Going Abroad For Christmas? Look No Further Than Algarve Holiday Villas for Festive Fun in the Sun

While some people like to snuggle up by the fire, decorate the Christmas tree, have the family over, cook the turkey and do all the normal Christmas day things others can’t help but want to pack up and head for warmer climes. Despite global warming, the UK is still pretty cold around Christmas. Wearing nothing less than at least three layers with a thick, woolly coat, it is no wonder that the appeal of spending Christmas in the warmth sees many Brits hopping across the waters to spend Christmas in the sun. If topping up your tan this winter sounds like a great deal, why not celebrate your time off over Christmas in true Portuguese style by booking an Algarve holiday villa and letting the good times roll?

Opting for a self-catering base is a great option if you plan on travelling with a group of friends or relatives. Booking a large self catering Algarve holiday villa means you can join in the Christmas festivities of eating Bolo Rei cake made especially at Christmas, drinking Porto wine and other traditional liquors, and tasting the wide range of sweets and biscuits, 'azevias' and 'felhozes’ that Portugal has to offer with space and privacy.

Many bars and restaurants around the popular self-catering resorts of Vale do Lobo, Vilamoura and Quinta dos Alamos will stay open on Christmas Day, offering a range of local delights and typical Christmas turkey. Of course, if you want to cook, an apartment or villa gives you the freedom to turn your hand to culinary activities – great if making mince pies with the kids is a festive family tradition.

There is also plenty to do in and around the Algarve around Christmas and the new year.  Holidaymakers will often find the streets and squares of the Algarve seaside towns lit up with Christmas lights and resounding with songs from street musicians. Cultural activities include a range wine tasting experiences, the Loulé Mountain Fair filled with pretty handicrafts and the traditional 9k and 3km Father Christmas walk that takes place in Albufeira. Most local tourist offices will have a special programme with details of upcoming parties, art exhibitions, musical concerts and other cultural events to keep you busy during your stay, leaving nothing but the flights and the Algarve holiday villa to book.

Although admittedly it may be a tad too chilly for a dip in the sea, it is a perfect time to explore surrounding Portuguese villages and get to grips with the local cuisine and Christmas time tipples.

The Algarve: One of Europe’s Cheapest Self-Catering Destinations

A poll taken by Post Office Travel Money over the summer indicated that the Algarve was one of the most budget-friendly places in Europe to take a self-catering holiday. The study found that a basket of twenty typical supermarket items, which would cater for a small family, came to just £57.78 in the Algarve, whereas in other holiday hotspots such as Corfu, the prices for a weekly shop soared well over £100. The western Mediterranean resorts fared much better than those located in Greece and Italy, and the south of Portugal is now being celebrated as one of the best locations in Europe for a family holiday.

Many families who wish to go self-catering opt to spend their holiday in one of the Algarve’s stunning self-catering holiday villas. With over one hundred miles of stunning coastlines, interspersed with quaint villages and bustling resorts, staying in an Algarve villa offers families the chance to enjoy the region in the way that they see fit, whilst conforming to a comparatively low self-catering budget.

Each region of the Algarve offers something different which all families can enjoy without overspending. Those with a steeped interest in history might find themselves drawn to the areas of Vilamoura and Praia da Luz, where many Roman ruins still remain. These attractions are free to view and offer a fascinating insight into the history of the region, which used to be one of the busiest port towns in the Mediterranean. Many of the Algarve holiday villas in the region overlook these ruins and can be surveyed from the outside pool or eating areas which many of the properties boast. So far as I am aware none of our villas overlook Roman ruins.

Guia is a more quintessentially Portuguese town, with traditional restaurants and cafes lining many of the streets. The town is 6km inland from the coast, but many Algarve self-catering villas are located nearby so there is easy access to a number of typical Algarvian restaurants, serving local cuisine at lower prices than many of the larger resort towns. Villas in this region can sleep from five to nine people across two to four bedrooms, meaning that families looking for a holiday can pair up if they wish to facilitate extra savings on their basic shopping expenses.

Carvoeiro is one of the main family-friendly resorts in the Algarve, and the continuous tourism in the area means that many restaurants, cafes, bars and supermarkets provide budget options. The dramatic cliffs in this region are offset by stunning white beaches and azure ocean, making it a picturesque spot for a family holiday, and there are many cheap and cheerful ways to keep the family entertained, including water parks, crazy golf courses, tennis courts, animal shows and a so-called ‘smuggler’s beach’ called Alfanzina. The villas in this region can sleep up to thirteen people, so the spending costs can be split across a much larger number of people for a memorable and fun budget holiday.

The Algarve Rates As One Of Europe’s Top Holiday Destinations

During the recent World Travel Awards hosted by Europe’s popular holiday destination, the Algarve, on October 6, Portugal graciously accepted a stunning total of 12 awards including Best Beach and Golf Destination. Such prestigious awards, as voted by travel professionals from around the world serve to further confirm that the Algarve is considered as one of Europe’s most attractive stretches of coastline and a top choice for holidaymakers year round.

Designed to accommodate all manner of tourism from beach, to water sports, culture, golf and family friendly adventures, it is this versatility that has landed the Algarve with such world renown. Not only is the striking coastline proud to offer miles of beautiful beaches and a range of sun and water fuelled activities, it is also home to historical villages, stellar vineyards, a range of wine tasting and sight seeing tours and wonderful array of flora and fauna. Bringing together wine connoisseurs, ornithologists, water sport fanatics, golf enthusiasts and those arriving to the sun for some rest and relaxation, it is understandable why many tourists choose to repeatedly return to the diversity of the Algarve region.

From top-class hotels to Algarve holiday villas of all shapes, sizes and styles, this part of the peninsular has something to offer even the most budget-conscious of travellers. With a large selection of villas for all size of groups, the most popular areas include the bustling Quinta do Lago, Dunas Douradas and Vale do Lobo resorts where self-catering villas are definitely the most popular style of accommodation. Located within walking distance of the main amenities, golf courses and excursion meeting points, the selection of stunning holiday villas offer a certain level of freedom and privacy that the hotels are unable to match.

A range of beautifully decorated, family-friendly properties in the quieter, more rural locations of the Algarve, such as Albufeira, Carboeiro and Vilamoura, also cater for those wanting to be a little further from the hubbub of activity of the resorts. Only a short drive from both the coast and quaint inland villages, these holiday villas are perfect for anyone wanting to soak up typical Portuguese culture while surrounded by nature, open countryside and some great views.

The Dunas Douradas beach resort, however, was proud to receive the wonderful acclamation as Europe’s leading villa and apartment resort at this year’s Global Travel Awards. Having won the Bloomberg Best Development Europe Award less than two years ago, such continued recognition definitely puts this area at the top of the leader board and makes an Algarve Dunas Douradas villa a hot pick for visitors.

September In The Algarve Is The Perfect Late-Summer Getaway

The Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals have revealed research which proves that September is the most popular month of the year to go on holiday. Their report states that of those who responded to the CIPP 2012 Holiday Survey, almost a quarter (23%) indicated that September was considered the best month to head for sunnier climes. August, June and July followed, with August receiving 17% of the vote and the two earlier months averaging 13.6% each.

With temperatures still hitting up to 26 degrees throughout the whole month of September, Portugal’s Algarve is a popular pick as the proximity of the Mediterranean Sea creates incredibly mild temperatures enjoyable for those who prefer to avoid the hottest months of the year. The lowest average temperature is still a fairly warm 21 degrees; this makes it a perfect holiday destination for those looking to book time off work and escape to the sun during the popular month of September. Rainfall averages at around 5mm for the entire month, and each day sees up to 9 hours of sunshine. There’s also a huge range of great value Algarve holiday villas to choose from, perfect for sharing with a large group of friends or a smaller family gathering.

Falling prices are also one of the biggest reasons why many opt to take their holidays in September; last year’s peak prices dropped by around 30% in September and around 40% in the period October – December because of the schedule of the school summer holidays. The first week of September sees all school terms start once more, and holiday prices drop as companies understand that families are strongly discouraged from allowing their children to miss school to go on holiday. The demand is less, and prices will drop enough for many couples, friends, or young families with children not old enough to attend school, to book their cheap late summer getaways.

September in the Algarve also offers the chance to witness some of the country’s most popular events and festivals. As part of the International Powerboating Championship, the town of Portimao hosts the Portuguese Grand Prix of the Sea every year, bringing high tension and excitement to the banks of the River Arade. Alvor sees more watersporting events, hosting the Formula One Wind Surfing Championships, while one of Portugal’s most popular gastronomy events takes place in the popular resort of Albufeira, as part of a fisherman’s festival. One of the most exciting events taking place in the Algarve in September is the Alcoutim Festival, which features five days of sports, dancing, music, food and entertainment for all the family, and is situated on the banks of the river Guadiana, just an hour’s drive away from the coast. Any self-catering Algarve villa makes a perfect base but for those who want to make the most of September’s budget-friendly appeal and still be in the thick of the action, choose an Algarve villa in one of the central resorts such as Vale do Lobo, or Vilamoura and the surrounding area.

The Algarve’s fantastic facilities are not limited to September; luxury spas, children’s funfairs and amusement parks, the best in swimming facilities, sports centres and a multitude of restaurants and shops are open all year round, and the region hosts an assortment of festivals and special events over the course of the year. Whenever the visit, the Algarve is an exciting and luxurious place to take a holiday.

For September availability in the Algarve, call Premier Holidays on 0800 047 0400 or visit http://www.premier-holidays.com.

Premier Holidays Offers Last Minute Summer Bookings

Summer is just around the corner but is not too late to book a great value break and head towards the beckoning, warmer weather of Europe’s costal regions and well-loved holiday destination, the Algarve.  Plenty of flights can still be found for a reasonable price and Premier Holidays has a selection of self catering Algarve holiday accommodation available to suit all sizes of families, groups of friends and even couples hoping for a weekend or short break away in the sun.

Offering adventure-filled holidays, water sports, sunbathing, golf and/or sightseeing, the Algarve is easy to get around and has a selection of bustling resorts that cater to every need. For those hoping for a quieter destination, just a few minutes drive inland, the Algarve also offers stunning, peaceful countryside lined with quaint villages supplying plenty of local delicacies to taste and handicrafts to choose from.

The Algarve Villas Mateus and Villa Roco both offer peace and quiet. Situated outside the picturesque town of Loule, the villas are hidden away from any hustle and bustle but boast breath-taking sea views, beautiful pools and lovely, spacious interiors. Sleeping up to 8 people, the two Algarve villas are both well equipped with large modern kitchens and covered outdoor terraces for a quiet relaxing evening watching the sun go down. Nearby Loule offers plenty of shopping, bars and restaurants and the busier, popular resort of Vale do Lobo with its golf courses and long stretch of sandy beach is less than a 20 minutes drive away. 

For those wanting a little more action, the Vale do Lobo resort is the place to be. Premier Holidays offers a range of different sized villas, conveniently situated within easy walking and driving distance from a range of different activities, day time tours, popular beaches, restaurants and a busy nightlife. On the smaller end of the self-catering options is Casita Dulce set in the beautiful older part of the resort. A renovated townhouse, Casita Dulce sleeps up to 4 and offers comfortable furnishings and a stylish kitchen. Within a few minutes walk of a golden, sandy, beach and the Praca, the famous beachside centre, Casita Dulce would easily suit a small group, family or couple escaping the changeable UK weather to enjoy a sun-filled weekend.

For larger groups, the Algarve Villa Querida sleeps up to 10 people and is located within a 10 minute walk from the beach and many other well sought after amenities as well as being a short drive from the classy Quinta Do Lago area with its range of eateries and upmarket boutiques. A charming interior, good-sized pool, covered outside dining area, terrace and private garden, make Villa Querida a perfect environment for children and offers adults an oasis of relaxation and comfort following lengthy day trips or time spent at the beach.

For up to date late availability and further accommodation options in the Algarve, call Premier Holidays on 0800 047 0400 or visit http://www.premier-holidays.com.

The Algarve Offers A Taste Of Local Flavour

Summer in the Algarve is all set to kick off in fine style following last week’s annual wine festival. Offering plenty of wine tasting opportunities, the fair featured both small and large producers and attracted tourists and locals alike, giving just a hint of the rich gourmet culture that can be found throughout the region.  The Algarve features prominently on the list of Portugal’s best selling wines and the festival offered a great way to pick up fantastic wines at value prices.  For those who missed out, it’s still possible to enjoy a true wine tasting experience by visiting one of the area’s many vineyards. There you can learn about the cultivation of the grapes, the different varieties of fruit and harvest methods, all while an expert guides you through the mouth-watering flavours of a different local beverages. A wine tasting excursion is the perfect way to unwind and relax and with a handful of self-catering Algarve villas on offer within a short drive of some of the region’s most prolific producers, the only problem is deciding which to try first.

Some of the best wine tasting tours are favourably close to the popular holiday resorts of Lagos, Vale do Lobo and Guia, including the winery Adega do Cantor which famously produces Sir Cliff Richard’s ‘Vida Nova’. Other wine tasting experiences include the Adega Algarvia on route to Vale Do Lobo and the Monte Da Casteleja wine cellar situated between Lagos and Portimao. Excursions such as wine tasting can easily take up an entire afternoon but picking a villa within a short drive means you can fit more than one wine tasting experience into even the shortest of weekend breaks.

If you’re planning an Algarve getaway with fellow foodies, Premier Holidays has a number of luxurious villas and apartments to choose from which are well suited to larger groups. Sleeping up to 7 people, the spacious, modern Casita Jemima is conveniently situated within the old town of Vale do Lobo. A quick stroll will take you straight to the beach and the old town square La Praca, sufficiently surrounded by a good selection of cafés, bars, shops and restaurants.  Complete with a garden and sun terrace with superb views of the old town area, Casita Jemima is a prime location for a spot of sight seeing by day and to experience the bustling Portuguese atmosphere by night.

Villa Leonora is also in the Valle do Lobo region and within easy driving distance of the well-known wine tasting bodegas, a handful of water sport facilities, two golf courses and the beach. Sleeping up to 5 people, Villa Leonora comes complete with a pool, terrace and shaded outside dinning area, just the place from where to watch the sun go down.  With an open plan deisgn, the Algarve Villa Leonara is modern and comfortably furnished.

Ultra modern and definitely chic, Monte Dos Avos offers a more country feel but comes complete with private heated pool and stunning picture postcard views. Within walking distance from the peaceful but beautiful village Alcantarilha, the villa is also only within a few minutes drive of the Armacao da Pera resort and the pretty town of Guia. Monte dos Avos is in a superb location from which to base all manner of day time excursions but perfect for anyway wanting to steal some time away from the hubbub of the tourist resorts at the end of a long, yet fun-filled day.

For up to date late availability and further accommodation options in the Algarve, call Premier Holidays on 0800 047 0400 or visit http://www.premier-holidays.com.

Escape To An Algarve Villa With Friends This Summer

The Algarve in Portugal is one of Europe’s premier beach destinations, and ideal for a holiday with friends. With restaurants, cafes, bars, exhilarating water sports and a multitude of sandy beaches, it is the perfect spot for a sun-soaked break this year. Premier Holidays have almost one hundred stunning Algarve holiday villas to choose from, all in prime locations to enjoy everything the south of Portugal has to offer. From two-bedroomed luxury apartments to sprawling countryside villas, Premier Holidays has something to suit every client looking to escape with pals this summer.

The Casa Sultan Algarve villa, with five bedrooms and stunning views of the Carvoeiro coastline, is a stunning example of the luxury self-catering accommodation Premier Holidays specialise in. Complete with optionally heated swimming pool, outdoor barbecue area and even a small games room, the villa is ideal for a group of friends escaping to experience some Portuguese sunshine. The picturesque cove of Carvoeiro is just a short walk away, with many restaurants offering traditional cuisine. Whale-spotting and swimming with dolphins are all part of the activities in the surrounding area, with water parks, tennis courts, golf courses and boat rentals all available. The Casa Sultan sleeps ten people and is available from just £1281 per week.

Situated in the Luz area, Villa Ksenia offers a high standard of a holiday accommodation in private, secluded grounds. The local sandy beach is a twenty minute walk away, with the nearest amenities just a five minute stroll. A health spa and a tennis centre are located within two kilometres, a leisurely walk for those who enjoy getting out and about on holiday. The villa itself sleeps ten people and is furnished in a stylish manner; a raised dining area leads onto the terrace and the kidney-shaped pool, while the open-plan living and kitchen area is kitted out with leather sofas and the finest cooking appliances. With prices starting at just £795 for a week, this stunning villa is not to be missed.

For smaller groups, Casita Dulce is a beautifully renovated townhouse located in the heart of the “Old Village” in the Vale de Lobo area. The famous beachside centre of Praca is a short walk away, and the traditional town square features an array of restaurants and shops. The townhouse sleep four people and is fully-fitted with a top-of-the-range kitchen and bathroom suites. The outdoor dining terrace is perfect for balmy nights sipping wine and eating alfresco, while those more active can enjoy two superb 18-hole golf courses, a horse riding centre and a go-kart track. This property is available to rent for just £506 per week.

For more information and to book call Premier Holidays on 0800 047 0400 or visit http://www.premier-holidays.com.

Escape Britain’s Summer Of Sport With A Break In The Algarve

The UK is set to go sports crazy this summer, with events such as Euro 2012, Wimbledon and, of course, the Olympics and the Paralympics all directly featuring a range of British sporting talent. Sports fever is already gripping the nation, and many who aren’t so fanatical about the multitude of tournaments taking place this summer will be looking for any means to escape and enjoy a relaxing break away from the competitive and all-consuming nature of these events. Premier Holidays has the solution in the form of their stunning selection of Algarve holiday villas. With sizes ranging from one-bedroomed apartments to luxurious villas which sleep up to fourteen, Premier Holidays has a self-catering solution to suit anyone looking for a much-needed break this summer.

The Algarve region is famed for many things: its stunning stretches of sandy white beaches, incredible cliff formations, the warm climate and its hospitality towards tourists. Whether staying in a family-friendly resort like Vilamoura, exploring the historical streets of Lagos or relaxing in the quaint fishing village of Luz, there is something for all guests to enjoy.

The Vilamoura area is perfect for leisure and recreation, with a whole host of shopping boutiques, restaurants and bars. For those who can stomach a little sport, or whose other halves won’t be able to handle more than a few days without a little competition, this region has some of the best golf courses in the country, as well as many beautiful beaches to while away the day. The Villa Vanessa Algarve villa is a modern property suitable for a family, just two kilometres from the main marina in Vilamoura, where there are theme parks and sea-life shows to keep everyone occupied. Sleeping up to six people, the villa features elegant landscaped gardens overlooked by a patio dining area, and shares a large communal pool with the surrounding properties.  

The famous Algarvian restaurants which feature prominently in the town of Guia are famed for being the birthplace of piri-piri chicken, as well as a whole host of other regional delicacies. The Casa Rosinhas Algarve holiday villa sleeps up to eight people, ideal for two families escaping Britain together, and is situated just outside of Guia. Zoomarine and Aqualand theme parks are just a short drive away, with the opportunity to swim with dolphins also available nearby. With a private, optionally heated pool, four bedrooms, three bathrooms and a private terrace with delightful views of the surrounding countryside, the relaxing atmosphere at Casa Rosinhas will feel a world away from the summer of sport taking place back in the UK.

For up to date availability in the Algarve, call Premier Holidays on 0800 047 0400 or visit http://www.premier-holidays.com.

Bird-Watching Holidays In Portugal's Algarve

The Algarve in southern Portugal has long since been one of Europe's top holiday destinations. With glorious sandy beaches, year-round sunshine, golf courses and family-friendly resorts, there is something for everyone in the stunning region. There is also a growing trend for nature holidays in the Algarve, with a strong emphasis on bird-watching.

Although it may not immediately spring to mind as a prime location for the hobby, bird-watching is a growing niche in the Algarve's tourism industry, with tourists travelling from all over the world to observe hundreds of avian species. A recent Bird Watching Festival, held in Sagres, attracted around 800 people and 116 species of bird were observed, with people visiting the Algarve solely to attend the festival.

The famous Ria Formosa Natural Park is a prime location for people wanting to enjoy our feathered friends in their natural environment. Known by the locals as 'Ria', the park is visited by 200 different species of bird and is a specially protected site. Also home to flamingos, otters and the extremely localised chameleon, Ria is great for those nature lovers whose enthusiasm extends beyond birds too. It is located close to the popular Vale de Lobo resort, where Premier Holidays has a collection of beautiful Algarve villas to choose from.

The stunning Casa Nathalie sleeps 8 and is south-facing, ensuring you get to see the most wonderful sunrises and sunsets. Just a few kilometres away from amenities such as golf courses and restaurants, the privately gated villa provides the perfect mix of privacy and convenient location.

Also in the Vale de Lobo area, the truly luxurious Villa Amalia is perfect for those who want to add an air of decadence to their trip. Situated in a spectacular pine forest, the light and spacious property is at the very heart of nature, and just a short drive away from the resort of Vilamoura, where there is a marina and the opportunity for marine excursions such as dolphin spotting.

The town of Lagos is another recommended destination for keen bird-watchers, as it is just a 40 minute drive from Sagres, where the aforementioned bird-watching festival was held, and is also close to the popular bird-watching area of Paul de Lagos. With the existence of freshwater and reedbeds in the area, a number of birds are found at Paul de Lagos which may be more difficult to find in other regions. The beautiful Casa Ventana is situated just 4km outside of Lagos and is an older-style villa with fabulous views of the surrounding countryside. With the capacity to sleep 8 people, the Algarve holiday villa is perfect for those who might want a joint getaway with friends, and is also a short drive from beaches, restaurants, golf courses and the pretty resort of Luz.

For up to date late availability in the Algarve, call Premier Holidays on 0800 047 0400 or visit http://www.premier-holidays.com.

William and Kate may spend their honeymoon in an Algarve villa

With the Royal wedding looming, everyone is riddled with anticipation and speculation as to what Prince William and his fiancée Kate Middleton’s big day will involve. And it’s not just the big day itself which has got everyone worked up in excitement; the location they choose for their honeymoon has also had everyone guessing which destination they will pick.

The Royal couple have recently been formally invited to Portugal’s most popular tourist destination; The Algarve. The invite was issued by Turismo do Algarve, the tourist board for this region. It was sent to the British Ambassador to Portugal, Alex Ellis who will then personally see that the couple receives the invite.

The president of the Turismo do Algarve, Nuno Aires has expressed that he “honours the close relationship between the UK and Portugal, as well as the established British tradition of holidaying or living in our region.”

In the paper which was delivered to Ellis, Nuno Aires offered his congratulations to the British Royal family on their recent wedding announcement.  He also told Prince William and Kate Middleton of his ‘joy and happiness’ that they are to marry on 29th April 2011 in Westminster Abbey, London.

In years gone by, British tourists have always flocked to the Algarve staying in the resorts luxurious hotels and Algarve villas. Amongst all of the Algarve’s international arrivals, British people account for half of all people at the Faro airport- the regions only airport.

With such a promising track record of welcoming Brits to the Algarve’s idyllic shores, and with many returning back year on year it indicates the happiness and satisfaction that the Algarve brings to the British public.

If you want to spend some time on the Algarve’s coastal resort there are a variety of locations you can choose from, depending on your preferences. For those looking for a relaxing, sport filled break the Algarve holiday villas located in the Vale do Lobois is ideal. The region boasts world class sporting and leisure facilities, as well as upper class dining and entertainment facilities, all of which are within just a stones throw to the resorts long, golden sandy beach.

The Vale do Lobo villas offer a superb standard of accommodation while holidaying in The Algarve. Some might say they are even fit for a king………

If you want to browse for villas in The Algarve visit http://www.premier-holidays.com