Algarve: Port Town To Holiday Hotspot

Portugal’s Algarve region is nowadays renowned for being one Europe’s most enduringly popular tourist hotspots. With miles of stunning beaches, beautiful mountaintop vistas, family-friendly activities, charming towns and a warm climate to boot, it is perhaps no surprise that the southernmost region of Portugal has shown itself to be a favourite among holidaymakers. The many holiday villas which have sprouted up along the coast over the past decades are testament to the thousands of people who love to call the Algarve home for a few weeks every year, but how did this picturesque region become the holiday haven that it is today? The history of the Algarve is a colourful and interesting one, and there are a great number of fascinating historical sites that still attract tourists to the region to this day.

In the sixth century BC, Portus Hanibalis (nowadays known as Portimao) was founded and became a popular Mediterranean trading port. Over four hundred years later in the second century BC, a Roman occupation left behind many Roman ruins including bath complexes and fishing salt tanks, especially in the towns of Vilamoura and Praia da Luz. These ruins are still a major tourist attraction for many in the area, and are overlooked by some beautiful modern Algarve villas, popular with holidaymakers.

Visigoths and the Moorish invasion saw power over the Algarve change hands numerous times over the next thousand years, and in the 12^th century, the Moorish reign came to a close as a result of a military campaign by the Kingdom of Portugal.  The King of Portugal, Afonso III, began referring to himself as the King of Portugal and the Algarve, and this title was in use until as recently as 1910, when the proclamation of the Portuguese First Republic meant that the existence of the Algarve as a separate state in Portugal came to an end.

The great Lisbon earthquake and the consequence tsunami of 1755 destroyed many of the Algarve’s largest cities and caused mass reconstruction throughout the entire area. This left many of the towns with a very distinct architectural style which many tourists come to marvel at.

The Algarve wouldn’t see such mass regeneration again until the 1960s, when the surge in the availability of air travel meant an influx of holidaymakers and tourists from Britain, Holland, Ireland and Germany. Northern Europeans have little experience of the mild Mediterranean climate and the long stretches of south-facing coastline, so the Algarve firmly cemented itself as the holiday destination for many Britons. Tourism plays a large part in the economy of the Algarve region; the property market is in full swing due to the popularity of Algarve holiday villas, there is continuous investment in leisure facilities such as golf courses and spa retreats, and thousands of seasonal jobs are created every summer by the arrival of holidaymakers looking to enjoy the natural delights of the region.

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

A Footballing Break In Portugal’s Algarve

After what feels like the shortest summer break ever, due to the excitement of Euro 2012 and the tournament within the Olympics, the football season has now returned. The summer signings have been wrapped up, the pre-season tours have been completed and teams are back in action, ready to battle it out for the trophies that they chase for ten months of every year. The return of the football season clashes with some of the busiest weeks in the year for family holidays, but in Portugal’s beautiful Algarve region, both football and holidays can be easily combined. Premier Holidays has an extension portfolio of stunning Algarve holiday villas for those who wish to combine a love of the Beautiful Game with some of the continent’s most beautiful vistas.

Many of the world’s finest ever footballers have hailed from Portugal, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Luis Figo and Eusebio, and their immense talent has left a legacy in the country. The Algarve is home to a huge football stadium, Estadio Algarve, which purpose-built when Portugal hosted Euro 2004, and there are countless soccer schools up and down the stunning coast for children and adults alike. Players such as Paul Scholes, John Terry and Michael Owen have been known to holiday in the Algarve themselves, taking time to stop by certain football-related attractions.

In the Albufeira region, a specialist football tour company offers tailor-made tours and special tournaments on professional-standard pitches. Hosting anything from stag parties to children’s training camps, and in close proximity to some of the Algarve’s most picturesque coastlines, the area is ideal for a footballing vacation. With almost enough room for a full football squad, Casa Prado is a conveniently located villa which is situated close to Albufeira and is well-equipped to deal with a family of football enthusiasts. A satellite TV ensures that any games won’t be missed, and the gated swimming pool is perfect for a warm-down after a tough day out on the pitch.

Luis Figo is one of the footballing greats, not just in Portugal, but across the world, and chose Vilamoura in Portugal’s Algarve region as the place he wanted to open his own bar as he settled into retirement. The upmarket Bar Sete is located on the marina front in Vilamoura, just a five minute drive away from the luxurious Villa Oraya, which sleeps up to eighteen people. The vast holiday villa is spacious and elegantly furnished, with features such as a private swimming pool and a traditional charcoal barbecue on a sun terrace. The well-kept gardens and lawns are south-facing and are perfect for a sun-drenched kickabout, while the nearby towns and villages are home to some of Portugal’s most authentic and traditional restaurants and bars. 

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

Take Up An Equestrian Hobby And Enjoy Portugal’s Algarve From The Luxury of An Algarve Holiday Villa

Of the many sports taking place in this year’s Olympics, one discipline has found itself with many new fans. Team GB have taken the equestrian events by storm, with gold medals in team show jumping and dressage and individual medals still to compete for. At 54 years of age, and competing in his sixth Olympics, Nick Skelton proved that it’s never too late to become a medal-winner, and many across the country are sitting up and taking notice of what has long been considered a sport from bygone eras.

Many will be wondering how they can get involved or take up such a sport, and there is a surprising answer coming from southern Europe. The Algarve, on the south coast of Portugal, is a fantastic hotspot for horse riding, with many specialist schools and riding centres for beginners or veterans. Premier Holidays is an experienced provider of luxury Algarve holiday villas for anyone vying to stand on the podium in years to come, and has a portfolio of properties situated in prime horse riding areas.

The Albufeira Riding Centre, also known as Vale Navio, is situated in a prime location, set amongst stunning Portuguese countryside whilst also being easy for tourists to find. It’s said that horses here are the fittest in the Algarve, and with horses and ponies to choose from, there is a steed for all the family. The Casa Belmira Algarve villa is located in the nearby town of Guia, and is large enough to accommodate an average family of five. The private swimming pool and outdoor terrace area are perfect for winding down after a long day on horseback, and the villa is within walking distance of some of the most authentic Portuguese restaurants in the Algarve.

The area of Lagos also has a renowned horse riding school in the form of Tiffany’s Riding Centre, which gives tourists or residents the chance to explore relatively unknown countryside from horseback. The staff are experts in assisting children and those who have never ridden before, and have fifteen years of experience in the industry. Premier Holidays’ lavish Algarve villas are located just a short drive away from this horse riding school and many other sporting activities, with accommodation for up to eight people. Villa Silvester and Casa Ventana are both spacious, old-style Portuguese villas with private pools and a great location with views of the surrounding countryside. The living rooms in both properties are situated on the upper floor to give guests stunning vistas of the Funchal Ridge, and a wonderful view of the walled town of Lagos itself.

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

Go For Gold in Portugal with an Algarve Holiday Villa

Britain’s Olympians are preparing to go for gold at the London 2012 summer games with a stay on the Portuguese Algarve. A number of athletes have taken to Portugal to train ahead of their competitions, and will be flying back before their events over the next few weeks. The holiday resort boasts an extensive array of sporting facilities and with almost guaranteed sunshine, makes for a perfect base camp ahead of the medals push. Families wanting a gold-medal style break can also join in the fun by booking a late availability Algarve holiday villa for fun in the sun this summer.

The stunning Algarve Villa Lucinda in Monet Carvoeiro from Premier-Holidays can sleep six and is within a stone’s throw of a host of sporting facilities including horse riding, tennis, golf and scuba diving. Known for its glorious beaches, the Carvoeiro region is a must visit for any budding swimmers or water sport enthusiasts. Its miles of rocky coastline are filled with sandy coves, traditional restaurants and beach bars.

The villa itself is an ideal retreat, even if you aren’t preparing for an Olympic sized challenge. With mature gardens set over a number of levels, huge covered patio, pool, gazebo-style dining area and BBQ, there is plenty of space to sit back and relax in the balmy Portuguese climate.

For those who prefer to spend their break teeing off, the purpose-built leisure resort of Vilamoura has world-class golfing facilities. State-of-the-art courses dot the region but there are also ample pools, tennis courts, a water park and beach in which to exercise and keep fit. Sleeping nine, the modern Jardin del Sol villa in Vilamoura is within walking distance of the old village and just a five minute drive from Vilamoura itself. Spread over three floors, the villa has four bedrooms, a south facing pool and expansive gardens.  

Premier Holidays has more than 100 Algarve villas and holiday apartments to choose from, whether you’re travelling as part of a large group or planning a cosy getaway for too.

For up to date late availability and to book accommodation 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.

Enjoy the Algarve Jazz Musical Festival with Premier Holidays Self Catering Algarve Villas

The Algarve is known for being one of the top beach break destinations in Europe, with miles of sandy shores, quaint fishing villages and family-friendly resorts to choose from. But during the last weeks of July, lovers of jazz music from all over the world will join traditional holidaymakers in flocking to the region in southern Portugal for the annual Algarve Jazz Music Festival. Situated in the Loule area, and run by the Casa da Cultura (House of Culture), the festival has been hosting outstanding musicians since 1995 and continues to thrill audiences in 2012. With intimate gigs in bars and historic sites, and huge, open-air concerts in parks and pavilions, there is an eclectic mix of blues, funk and jazz music for all to enjoy.

The Loule area of the Algarve is set back slightly from the coast, with plenty of accommodation available in surrounding villages and resorts for those wishing to enjoy the festival. Premier Holidays have a wide catalogue of beautiful Algarve holiday villas in nearby areas such as Vilamoura, Faro and Vale de Lobo, perfectly situated for music fans who want to be near the action of the annual event.

The Lagomare Algarve Holiday Apartments are in a prime location to enjoy both the jazz festival and everything else the Algarve has to offer. With cafes, restaurants, beaches, water parks, nightlife and historical sites all within easy access, it is the perfect holiday home for a short, jazz-filled getaway. The apartments have two bedrooms, both furnished to a high standard, and a beautifully appointed open plan living and kitchen area. A garden and private pool are also available to residents, to unwind after a night of jazz riffs and licks. 

The Vilamoura area is home to some of the more spacious villas in Premier Holidays’ extensive portfolio; the beautiful Algarve Holiday Villa Oraya can sleep up to eighteen people, with seven bedrooms, seven bathrooms and leather sofas seating sixteen in an expansive living area. Perfect for a getaway with a group of jazz-loving friends, the villa has a south-facing pool and is set in beautifully manicured gardens, with outdoor eating areas for al fresco dining and even a private terrace with breathtaking views for those lucky enough to procure the master bedroom. The villa is just a short drive away from festival in Loule, as well as from some of the most beautiful beaches and towns in Portugal. 

For up to date late availability 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.