A TRUTHFUL GUIDE TO RESORTS

If you have not visited Portugal before you may be unsure of which resort will be best for you. Below is a warts and all guide of the areas we feature.

LOULÉ & BORDEIRA

Pros: The villages in these areas are largely unspoilt and most of our villas are in peaceful locations. The restaurants are usually very reasonably priced.

Cons: You will have to drive to the beaches and barking dogs can sometimes spoil the tranquillity of the countryside.

ALMANCIL, QUINTA DO LAGO, VALE DO LOBO & DUNAS DOURADAS

Pros: Close to some lovely beaches and ideal for golf enthusiasts with numerous sports and leisure facilities.

Cons: Inevitably, the coastal areas are more likely to be adversely affected by building work. Restaurants are likely to be more expensive in these resorts.

VILAMOURA

Pros: Perfect for families, with many of the villas close to the exciting marina. Also great for sport lovers, especially golf!

Cons: Tends to be very, very busy in the height of the summer and it is often difficult to get tee times and there can be long waits in restaurants.

BOLIQUEIME

Pros: A central location with easy access to beaches and a varied selection of restaurants. The villas tend to be in rural locations.

Cons: The A22 motorway is some distance away but, with strong winds, you may hear traffic. Barking dogs can sometimes be a pest.

PADERNE, SÁO BARTOLOMEU DE MESSINES & SILVES

Pros: This is wonderful walking country, largely unaffected by tourism and a great example of the 'real' Algarve , with good, inexpensive restaurants.

Cons: You may hear occasional traffic noise from some of the properties and once again, most country people keep dogs.

SANTA EULÁLIA, OLHOS D'AGUA & PRAIA D'OURA

Pros: Again, these resorts are recommended for families with teenagers as car hire is often not essential.

Cons: Although there are some authentic restaurants and bars, the influence of tourism is apparent.

ALBUFEIRA

Pros: These are good choices for young people as many of our properties are within walking distance of shops, bars, restaurants and beaches.

Cons: These resorts become crowded in the peak season and are more likely to be affected by building work than rural areas.

VALE DE PARRA, CERRO D'AGUIA, QUINTA DA SAUDADE & GUIA

Pros: Close to some of the best beaches with a varied selection of restaurants. Most of the villas are in country positions, just a short drive from towns.

Cons: There is some construction work due to the new marina development

PRAIA DO CARVOEIRO & PORCHES

Pros: These areas are close to many facilities including water parks, golf courses, shops, bars, restaurants and many beautiful beaches.

Cons: Once again, this is a developing area so some construction work is possible.

PORTIMÃO & PENINA

Pros: Some of the best golf courses are to be found at this end of the Algarve . Also, Lagos has some of the most sophisticated shops and restaurants.

Cons: These resorts are further from Faro Airport so transfer by taxi is relatively expensive.

MONCHIQUE

Pros: Very pretty countryside, with staggering views and utterly peaceful. There are some good restaurants, with lower prices than on the coast.

Cons: Due to the height of Monchique the weather is sometimes not as reliable as the coast. The villas are not suitable for young children.

LAGOS & FUNCHAL RIDGE

Pros: Excellent shops, an attractive marina, a good market and lovely beaches. Due to the new motorway, now only fifty minutes drive from Faro Airport .

Cons: There is some building work on the periphery of the town.

PRAIA DA LUZ & BURGAU

Pros: Luz is a lively little town with a superb beach and lots of restaurants and bars. Burgau, its quieter neighbour, remains a traditional Portuguese village.

Cons: There is some building going on as access is now much better since the opening of the new motorway.

LISBON COAST

Pros: Beautiful scenery and unspoilt countryside, steeped in history with many places of interest to visit and fabulous restaurants.

Cons: We can't think of any!