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.

Enjoy Christmas In Portugal's Algarve With Premier Holidays

A survey in 2007 by the Co-op found that 3.3million Britons were expected to spend their Christmas and festive season abroad. This year, that figure is expected to rise, with millions of holidaymakers jetting off to escape the stress associated with this time of year. Who can blame those wanting to escape the almost tragic comedy that is the office Christmas party? Or the inevitable fireworks around the dinner table when the in-laws visit on Boxing Day? The cold weather, the competition with the neighbours over who can have the most over-the-top light display, the week-long preparation for Christmas dinner... these are all factors encouraging downbeat Brits to head for warmer climes over the festive season.

Premier Holidays, a British company specialising in luxury villas, have a stunning range of Algarve holiday villas to rent throughout Portugal's beautiful southernmost tip. The Algarve is a popular tourist destination throughout the summer, but even in the slightly cooler winter months, it still boasts more sun than most resorts in Europe, making booking a villa in Algarve a great choice for those who want a change from the snow in the UK.

If you love the idea of a Christmas getaway, but don't want to forget the family values that Christmas is all about, Villa Ksenia, with it's capacity to sleep 10 people, is ideal - bring the extended family and let them enjoy the private pool and al fresco dining area. The villa is situated in the residential area of Quinta Luz, just five minutes away from the town's restaurants and twenty minutes away from the nearest sandy beach, a tennis court, a health spa and a range of shops. The interior is luxuriously furnished, with stylish leather sofas and a raised, formal dining area, perfect for your Portuguese Christmas meal.

If you'd prefer a more intimate Christmas gathering, modern Algarve Villa, Kierie is contemporary and spacious, with two bedrooms sleeping four people. Located in the highly regarded Dunas Douradas resort, Villa Kierie is well-equipped for a self-catering holiday, with a private pool and within walking distance of a lovely beach. There are restaurants and shops right on the doorstep, with additional entertainment facilities such as tennis courts and golf courses just a short drive away. Villa Kierie is perfect for a small family wishing to enjoy a secluded, private Christmas together.

For a slightly different Christmas holiday, why not gather all of your friends and jet off to Vilamoura, and the spacious Villa Oraya? As well as breathtaking views, a private pool and great access to bars, restaurants, golf courses and casinos, Villa Oraya can sleep up to 18 people, making it the ideal venue for a getaway with a large group of like-minded people who want to spend Christmas abroad. The Algarve villa has a private parking area, so car hire is an also an option if you'd like to explore the local region – the small town of Guia is just a short drive away, where the famous piri-piri chicken was first created.

For up to date availability and more suggestions for places to stay in the Algarve this Christmas, call Premier Holidays on 0800 047 0400 or visit http://www.premier-holidays.com.

About Premier Holidays: Premier Holidays is a British company specialising in luxury holiday villas and apartments for the discerning traveller looking for a different holiday experience. Premier Holidays was founded in 1994 initially specialising in high-end villa holidays to Lanzarote and Fuerteventura and has subsequently grown into one of the most trusted and established villa holiday specialists in Europe.

Editor’s Note: Premier Holidays is represented by search engine optimisation agency, Dakota Digital. Please direct all press queries to Rebecca Appleton. Email Rebecca@dakotadigital.co.uk

Premier Holidays' Hunt for Exclusivity and Luxury

Algarve villa specialists, Premier Holidays, will shortly be embarking on a two-week trip to the region to find more exclusive and luxurious villas for customers looking for their ideal self-catering holiday accommodation.

Earlier this year, the firm added fifty new self-catering villas and apartments to its portfolio following a successful viewing trip to Portugal. A Premier Holidays team is now heading back to the region as  part of the firm's commitment to expand its already extensive range in and around the southernmost region.

Ian Fox, managing director at Premier Holidays, which already offers a wide range of villas in the Algarve, said, “As the 2011 Summer season winds down, this trip is the perfect opportunity for us to expand the range we offer to our loyal customers and also to new customers looking for the perfect Algarve villa.

“We'll be taking pictures when looking at new potential villas and making sure that we only add those that we find aesthetically pleasing because we only want to offer the best. The pictures will be available online, helping those debating which property to reserve to make their choice. The trip will also mean that our team will be able to give first-hand advice about villas in the Algarve when advising customers because they've actually visited the accommodation.”

Premier Holidays offers  Quinta dos Alamos villas as well as accommodation in other popular areas in  the Algarve including Albufeira, Lagos and Carvoeira.  For more information about the range of accommodation available or to find out more about the Algarve, visit http://www.premier-holidays.com.

Golfing Holidays In Portugal's Algarve

British Golf has enjoyed something of a renaissance lately, with Luke Donald, Lee Westwood and Rory McIlroy ranked as the top three male golfers in the world right now. Luke Donald's blistering performance in the PGA Championship 2011 earned him his status as the world's best golfer, and Lee Westwood is famed for ending Tiger Woods' reign as world number one in 2010. Young Irishman and one of golf's biggest prospects Rory McIlroy recently won the US Open, and who could forget Darren Clarke's masterful performance at the 2011 Open Championship? All of them are from the British Isles and have given Britain a sporting event to be proud of.

If you're harboring secret ambitions to join the elite club of golfers, or if you just want to play nine holes on a luxurious holiday, look no further than Premier Holidays, who provide luxury self catering Algarve villas within driving or walking distance of dozens of fantastic golf courses.

Carvoeiro is a superb location for a family-friendly holiday, with miles of sandy beaches and a great atmosphere in the quaint town centre. It is also home to the Vale de Milho golf course, an ideal course for beginners just getting the hang of the sport and for regular players to improve on their short game. The lovely Algarve Villa Cassandra is just 1.5km away from the Vale de Milho course, and is just a ten minute drive from one of the world's top 100 beaches, Praia de Marinha. The fully air-conditioned self catering villa is well-equipped and modern, with four beautifully furnished bedrooms with en suites. The 12 x 6 metre swimming pool can be electrically heated for an extra charge and the outdoor patio area is ideal for al fresco dining after a long day on the green.

Not far from Carvoerio is the lovely little town of Albufeira, with sandy coves waiting to be explored and a wealth of traditional Portuguese cafes and restaurants (one of which is where the famous 'piri piri' chicken was created). Casa Rosinhas is a four-bedroomed villa with a private pool and terrace with delightful views. There is a splash pool for small children, a large private parking area and a built-in charcoal barbecue,  an essential in a self catering Algarve villa. Casa Rosinhas is a short drive (7km) away from the nearest golf course, with many others to choose from in the area, including Pine Cliffs, Salgados and the Oceanico Academy, opened in 2009.

Premier Holidays is also proud to offer the stunning Casa Ventana in Lagos, set across two floors, with the living space positioned on the upper floor to really take advantage of the amazing views. The area is private and secluded, but the villa is just a short drive from a collection of shops and restaurants, with some superb sandy beaches and the resort of Luz. Landscaped with palm trees and fruit trees, the garden area has a 10 x 5 metre swimming pool and an al fresco dining area, perfect for balmy summer evenings after a day on the golf course. In the area of Lagos is the fantastic 27-hole course Palmares. Transformed by American golf course designer Robert Trent Jones Jr, the views from the course over the Bay of Lagos are breathtaking and with five of the holes placed on sand dunes, it can be a real challenge for any golfing enthusiast.

For up to date late availability in the Algarve, call Premier Holidays on 0800 047 0400 or visit

Tempt Your Taste Buds With A Wine-Tasting Holiday In Portugal's Algarve

Sir Cliff Richard, veteran singer with over 260 million records sold over a 53-year career, is celebrating after winning 5 awards – but not for his musical talents. The worldwide star has received a quintet of prestigious awards at a Portuguese wine competition, judged by Michelin-starred sommeliers and wine critics from all over the world.

Sir Cliff, who owns the 24 hectare Adega do Cantor, has been heavily involved in creating his own wine in Portugal for several years and his hands-on approach (he can often be seen getting his hands dirty in the vineyards themselves) has now paid off. Joining his seemingly endless list of musical awards and accolades are his new wine awards, including Best Red for the Region (2009 Onda Nova Alicante), and two gold medals for his Onda Nova Verdelho 2010 and Vida Nova Rose 2010.

The stunning estate, sometimes nicknamed 'Cellar Of The Singer', is situated in Faro, the southernmost district of Portugal, in an area called Albufeira. The gorgeous region is home to some of the world's finest coastlines, with both lively beach resorts and sleepy villages alike.

If a wine-tasting holiday in a stunning location sounds appealing, an Algarve holiday villa from Premier Holidays could be perfect for you. Premier Holidays has a number of stunning self-catering Algarve villas, close to a number of vineyards, including Sir Cliff's, for a holiday with a real difference.

The beautiful Villa Alamo sleeps 7 people (6 adults, 1 child), is air-conditioned and has a private optional heated pool. A patio provides an idyllic setting for al fresco dining and the kitchen is modern and well-equipped for a self-catering holiday. It is located near the charming village of Guia, near Albufeira, and home to many traditional Portuguese bars and restaurants, one of which is where the famous 'piri-piri chicken' was created.

Also located in Guia is the Casa Rosinhas, a luxurious 4-bedroomed Premier Holidays villa, with a master suite occupying the entire upper floor of the property. The master suite has a private terrace with gorgeous vistas and a bathroom with a large corner bath and hydro-massage shower, making this lovely villa the perfect location for a decadent wine-tasting getaway.

As well as the Adega do Cantor estate to explore and sample, there is also the Quinta dos Vales project, a 20-minute drive away. Quinta dos Vales is a unique project, with a winemaking centre, a small animal farm and a centre for arts and events all rolled into one. If you're planning on bringing the family, there is an aquatic theme park (Zoomarine), with rides and various attractions, and there is a dolphin interaction programme for a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.

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

There’s Still Time For Late Summer Savers In An Algarve Self-Catering Villa

If you haven’t yet taken your summer holiday, a late break in September could see you saving as much as 92% on peak break prices according to new research by Santander.

The high street bank found that those who plan a trip to coincide with the school holidays may end up spending 92% more than those who go after the end of August. For those who have yet to plan a holiday, these savings could be just the incentive needed to book a late availability Algarve holiday villa and jet off for a late summer break in the sun.

Blisteringly hot in August, the Algarve also remains warm and sunny throughout September, so there’s no need to compromise on beach or pool time if you go away later in the year than would normally be the case.

With the cheaper cost of a September break compared with an August summer holiday, why not splash out on a larger property and holiday in style? Premier Holidays, specialists in self catering Algarve holiday villas and apartments, have a number of luxury Algarve villas in popular resorts to choose from. Ideal for larger families and groups of friends, amenities such as private pools and spacious outdoor areas make a September trip just as memorable and enjoyable as an August break.

While it may be a few degrees cooler towards the middle and end of September, the pleasant climate means it’s possible to enjoy a great round of golf or days sightseeing without having to battle uncomfortably high temperatures. For those travelling with young children and older family members, the lower temperatures make the experience that much more enjoyable.

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

Book Your Algarve Villa Now For Summer 2012 For Best Rates

You may only just be about to jet off on your summer holiday but now is the time to plan for next year if you want the widest choice of accommodation and best rates for summer 2012 advises Algarve villa holiday specialists, Premier Holidays.

The firm has recently expanded its portfolio of Algarve villas with more properties in all of the top resorts, including Vale do Lobo, Lagos and Quinta dos Alamos.

Ian Fox, Premier Holidays’ managing director said, “Booking early means having your choice of properties in each of the resorts. Making an early start on holiday plans for next summer also means you’re avoiding the last minute rush to secure a holiday property and makes it more likely you’ll be able to reserve your preferred Algarve villa or apartment at a preferential, early booking rate.”

Premier Holidays specialises in villas in the Algarve and has more than 100 properties for guests to choose from. They range from two to seven bedroom villas in variety of Algarve locations. Golfers and sun worshippers are well catered for with a wide selection of Quinta dos Alamos and Vale do Lobo villas, while those wanting to get away from it all can choose from a number of properties tucked away in the unspoilt Eastern Countryside.

Properties can be booked online and by calling Premier Holidays on 0800 047 0400.

For more information about the Algarve and to book visit http://www.premier-holidays.com.