About Algarve
Almost a hundred miles of marvellous golden sandy beaches washed by the blue Atlantic, fantastic yellow rocky outcrops, deserted little coves and delightful fishing villages make the Algarve a holiday paradise.
The Algarve is a popular destination for UK holidaymakers. The Algarve's climate with sunshine year round tempered by gentle breezes make it ideal for playing a round of golf and participating in watersports including deep sea fishing. There are alternatives to this such as shopping in quaint shops and boutiques, sampling some of the traditional Portuguese dishes and visits to its many ports, harbours and marinas dotted along it's coastline.
Our resorts:
Castelo Beach area
Located approximately three miles west of the thriving resort of Albufeira lies Castelo. It hosts three of the best beaches in the Algarve- Castelo, Gale and Sao Rafael. All beaches have sunbeds and parasols for hire, and there are local shops, bars and restaurants nearby too. Watersports are normally only available at the Gale beach, where there are banana boats and jet skis for hire during the season.
Guia
Guia is located in the middle of the Algarve and is a small and unassuming village with all amenities so you can avoid the journey to Albufeira, and the crowds. It's famous for its piri piri chicken, suckling pig tavernas and many other restaurants from the "cheap and cheerful" to sophisticated dining, where you will find a french gourmet restaurant located in a beautiful old traditional village house. Guia is also popular with locals and tourists alike and is therefore a hive of activity particularly in the summer months. For those of you who enjoy shopping, there is a monthly gipsy market and various local fairs in the evening throughout the year. There is a small central car park, giving access to banks, a chemist, newsagents, supermarkets and a post office. You will also find cake shops, coffee shops and the "football" club which is truly international and local, where you can enjoy an English breakfast or a glass of wine with octupus salad, and watch the world go by. There are also 3 churches, a dentist, a pysiotherapist and not forgetting a liquor store, with a huge selection of wines and the largest collection of lighters displayed on the walls, along with antique port bottles on the top shelf.
Just outside Guia you will find the largest shopping centre - Algarve Shopping - and the Retail Park, complete with Nike factory outlets. Just outside the shopping centre, you will also find Cliff Richard's home, a converted manor house and his winery, famous for his own brand "Vida Nova".
Olhos D'agua
This pretty mini resort stretches out along a most beautiful sandy beach and has restaurants, beach bars and shops. At one end is Pine Cliffs where the 5 star Sheraton Hotel and golf course is to be found. Walk the 5 kilometres along the sandy shore to the elegant resort of Vilamoura with its many golf courses and superb marina.
Villa Select Club
A bonus of booking with Villa Select is membership of our in-resort 'Villa Select Club'. We have a range of benefits, which have been sourced by our representative and include savings at local restaurants, shops and supermarkets - all to enhance your holiday experience with Villa Select.
Places of Interest
FaroFaro is the capital city of the Algarve. It is a charming city with open air cafes, a small boat harbour and many historical sights. The old quarter of the town is still surrounded by parts of the ancient defensive walls. Faro houses a large number of monuments and museums including the Cathedral, Nossa Senhora da Assuncao Convent, Sao Francisco Church and the Roman ruins of Milreu.
Lagos
Lagos is one of the seaside resorts and also a fishing port, well sheltered by the Pointa da eidade promontory and it is an important yachting centre with a Marina. Lagos harbour served as Prince Henry, the Navigator's principal maritime base. Europe's first slave market was held here. St. Anthony's Church is a masterpiece of gilded carved woodwork, which is well worth a visit. Generally, the town is a pleasant place to walk around, with many shops.
Vilamoura
Vilamoura is a purpose built resort and is a great place for watching the world go by. It is very cosmopolitan with a beautiful marina and seafront along with open air cafes, restaurants, stylish designer boutiques and even a casino. Vilamoura is also well equipped with ample facilities for golf, horse riding, tennis, bowling and many varied watersports.
Monchique
Mountains are a volcanic block which rises more than 900 meters - 2953 feet above sea level. The volcanic nature of the area has given rise to medicinal springs, which at CALDAS DE MONCHIQUE are used for the treatment of rheumatism and skin ailments. There is also a very modern health and beauty centre in the middle of the town. The vegetation in this region is lush and varied with artutus trees, carobs and rhododendrons, to name but a few of the wild species.
Loule
Loule is a large market town and is known as the centre of life in the Algarve. It has a number of interesting buildings and is also the true handicraft centre of the Algarve - it is still possible to see the coppersmiths at work in the narrow strees. Each Saturday morning, there is a food market and this is very picturesque and well worth a visit.
Olhao
Olhao is built on the Algarve coast, at a point where long coastal sandbanks lie offshore. It is a sardine and tuna fishing port and canning centre. Olhao is like a North African town as the houses and churches are built in the shape of white cubes, sometime two or three storey high, although its history does not go back to the Arabic occupation. It was founded in the 18th century by fishermen who came to the spot by sea and its architectural style came about through its commercial contacts with North Africa.
Silves
Silves was the magnificent Moorish capital of the Algarve - once called Chelb. The red limestone castle walls dominate the town like an Acropolis, but unfortunately, the many mosques have now vanished. The gothic Cathedral dating from the 13th century is well worth a visit. It houses the Cross of Portugal, dating from the 15th century, a symbol of the Christina re Conquest of the Algarve from the Moslems.
Tavira
Tavira is situated at the mouth of the Ribeira de Asseca and is said to be the most picturesque town in the Algarve. It is notable for numerous attractive churches and pretty pitched rooflines. Sardine and tuna fishing are still important here, although tourism is bringing a new prosperity to the area.
Vila Real De Santo Antonio
Vila Real De Santo Antonio was established by order of the Marquis of Pombal, on the right bank of the Guadiana to oppose the Andalusian city of Ayamonte, and was built in five months! Classical style houses (similar to those found in Baixa, Lisbon) extend outwards in a perfect rectangular plan from the main square. Vila Real has become one of the largest fishing and commercial port in the Algarve and is also an important fish-canning centre. Here, you can cross over to Spain by a ten minute ferryboat ride to the town of Ayamonte on the Spanish side of the river.
Cape St Vincent
The end of the world. The most south westerly point of continental Europe, with impressive views from the lighthouse.
Things To Do
Painting Lessons
For those that would like to capture the Algarve coast and countryside, why not enjoy painting lessons with the artist David Haines who has a studio in Guia. A 2.5 hour lesson is 15 Euros and our Club members receive 15% off this price. Perfect for beginners and improvers and offers the ideal way to relax on holiday.
Jeep Safari
This is a fun day out in a 4x4 Jeep which travel daily to different areas of the Algarve visiting countryside, small traditional villages unchanged by tourism and to places of historic interest. With the opportunity to swim in the lakes and crystal clear rivers to include lunch at a typical Portuguese restaurant.
Zoo Marine
Near to Albufeira, 3kms west of Guia. This is a great day out for children. Zoo Marine is one of the best dolphin parks in Europe, fish, sharks,turtles, dolphins, sea lions, seals, sea creatures and parrots can be seen in abundance. This is a great educational day out for all the family, the park opens at 10.00 a.m. and a days' ticket gives you access to the fun, park, pools and all the educational centres.
Astronomical Observatory of Tavira
This is an unequalled experience, observing the marvels of the Cosmos, under the guidance of experienced staff. Pre-booking is necessary and subject to weather conditions. Clive Jackson, the Director of the Astronomical Observatory of Tavira is a well known astronomer who had a regular feature on the Sky At Night.
Visit the Natural River Park of the Ria Formosa
Catch the comfortable river boat from the docks in Faro, which slowly meanders through the natural tidal inlt and the sand dunes of the Ria Formosa. Good English commentary points out of the various birds, seafood and places of interest along the way.
Water Parks
The closest to Albufeira is Aqualand, which is located near the town of Alcantarilha (Armacao de Pera) 15 klms west from Albufeira. The park has water attractions for all tastes, some totally unique in the country, such as the Banzai, which gives moments of pure adrenaline, joy, fun, adventure and relaxation.
Watersports
There are many varied watersports to participate in amongst the various ports, harbours and marinas. Activities include jet ski-ing, speed boating, parascending, sailing, mini-cruises and the hiring of pedaloes.
Golf
The Algarve is a haven for golf enthusiasts. There are many golf courses dotted along the Algarve. Breathtaking views, spectacular scenery and the beautiful Atlantic Ocean make the Algarve a delight for golfers. Among the courses are those at Vilamoura, Balaia, Albufeira.
Wine Tasting
Vida Nova, Cliff Richards' own wine, made locally in Guia. Visit Cliff's famous winery "Adega do Cantor" - when open to the public, and sample some of the stock.
Isla Magica
This is a small theme park in Seville (approximately 2½ hours drive from our villas) and has a couple of shows and themed rides. More information can be found at www.islamagica.es. There's a good selection of hotels in the surrounding area, many will include the entrance fee in their rates.
(Please ensure that you check with your car hire company that it is possible to take your hire car into Spain.)
Eating out
Part of the fun of any holiday is eating out in local restaurants. With such a wide variety of traditional Portuguese dishes to try, you really must experience as many of them as possible during your stay.
The restaurant A Casa do Avo offers a lovely tapas style lunch and is great value at only 15 Euros per person. There's a great choice of tapas dishes to start with followed by a dish of the day. This is a Portuguese dish and offers great value for money. Located at Vale Parra on the way to the Gale beach, don't forget to ask your representative Bijou for directions. There's a compliementary bottle of house wine for each Villa Select party visiting this restaurant.
For further information on the menu and for reservations...www.restaurante-acasadoavo.com
Villa Select Club
A bonus of booking with Villa Select is membership of our in-resort 'Villa Select Club'. We have a range of benefits, which have been sourced by our representative and include savings at local restaurants, shops and supermarkets - all to enhance your holiday experience with Villa Select. Further details are shown on the Villa Select Club link on each individual villa.
Helpful Info
Health and Safety abroadCurrently there are no vaccinations required to Portugal by the holders of British passports.
Tap water is fine for cleaning teeth or for using to make tea or coffee. However, for drinking we do not recommend the tap water but to buy bottled water which is available in all supermarkets.
The sun can be extremely strong, especially during July and August and we do recommend a high protection sun factor.
Money
The currency used in Portugal is the Euro. The approximate exchange rate is 1.15 Euros (€) to the English Pound. (£)
Money and travellers cheques can be changed at banks. Please be aware that in order to change your money or cash your travellers cheques you will need to take your passport along with you.
Most cash point machines accept VISA, and MASTERCARD cards and have an English language facility. Banks are usually open between the hours of 0900-1400 from Monday to Friday.
Legal
In accordance with the Child Abduction Act, any child (up to 16 years) travelling with an adult who is not their parent or guardian, is required to be in possession of a letter giving appropriate consent from the parent or legal guardian and authenticated by a solicitor and to include a contact telephone number.
For more information on the Algarve please call the Portuguese Tourist Board on 0207 494 1441.
Why not discover the wonder of the Algarve with Villa Select this year?
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