The villa is in the eastern Algarve, and three airports are within a reasonable distance: Faro 35 minutes, Seville 2 hours, Lisbon 2 ¾ hours.
The villa is in the Barrocal region of Tavira, which is between the spectacular hills/mountains bordering the Alentejo and the sea. Within a few minutes it is possible to enjoy the beaches and Ria Formosa, the hills, towns, golf and further afield castles, water parks and zoo marine .
The area is well supported by a wide range of restaurants, local shops/supermarkets and several shopping/cinema complexes (Tavira, Faro Olhão). New release films arrive early in Portugal and are shown in the original language with Portuguese subtitles.
At the local weekday fresh food markets freshly caught fish, regional cheeses, seasonal fruits and vegetables, meats, breads, as well as artisan products such as honey, liquors, cakes and sweets, can be found.
There are around 3,000 hours of sunshine per year in the eastern Algarve, ideal to enjoy the outdoors.
BEACHES AND RIA FORMOSA NATURE RESERVE:
From the nearest beach, Fuzeta, to the Spanish Border there are 35 km of natural golden, sandy, uncrowded, beaches and the sea of the eastern Algarve is the warmest on the coastline. Favourite beaches such as those of the Ilha da Tavira, Cabanas, Estreita, are a short ferry boat ride from the main land; Barril is a short walk or a miniature train ride from the car park; Altura, Manta Rota and Monte Gordo have car parking next to the beach.
Most of the beaches are within the protected area of the Ria Formosa Natural Park, which has an informative Visitors’ centre and water mill about 12 minutes from the villa. The Ria Formosa is also host to a large migratory bird population (like the National Park Cotô Doñana (Huelva, Spain)).
TAVRIA AND NEARBY:
The villa is close to Tavira, the jewel of the eastern Algarve. The city has a Roman Bridge, churches, museums, and interesting range of architecture, Torre Obscura, castle walls and views across the town and distinctive roofs. Tavira is a picturesque town which welcomes tourists and remains traditional Portuguese. Throughout the year there are music events and festivals and many more activities across the summer.
The historic city and regional capital of Faro is only 30 minutes away, and one route can take in Estoí with its Roman mosaics and summer palace gardens (now also a Pousada).
The road to the north, EN270 - 'Michelin green route' between Tavira/São Brás leads into the hills and villages of Loulé (Quarença, Alté, Salir), to the south is the Algarve coastal road, EN125, and the alternative EO1/A22 which stretches the Algarve to Seville.
CASTLES AND FURTHER AFIELD:
The castle and fort at Castro Marim, 25 minutes away, is worth a visit for the views across the River Guadiana alone - perhaps as a diversion en-route to the Spanish border town and beaches. At the end of August Castro Marim hosts a well-regarded medieval event.
Silves large castle/fort and museum to the time of the moors and the hills and spa town of Monchique are 1¼ hours to the west. To the north is the fort town of Mertola in the Alentejo.
The vibrant and historic cosmopolitan city of Seville, (tapas, operas, flamenco) is an easy 2 hours’ drive.
GOLF:
The villa is also centrally located for the prestigious golf courses in central and eastern Algarve.
Within 30 minutes of the villa are the many newer prestigious golf courses in the eastern Algarve, such as Quinta da Ria, Monte Rei (Jack Nicklaus), Quinta do Vale (Seve Ballesteros) and the established golf courses of the central Algarve, (Quinta do Lago, Vale do Lobo).
Even closer to the villa are the golf courses of Benamor and Colina Verde.
Spain (Huelva Province) is only 25 minutes away with a choice of several golf courses.
