Welcome to the Algarve
Come and discover the Algarve with us, Portugal’s southernmost region and one of the world’s most beautiful provinces.
Known for its award-winning beaches and first-class golfing resorts, you will soon discover that this southern gem has many more delights to experience. All year round the region’s rich culture can be enjoyed by visiting the many picturesque villages, churches, castles and fortresses, or by attending the various music or culinary festivals. It´s easy to fall in love with the natural beauty of its towering cliffs, hidden bays and bird-filled lagoons. The Algarvian way of life is laid back and relaxed and the locals are a warm and welcoming people. Day or night, visitors to the region have everything they need to enjoy the pleasures of the Algarve, whether for sun and sea, or for sport, relaxation, history, culture, nature, golf or local cuisine.
We are happy to arrange a variety of personalized tours and experiences for your enjoyment whilst staying at one of our accommodations. Contact us for unique experiences.
Faro, a fascinating historic city to explore.
Combining extensive history, various interesting tourist attractions as well as an abundance of Portuguese charm, there is so much to enjoy in Faro. Found within the historic castle walls (the Cidade Velha) is a Gothic cathedral, the Paço Episcopal Palace and the decorative Arco da Vila gateway. Outside of the city walls you´ll find a vibrant city, with street shopping, characterful plazas and a wide variety of restaurants and bars. To the south of Faro is the Parque Natural da Ria Formosa, a beautiful series of saltwater lagoons and waterways. On the seaward side of the Ria Formosa are three sandbar islands (Ilha Deserta, Ilha Faro and Ilha Culatra) perfect for a stunning beach day getaway.
Loulé, an authentic Portuguese market town.
Visitors are drawn to Loulé, for its characterful historic center, lively markets and genuine Portuguese atmosphere. The main attraction is the Arabian inspired covered market, with stalls selling fresh produce and regional handicrafts. Surrounding the market is a maze of busy cobble stoned shopping streets and tree-lined plazas. Within this delightful historic center is an ancient castle, a Gothic church and traditional tradesmen’s houses. Loulé is an unhurried town, with the locals going about their day, but it comes alive on Saturday mornings when the farmer´s market and gypsy market join up with the traditional morning market. A great experience for the whole family to enjoy.
Vilamoura, one of the leading resorts in the Algarve.
Vilamoura is the most refined of all the resort towns in the Algarve. Well known for its five exceptional golf courses, it is also home to the biggest marina in Portugal. The Vilamoura marina complex provides a variety of fine dining restaurants and trendy bars overlooking the expensive array of yachts. Vilamoura is unlike any other Algarvian town, with its flawlessly manicured gardens and lavish villas, it shows the reflection of the many wealthy celebrity visitors that come to this area and is worth a visit.
Quarteira, a city that grew by the sea.
This charming and welcoming traditional fishing town was one of the first resorts to be developed along the Algarve coast. Quarteira differs from many of the other older resort towns along the Algarve, such as Albufeira, in that it has more of a Portuguese character. So, whilst you will find the typical Irish Pub, there are lots of Portuguese style cafes and restaurants. These include some of the best fish and seafood restaurants in the Algarve as there is still a thriving fishing industry in the town. Quarteira has a beautiful harbor which you can walk along and enjoy the amazing views. The Quarteira beach is a urban beach stretching for nearly 3 kilometers. The beach runs from the harbor right to the edge of town. The waters are calm and great for kids. Next to the beach, you will find a long and lively coastal boardwalk known as Calçadão, offering many touristic facilities, shops and lively bar and restaurant terraces. A perfect place for a family holiday.
Boliqueime, an inland village with breathtaking country and sea views.
Located in the heart of the Algarve, Boliqueime is one of the Algarve’s inland villages, known for its picturesque streets that overlook the ocean. On the one hand, Boliqueime is a typical Algarve village from the 12th century with a church in the center and all amenities, nestled in a peaceful countryside setting. On the other hand, its proximity to the lively coastal line of Vilamoura, Olhos d’Água, and Albufeira with marinas, golf courses and more – make it ideal for a fun filled holiday with lots to see and do during the day and night. The beaches, golf courses and other sports activities are just 15 mins away whilst Faro Airport is only a 20-minute drive.
São Brás de Alportel, the village that overlooks the mountains.
Right in the heart of the Eastern Algarve, about 17km north of Faro, this small, quiet village was once the worldwide center for cork production. As high-quality cork requires a clean environment and clean air. São Brás de Alportel is well known for these traits and therefore produce some of the best cork in the world. Still today the cork industry is the most representative and emblematic in the municipality. Explore the Cork Route that takes visitors to
the heart of the Algarve, the interior of the Serra do Caldeirão, to see the many cork tree plantations, learn about the fascinating process of cork transformation and the various products made from cork. São Brás de Alportel is also a great base from which to discover nature, for birdwatching, hiking, mountain biking and various guided tours are available. It is an excellent starting point for your holiday activities and a break from the beach and the busy lifestyle of the coast. There are also regular flea markets, food markets and gypsy markets.
Santa Barbara de Nexe
Santa Barbara de Nexe is a typical Portuguese village set inland from the coast, around a 10 minute drive to Loulé and 20 minutes to the coast. This small, peaceful village is served by a minimum of shops, cafes and restaurants and its borders are marked by fields and orchards as well as a bronze age fort, last used by the Romans. From the surrounding hills there are great views to the Barrocal plain between Faro and Olhão, the Ria Formosa and the Atlantic Ocean. The parish church in the center of the village, built in the 15th Century, has Manueline features, a variation of the late Gothic architecture found only in Portugal. The area is totally different from the touristic coastal towns in the Algarve and provides a tranquil escape from the modern-day life stresses. There is plenty of open spaces, rolling hills and fresh air making it an invigorating and relaxing getaway.
