An Idyllic Villa Close of Carvoeiro

If you are looking for a property that offers either the perfect family retreat or a special holiday with friends then look no further than the Casa dos Moinhos. This property enjoys the glorious colours from the bougainvillaea and ocean views beyond.

Only 1 kilometre from the centre of the fishing village of Carvoeiro and within walking distance to the beach, shops and restaurants, this charming villa is ideal for those requiring the convenience of a private property close to all amenities.

This beautiful property can sleep up to 6 people in its 3 bedrooms and offers a fabulous glazed conservatory area with patio furniture and steps leading down to the large pool terrace. There is a modern fully equipped kitchen and the property is tiled throughout and is perfect for the hot summer months.

The large pool terrace has an outside shower with built-in barbecue and dining area.
There is also a private roof terrace accessible by both internal and external staircases with marvellous views over Carvoeiro and to the sea.

Reviews of this Villa:
We had a great time at this beautiful villa. It definitely has a ‘Wow’ factor as soon as you enter the gates. It was wonderfully cool and spacious and no need for air con. The pool and it’s surroundings are the main attraction of this villa as it was very peaceful and the pool and patio were in beautiful condition. Definitely one to be recommended. Nickels, Dorset

A fantastic Villa with all the amenities you could wish for. Our children(4 & 2) took great delight in drowning their Grandad in the pool everyday. A pleasant 10 minute walk to a selection of quality restaurants, 20 minutes to Carvoeiro beach and shops. Excellent holiday all round – thoroughly recommended.
Proverbs, Wolverhampton

We all had a wonderful holiday at this beautiful villa. The children loved the large swimming pool and so did the adults! Lovely gardens and excellent BBQ area and all within walking distance to Carvoeiro town and beach. I would definitely be recommending this villa to my friends and family.
Dobner, Hertfordshire

Stunning views and sunsets. It is the first time I said I did not want to come home. Would recommended this villa for the peace and tranquillity also.
Williams, Bridge End

For more information on this villa please visit www.travelalgarve.co.uk

Casa do Mar – privacy, pool and panoramic views

Set in a prime location with panoramic ocean views, Casa do Mar offers a heated swimming pool, private pathway leading to a small sandy beach and large electric gates to maintain privacy to this villa.

The immaculate grounds also play host to a boules pitch, table tennis, terracing for al-fresco dining and spectacular lawned gardens. The villa is only a short walk from the main Galé beach which offers a variety of watersports, shops and restaurants.

This beautiful villa has 4 bedrooms and can sleep up to 8 people. The spacious interior offers every modern convenience including air-conditioning throughout.

This is a villa that will leave a lasting impression on anyone that visits.

“This property is beautiful! We had a lovely week here. The position is amazing, I loved the windy path down to the beach which is perfect for just lying on, or exploring the rocks and finding more tiny beaches! The villa is spacious and clean and is on a big piece of beautifully landscaped land. There was 8 of us and there was plenty of room for us all.”
The Gent family

For more information on this villa please visit www.travelalgarve.co.uk

Countryside Seclusion at Casa Com Boa Vista – Review

Situation in the countryside and enjoying seclusion and tranquillity, Casa Com Boa Vista is the perfect location for exploring the historical castle town of Silves.

The nearest beach is just a 15-20 minute drive from the villa and sporting enthusiasts can get their fill with horse riding, tennis, golf and watersports all within a short drive.

This two bedroomed villa sleeps 4 people and is a perfect location for a family getaway holiday. Read some of the reviews of this fantastic property and see for yourself.

The views from the villa were outstanding? The internet pictures were good but could never do justice to the real thing. Hoorah for a pool that’s big enough to actually swim in! This pool enticed me back into the water after 6 years on dry land – it was private, clean, spacious and set in beautiful gardens. The villa had a cosy, homely feel to it and we really felt that it was completely ours during our stay. We got to our final day and honestly did not want to leave.
Kelly, Surrey

We highly recommend this property to anyone who is considering a vacation in the Algarve. Silves is a welcoming, beautiful and interesting Portugal town. The surrounding area is absolutely beautiful. The Villa itself is spectacular and the views are amazing. We loved the fact that you have complete privacy. It was a relaxing, wonderful break, and we found that Silves was the perfect place to explore the Algarve Coast. I am sure we will be back and have already recommended the Villa to friends.
Randy & Gloria McDonald, Canada

Just returned from our second visit to Boa vista and our third to a Travel Algarve property. The reason for our return was to show our five year old the pool as the last time he was there he wasn’t quite born! He loved it as do we. The location is superb as is the view day and night. Location to beaches , mountains and main road is ideal.
Sharman, Northumberland

For more information on this villa visit www.travelalgarve.co.uk

Peaceful Family Villa near Silves – review

If you are looking for a villa that is perfect for a peaceful family holiday then look no further than Casa Da Nora, set amid acres of beautiful tiered orange groves and only 5 minutes away from the historic town of Silves.

This single storey villa sleeps four people in two bedrooms and offers a spacious living area and is equipped with all modern conveniences. Patio doors lead out onto an attractive shaded pool terrace with built in barbecue ideal for al fresco dining.

Read some of our customer reviews to see what to expect from the beautiful location.

What a wonderful villa, everything we wanted and much, much more. Pictures and description don’t do it justice. Great weather and beautiful setting. Will be returning next year without a doubt.
Lawton, Yorkshire

We have just returned from our two weeks at Casa Da Nora and I would like to let you know how pleased we are with the quality and service. The villa is excellent, we were so pleased with the quality of the property, it was spotlessly clean. We would have no hesitation on recommending the villa, it is really a superb place for a holiday and I have no doubt we will be back next year. Our thanks once again.
Jones, West Glamorgan

In pictures, this villa looked great. In reality it was absolutely superb. No effort was spared or detail omitted to make sure our stay was fantastic. We will certainly be returning for more of this luxury. Thank you so much.
Brophy, Hertfordshire

Just had a fabulous 10 days at Casa Da Nora. Perfect location if you don’t want the hussle and bussle of the large resorts. The villa was lovely, the aircon worked a treat and the facilities provided were excellent. With the 1st class service and flexibility of Travel Algarve a great holiday. Thank you
Girling, Buckinghamshire

For more information on this villa visit www.travelalgarve.co.uk

Algar Seco Parque Review

If you are looking for a holiday destination that has it all then look no further than Algar Seco Parque. This location is truly stunning, overlooking the Atlantic ocean and providing beautiful views. The village centre of Carvoeiro is just a 10 minute walk and has a sandy beach, a selection of good restaurants, bars and shops for you to spend a leisurely day.

A small development, Algar Seco Parque provides a relaxing environment for any family holiday and offers bungalows, apartments and private villas all with a view to the ocean. There is a small bistro overlooking the beautiful pool area which serves food and drink throughout the day.

The properties, are generously laid out, well-equipped and furnished comfortably in a traditional style with hand-painted tiles, hand woven curtains and rugs.

The Algar Seco Parque reception can reserve tennis courts, arrange golf T-Times, book restaurants and offer advice on excursions across the Algarve.

Mr Marr from London commented, “Our stay here was excellent. The location of the bungalows was very good, especially as my partner and I do not drive. Supermarket, shops, bars and restaurants all within walking distance – it really is only a 10 minute walk. The resort is not too commercialised with very good restaurants.”

If you are looking for your own taste of the Algarve then Algar Seco Parque is the location for you.

For more information on this property visit www.travelalgarve.co.uk

Travel in The Algarve

Airports
The international airports in Portugal are Lisbon, Porto, Faro, Funchal (Madeira) and Ponta Delgada (Azores). There are a number of smaller airports with limited facilities dotted throughout the country. 

Coaches
There is the national network of “Rodoviária Nacional” (RN), and competing private operators who run quick non-stop services on the more popular routes and often to destinations not covered by trains. The RN tends to be slower but its prices are lower. You will find that in major tourist areas or cities there are excellent local excursions by coach. In almost all cases tickets are purchased in advance. When in the Algarve a useful site is www.eva-bus.com

Disabled Facilities
The needs of the disabled are visibly evident with reserved parking spaces in public areas, special toilets at airports, stations, and centres of entertainment.

Driving

Portugal drives on the right side of the road.  Except when otherwise indicated all vehicles approaching from the right have priority. The driver already on a roundabout normally has the right of way.  Safety-belts are compulsory front and back in all circumstances.  Drinking and driving is severely controlled and limited to a restriction of 0.5 g/l.  Unless otherwise indicated urban limit is 50 km/h.  Rural roads other than those zones indicated are limited to 90 km/h.  Motorways speed is limited to 120 km/h * This information has been provided by Portuguese tourist information

Rent a Car
In all major towns there are a number of companies providing rent a car service. Also, in major airports there are a selection of companies from whom to choose. Proof of identity and a valid current Driving License is required. The minimum age to hire a car is 21 years old but some companies place the age higher at 23. Make sure that all needed documents relating to the hired vehicle and the driver are always available in the vehicle as Traffic Police often check these legalities on roads.

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Eating Out in Portugal



Nearly every region of Portugal has a variety in shapes and sizes when it comes to restaurants. It can be a lowly “Tasca” (Tavern), a “Casa de Pasto” (a set three-course Tavern meal), a “Cervejaria” (Beerhouse with food), a “Restaurante” (offering a choice of dishes), a “Marisqueira” (specialising in fish and shellfish), or a “Churrasqueira” (spit or grilled food). It is not unusual for some small cafés to serve a “prato do dia” (dish of the day). Depending on location and style, prices are very reasonable when equated with other European countries and the servings are normally plentiful! Choosing the place is sometimes confusing until you acquire local knowledge. You may see smart businessmen eating in what appears to be a scruffy “Tasca“. They are there for the quality of the food, the price and the friendliness of the owners – and not just for the décor!

Hours of Eating
Generally speaking, lunch is eaten between 12.00 and 14.00 hours. Dinner is from about 19.30 to 23.00 hours. However, it is not uncommon to see a small group of people arriving for lunch at 14.30 hours, as they know the owners and what they are going to eat. In the cities in smarter restaurants it is advisable to make a prior reservation.

The Menu
In the tourist areas it is usual to see restaurants offering a “ementa turística” that is a three-course meal served with a drink and all at a lower price than from the menu. Also, in tourist areas you will find that the menu has been translated into more than one other language. As soon as you have taken your seats it is normal in Portugal to be served with bread, olives and often some assorted appetizers for which you are charged. You may pay for what you eat but often it is also used as a form of cover charge. There is a good reason for these items to be placed in front of you. In all Portuguese restaurant be prepared to wait. The chef will all start cooking after your order is placed and normally only using fresh food.

Vegetarians are not particularly well catered for although there are in major areas a limited number of specialized restaurants. However, as the vegetables grown in Portugal can be excellent we recommend some careful directions to the chef may produce very satisfying results.

Wines and Other Drinks
The grapes in Portugal produces some very satisfying wines and especially in the case of the red. White wine is also bottled in quantity and is very palatable but their grapes do not generally produce any spectacular results. After eating it is a must to sample the two most famous Portuguese fortified wines and known throughout the world, Port and Madeira. It is normally quite safe to order the “vinho da casa” (house-wine) to accompany your meal – however, please remember that it can be fresh country wine and although good, not necessarily pleasing to your personal palette.

General Notes
Portugal is an ideal holiday location for families with children. In restaurants the children’s misbehaviour may be completely accepted as the Portuguese love children to the point of spoiling them! Often the menu will indicate half-portions or a child’s plate, and if not, reduced amounts and prices can be normally requested.

Smoking is normally generally accepted in all eating establishments. Recently there has been a Act published in their Parliament to introduce no smoking zones. If you see the sign “proibido fumar” (no smoking) you will this means “No Smoking” – and please respect this sign as heavy fines can be incurred.

One of the main problems in Portuguese restaurants is obtaining and paying the bill. The attitude of every waiter seems to be that once you have eaten you should sit and digest your food! Remember this is a Latin country and the pleasure of eating is taken seriously! A suitable remedy for too long a delay maybe to stand up as though you are leaving.

Somewhere in the greyness of distant times a tip was used as a reward for good service. When tipping at the table the Portuguese tend to leave either nothing or 5% as a reward. It is generally expected for a foreign tourist to leave 10%. There is no law stating what percentage you should use as a tip. When tipping, bear in mind that today the sum of € 1.00 does not buy very much and good service helps to make the meal. Your meal price includes Tax so request a “Factura” (Bill), as many restaurants may wish to pocket this money that you will be paying as an slice of extra profit!

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Travel Tips for the Algarve

To make a holiday trip to or through Portugal can be a delight. It is a smaller country to its neighbour Spain and therefore has a more personal and endearing character. The major resort areas, such as the Algarve, offer the holidaymaker as many attractions as anywhere in Europe. Throughout Portugal there is a chain of Tourist Offices manned by bilingual staff to assist the tourist. As the Portuguese are by nature hospitable they are keen and proud to share their country with foreign visitors.

Commercial Hours
The normal shopping hours are from 09.00 hrs. until 19.00 hrs on Mondays to Fridays. Saturdays is from 09.00 hrs. until 13.00 hrs. There are some shops that extend their hours and their days of opening. Shopping Centres are open from 09.00 hrs. to 23.00 hrs all week except for certain Public Holidays.

Disabled Facilities
There is a great a lack in past design and facilities to provide their needs. Happily, awareness is now showing and this is evident with the appearance of special parking spaces in public areas, special toilets at airports, stations, and centres of entertainment. In Lisbon (217 585 676) and Porto (226 006 353), there is a dial-a-ride disabled bus service. Also in Lisbon (218 155 061), Braga (253 684 081), and Coimbra (239 484 522), there are taxi services for disabled persons.

Electrical Current
The current all over Portugal is 220 volts AC and connection is made by a two-pin plug. The plug today acts also as an earth except in older buildings that use older models of this two-pin plug.

Emergency
By calling anywhere in Portugal on 112 you will be connected to Fire, Police and Ambulance services. Every Fire Brigade also maintains one or more ambulances for emergencies. Chemists can give advice on simple health problems and suggest appropriate treatment. They are also permitted to sell many medicines without a doctors subscription. A green cross on white background denotes a chemist. A red cross on a white background denotes a “Red Cross” station. In many towns there are Emergency Treatment Centres (SAP) that will provide medical assistance 24 hours a day.

Security in cities and towns is handled by the “Polícia de Segurança Pública” (PSP), rural areas by the “Guarda Nacional Republicana” (GNR), and the traffic by “Brigada de Trânsito“. On motorways and several major roads there are SOS phone boxes for help in case of an accident or breakdown.

National Holidays
1st January
25th April
Good Friday
1st May
Corpus Christi (Early June)
10th June
15th August
5th October
1st November
1st December
8th December
25th December

It is traditional for each Municipality (Concelho), to reserve one annual day as a holiday for its own town commerce. This day is used as an excuse for local events and celebration. You will find restaurants open but normally most commercial shops are closed.

Language
When written the Portuguese language has a visual relationship to both Spanish and Italian. When spoken it takes on another character. Although today the language has been influenced by modern means of communication, the educated form can be likened to “Dickensian English” in its style. It is courteous in content and suitable flowery in description. Spoken Spanish can be understood by the Portuguese but is best avoided. Anybody with knowledge of some Portuguese history will be able to understand the reason. The inhabitants have a wonderful ability to learn foreign languages and you will find that the English language is normally readily understood. This has been helped by the fact that all foreign films on TV and Cinemas are shown in their original language with subtitles.

Mail Services
The word “Correio” denotes a Post Office or services. First class mail is denoted by the words “correio azul” and normally associated with the colour of blue. From Post Offices there is an express service named “EMS” that also records delivery. These offices are normally open from 08.30 hrs. until 18.30 hrs. from Monday to Friday. In bigger towns they may also will also be open on Saturday.

Money
The local currency is Euros. Money can be changed at Banks, “Bureau de Change” (Cambio) or at one of the currency exchange machines in the streets. These facilities will offer a better rate than in Hotels and Receptions. Banks are open from Monday through to Friday, from 08.30 hrs. to 15.00 hrs. Euro Cheque is a cheaper method than a Traveller Cheque in obtaining cash. All well-known Credit Cards are usually accepted.

Time to Travel
It is safe to suggest that the whole year is a good period to visit. Mainland Portugal has an attractive climate with long hot summers and mild pleasant winters. In the north winters are obviously cool and wet, whilst in the Algarve temperatures seldom ever fall below freezing except in the mountain regions.

Visas
Nationals of the EC (European Community), Australia and New Zealand, require only their passport or Identity Document. They may remain for a period of up to 90 days. American and Canadian nationals may stay for a period of 60 days with a valid passport. Other countries are subject to Visa controls and as regulations can change overnight it is recommended that a potential visitor should check with the Portuguese Consul in their respective country prior to making a visit to Portugal.

*Information provided from Portuguese Tourist Information

www.travelalgarve.com