Situated in undulating Algarve countryside just outside the historic town of Silves, this villa enjoys spectacular panoramic views overlooking the valley of the River Arade. The surrounding area is picturesque, the neighbours being locals who grow their own fruit and keep goats, dogs, horses and chickens. There is a coffee bar in the village and horse riding stables nearby.
Only 5 or 6 minutes drive is the town of Silves, which was once the capital city of Portugal, with it's ancient red stone castle, cathedral and architecture steeped in history, as well as an array of restaurants, bars, shops and supermarkets. Beyond that is the Monchique mountain, the highest point in the Algarve, with traditional Portuguese restaurants and fantastic views of Albufeira in the East, Portimao and the West Coast.
The immense stretches of beaches at Carvoeiro, Ferragudo and Armaçao to name but a few are within 20 minutes drive with many other coves and beaches very close by as well as fabulous clifftop walks. The new Amendoeira golf course and Nick Price/David Leadbetter Pestana golf course are just 10 minutes drive away. Many other golf courses within 25 minutes drive.
Two big water parks ,Slide & Splash and Aqualand are within 15 minutes drive and Zoomarine for the whole family is 20 minutes drive. Algarve Shopping Centre at Guia, just 25 minutes drive away offers great High Street shops, cinemas and restaurants, as does the Aqua Shopping Centre in Portimao.
For the more adventurous the villa is ideally located for horse riding, cycling, golf, tennis, surfing bird watching or walking holidays. If you want a peaceful day or evening without the children, we have English and Portuguese babysitters who can care for and entertain your children.
Silves with it's cobbled narrow streets, cathedral and ancient castle, this beautiful medieval city of narrow steeply winding streets and leafy whispering esplanades exhibits a unique and magical charm belying a rich and turbulent history. There is a public indoor heated swimming pool with gymnasium, sauna and various excercise and aerobic classes. In addition, Silves has a number of excellent shops, bars, restaurants, cafés and market.
There are a selection of golf courses nearby, including the Silves Pestana course, and the famous Amendoeira Golf course which is the largest in Europe, with bowling and fitness centre among it's many facilities.
Other nearby golf courses include the Pestana and Gramacho courses at Lagoa, and Morgado set in the Monchique mountain.
Local places of interest include:
Castle: This splendid Moorish fortress, one of the finest in Portugal, is open daily July-Aug 9:00am-8pm and Sept-June 9:00am-5:30pm, there is a small entrance fee.
Cathedral (Sé): Located just below the Castle – Mon-Fri, 8:30am-6:30pm, Sun open between mass – free entrance.
Igreja da Misericórdia: 16th century church opposite the Cathedral main entrance with Manueline doorway, Renaissance altarpiece and 17th century paintings. Frequently the venue for classical music evenings. Mon-Fri 9:30am-1:00pm and 2:00-5:30pm – free entrance.
Archaeological Museum: Constructed around a medieval Islamic well and recently renovated and extended with translations in English. Mon-Sat 9:00am-6:00pm.
Torre do Relógio (The clock tower): One of the major landmarks in Albufeira, surviving the earthquake of 1755.
Ponte Grande: Impressive caverns with large arches, and also the underwater caverns of Grutas do Xorino.
Albufeira Market: Takes place on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month.
