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The Silver Coast hugs the North Atlantic coastline and stretches from the industrial district of Porto down to Portugal’s largest city, Lisbon.

Until recently the region of the Silver Coast was a well kept secret that only the locals knew about. But now this area, with its rolling landscape, beautiful beaches, great sporting facilities and affordable real estate is a popular destination for tourists, golfers and property investors alike. Listed as the third most profitable location in Europe to invest in (by “A Place in the Sun”), the Silver Coast could be the ideal place to buy a second holiday home investment. The Silver Coast offers good prospects for rental from both the local market and from holidaymakers. The area is cheaper than the Algarve and has the potential of significant property price rises.

For properties for sale on the Silver Coast……  click here

The Silver Coast (locally known as Costa de Prata) is less than an hour’s drive from Lisbon International airport along ….. Read the rest of this article here

Sintra is located on the West coast of Portugal, in the district of Lisbon and has many major tourist attractions such as the Pena Palace, Palacio Nacional de Sintra and the Castelo dos Mouros. Sintra is a Unesco World Heritage Site due to it’s 19th century Roman architecture. Just 18 kilometres west of Sintra you will find Cabo da Roca which is the westernmost point of mainland Europe. If you are looking for a property in Sintra near Lisbon visit our website www.algarveprop.com plus there are other properties for sale in Portugal.

Rustic 2 bedroom villa in Sintra just 15 minutes drive north of downtown Sintra. Large 30,000 m2 plot and horse stables-price is €600,000 euros. Email us here for further information ref aces_aev_1004.

Modern 5 bedroom villa with heated pool and surrounded by lush trees and vegetation. 395m2 internal area-price is €799,000 euros. Email us here for further information ref aces_aev_1029.

4 bedroom villa in top quality golf resort with tennis centre, spa, restaurants and 24 hour security. Price is €850,000 euros. Email us here for further information ref aces_aev_1018.

Charming 3 bedroom villa with 2 bedroom house and magnificent views towards the Sintra hills. In a quiet area on a large plot of 5000m2-price is €1,090,000 euros. Email us here for further information ref aces_aev_1021.

Superb new 5 bedroom villa in a golf resort in Sintra. Features include 2 swimming pools and gymnasium, air con and wine cellar. Price is €1,125,000 euros-email us here for further information ref aces_aev_1012.

Cascais is a coastal town situated 30 kilometres west of Lisbon on the Lisbon Coast. The town was formerly a fishing village but is now a popular holiday spot for Portuguese and foreign tourists alike. Cascais is surrounded by beautiful beaches such as Guincho Beach to the west and is a popular region for sailing, windsurfing and kitesurfing due to wind and sea conditions. Cascais is one of the richest municipalities in Portugal and was used by Portugal’s royal family as well as becoming home for exiled royal families of Europe. Below is a selection of properties for sale in Cascais. For further details of properties for sale in Portugal or visit our website www.algarveprop.com

4 bedroom semi detached property set in a private condominium with a communal pool. This spacious property has a covered area of 195m2 and is close to the Guincho beach in Cascais. The price is €400,000 euros. Email us here for further information-ref aces_aet_1001

2 bedroom first floor apartment for sale in Cascais on development with communal pool and reception service. Living area of 130m2 and priced at €450,000 euros. Email us here for further information ref aces_aea_1012.

6 bedroom semi-detached property just 5 minutes walk from the centre of Cascais. High standard of construction and communal pool and gardens. A great West coast property. Price is €550,000 euros. Email us here for further information ref-aces_aet_1009.

Large 6 bedroom, 6 bathroom luxury villa located within a golf development in Cascais. Features include air con, garage, basement and central heating. Price is €925,000 euros. Email us here for further information-ref aces_aev_1007

Brand new 5 bedroom villa in golf resort in Cascais with intelligent house system and underfloor heating. Also features, cinema, games room, gym and wine cellar. Price is €1,650,000 euros. Email us here for further information ref aces_aev_1008.

Owing to a Mediterranean type microclimate, the Estoril Coast in the West of Portugal, has mild winters and an ideal summer temperature which never gets too hot. The autumn is ideal and is like a second spring. This West Coast area starts in Carcavelos, 15 kilometres from Lisbon, and stretches as far as Guincho, striking a harmonious blend between the delights of the land and the enchanting beauty of the sea. The Estoril Coast, in West Portugal, has 7 golf courses, all with individual characteristics. The Estoril Casino is the largest in Europe. There is a great deal of entertainment here, including different types of gambling and nightly cabaret and music hall shows in a sophisticated atmosphere.

5 bedroom, 3 bathroom villa for sale in Estoril. This property has distant sea views and is just a few minutes away from shops, restaurants and amenities. Price is €425,000 euros-email us here for further information ref aces_aev_1033

Charming 2 bedroom apartment with nice garden close to the Casino in Estoril. This property has lots of character and is in walking distance to shops etc. Price is €550,000 euros-email us here for more information ref aces_aea_1016

4 bedroom luxury apartment in an exclusive condominium in Estoril. Top quality finishings and prime location. Price is €800,000 euros-email us here for further information ref aces_aea1026.

6 bedroom villa in one of the most sought after residential areas of Estoril. Originally built in 1933 and beautifully renovated in 2005-price is €1,250,000 euros. Email us here for further information ref aces_aev_1038.

If you are looking for a property in Estoril on Portugal’s West Coast, near Lisbon, please see a selection below or email us here for details of alternative properties.

   Property for sale in Vale do Lobo.
Vale do Lobo resort is just 20 minutes from Faro airport and is set along a 2km stretch of sandy white beach. Founded in 1962, it was the first large property development in the Algarve and was developed into a unique resort by a Dutch entrepreneur in 1977. Over 30 years later, Vale do Lobo is a mature, 400 hectare, resort attracting both residents and visitors from all over Europe. As this is a well known resort, property for sale in Vale do Lobo is in high demand. Gatehouse International currently have over 70 properties for sale in the Vale do Lobo area. Visit their site for information and pictures.

If you buy a property in vale do Lobo, Read the rest of this entry »

Polaris World property is a company that promotes, develops and builds a comprehensive concept: resorts with golf courses. The firm manages services of the entire resort, not just the housing-related, which makes the homes and their setting a great investment.Currently, two resorts are fully operational with four more underway, making Polaris World property a leader in Residential Tourism. These Polaris resorts are an invitation to discover a world full of conveniences for the client: daily press, supermarkets, catering, car hire, travel, mini club, gardening, cleaning service, decorating, telecommunications, and more. Endless possibilities in an ideal setting to practice your sporting activities.

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Many of those who discover this up-and-coming coastal region go on to fall in love with it. The Silver Coast is rapidly becoming the most desirable part of Portugal for discerning property investors, and the price movements are beginning to reflect this growth in popularity. For those seeking property for sale in the Silver Coast (Costa Prata as it’s known), the advice would be to act sooner rather than later, before the prices soar to match the properties for sale in the Algarve.

The Silver Coast stretches from north of Lisbon up the west coast to Porto. The most popular areas of the Silver Coast are currently the areas from Lourinhã up to Peniche, on to São Martinho do Porto and Nazaré on the coast, and a little inland to the town of Caldas da Rainha and the medieval walled city of Óbidos.

Property on the Silver Coast is currently in hot demand, and provides a fashionable alternative for those seeking an option away from the hustle and bustle of the Algarve. Of course, there are differences between the two regions. In the Silver Coast not so much English is spoken and in some inland areas it will be almost non-existent. One should be prepared for the adventure that comes with choosing a region, like the Silver Coast, that is untarnished by tourism. In fact, the Silver Coast remains the real Portugal, where traditions and culture abound. The beaches are incredibly popular in July and August with Portuguese holiday makers, thus maintaining a distinct Portuguese feel to the area, even since its recent discovery by foreign tourists searching for their bargain holiday beach home.

There is also a marginal difference between the weather fronts of the Silver Coast and the Algarve. More marked though is the huge difference in weather fronts between anywhere in Portugal and the U.K! Central and Northern Portugal boast beautifully hot summers, blue skies and sunshine throughout the winter, and what maybe even be considered a bonus is that they don’t experience the fierce dry heat of the Algarve. However one looks at it, the weather will always be a joy compared to that of the U.K.

Another reason to choose the Silver Coast, is that property prices are still a lot less than most other destinations in Southern Europe. However, with the recent trend to buy in this region, investors are hoping that the Silver Coast will see the sort of price hikes that the early investors of the Algarve enjoyed. Most are also hoping that further development will be controlled as the local authorities are promising so that the peaceful charm of the area won’t be swamped. But can there be hope for a rise in prices and yet coasts and towns remain unspoilt? Some say yes as the Portuguese have watched and learned from the rate of progresss in neighbouring Spain.

If you have not yet discovered this delightful region of Portugal, put it on the top of your list of destinations before you consider investing anywhere else. You won’t be disappointed.

For examples of properties for sale on the Silver Coast, go here.

Alpujarra Valley in Granada Province.

The Alpujarra mountain range, is about thirty miles from Granada city and 25 miles from the coast. It is as much part of Granada as it is of Almeria province. It is well known for the great views and the white towns; its mountain landscapes, the house balconies full of flowers; its friendly people and the atmosphere they create - and most importantly - the spectacular backdrop of the Sierra Nevada. All of these attributes led to it being designated a Global Reserve by UNESCO, as well as a national park and a nature reserve, especially for its native flowers and distinctive ecosystems.

The history of Alpujarra is just as important because it was the last refuge of the Arabs in Andalucia. It was here that Boabdil, the last Moorish king, lived for some months after the Christians captured Granada. And, it was to the Alpujarra that the Moors, who refused to convert to Christianity, fled and found refuge during almost a century before they were finally expelled.

The Alpujarra also still has many features of Berber culture, particularly in everyday houses and in their unique irrigation aqueducts that farmers are still using.

The Alpujarra valley gained modest notoriety in more recent times from people like Chris Stewart, who wrote ‘Driving over Lemons’, which captures the unique charm of the area. Many have followed his example and have sought to buy a small farm, or cortijo in the Alpujarra valley.

Properties there are still great value and the ellusive ‘real Spain’ can still be bought with a modest budget.
Properties in the Alpujarra.

Property for sale in the Granada region of Spain is fast becoming the new area to buy.

Granada - The Spanish Province of Granada is one of great importance in the cultural and religious history of Southern Spain, and many great authors have capitalised on it’s flavour in books that will overwhelmingly outdo this writers notes on the area.

With historical centres like the captivating Alhambra Palace and the highest mountain range on the Iberian Peninsular, how could one overlook Granada when planning a potential overseas property purchase. While new developments are available for you to buy off plan, there are plenty of good value resale properties for sale in the Granada area.

Granada too also has it’s share of pretty unspoilt coastal towns and villages, and the coastline from Castell de Ferro to Nerja is some of the most beautiful and dramatic in Andalusia. This coastline is sometimes known as the Costa Tropical, mostly on account of the ambient temperature there. It takes about an hour to travel from the beaches in Costa del sol to Granada city and just 30 more minutes North will take you straight to the Ski slopes!

Its easy to understand why so many people are searching for property for sale in Almeria, Granada and Andalusia.

 For properties for sale in the Granada region, visit this site.

Or for a selection of properties in the Alpujarra valley, go to this site.

If you have missed this opportunity, don’t worry, we have more available on our Polaris World resorts site. 

Travel, Dublin to Polaris World in Spain, for the weekend, on a FREE viewing trip with our flight departing March the 8th, returning March 9th.

Come and see how good it all is for yourself.

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Portugal has been attracting surfers to its shores for decades. It offers quality surf year long with excellent sandy beaches and point breaks. It delivers a decent sized surf peak and, with waters never dropping too low, offers a great year-round destination for world-class surf and a wonderful culture to match.

The Algarve is well known amongst the surfing fraternity for its lively Atlantic coastline. The areas with the greatest quality and quantity of waves are the south west of the Algarve and the west coast, going all the way up the country to the border with Spain. The surf found to the far west of the region offers some amazing surfing conditions in a beautiful back drop of cliffs and bays. Swells are generated out of the Atlantic Ocean arriving along the Portuguese coastline with train like regularity and the Algarve benefits even more due to its geographical make up of bays and points. There is surf to suit all standards of surfer in the Algarve. The south coast tends to have nice waves during the bigger winter swells but the further you go away from the west coast, the smaller they become. It is these two very different coasts that make for such a special surfing location. With one coast facing south and the other facing predominantly west, if there is any swell around there will always be waves somewhere. Depending on the swell direction, it only takes an ocean swell of 2 or 3 feet for the better breaks to start working.

surfing in the Algarve

Summer on the west coast will usually see clean waves from waist to chest high (depending on the height of the surfer!). Either side of summer, the west coast produces consistent swell that can be nicely over head. The west coast can have regular 15ft swells and Carrapateira has been known to hit 25ft!

With an enviable climate and year round waves the Algarve is fast becoming one of the continent’s most popular surfing destinations. It is also home to one of Europe’s most established surf camps - ‘The Surf Experience’, based in Lagos. Their package includes half-board, transportation, equipment hire, and tuition.

Across the length and breadth of Portugal, surfers of all standards should find what they are looking for. If you want to experience unique European surf in the sun all year long then this should be your first choice.

There is an abundant selection of facilities for both horse riding and stabling across the Algarve. Below are a few of these establishments:

Pinetrees Riding Centre is a British run riding school in a 5 star holiday resort in Almancil. The team provides qualified riding teachers speaking many languages amongst them. The two arenas are used for dressage, jumping, beginners’ lessons, and ‘Riding for Disabled Riders’ sessions. The horses can cater for children and adults of up to 14 stone. Changing rooms with toilets and showers are on site and riding equipment is supplied.

Vale Ferros is a well equipped riding centre close to Portimão and Lagos, a short distance from the sea and beautiful sandy beaches of the Algarve. Programmes are designed for novices – ‘Learn to Ride’ – and for riders who seek a more intensive experience on horseback - ‘Discovery Trail’ – a true adventure with rides taking place in the mountains, on the beach, and on the plains of the Algarve, mainly within the Monchique Natural Park. Another programme provided is entitled ‘Dressage with Lusitano Stallions’.

Tiffany’s Riding Centre is situated in Almádena, on the outskirts of Lagos. It caters for all the family, including lead reins for tiny tots, beginners’ rides, hacks from 1 to 3 hours, and all day adventure trails through stunning scenery.

Trekking in the Algarve

Quinta de Paraíso Alto is one of the largest stables in the area. They offer a wide variety of quality rides and competition horses, and lessons from qualified instructors, rides to suit all standards, individuals or small groups, all through beautiful scenery with breath taking views. They also accept horses for livery and training.

Quinta do Lago Riding Centre has stabling for 26 horses and a large arena for show jumping and dressage. The staff caters for all standards, from novice to advanced riders. Quinta do Lago has miles of riding trails and the surrounding countryside and uncrowded beaches have much to offer the horseback explorer.

Red Horse Ranch, tucked away beneath the gently hills above Loulé, is the ideal base for horseback safaris. A 1 or 2 hour trek in the immediate surroundings of the ranch incorporates spectacular panoramic views of the coast and the Algarvean countryside. These short rides are suitable for the less experienced riders. For more experienced riders there is a choice of whole day, overnight, and week long treks.

Does it get any better?

The Algarve is a haven for an eclectic mix of wildlife species, many of which are sadly waning in numbers.

The Stork

The Algarve makes an ideal stopping point for migratory birds during the winter months. Storks are a common sight and often build their nests on church bell towers, chimneys, and other high buildings in town. The Parque Natural da Ria Formosa is considered the most important wildlife sanctuary in the Algarve. This natural reserve stretches along 40 miles and its rich ecosystem is ideal for the development of varied flora and fauna. The Ria Formosa lagoon was created by the last great earthquake in 1755 and has been a nature reserve since the mid-eighties, where sea water birds can find protected breeding places. Its lagoons, marshes, channels and islets are abundant in shellfish such as cockles, clams and oysters, and shelter a variety of birds such as flamingos, the cattle egret, white stork, oyster catchers, ibis, and cranes, to name but a few. Another nature reserve is that of Castro Marim, covering over 5 acres of land. The biggest attraction here is the large number of birds, especially aquatic birds. There are 153 species to spot including storks, avocets, sand pipers, mallards, and flamingos. This reserve is also home to many species of mollusc, fish, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals. A visitors’ centre at Cerro da Rocha provides literature and guided visits.

Portuguese water spaniel

The Portuguese water dog has long been associated with the Algarve and is now a regular character in the Ria Formosa National Park. The breed was long ago used by fishermen to work on the boats and was treated as much a part of the crew as the men, earning the right to their fair share of the catch. Renowned for its ability to swim, dive, and retrieve, they were used to herd fish, retrieve nets, and relay messages between the boats. This dog is highly intelligent and possesses incredible swimming and diving techniques, magninfied by its characteristic webbed feet. It also has the ability to detect sharks by staring into the water. As the number of working boats began to dwindle due to modern fishing techniques, so did the need for the water dog. Whilst this creature can still be found in the Algarve as a pet or working dog, it is still recognised as a rare breed. The kennel in the Ria Formosa Natural Park, near Olhão, specialises in this breed and gives visitors the opportunity to see and stroke the dogs, talk to their handlers, and learn more about the breed.The Iberian Lynx, the most endangered of the world’s 36 cat breeds, teeters on the edge of extinction. This cat is just over twice the size of a domestic cat but with longer legs. They have distinctive bob tails and tufts on the ear tips. An average adult can weigh up to 15kgs. Their ideal habitat is a mixture of mature Mediterranean scrub and forest, and open meadows in which to hunt. To avert the tragedy of extinction, the conservation organisation ‘SOS Lynx’ has been formed.

Dolphins in the Algarve

The Dolphin is a natural visitor to the shores of the Algarve. Dolphin watching boat trips provide visitors the chance to see the dolphin in its natural environment. Several companies run these trips from the marinas of Lagos and Portimão and Alvor Harbour.

Take the opportunity to appreciate the natural wildlife of the Algarve whilst you are here on holiday. After all, there is more to know of the Algarve than simply lying on one of its beautiful beaches.

‘The Savannahs’ is a wonderfully exclusive village providing a peaceful secure environment for people that appreciate tranquility, glorious surroundings, and the idea of living amongst peers from generations that they are familiar with and understand. The village is only available to people over 55 years of age, thus creating a unique environment and atmosphere. It is located in Almancil, just a short drive from shops, restaurants, the beach, and the renowned golf courses of Vale do Lobo and Quinta do Lago.

Over 55's development, Savannah's

The Savannahs will consist of 250 residences – townhouses and apartments; a piazza with a small supermarket, local shops, and boutiques; a clubhouse with function rooms for get-togethers and club activities; bar and restaurants; leisure facilities such as indoor and outdoor pools, putting course, tennis and bowls; guest accommodation suites; a business centre; spa and medical facilities; and a nursing home.

The village is set in small clusters of houses along a one way street that meanders through the village, accessed by the sole security gated entrance. A multi-denominational chapel will be located near to the heart of the village. Each of the generously appointed properties will have a private terrace or roof terrace looking onto the glorious gardens designed by Charlie Dimmock. The walkways that wind through the village, linking residences, gardens, and village centre, will be illuminated at night and will be suitable for the journey of electric buggies and wheelchairs. Each property will have a private covered parking space.

Community fees will cover communal insurance, repairs, decoration, gardening, and cleaning etc. When required, meals, medical care, and home nursing will also be available.

plan view of Savannah's overr 55's development

monchique town

The market town of Monchique lies in the saddle created by the two mills Foia and Picota; the former being the highest peak in the Algarve, measuring 902m above sea level. Overlooking the town is a neglected 17th century Franciscan monastery from where one can enjoy a panoramic view over glorious countryside. The 10,000 inhabitants of this town have retained its rustic atmosphere with steep cobbled streets and small traditional buildings housing various artisan trades. The town and its surrounding areas depend on the products grown or handmade in the surrounding hills, especially timber, cork, smoked ham, honey, aguardente and medronho liquors, basketwork, leather goods, woollen sweaters, and the renowned Monchique chairs.

The village of Caldas de Monchique lies just below Monchique in a wooded ravine which resounds in early summer to the song of nightingales. It was well developed in Roman times as a spa. Even today one can sample the curing elements of the sulphur smelling hot spring water that emerges at a constant temperature of 32 degrees centigrade. Locals continue to benefit from various water therapy treatments for rheumatism, back pains, and respiratory and muscular complaints.

There are 2 further hot spring sites, one to the south of Picota hidden in a valley. It is called Fonte Santa and is rumoured to have special healing effects. Some people make annual visits to this spring and in its history there have been recorded visits by the king of Portugal and the King of Italy.

Monchique mountains

Villa Termal das Caldas de Monchique Spa Resort, amongst the green hills and blue skies, is formed of hotels in restored historical buildings, thermal water outdoor swimming pool thermal spa, restaurants, wine bar, and shops. This place of leisure and relaxation offers all year round a variety of well-being programmes, thermal treatments, and golf and spa programmes. The nature and the clean air of the hills make Caldas de Monchique the ideal stage for outdoor activities such as walking, hiking, and off road biking. For more information go to their website via our directory

Renting villas and apartments has become an extremely popular way to holiday in the Algarve, given the advantages this has over hotel accommodation. There are properties that sleep from 2 right up to 12, sometimes more, covering east to west, featuring either private gardens with pools, or complexes with communal gardens and pools. Alternately many people choose to rent a villa in the Algarve to stay in whilst they are looking for their ideal property to buy. This can make their search a lot easier as it can reduce flights to and from the U.K every time they find a property to view, or need to see their lawyer or bank manager here in Portugal. Villa rentals can be long or short term and can generally be found in whatever area of the Algarve is required.

Algarve beach

At Brisa Vilas you will find a wide range of apartments and villas to choose from, stretching from central Algarve to the East, in areas such as Albufeira, Vilamoura, Estoi, Olhão, Moncarapacho, Fuzeta, and Tavira; all within reach of Faro airport. The properties also are in a mix of locations, such as near to the beach or golf, out in the country away from it all, or within reach of local amenities. Wherever you go in the Algarve you can’t be too far away from all of the above. The Brisa Vilas properties start with one bedroom apartments and increase in size to villas that sleep ten people. For further information of their services and details of the properties, go to their website via our directory.

property to rent in the Algarve

Another reputable firm renting out properties for long or short term lets is Algarve Budget Service. They have a range of properties ava

ilable to rent, and provide the usual services such as maids, pool and garden maintenance, and a linen service. For more information, go to their website via our directory.

If you are considering buying property abroad and would like to rent a property as a trial run, to be sure you are looking in the right areas, visit the websites of the above companies and consider a stay in one of their available properties.

The Portuguese have long been a maritime nation and the sea is in the blood of the Algarveans. For such a compact area of land, it enjoys a vast expanse of coastline. The climate and gentle waters of the Algarve ensure a pleasant voyage along its 150 kms of coastline, and the marinas and ports provide safe harbour and excellent facilities.

There are currently 5 marinas in the Algarve, all enjoying facilities such as restaurants and bars, and 3 future constructions in the pipeline including one in Ferragudo, one in Olhao and a second marina in Vilamoura.

Algarve waterfront property

VILAMOURA MARINA was the first in the Algarve. It features a working shipyard but is generally known as a vibrant, sparkling hub of entertainment within the tourist resort of Vilamoura. This marina is popular with local residents, tourists from over seas, and Portuguese holiday makers from outside the Algarve. It boasts many restaurants and a sprinkling of bars, including the bar owned by the Portuguese footballer Figo which has a football theme and shows all the big football matches on large screens. Vilamoura is also home to a marina and a nightclub, both open until the early hours, and many shops, and enjoys a lively, bustling atmosphere.

ALBUFEIRA MARINA is a recent addition to the directory of marinas in the Algarve. Once seen, never forgotten, this marina is of a unique design involving an unusual use of pastel shades for the residences that line the bowl of the marina. Visitors can enjoy a few bars and restaurants but the marina is gradually building up its range of tenants so a more eclectic mix can be expected in the future. The marina is a stone’s throw from the bustling tourist town of Albufeira where you will find all the normal facilities associated with tourism, but if you look hard enough, some traces of the quaintness of the older Albufeira remain.

Algarve Marina

LAGOS MARINA has received many awards over the years and is currently titled a ‘5 Anchor Award’ marina. Within the marina you will find lots of residential, commercial, and leisure facilities, including health clubs, swimming pools, and adventure parks. The historical town of Lagos played an active part in creating the history of the world. It was from this port that the ‘caravelas’ of Prince Henry sailed to discover parts of our present world. The town has maintained a lot of its architectural charm and this, coupled with its popularity with the tourists, makes it a good location for food, drink, and entertainment.

PORTIMÃO MARINA, a neighbour of Lagos, features some 300 apartments, plenty of shops, a reserved beach, boating facilities with a shipyard, and a huge swimming complex. It is within walking distance of the beach of Praia da Rocha and the town of Portimão – a commercial area once known for its fish canning industry. The advantageous position of this marina provides excellent opportunities for wind surfing.

Algarve marina property

VILA REAL DE SANTO ANTONIA MARINA was opened in 1998. The port town itself was rebuilt in 1755 after a disastrous earthquake destroyed its previous buildings. Across the Guadiana River is the Spanish town of Ayamonte. This area also offers the opportunity to explore the Ria Formosa Natural Park. With many rare species of flora and fauna, this park covers some 60 kms of coastline and is home to rare breeds such as the Portuguese water dog.

Whether you are a boat lover or simply appreciate historical towns or modern nightlife, you are bound to find a marina on the Algarve where you can feel at home.

The Algarve is ideal land for all manner of outdoor sports and activities. The more popular of these include walking and hiking, and cycling and mountain biking. This hilly terrain was almost designed for these activities and because of this it is easy to find many companies providing activity holidays, and many stores providing the necessary equipment, be it for sale or hire, such as ‘Megasport’, the bicycle store for rentals and sales www.megasport.pt. The teams will provide details of imminent events such as the Lisbon off road marathon. They can help with race applications, bike and equipment hire, and bicycles and equipment on sale. They will also carry out any repairs or services required. Megasport have three stores in the Algarve, all fairly centrally located in Faro, Loulé, and Albufeira.

Created especially for lovers of nature and outdoor activities, the ‘Algarve Way’ is a long-distance footpath that runs from the Spanish border at Alcoutim on the Guadiana River to Cabo São Vicente, at the point where Portugal’s southern and western coasts meet. This is not the first attempt at an east-west walking route across the Algarve. A full Algarve Way was established in 1998 covering 243kms, and a slightly modified version of this can be traversed on horseback.

The hills of Monchique provide an excellent setting for hiking and mountain biking. Home to ‘Fóia’, the highest peak in the Algarve reaching 902m, these hills have been renowned since Roman times for their springs with therapeutic qualities. This thickly wooded mountain range divides the Algarve from the region of the Alentejo. The view from Fóia is fantastic and on a clear day reaches as far as Cabo São Vicente in the west and almost as far east as Lisbon. Unfortunately the landscape at Fóia itself has been somewhat blighted by an array of military communications aerials, but nothing can spoil the distant views and the long climb to the top is truly worthwhile.

Wherever you are in the Algarve, you are never far from the opportunity to take to the hills and fall in love with the wild and rugged nature of this truly wonderful region.

Golf Algarve is now renowned for its beautifully tended golf courses with spectacular scenery along a fabulous coastline. The main Algarve golf season is from late autumn to late spring as most northern European countries suffer from cold and wet conditions. Winters are mild in southern Portugal and golfers can enjoy warm, sunny days and keep their swings smooth at a time when their home courses are unplayable.

It was the legendary Sir Henry Cotton who put the Algarve on the golf globe. In 1966, at Penina, he designed the first proper grass course from a rice field after the necessary earthworks and planting 300,000 trees. Tourism was becoming more popular in the Algarve and immediately after the Penina course was inaugurated, the courses at Vale do Lobo and Vilamoura appeared. A few years later, another emblem of world golf was built - the first golf course at Quinta do Lago.

though none of the existing courses are more than 15km from the coast, the terrain varies from the steep hillsides of Parque da Floresta to the near sea-level flatlands of Vilamoura III and Salgados, which in common with Palmares, includes links holes.

The mainly arid Algarve countryside, familiar to summer visitors, gives way to verdant oasis at each of the golf complexes thanks to large, state-funded water catchments and distribution schemes, as well as private boreholes which tap into subterranean water sources for irrigation. Holes made tricky by water hazards are, therefore, not an infrequent feature on the Algarve courses.

The Importance of international golf in the Algarve is so evident that, by tacit agreement , the Open de Portugal is held there at least every other year.In general, you will find that the Algarve, with its mild climate, reasonably priced restaurants, breathtaking scenery, friendly people and excellent golf courses, all combine to make it a memorable holiday.

Find detailed information on Golf in the Algarve here

Castro Marim Club

Castro Marim is located 30 minutes east of Faro and 10 minutes from both Tavira and the Spanish border having opened in 2000 in an area of the Algarve that until then had no golfing infrastructures at all.

It has a very relaxing setting in the peaceful atmosphere of the eastern Algarve and was in fact the first course to be built in this region, offering players beautiful views over the Atlantic Ocean, the River Guadiana and the nearby nature reserve. The design of the so-called “Atlantic Course” made use of the natural undulations of the hills and is sprinkled with many ornamental lakes. The fairways have been made with Bermuda grass, whilst the greens are made with the new Penn A4 grass. The course spans 6,250 metres and is a par 71.

Castro Marim Golf

From the very start, the overriding characteristics of this course are clear. At 375 meters downhill, the par 4 first may not appear too strenuous, but as you stand on the elevated tee you can soon see why it is rated stroke index 4. The fairway is narrow and lined with young umbrella pine trees. It drops away, but climbs to the elevated green. The contours of the land must be carefully kept in mind as you decide where to place your drive. The par 5 fourth is a dog-leg left, but a good drive may reach the lake on the right side of the descending fairway. The second and approach shots are uphill and the green is well protected by a bunker, young pines and the falling lie of the land.

On the back nine, the eleventh - a par 4 of 323 meters - can be deceptive. Once again, a well struck drive may find the water protecting the green. This is a good hole, but it is brain not brawn that will secure you a par here. The par 3 seventeenth (130 meters) is almost always subject to onshore prevailing winds off the sea. With bunkers in front and a lake behind, think carefully about what club to take.

Castro Marim Golf course

The impressive clubhouse resembling a medieval castle is known for its warm relaxing ambiance and boasts a golf reception, pro-shop, changing rooms and a restaurant-bar which has an enormous open air terrace with marvellous views over the coast of the Algarve and Guadiana River.

For those buying investment property including off plan property or alternatively their dream home, Castro Marim offers a number of property options from townhouses, villas apartments golf in buying property abroad.

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