape Sao Vicente is mainland Europe's most south-westerly point where ancient mariners believed the world ended. Set back from the coast, the Serra de Monchique hides the town of Monchique and the village spa of Caldas de Monchique, famous since Roman times.

A local friendly bus service "Go & Come" serves the whole Portimao area including Alvor and the Retail Park.