SECLUDED PRIVATE POOL, BEAUTIFULLY MAINTAINED TROPICAL GARDEN, BREATHTAKING PANORAMIC MOUNTAIN VIEWS

In winter there is a generous supply of firewood and on application we can supply cosy electric blankets for all beds - warm fleecy dressing gowns in winter are also provided all at no extra cost. Standard towelling bathrobes in summer. All rooms have air conditioning/heating units and ceiling fans - extra fans can be provided. Up to two children can easily be accommodated plus one infant, for whom a cot is available together with a high chair (both free of charge), on application. Smoking is only permitted in the grounds. There is a basic house laptop and wi-fi for your use at no extra cost for printing boarding passes, checking emails, planning visits to places of interest, beaches, activities, etc. so you can leave your laptop at home if you wish. All windows and doors are fitted with insect protection screens.

The main airport is Faro Airport 35 minutes' drive away, and is served by:

easyJet, Ryanair, British Airways, flytap, FlyBe, Monarch, Aer Lingus - aerlingus, Jet2, Thomas Cook, Thomson, BMI Baby, TAP Portugal, Germanwings, Lufthansa, Luxair, Air Berlin, Brussels Airlines amongst others. At Faro Airport there are the usual car hire companies such as Avis, Europcar and Hertz but the Portuguese car hire firm Auto-Jardim often gives preferential rates. If you're in a hurry, the hire car firm recommended by your airline may be used by everyone else on your flight so there may be long queues at the desk. Cash machines are at the airport.

Golfers - you can hire golf clubs and most accessories on arrival at Faro Airport; the website is www.clubstohire.com.

There are no shops in Cova da Muda so transport is essential, but there are mobile shops making their way up there; a fishmonger, bread-vendor, fruit and veg, frozen foods, etc. and we can try to make sure they call by if you're interested. There's a once-weekly free bus service to Sao Bras de Alportel and back on Wednesdays. If you want a taxi ride into Sao Bras we have the number of an English speaking taxi driver who knows Casa Violeta and will pick you up from the house if you require - one way is about 8 Euro.

Towards the coast (25 minutes) are superb golf courses and wonderful beaches to suit all tastes. Recommended towns are Tavira in the East, near Spain, Sta Luzia (Octopus Capital of the Algarve) with its seafood restaurants and near the popular Barril Beach; Olhao, a bustling harbour town; Estoi with its Pink Palace Pousada and Milreu, ancient Roman ruins. Or you can head West towards Sagres, the most westerly tip of Europe taking in the historic castle town of Silves on the way. There is information in the cottage to help you plan your trips or you can make use of the in-house laptop and wi-fi to research places of interest.

Please check availability calendar and email us with your enquiry. A 30% deposit by cheque but preferably bank transfer will secure your booking and the balance is due 6 weeks prior to arrival. Minimum 1 week stay.