We had walked for almost three and a half-hours and had met two other walkers and a group of German tourists taking advantage of the views from the top. Later we went into town and had a three-course meal with wine for just over twenty Euro. The sun was shining, people were sitting around enjoying that special half hour that lies sleepily just after dinner and before going back to work, the smell of spring was in the air. January on the Algarve!

People often come to stay with us, saying that they have avoided holidays on the Algarve as it conjured up for them images of crowded beaches, high rise apartment blocks and noisy nightlife. While this is true of some parts of the coast in summer time, nothing could be further from the reality of rural Algarve. Pretty white washed villages, orange groves, vineyards, ancient olive trees, relaxation, tranquility, interesting towns, local handicrafts, a window to a way of life that has changed little in centuries. And what about beaches? In less than fifteen minutes drive from our guesthouse here at Duas Quintas, you can choose from stunning rocky bays or long sandy beaches. And because we know the area well, we can steer our guests away from popular crowded beaches to less well-known areas, where, even in the height of summer, they are guaranteed space and comfort.

One of the biggest attractions of the Algarve is of course the weather. With over 3,ooo hours of sunshine per year and up to 6 hours on the average winter day, the Algarve is the ideal location for a winter break. The Algarve’s summer climate is well known -long, hot sunny days, warm tender nights.

Location too makes the Algarve an attractive holiday destination -two and a half hours from most airports and an easy arrival into Faro’s welcoming and uncomplicated arrival lounge. Once here, most holiday destinations are less than an hour’s journey from the airport.

But this is only the tip of the iceberg that makes rural Algarve the perfect holiday destination.

Visit us in Spring when nature spills over in colour and abundance. Wild orchids, peonies, lavender, cistus all carpet the hillsides and roadsides to give a breath taking kaleidoscope of color and perfume. Stand still and spot the sparrows, swallows, house martins, hoopies and many others. Search out the kingfisher, the owl, the eagle and the sparrow hawk. Listen to the cuckoo by day or the nightingale in the evening. Be amazed by the variety of butterflies, their colour and intricate design; the noisy frogs and toads, the shy lizards that scurry for shelter and the playful geckos that come out in the evening light.

One of the Algarve’s best kept secrets is its gastronomic delights. Portugal had a rich culinary heritage and the Portuguese people know their food and demand quality. Small cafes serve wonderful stews and grilled meals and fish. Seafood restaurants introduce you to a variety of shellfish unknown to most British and Irish people. And the delight is that the Portuguese just love to share all this with you. They will advise on food choice, show you the meat or fish in its raw state, suggest when a salad is needed or not and even liberate your cooked crab if you are not sure how to go about this operation.

Portuguese wines are finally being recognized for their excellent. Wines from the Alentaejo (the region above the Algarve) are the most popular on the Algarve, although Algarve wine is growing in popularity and rightly so. If you want to choose from further afield, there is the sensual Do or the unmistakable Bairrada. Let your waiter assist your selection, their knowledge comes from being part of a tradition where good wine is appreciated. A totally different experience is the light, slightly sparkling Vinho Verde that comes from the north of Portugal. This is excellent, chilled on a warm summer evening. Here in Silves, a lot of restaurants will serve a complimentary glass of Port at the end of your meal. If you are more adventurous, choose a Medronho, a local liquor made with a type of wild strawberry that grows on trees in the hills of Monchique.

The Algarve’s calendar is dotted with fairs, festivals and ‘festas’. The year starts with the elaborate New Year celebrations on the beaches of Portimo and Albufeira. February or March brings Carnival, a three day celebration before the beginning of lent. There are parades all over the Algarve, but Loul is the biggest of all. Each area has its own spring or summer fair. The Silves medieval fair in August is an outstanding event. Sponsored by the local council, the whole town goes back to its medieval roots, with snake charmers, belly dancers, pig roasts and jousting to name but a few of the spectacular events that run all week long. The organizers of the fair are committed to ensuring that everything is as authentic as possible and it really is a living history experience, enjoyed by people of all ages. Alongside the traditional events, there is a wide cultural program, with music, art and dance, often in stunning locations, which emphasize the beauty of this area.

Christmas on the Algarve is quite and peaceful. Since we arrived here, we have barbecued our turkey and eaten it outdoors, with the winter sun warming our backs. Follow that with a walk on the beach or a trip into the hills -the perfect way to end a busy year.

Author: Mary Cave

http://www.algarveguesthouse.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mary_Cave

Algarve Golf Holiday

The Algarve is a pre-eminent holiday destination, situated in Portugal. The attraction of the area lies not just in its sparkling seas, clean beaches and extremely pleasant weather.

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For people looking to visit the Algarve and/or thinking of making this wonderful place their home. Having lived here for more than six years and having worked both in the leisure and real.

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East Algarve Golf video Channel – Castro Marim Situated close to the medieval castle town of Castro Marim, the golf course has a very special setting, nestling in the landscape. 

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Dragon Golf offers Golf Holiday Packages fef since 1979 for Courses in Algarve Portugal which includes tee times green fees,car hire and golf hotels. 

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Highlights Of An Algarve Golf Holiday

Portugal is one of the most popular places for luxury golf holidays,

and the Algarve is the country’s star attraction. This region, located on Portugal’s sunny south coast, is a real golfer’s delight. There are plenty of highlights to be found on an Algarve golf holiday, and listed below are some of the best features that it has to offer…

Outstanding Courses

If you are interested in an Algarve golf holiday, the quality of the courses is what matters above all. You won’t be disappointed – the Algarve’s golf courses are among the prettiest in the world. There are plenty to choose from, and there are some real gems to be found all along the coast.

Monte Rei is often regarded as the best course in Portugal. It has only been open since 2007 but this Jack Nicklaus course is tough, intricate, and a real delight to play on. With slick service and great scenery, it’s a great day’s golf.

San Lorenzo Golf Club is another outstanding course. Perhaps the most beautiful golf course in the Algarve, San Lorenzo is positioned alongside the spectacular Ria Formosa nature reserve. It features numerous lakes and is encircled by a pine forest but the course offers more than just a beautiful landscape; it’s a fine mix of shortish holes, ‘thinking’ holes and frightening ones! A perfect test for more experienced golfers.

Luxury Golf Hotels

Almost all of the best golf courses in the Algarve have their own dedicated golf hotels. These hotels are the perfect base from which to enjoy a relaxing golf break; offering outstanding facilities (typically including spas, swimming pools, restaurants and gyms) along with luxurious comfort and great service. You are spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing your accommodation for an Algarve golf holiday, but two of the best golf hotels are Le Meridien Penina (one of the oldest golf hotels but kept in pristine condition amid 300 acres of parkland) and Vila Sol, with two excellent restaurants and a superb luxury spa. Henry Cotton designed the course and retired here – arguably Great Britain’s best ever golfer – assurance enough that this has always been a classy affair.

Amazing Scenery

As any keen golfer will tell you, enjoying the scenery is an essential part of a truly great round of golf, and the Algarve doesn’t disappoint. From lush forests and verdant greens to dramatic coastal landscapes, a golf break in the Algarve will give you plenty of spectacular scenery to admire as you play. The landscape around Tavira is especially beautiful as the town is a part of one of the biggest nature reserves in Portugal, and nature-loving golfers should head to this part of the Algarve for their golf holidays.

Great Weather

Plenty of golfers take their golf holidays in the Algarve because of the quality of the courses but the gorgeous weather is another big draw for the region. The combination of sunshine and soothing coastal breezes make for perfect golfing weather and some of the best beaches in Europe provide an opportunity to correct the ‘golfer’s tan’.

By: Morgan Clarke

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Morgan Clarke is the Managing Director of GolfPlanet Holidays, a company that has been providing bespoke golf holidays for over 25 years. The award-winning specialist tour operator is privately-owned and determined to ensure that both experienced golfers and novices can enjoy unforgettable Algarve golf holidays.

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Today although the Algarve in Portugal is a popular destination with tourists it still remains pretty unspoilt, compared to locations in Spain.

Here you will have the chance to rent some of the most beautiful Algarve holiday villas, which are situated in locations where you will have breathtaking views of all that this part of Portugal has to offer.

Certainly, one of the main reasons for why people flock to the Algarve each year is because of its beautiful beaches of which there are over 100 miles of them. Plus this is a country, which has high levels of sunshine throughout the year. On average, the Algarve offers more than 3,000 hours of sunshine throughout the year. Plus as you will soon discover the food offered here is of good quality and which will in many cases either have been grown or caught locally.

However when it comes to renting a villa in the Algarve you not only have to think about the cost of actually renting the property for the time you are there. But you will also need to factor in other costs including what you are going to be spending on food, car hire and of course not forgetting your flights.

As you will soon discover when it comes to what kind of villa it is you are going to rent there are a number of different types that you can select from. Some will be offering you the kind of luxury that you only thought that the rich and famous could afford, whilst there will be others that will be much more affordable and will not break the bank. Also, you will find that you can select between a variety of different shapes and sizes of villas, and what kinds of facilities they also have.

When it comes to renting a villa in the Algarve on average you could expect to have to spend around 320 ($640) a week to as much as 570 ($1,140) a week for one. However, what you actually pay for one will largely depend on the size and quality of the villa and at which time of the year you are going to be renting. You will find that if you choose to rent a villa during June, July and August, which is high season then you, are going to have to pay more than if you rented one in March or September that are considered to be part of the low season.

Also, how much you pay for your villa will depend on what amenities and facilities are offered with it. For example if you choose to rent a villa that comes with maid service and its own private swimming pool, this will cost far more than one that did not.

However, what you will find is that all the villas come with fully equipped rooms and the necessary appliances to make it a home away from home. Plus they all come with satellite TV so you will still be able to keep abreast of what is happening in the world. Plus it provides you with the facility to get the children sat down and just relaxing before they go to bed each evening after a full days entertainment and enjoyment.

When deciding which kind of villa it is you would like to rent for your stay in the Algarve you first need to choose one, which is going to be suitable for the number of people who are going to be staying in it. So the more people that are going to be staying in the villa then the bigger the one you will need to rent. However, when you divide the cost of the villa rental by the number of people staying in it, you will see just how reasonable the price is compared to if you were staying in a hotel.

When it comes to finding your ideal Algarve holiday villas to rent for your next holiday the best place to start your search is online. Not only are you likely to find exactly what it is that you want, but you are also likely to find some great deals also.

Author: Steve Woodward

These fantastic attractions mean there are a wide range of Algarve holiday villas to rent which are set in amazing locations. If the Algarve isn’t for you right now, there are many other holiday villas in Portugal to pick from

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_Woodward

Algarve holiday: more than just ‘Sun, Sea & Sand’: 2009 Car and …

Algarve Holiday Studio. For a memorable stay at praia da rocha! www.geocities.com/algarve_holiday/ … Keep up to date with our latest information via e-mail! 

Algarve Golf Holiday

The Algarve is a pre-eminent holiday destination, situated in Portugal. The attraction of the area lies not just in its sparkling seas, clean beaches and extremely pleasant weather 

Friday night 6th March 2009 is time for Quality Jazz at the TEMPO

The TEMPO (Portimão’s Municipal Theatre) invites lovers of Jazz to spend Friday night enjoying cool Jazz with one of the most accomplished saxophone players in Portugal: Carlos Martins. 

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Algarve, Portugal

In the 15th century, Henry the Navigator based himself in Sagres and conducted various maritime expeditions which established Portugal as a colonial power.

The Algarve was a semi-autonomous area with a governor from 1595 to 1808, as well as a separate taxation system until the end of the 18th century.

The Algarve is hilly, but traversed with rich valleys. There are many other beautiful and famous summer places such as Albufeira, Vilamoura, Portim o, Lagos, Arma o de P ra, Quarteira, Monte Gordo and Tavira. Faro, which the Christian residents had called Santa Maria, was renamed Faraon, which means "the settlement of the Knights".

The Algarve became the first part of Portugal to liberate itself from Spanish occupation, in the rebellion of Olh o in 1808. In addition to the natural beauties and plenty of beaches, the Algarve has invested in the creation of a network of golf courses. The al-gharb, "the West" is the southernmost region of mainland Portugal, incorporating, amongst others, the cities of Faro, Albufeira, Lagos, Olh o, Tavira, Portim o and Silves. The Algarve region is divided into 16 municipalities:
The maximum temperatures in the Algarve fluctuate between 15 and 38 C, with the temperature never falling below zero in the winter months.

British expatriates, followed by German, Dutch and Scandinavians, are among the largest groups wishing to own a home in this Portugal’s sunny region. The coastline is notable for picturesque limestone caves and grottoes, particularly around Lagos, which are accessible by powerboat. There are Algarve-based English-written publications and newspapers specifically addressed to this community. The Portugal News being the most popular. The Algarve is also host to the annual Algarve Cup invitational tournament for national teams in women’s football. Praia da Marinha, Lagoa was classified as one of the 100 most beautiful and well preserved beaches of the world.

The region’s administrative centre is the city of Faro, which has its own international airport (Faro Airport) and public university (University of the Algarve). In the 1960s the Algarve became a very popular destination for tourists, mainly from Britain. In the mid-12th century, the Moorish occupation ended: the "Al-Gharb" has been since then the kingdom of Algarve. When the Moors conquered Lagos in 716 it was called Zawaia. In 1807, when Junot was leading the first Napoleonic invasion in the north of Portugal, the Algarve was occupied by the Spanish troops of Manuel Godoy.

In the 5th century, the Visigoths inhabited the Algarve until the beginning of the Moorish invasion in 711. It has since become a common destination for the Germans and the Dutch. Traditional agricultural products of the region include fig, almond, medronho, carob beans, and cork oak. When the Moors conquered Lagos in 716 it was called Zawaia. Being a region of Portugal, and therefore in the European Union, any EU citizen have the right to freely buy property and reside with little formality in the Algarve.

By: Diskwizz

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Diskwizz is the owner of more than 12 sites websites that cover the

Algarve Golf Holiday

The Algarve is a pre-eminent holiday destination, situated in Portugal. The attraction of the area lies not just in its sparkling seas, clean beaches and extremely pleasant weather

Portugal Weather.

Hmmmm, well its still a tad on the wet side…. but having had a few discussions lately with would be guests for our cottage on the winters out here I thought I’d best clarify the situation on the.

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Strolling the seafront, it was clear this is a working town that happens to enjoy good weather and a nice spot on the sea which it is happy to share with a few guests. So why don’t we leave.

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 1.Make sure that you consider other areas rather than just Tavira itself.

Because the area is not, as yet, that well known there are often great properties and bargains to be found in the neighbouring villages such as Cabanas, Vila Real de Cancela and Santa Luzia. These properties may be hard to find but could be well worth a look.

2.Do consider a property that might require a little bit of work or updating. It used to be the case that English speaking and reliable tradesmen were hard to find in Tavira. This made undertaking any renovation or refurbishment work a much harder task than it is today. Nowadays there are a number of top class English speaking builders and contractors of all types who can carry out work efficiently and to a high standard. The other good thing is that prices for this sort of work remain reasonable.

3.Do watch out for a well known estate agents trick. In Portugal there is generally no sole agency. What you may find is that different estate agents will have the same properties on their books but simply call it by a different name to someone else and then charge a different price. Different estate agents can charge different levels of commission and you will find the odd one who will try and charge considerably more. This could result in your paying thousands of extra Euros for your property.

4.Do consider using a Property Broker to combat this type of thing. Property Brokers such as Tavira Property Brokers work on behalf of the buyer not the seller. Their service is completely free to buyers and they can access the whole of the property market. They can find you your perfect property and, more importantly, make sure that you buy it at the best possible price.

5.If you do use a Broker, use them to carry out the research on your behalf. A lot of properties are advertised on the internet but there will always be some that are a little harder to locate. A Broker with a local presence and local contacts can sometimes unearth the best bargains.

6.Do not visit Tavira to carry out property hunting during the month of August. You will find that it is just too hot for doing much more than relaxing on the beach or by the pool. Also, a lot of estate agents take their holidays at this time and it could be that a property viewing trip will turn out to be a frustrating experience with many offices closed.

7.Do try to learn a few words of Portuguese before you go. Whist a lot of the locals will speak a few words of English they really do appreciate it when visitors at least havea go at speaking some Portuguese. Even a simple Ola is well received.

8.Make sure that at the start of your property search in Tavira you find yourself a reputable English speaking lawyer. Again, this will be something that your Property Broker can help with. It is always the case that you should use an independent lawyer and not one who acts on behalf of the estate agents selling the property you are interested in.

9.Remember you will need an NIF number to buy a property in Tavira or anywhere else in Portugal. This is an identity number for foreigners buying property in Portugal and is a legal requirement. Your Property Broker or your lawyer will be able to help you obtain and complete the necessary paperwork.

10.Finally, please do remember to relax and enjoy your property search in Tavira. The buying process is not too complicated, particularly if you remember the tips in this article. I am sure you will find your perfect property in Tavira and, who knows, one day, we could be sat together sipping a nice cold beer whilst looking out at the Mediterranean sea.

Author: Richard Lave

The author is the owner of Tavira Property Brokers. Offering a unique, completely free, service to BUYERS seeking a property in Tavira. Buying abroad can be scary. Tavira Property Brokers are not estate agents. We find our clients the perfect home and are at their side from the beginning of the purchase process to the end. And it costs our client nothing. Take a look at http://www.Tavira-Property.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Richard_Lave

Algarve holiday: more than just ‘Sun, Sea & Sand’: Friday night …

Algarve Holiday Studio. For a memorable stay at praia da rocha! www.geocities.com/algarve_holiday/ … Keep up to date with our latest information via e-mail!

Golf Holiday Algarve

Golf holiday algarve :The Algarve in Portugal is one of the most popular golf destinations in Europe. The region enjoys 300 days of glorious sunshine coupled. 

Travel | Spending Any Kind of Cheap Holidays at Bulgaria :: By …

If you haven’t decided where to spend you holidays yet, then I say you can visit Bulgaria. Be it for a summer or winter holidays, Bulgaria has a lot to offer you.

Win a holiday in the Algarve

Now is the perfect time to book your summer sun holiday. This week the Galway Advertiser has teamed up with Panorama and Sunworld Holidays, part of the Thomas Cook Group

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10 Reasons To Visit The Algarve In Portugal

Your mind instantly conjures up the beautiful images of crystal clear waters, gorgeous golden beaches, clear blue skies, terraces, chimneys, and whitewashed houses, whenever someone talks about Algarve.

Surely, the southernmost region of Portugal, on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, is all about glorious year round sunshine and excellent sandy beaches.

Algarve certainly is a perfect vacation destination, with temperatures ideal for playing golf, tennis, and other sports. The southern stretch of fantastic sandy beaches, broken up by extraordinary rugged cliffs and fantastic grottoes, is the resort area for beach activities and water sports, and the brightly emerald colored northern part, with its fig trees, orange groves and blossoming almond trees, is the playground for various other sports. There certainly are numerous reasons, but here are top 10 reasons for visiting Algarve.

Onetime peaceful fishing village, Albufeira (Reason No. 1) is now a leading tourist resort of Algarve. It is famous for its beaches, golf courses, restaurants, bars, discos, and vibrant nightlife. Notable beaches are – Gale, Coelha, So Rafael and Vigia, Baleeira, Albufeira, Oura, Balaia, Maria Lusa and Olhos de Agua, and Falesia. Notable golf courses are – Salgados, Pine Cliffs, and Balaia Golf Village.

Castro Marim (Reason No. 2) is a charming town and municipality in the southern region of Algarve. Featuring dusty gold of soft sand, the turquoise blue of warm waters, the town has three main beaches – Alagoa, Verde/Cabeo, and Retur. It also offers vast ranges of hills full of wild flowers, and serene countryside along the banks of the Guardania, lush with orchards and vegetable gardens.

Faro (Reason No. 3) is your sunny destination all year round. It is a popular place for sun-seekers. The white-washed town is known for its colonial and Moorish-influenced architectures and museums, such as Cathedral, Nossa Senhora da Assunco Convent, So Francisco Church, Infante Dom Henrique, and Regional Ethnographic museum.

Tavira (Reason No. 4) is one of the most architecturally attractive towns in the Algarve. Located some 30 km east of Faro, the picturesque town is known for its inviting long beaches, typical roofs and chimneys, beautiful views over the Gilo river and its Roman bridge, and magnificent churches, such as Santa Maria do Castelo, Misericrdia, Nossa Senhora das Ondas, and So Jos.

Parque Natural de Ria Formosa (Reason No. 5) is an area of unspoilt marshlands, freshwater lakes and lagoons filled with wildlife. It is one of the major tourist attractions of Algarve, located between Manta Rota and Vale do Lobo in south of Portugal. It is the place where you can check out flora & fauna, and environment & nature conservation of the Ria Formosa lagoon region.

Carvoeiro (Reason No. 6) is a lovely coastal village that is a great tourist center, located in the area of Lagoa, in the Central Algarve. The lively and friendly fishing village has a nice sheltered beach that is good for snorkelling. The coastal village is famous for its wide range of restaurants and bars. It is a popular venue for free live entertainment shows.

Monchique (Reason No. 7) is an attractive mountain-top village in southern Portugal, in the district of Faro. It is a fantastic health-resort, finely situated among the wooded heights of the Serra de Monchique. The lovely village is famous for hot sulfur springs, with baths; it has a delightful natural thermal spa famed since Roman times.

Praia de Odeceixe (Reason No. is a lovely sheltered, crescent-shaped beach in South Portugal. The place is a virtual paradise for surfing. It is a reliable surfing destination where you can enjoy surfing at any time of the year. The beach rarely gets packed, even in the height of the summer.

Algarve Golf (Reason No. 9) facilities are one of the finest in the world. Algarve really is a perfect destination for golf vacation. You can really find a large number of top class golf courses in the city. Some of the notable golf courses include Parque da Floresta, Boavista, Palmares, lamos, Alto Golf, Gramacho, Morgado, Penina Academy, Silves Golf, and many more.

Algarve Cuisine (Reason No. 10), offering an immense range of delicious regional dishes, is also one of major reasons for visiting the city. You can check out the regional specialties, such as seafood soups oregano snails, pork meat and "cataplana" clams, roasted dried octopus on the grill (Lagos style), and grilled squid and cuttlefish. And, don’t forget to taste the fig pastries, marzipan pastries, "D. Rodrigo" and "morgado" from Lagos, puff pastries from Olho, and almond paste and caramel pastries from Tavira.

By: james@holiday-velvet.com

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Author writes for Holiday Velvet, a website providing listings for hotels, villas, and Algarve apartments for your vacation or holiday accommodation.

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Similar to last year’s Festival, this year Tavira will organize the 6th Festival of Gastronomy of the Serra. And from the 21st of March to the 10th of April you will be able to taste many.

Construction tops out 26 stories high on Tavira at Bonita Bay …

Forty-three of Tavira’s 90 residences, including the two penthouses, have been sold. Remaining residences, offered in four floor plans, range from 3517 square feet to 4146 square feet of air-

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Holidaymakers may be tempted to fit a visit to Tavira into their Algarve tours this year when the city hosts a festival celebrating regional cuisine. Set to take place between March 21st and April.

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