Portugal’s Douro Valley Near the Algarve Offers A Vintage Treat

Most people would agree that the simple pairing of wine, or port wine in particular, with cheese is an old-age pleasure that has no fear of dying out. In a country where both are plentiful and a range of wonderful new tastes await the discerning traveller; it is no wonder that the Algarve is a popular holiday destination for those who like a side order of gourmet delights with their sunshine.

As port enthusiasts and connoisseurs will confess, a wine tasting holiday for those who are new to the experience, is more than just a trip to the local vineyard to stock up on cheap booze. A true tasting implies soaking up the culture and learning a little about the history of the wine in order to fully appreciate the aromas and flavours of the vines, each wine telling a tale of the land, history of the soil and the climate of the country in which it has been produced.

Hidden in the peaceful Douro Valley, just little over an hour’s drive from the popular holiday lets and self-catering accommodation of the Algarve’s Vale do Lobo popular self-catering holiday villa resort lies the well-known Taylor’s Port House.

Noted worldwide as a benchmark for vintage port, Taylor’s mixes only the finest of fruits from its own estates. Nestled in a beautiful valley and not far from both the coastline and the airport, Taylor’s Port House is a hidden gem of Portuguese culture and produce.

Within easy driving distance from the main Algarve resorts lined with luxurious yet low cost holiday villas, tourists are invited to visit the port house to learn about the production of the legendary beverage that has graced many a household dinner table. Visitor’s will also be able to participate in a tasting experience of three of Taylor’s different port wines: an extra dry white, a late bottled vintage and a very special Tawny 10 year old. Premium port tastings are also available and all tours leave every 30 – 40 minutes. Other local activities can easily be arranged through the Taylor Port House and include a visit to the Taylor gift shop, olive oil tastings and even Port wine workshops.

People participating in local tours such as wine tasting, can also continue their cultural holiday experience in the array of nearby tapas bars where everything from a good house wine to an decadent brandy is readily available and for a reasonable price.  Visitors who prefer the freedom self-catering accommodation can offer over a hotel, can enjoy

their beverage purchases in the comfort of their holiday villa.

With plenty of self-catering accommodation available, the proximity of a selection of wine tasting tours across the Algarve make themselves just as suitable for large groups as they are for small ones. 

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.

Drink In The Beauty of Portugal’s Algarve

Not everyone goes on holiday just for sea, sun and sand, especially at this time of year when the weather, albeit still warm compared to UK standards, is starting to cool a little. The Algarve is undeniably well known for its fantastic food but there also some delicious wines to be consumed and plenty of wine tasting opportunities to choose from. The wine tasting region is also conveniently located close to a range of Algarve holiday villas and self-catering accommodations options, allowing visitors to design their own getaway and enjoy local food and wine from the comfort of a private poolside terrace.

Taking a wine appreciation tour is both fun and informative way of understanding the complexity of wine. All tasting experiences will explain not only how to differentiate the range of flavours and aromas of various wines but how to pair them with food in order to compliment rather than overpower, while at the same time providing interesting information on Portuguese culture.  Wine tasting tours are easy to come by but the Monte da Casteleja winery and Sir Cliff Richard’s Quinta do Miradouro are within easy driving distance of many self-catering Algarve holiday villas situated in the popular resorts of the Algarve’s popular destinations of Valle do Lobo, Portimaro and Lago.

Because of the Portuguese sunny climate and the Algarve’s rich soil, the whole area has become a wonderful territory for growing vines, in particular for the Vitis Vinifera, which is well known for yielding a high alcohol content. Both novices and connoisseurs are sure to enjoy each tasting experience as every one is as unique as the vine itself.

Thanks to the close proximity of a number of vineyards and an excellent transport network, those wanting to embark on a tour de wine are spoilt for choice when it comes to picking a resort to call home. All of the major resorts provide a choice of apartment and villas with everything from spacious modern town houses to large luxurious Algarve villas complete with an outdoor dining area and a generously sized pool sleeping from 4 all the way up to 10 people. The main towns of Vale do Lobo, Lagos, Vilamoura and Albufeira sport the usual mix of shops and other local amenities as well as beaches and sporting activities including tennis and golf.  

Within walking distance of many of Premier Holiday’s carefully chosen Algarve self-catering accommodation, is also a selection of tapas bars and restaurants, each offering a wonderful nook from which to sip and savour the extensive range of wines the Algarve has to offer, each with a different history, personality and depth of flavour.

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.

Enjoy A Taste of Portugal With a Food Experience in the Algarve

Food can play a huge part in a family of holidaymakers deciding where to go on their holidays. Families who love pizza might head straight for Italy, while fans of bratwurst and pretzels would be in food heaven in Germany. The Algarve region in Portugal has a thriving food industry, with something for everyone. From the harvesting of figs and oranges to the birthplace of ‘piri-piri’ chicken, the southernmost area of Portugal can please even the most demanding of palates, all washed down with a signature Algarve wine.

Much of the economy in the Algarve depends on the farming of oranges, strawberry trees, figs, cork oak and carob beans. Large areas of the land are covered with greenhouses to ensure the strong growth of these products, and as a result, many of the dishes Portugal is renowned for feature these foods. Portuguese fig cake is a favourite of many in the region, while orange rolls and orange cakes are sold in many bakeries in the area. As many of the tourists who visit the region shun hotels to stay in luxury Algarve villas, the self-catering aspect means that any budding bakers will have access to prime ingredients should they wish to have a go at creating these Portuguese delicacies themselves.

The Algarve is also renowned for its invention of the famous ‘piri-piri’ chicken, which can be found everywhere from roadside takeaways to the most exclusive of restaurants. Anyone staying in an Algarve holiday villa will have easy access to this regional dish, which has been exported across the world and even has chain restaurants dedicated purely to the spicy flavour which is beloved here. Aside from chicken, the proximity to the coast means that the Algarve also specialises in seafood dishes. Conquilhas are small clams and incredibly popular in the Algarve, with bags of them at every fish counter, while many starters and main courses in restaurants feature sardines, prawns or monkfish.

Wine in the Algarve is also a huge export, and draws many tourists to the region on specific wine-tasting tours. Lagoa, Portimão and Tavira are the main areas within the Algarve which produce most of the wine; Cliff Richard’s vineyard is situated just a little way outside of Tavira and close to the quaint town of Guia, where many luxury Algarve holiday villas make it a perfect hotspot for those on a wine-tasting trail. Other alcoholic favourites in the area include the fiercely potent fruit brandy ‘Medronho’ (better known as ‘fire water’) and port, Portugal’s best known drink. Many restaurants offer Portuguese wines and beers as their house options, so the chance to introduce your palate to these beverages need never be far away.

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

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.