Area in Focus: The Eastern Countryside

The Algarve’s Eastern Countryside is the perfect place to visit for your next holiday, as it offers a slow and unhurried pace of life. There’s a good reason for this: it’s simply much less well known than the West with its assortment of tourist resorts and Algarve villas. Shorn of the Western part of the Algarve’s mass tourism developments, the Eastern Countryside offers a wide range of delights.

The Algarve’s countryside is full of secluded villages that have been untouched for centuries. If you want to sample some of this preserved history, then why not start your trip around the area at the pretty fishing town of Tavira? With its whitewashed houses adorned with decorative chimneys and pyramid shaped Roman-tiled roofs nestled amongst orange, fig and almond trees, Tavira can trace its history as far back as around 2,000 BC. It also has a Moorish Castle, as well as many fine 18^th century buildings dating from the period after the devastating earthquake of 1755.

Other must-see stopping points as you journey around the Eastern Countryside from your Quinta dos Alamos villa include the historically important town of Castro Marim. Situated near the banks of the Guadiana and in close proximity to the coast, the remains of the first settlements in the area date as far back as about 5,000BC, and for many thousands of years it was a port that offered shelter to the ships that sailed the Guadiana collecting metals and other wares from Alcoutim. Attractions to see now include the town castle’s 10^th to 12^th century remains and the 17^th century fort of São Sebastião.

Nonetheless, if there’s one reason you choose to come to the Algarve’s Eastern Countryside, it is naturally to get close to nature, so it makes sense to look out for the countryside’s most notable flora or fauna whilst out and about. A typical Loule Algarve villa will give direct access to the stunning scenery while also offering plenty of space to relax and enjoy the sun.

The Algarve has an amazing variety of wild flowers that make for a changing landscape the whole year round. Discover the yellow ‘Bermuda buttercups’ on the cliffs and in the fields at the start of the year, which give way to giant fennel plants as the months pass. The Eastern Countryside is also a paradise for bird spotters, offering another great way to get back to nature. Or why not explore the cork plantations or sample the fine brandy made from locally grown fruit?

Despite its secluded position and undiscovered feel, there is a huge choice of Algarve holiday villas to be found in or around the Eastern Countryside. Villa Mateus is a four bedroom villa just a ten minute drive from the beautiful town of Loule, sleeps eight and also comes with air conditioning and a private pool. Set in 1700 square metres of lush, sub-tropical gardens, this villa also offers truly spectacular countryside views.

The Villa Adriano, meanwhile, is another charming Algarve villa ten minutes’ drive from Loule boasting unbeatable panoramic views. With its six bedrooms and private pool, it is also just a short drive away from the charming town of Almancil and its famously superb restaurants.

Alternatively, look out for Quinta dos Alamos villas such as Villa Alamo. This is a beautiful two-storey property, has three bedrooms and sleeps seven. It has a private optional heated pool and is not only situated in the desirable area of Quinta dos Alamos but is also in close vicinity to the charming village of Guia with its traditional restaurants and cafes.

To take a closer look at Premier Holidays’ range of Eastern Countryside villas and to book online, visit http://www.premier-holidays.com. 

Resort in Focus: Lagos and area

There are few holiday destinations that offer quite as exceptional a variety of attractions and things to do as Lagos in the Algarve. Lagos is situated 10 miles west of Portimao and 50 miles west of Faro, on Portugal’s south west coast. Holidays in Lagos give you the opportunity to enjoy the best of everything in a sun-drenched holiday, from charming market town architecture and seaport to the vibrant beach. Lagos is one of the most ancient towns in the Algarve, consisting of a fishing harbour surrounded by crumbling walls, on a gorgeous wide bay.

So, what are the best things to see and do in Lagos for those staying in Algarve holiday villas? Well, there are certainly plenty of great beaches, meaning that there is something for every kind of holidaymaker. You may for example want to relax in a more secluded spot, in which case you’re sure to love the intimate slither of sand at Praia de Dona Ana, complete with its little grottos and coves. If you’re more interested in joining the tourist throng, though, you can head to the two-mile long beach at Meia Praia, which is a great spot for windsurfing and jet-skiing and is the longest beach in the Algarve.

Lagos also offers a great nightlife, with trendy bars, pavement cafes, late night jazz bars and nightclubs. There is something to suit everyone here, though, including an exciting range of first class restaurants that serve both traditional and international dishes. There are also some great seafood restaurants to be found around the harbour.

Lagos is great for more active holidaymakers, too. You can do everything here from playing tennis and going scuba diving to sailing or horse riding. There are also many top class golf courses in the area, offering both great weather and spectacular views. 

But regardless of how long you spend in Lagos, don’t miss out on the opportunity to enjoy the region’s folklore – Algarve is a great choice for a variety of dances and festivals, particularly if you head into the Serra hills during summertime feasts and saints days.

So, what are the best villas to be found in and around Lagos for a variety of party sizes? The Vale do Lobo villas from Premier Holidays include Villa Filomena, which is a fabulous purpose built accommodation that is contemporary and stylish whilst also offering a high level of comfort. Beachside dining and entertainment, shopping, tennis and golf are all close at hand.

The best Quinta dos Alamos villas, meanwhile, include Casa Prado. This four bedroom villa has a gated private swimming pool. Slightly smaller villas in the area include the three-bedroom Villa Alamo, which sleeps six adults and one child.

To browse more Algarve villas and for further information, visit http://www.premier-holidays.com. 

Enjoy a stress-free pace of life with an Algarve villa holiday Quinta dos Alamos in detail

Sometimes going on holiday is so stressful you almost need a break when you get back to recover from it all. If your last getaway felt more like an extension of the usual whirlwind of daily life, step away from the hustle and bustle and relax in Quinta dos Alamos this summer instead. Villas in the Algarve specialists Premier Holidays have a number of properties in Quinta dos Alamos in their luxury holiday villas portfolio, all of them hand picked for their tranquil settings and gorgeous views.

Quinta dos Alamos is off the tourist track, in a traditional whitewashed village that few holiday makers uncover. It is all the lovelier for its undisturbed air and finding an Algarve villa to rent in the area gives you the sense of being handed a key to a secret club. Shrouded by almond and carob trees, the resort is the ultimate in laid back chic.

No bars or restaurants line the cobbled streets, but wander up the road to the nearby village of Guia and you’ll find all you need to eat, drink and be merry – there are shops, bars, cafes, a cinema and supermarkets. But when you’ve had enough socialising, you can slope off to the solitude of your private villa, dip into your private pool or even take a picnic to the large village green.

 If you’re unsure whether a slower pace of life is for you, renting an Algarve villa in Quinta dos Alamos is actually a perfect compromise as its just a short drive away from the popular resort of Albufeira. With sandy beaches and bustling nightlife, Albufeira is more than just a tourist hub and tearing yourself away from the peace and quite of Quinta dos Alamos to travel the few kilometres to Albufeira is rewarded with a town that fuses popular culture with a strong presence of the past.

Able to trace its history back through the Romans, Phoenicians and Greeks, remains of aqueducts, roads and bridges dating to those ancient civilizations can still be found.

Premier Holidays has a selection of 11 Algarve villas in Quinta dos Alamos and the nearby village of Guia. They range from two to four bedrooms, with private pools and air conditioning. Phoenicians,Phoenicians, Greeks and Carthaginians

To browse Premier Holidays’ range of villas in the Algarve and to book online, visit http://www.premier-holidays.com. 

THE ALGARVE: Try an Algarve Villa Holiday for a Getaway That Isn’t At All Taxing

Planning a summer holiday or late spring getaway doesn’t have to be taxing – not even if you’re one of the 750,000 Britons facing a higher rate of taxation thanks to last week’s Budget. The Chancellor may have announced almost 1 million will be moved into the 40% tax bracket but, you can still save a fortune by choosing an Algarve villa holiday and planning a fun self-catering break for this summer.

The annual Post Office study into best value holiday locations pegged Portugal as the cheapest family holiday destination anywhere in the world for 2011. That means that great value essentials in the resort, affordable accommodation and pocket-friendly holiday luxuries regardless of what this year’s Coalition Budget means for your personal finances.

If you’re already thinking about where to take your family this summer, Vale do Lobo in the beautiful Algarve is a top pick. The resort, smack bang in the middle of the ‘Golden Triangle’ is home to miles of sandy beaches, water sports aplenty, boutique shopping, delicious restaurants and bars and world class golf and tennis facilities.

Premier Holidays specialised in villas in the Algarve and has a number of properties in Vale do Lobo, all suitable for family holidays. Choose from a selection of apartments, townhouses and villas in Vale do Lobo. With private pools and stunning views, it might even be a stretch to tear yourself away and head out to explore.

Top picks include Vista Bonita, one of the most popular villas in Premier Holiday’s Algarve villa portfolio. With sweeping views from the roof terrace, the two bedroom property is a stone’s throw from the sea and La Praca – the hip beachside shopping area.

If you’re planning on travelling with a larger group of family and friends, the self-contained Algarve Villa Cipres  is the epitome of luxury. With five bedrooms, the cost of the property can be split between guests, making for a high end break on a budget. With a large heated pool, separate splash pool, gardens and patios, you’ll never want to leave.

To browse Premier Holidays’ range of villas in the Algarve and to book online, visit http://www.premier-holidays.com.