Europe’s leading golf destination also has great beaches and places of interest too!

Portugal’s southern coast has been a major draw to British visitors for several decades, its fabulous white sand beaches, the exceptional range of Championship golf courses and its temperate climate naturally make it popular. We cannot deny that some areas have been predominantly developed to satisfy this need and are therefore very busy in the peak summer months, but we have selected some of the best hotels most in areas that still reflect the traditional hospitality and charm that the Algarve is known for. The Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo estates are less developed and offer a sophisticated quality holiday experience. In other busier resorts, our particular hotel selection are able to provide that same high quality and have all the facilities required to ensure guest satisfaction.

The Algarve away from the resorts has beautiful rural countryside and pretty typical villages with restaurants offering good value and more traditional dishes. It is worth hiring a car to explore the area and see the other side of the Algarve. Whatever your style of holiday be it beach, golf or exploring our experienced team would be happy to advise and discuss your needs.

The resorts and areas we offer:

Vilamoura – Praia Falesia - Albufeira

Three or our properties are in the Vilamoura – Praia Falesia – Albufeira area. In the Algarve many of the best hotels are on the coast or on privately owned estates. This area is known by several names, some select the Praia (the beach area) name, others use the nearest town or even region name. One thing that can be said is, it is famous for its endless beautiful sandy beaches and stunning red cliffs. As a popular tourist area there are parts of the region that are very developed but on the other side of the coin the fishermen still go about their business as they have done for decades and the cobbled streets and whitewashed houses in the some of the old town areas and villages remain as they have always been.

Within relatively short distances the landscape changes to green country side with orange, fig, almond and pine trees and there is a range of interesting places to visit and things to do. Albufeira is a busy tourist town but the old medieval area of town is barred to traffic which protects the lovely mosaic tiles on the ground and the small fishing harbour is picturesque. The new Marina is very attractive and has a wide range of new shops, bars and restaurants.

Vilamoura is a man made resort that is centred around the famous marina and has a wide range of shops, bars and restaurants and is reputed to have the best range of sports and entertainment facilities in the Algarve (we say reputed because these things are in the eye of the beholder). Four 18 hole golf courses surround the resort and our nearest hotel here is The Lake Resort which has many of the facilities one would find in town. Praia Falesia is the beach area, where the Sheraton Algarve and The Lake Resort are located, which extends along this coast.

Quinta do Lago

Is a famous privately owned estate of over 1600 acres of beautiful parkland which includes the Ria Formosa Nature Park and Reserve. The resort is considered to be one of the most sophisticated in the Algarve and often visited by the rich and famous. Within the estate there are residential areas as well as the five star Quinta do Lago hotel plus 4 championship golf courses are surrounded by the natural beauty of the estuary and the parklands. You need not go far to find what you need, beaches, water and other sports, golf, shopping, lakes, horse riding and nature trails. This really is a complete resort area and is definitely top of the range.

Vale do Lobo

Like Quinta do Lago this is another privately owned estate set between pine forests and long stretches of beautiful sandy beaches. Again an area dominated by the beaches and the golf courses, but that is what appeals to visitors to the Algarve the range and quality of both here and the temperate climate. This is another very good area, and like Quinta do Lago, not as developed as some resorts. The nearest village in the area in Amancil well known for its muted coloured ceramics and for retaining much of its traditional Portuguese character. There are restaurants, and art gallery and the São Lourenço church (see out What to do page).

Porches - Armação de Pera

Porches is a classic Algarve village with white-washed houses with the typical filigreed chimneys. This picturesque village is where much of the blue and white pottery is made, one can visit the Pottery factory which preserves the local craft and the ancient Moorish designs – some shops also decorate the handmade pottery in public view too. Hotels are generally on the coastal area, five minutes deom Porches, including our choice of Vila Vita Parc, and are located near Armação de Pera. Once a small fishing village this is now a town alongside one of the nicest sandy beaches in the Algarve which stretches for miles (the beach has the same name as the town). Boat trips depart from here and there are theme parks for the younger visitor including Aqualand and the Dolphin Park within 10 minutes of town. The appeal of the white sand beach here does mean it gets busy in the peak summer months but either side of July/August this area is very appealing.

Golf

For some the Algarve is synonymous with golf. We have selected some of the best hotels for golfers. Most of these have their own courses and naturally the golf professionals too. There are a host of special golfing arrangements, do please ask us. We give more detail on several golf courses on our What to do page, above.

Beaches

Beaches too, are synonymous with this area of Portugal and again we list some of the best on our What to do page.

What to do in the Algarve?

Most visitors go for the temperate climate, the warm friendly people and, of course, the golf and beaches. But there are a host of sporting options available and some interesting places to visit – we mention several on our What to do page.

Events in the Algarve

Many events are centred around local fiestas or sports, but there are some surprising visitors to the area too, recent individual concerts included Lionel Richie, Brian Ferry and Liza Minelli and there are some good classical music events too. We will keep you posted on our What’s on in the Algarve page.

Other options in Portugal

Going north from the Algarve to the neighbouring rural Alentejo is an interesting and different experience by hire car or excursion. If you would like to experience this either for the day or perhaps to stay overnight (or two) in one of the lovely Pousadas in the area do please let us know.

Two Centre Holidays

We can arrange stays combining both the Algarve and Madeira, a good combination of a beach and island holiday. Please ask for advice.

Getting around in the Algarve

Without doubt Car Hire is the best option to explore this region or for days out away from the resorts. but avoid driving around the larger towns as they can be busy. If visiting a larger town or Faro, drive there and park up rather than getting caught up in the traffic. The motorway N125 extends along most of the coast to provide quick and easy access to the area you seek, but country roads are quieter and much more relaxing.

Local best buys

Basketware, ceramics, copper and brass from Monchique and Loule. Leather goods, Port and clothes from Portimao or Faro.

Prestige Plus in the Algarve

Private air conditioned taxi transfers.

Travel guide to the Algarve.

Welcome fruit and water in your room on arrival with our compliments.

The services and support of our excellent local team, including being met at busy Faro airport.