CASA ALVORADA 19B

Booking the property was easy and all our queries were answered promptly by Sally.

The property is on the top row of development in Salema which means a slightly longer walk to the beach and restaurants but the views are that much better for it! There is a terrace at the front for breakfast time looking towards the sea and the roof terrace for later on in the day which looks onto pine trees at the rear so sun or shade can be had at any time.

The apartment contained everything that we needed from cushions for the sunloungers, a well equipped kitchen to the most comfortable bed we have ever slept in in Portugal. There were only 2 of us staying but it is plenty big enough for 4 people.

There are some great beaches from Zavial and Furnas nearby to those on the Atlantic coast which are well worth a visit - try the unpaved tracks to the beaches to get away from the crowds. An interesting walk is from the back of the apartment through the pine trees down to a small beach 10 minutes away and for the more adventurous, Figueira beach can be reached this way too but there is a scree slope to contend with so its not for the faint-hearted. The sea is very cold unfortunately.

Lagos is easily reached some 20 minutes away which has more restaurants and a few small museums and galleries. Sagres can be very windy but is worth a visit as is Aljezur 30 minutes to the north. A good day trip is to go into the Alentejo - the scenery is very different but can be very hot in summer and Mertola is a good lunch stop.

There are cycling and waking routes, horse riding and kayaking, but at the height of summer, this is all about the beaches and the good restaurants which Casa Alvorada is well placed for. We could not have wished for any more and we will be back soon hopefully.

We have just returned from a 12 day stay at Casa Alvorada and it was, as my children say, 'the best holiday ever!'
When we booked the apartment, Sally was very helpful, always quick to reply to any questions we had and we felt we were in safe hands.
She advised us to rent a car and we are so glad we did as it allowed us to explore the Algarve which the surfers in my family were very grateful about as Sagres and Castelejo are fantastic places to 'catch the waves'. Although windier and slightly overcast they were still fine to sunbathe on for those of of who don't surf!
The beach at Salema, in my eyes, was the best! It was so beautiful and relaxing. The water was so clear and even though it was slightly chilly, it was a welcome relief when the temperature reached 38 degrees!. It is about a ten minte walk from the apartment but we would drive down the hill and park midway and use the stairs which led directly to a wonderful 'cove like' part of the beach. Even though there were many people on the beach it never felt crowded.
We drove into Lagos one day (which took around 20 minutes), great for shopping but I couldn't wait to return to Salema. My daughter went horse riding at the local stables, Tiffany's, which is a ten minute drive away and had a great time. They provided all the equipment and she went for an hours trek in the surrounding hills which she thoroughly enjoyed.
We took another trip to Slide and Splash, around a 40 minute journey. Despite fairly long queues who all had a brilliant time. If you go I would recommend taking your own lunch and sun umbrella.
Getting around in the car was so easy, all very well signposted and everything seemed to be off of the motorway.
And now the apartment its self....it had everything you would ever need and more. A home away from home but better...paints, pencils, games, books, DVD's, CD's, coolbags, loads of cutlery and crockery..as I said, everything! It was decorated in a modern but homely style and was very spacious. The double bed was extremely comfortable and the children tell me their beds were also.
The roof terrace was great for chilling out though it did get a bit windy some evenings. I am missing my meals on the balcony, the fantastic view of Salema bay is something I will remember for a long time.
We would love to go back to Casa Alvorada and we would strongly recommend it to anyone.
Again. thank you Sally and Bob for making our holiday one to remember.

We are a young couple and we spent a week in Salema in this wonderful apartment! We had the perfect getaway. The landlords were fantastic in helping us to prepare for our vacation and when we arrived it was even more beautiful than we had expected. We had everything we needed to enjoy a week away and thought it was the perfect location. We explored the entire Algarve by car and were so happy in our choice to stay in Salema. This is the perfect apartment for a couple or small family. The view is stunning! We are telling everyone we know :) Thanks Sally and Bob, for everything!