Premier Holidays Team Heading to Portugal to Expand Algarve Villa Offering

Premier Holidays, the private holiday villa specialists, will be heading to Portugal later this month in order to expand its portfolio of luxury Algarve holiday villas and apartments.

Established in 1994, Premier Holidays is dedicated to providing easy access to high-end villas and apartments in a number of popular European destinations including Portugal, Lanzarote, the Canary Islands and Cyprus. The web-based firm also has holiday rental properties in Gozo and Malta and the Balearic Islands

With a commitment to offering only the best appointed, best value and best located accommodations, the bookings team are travelling to Portugal in order to view potential new additions to the Algarve villas line up.

Ian Fox from Premier Holiday said, “We will often undertake research trips to our destinations in order to keep up to date with new additions to the area as well as experiencing any new properties first hand. We are always on the look out for suitable Algarve holiday villas to expand our holiday villa offering in Portugal.

“As one of the cheapest destinations in Europe for summer 2011, we expect demand to be high for accommodation throughout the Algarve until the end of the year and beyond.”

With 76 Algarve villas and apartments currently offered through the Premier Holidays online reservation portal, travellers can choose from self-catering accommodations including properties from two to six bedrooms in a number of Algarve resorts. 

Despite the luxurious nature of Premier Holiday’s self catering holiday villas, the firm is also assured of offering value for money – the four bedroom Villa Prado in the popular resort of Quinta dos Alamos for example is available from just £81 per person. The three storey property includes private gardens and a fenced pool area.

As well as exploring regions including Quinta dos Alamos, the Northern Countryside and Vale do Lobo, Premier Holiday’s staff will also be trying out local restaurants and attractions, allowing them to provide a personalised service to guests booking an Algarve villa and requiring more information about the local area.

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

Why Staycation When You Can Spend Less By Choosing A Self Catering Algarve Villa Holiday?

Recent research carried out by a UK hotelier cast a rather gloomy cloud over the British summer with the news that 35% of Brits felt that a ‘staycation’ was on the cards thanks to money worries and concerns over the cost of going abroad for a seasonal break. Fortunately, self-catering villa specialists Premier Holidays are giving hope to the millions who had resigned themselves to a rainy few days in the British Isles with assurances that a self catering villa in the Algarve may in fact be a much cheaper alternative.

Ian Fox from Premier Holidays said, “It’s a myth that holidaying in the UK can only be cheaper than an overseas break. With the cost of fuel high, travelling to a destination such as the South Coast from the north of England can run into the hundreds of pounds alone, without factoring in accommodation, entertainment on rainy days and the cost of food and drink.

“In comparison, many airlines posted poor passenger figures last summer as lots of people opted to stay at home and save money rather than go on holiday. This means there are lots of great deals to be had this year to entice holidaymakers back into the air and overseas for their annual getaway.”

Opting to stay in the UK and travel to a British resort for a week or two this summer also makes it difficult to make any savings on the cost of living. Even self-catering can be expensive as it’s still necessary to buy food and drink at just the same sort of costs – if not higher- as doing the weekly shop in a local supermarket. Travel abroad though and the cost of living is much cheaper, allowing savings on the cost of feeding a family for a week that can then go towards flights, spending money and souvenirs.

The annual Post Office service released this week found an Algarve Villa holiday to be one of the top two European holiday destinations for 2011 when it came to value for money and the cost of food and drink. The total price of 16 everyday essentials including milk, eggs, bread, water and vegetables was just £44.36 in the Algarve compared with £63.63 in Brighton. These savings make it much more affordable to find a cheap flight and book a luxury Algarve villa than jump in the car and head to a resort such as Brighton, Torquay or St Ives. 

Mr Fox added, “The Algarve has been named by the Post Office for a number of years running in their annual report as one of the cheapest places in Europe for a holiday, definitely cheaper than Britain as the cost of the standard basket of goods showed and also notably cheaper than places like Cyprus and the Greek Islands. With so many great deals on flights and on other essentials like car hire, it’s possible to enjoy a hot sunny week in Portugal for a much lower total cost than a week in the UK.”

With almost guaranteed sunshine, an Algarve villa with a pool is a must and choosing one close to the beach also means there’s less to spend on attractions and days out as the whole family can just head to the beach. Popular resorts such as Vale do Lobo represent good value for money – larger properties are plentiful so you can even rent a large, luxurious accommodation with five or six bedrooms and split the cost with extended family or friends. Villa Prado, a spacious and attractive four bedroom villa in Quinta dos Alamos in the heart of the Algarve costs as little as £81 per person.

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

Where Are The Best Beaches In The Algarve?

The Algarve, Portugal, is a highly popular holiday region that has huge numbers of visitors flocking to it each year from every corner of the globe, and it's not difficult to see why. For all its fascinating history and picturesque scenery, if there's one thing that the beautiful Algarve is definitely renowned for, it’s the amazing beaches that can be found here. Here, we round up a selection of the best of them for those who are interested in Algarve holiday villas.

Praia da Marinha, Lagoa

The Praia da Marinha beach is situated near Lagoa and is renowned for its rocky outcrops and calm waters. Although neither the largest nor the most remote beach in the Algarve, it is nonetheless the quintessential Portuguese cove, and a great place to come from your Algarve holiday villa if you’re seeking an escape from the tourist throng. It has calm waters that make it a great place to go snorkelling or enjoy a boat trip to the nearby caves. It is less recommended for families with young children, however, due to the steep steps that need to be negotiated to reach it.

This beach’s spirit of seclusion extends to the local amenities, with a mere modestly sized wooden bar-restaurant to be found near the steps – meaning that you are well advised to bring a picnic and your own water.

Praia Da Rocha, Portimão

Portimão is the Algarve’s second city after Faro, so it should be no surprise that it also happens to boast one of the most bustling and best known beaches in the region. Located just south of the town, this beach has expanded considerably in width in recent years as more and more holidaymakers have flocked here, with Portimão itself also having developed into a complete resort. The beach itself is family-friendly and close to a wide range of amenities on the well-developed seafront, making it a great place to check out on your journey from your Algarve villa.

Ilha da Barreta, Faro

Hardcore sun worshippers will particularly love this pristine 10km long beach, which is also one of the most remote to be found anywhere in the region, despite being accessible a mere boat ride away from the happening city of Faro. The beach is surrounded by marshland and the area is also home to many birds, including terns and flamingoes, meaning that it is also a very popular beach with nature lovers. Speaking of nature, it’s also something of an unofficial naturist spot.

Other than during the summer season there are seriously few people to be found here, although a restaurant and toilets are nearby. But for those interested in Algarve holiday villas designed for serious relaxation, or even snorkelling in the nearby waters, there are few better beaches around.

Praia Ilha De Tavira, Faro

Another popular beach for those with naturist inclinations (or at least, an especially reserved area), this is one of the most highly rated beaches on the eastern side of Faro, and is also a big hit with water sports enthusiasts. This elongated sandbar beach is accessible by boat from the jetty of Tavira.

Praia da Bordeira, Carrapateira

This is certainly an impressive looking beach, with its mighty sand dunes and rugged cliffs of limestone, and it offers plenty of sand, too, stretching for three kilometres. Its exposed location and often considerable wind make it especially popular with surfers and anybody else who appreciates a rugged beach experience.

Despite the stunning scenery, this beach is not frequently visited, although it is close to the Praia do Amado beach, which with its surfing and bodyboarding schools, does see slightly more visitors from villas in the Algarve. Phoenicians,Phoenicians, Greeks and Carthaginians

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

Resort in Focus: Carvoeiro

If you’re looking for an Algarve destination with a difference, Carvoeiro is a great resort to visit from any of a wide range of Algarve villas, making finding accommodation easy and the experience unique. A civil parish in the Lagoa Municipality, Carvoeiro is about 5km south of Lagoa city, but has no shortage of attractions of its own. It is a picturesque fishing village that, having been described by a foreign visitor in 1965 as a place where “the mode of living remains essentially medieval”, has now grown to become the main tourist area of the municipality.

Carvoeiro Algarve villas give you access to many of the same selling points of resorts elsewhere in the Algarve, such as highly picturesque scenery, an excellent sandy beach and a climate that produces average maximum temperatures of 28 degrees Celsius in July and August.

Of particular interest to visitors, however, will be the many family friendly activities in the area. The pretty Carvoeiro Beach, for example, is located in a sheltered sandy cove and is an excellent place to relax in the sun or swim in the sea. For a change of scenery or for even greater seclusion, pay a visit to some of the nearby beaches such as Marinha, Carvalho and Benagil.

Once you’ve tired of all that, before heading back to your Algarve holiday villa, how about a visit to the area’s theme parks? There are some excellent water parks in the area that will be of delight to both children and adults. These include the thrilling Slide and Splash water park and Zoomarine, the latter actually allowing you to swim with dolphins.

There’s plenty more going on in and around Carvoeiro than just that, however. If you like the idea of taking a break in Carvoeiro at this time of year as the weather heats up, you may be interested in the many concerts, sports tournaments and ferias that are taking place locally. How about the concert by the Orquestra do Algarve in nearby Lagoa Auditorium on 14^th May? or the Festa da Nossa Senhora da Encarnação, which takes place in Carvoeiro on the last Sunday of every August?

To enjoy all of these events and more, you’ll need to find a local villa. The three-bedroom Casa Alaris is set just a few minutes’ drive away from the centre of Carvoeiro in the popular Vale de Milho community, and features secluded pools, terraces and outdoor dining areas with built-in barbecues. Its first floor terrace also allows for lovely country views. It’s simply the perfect place to base a Carvoeiro holiday. 

For those who need a greater amount of space, other great Carvoeiro and Algarve villas include Casa Francesca. This beautiful family villa sleeps 11 people across its five bedrooms, and is mere walking distance away from the shops, restaurants and bars in Monte Carvoeiro, which is itself just a few minutes from Carvoeiro centre. Or how about booking the superior and modern Villa Oliveiras? This villa, just 2.5km from Carvoeiro centre, is very spacious and attractive and features sea views and a private optional heated pool.

For more information on Premier Holidays’ range of Carvoeiro villas and to book online, visit http://www.premier-holidays.com. 

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.