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.