How to pay the toll on the A22 in the Algarve?

This article contains information about how to pay the toll for residents of Portugal and visitors to the Algarve.

From December 8 (2011) motorists using the A22 in the Algarve will be charged electronically each time they pass a toll camera.

This system involves a series of cameras placed along the motorway which will record all vehicles travelling the road.

Residents must buy a transponder which is fixed to the windscreen of the car behind the rear view mirror and sends a signal to the cameras.

Travellers are charged 0.07 euro per kilometre, so 128km would cost €8.96.

Locally registered residents with Portuguese registered car

The transponder costs €27.50 and can be bought from the issuers, Via Verde (www.viaverde.pt) or from local post offices (www.ctt.pt) in person.

Users can then pay by a linked bank account (Portuguese only) or by pre or post pay at the post office or payshops and Via Verde shops. The system is similar to how mobile phones are used.

If a charge is unpaid, the users then have up to five days to pay before additional fines are added. A minimum of €10 can be pre-paid.

In order to buy the device and register an account, residents will need the proof of residency status, fiscal number, car registration details and if using the automatic payment, a Portuguese bank account.

There are also discounts that will apply. Residents will be exempt for 10 uses each month and a further 15% on all other uses.

Foreign registered vehicles for residents and visitors

Users can pre-pay with their vehicle registration number at the post office (www.ctt.pt)

There will also be temporary devices available for hire, costing €27 and with additional administrative charges. These will be valid for up to 90 days after which they can be re-registered as they must be linked to an individual vehicle.

Registering for a device is possible online at Via Verde but currently it is only in Portuguese, English speakers should visit their local post office for assistance.

Rental car users

Visitors to the Algarve using rental cars can ask for instructions from the rental company.

Rental cars will be fitted with a transponder and charges will happen automatically.

Currently, visitors will be asked to pay for their use at the post offices and at pay shops or online using the post office website (www.ctt.pt).

In future there are plans to offer places to pay at service stations.

This news is brought by you by Algarve Housing. Algarve Housing rent luxury villas in the Algarve. Unique properties with private pools and gardens. From rustic windmills till luxury villas and town houses.

Next article we will inform you about Christmas in the Algarve.

Warm regards,

Michele

Algarve Housing

Superbike in the Algarve

14-16 October the Superbike motor races of the Algarve will be held in the International Autodrome in the Algarve. Temperatures still above the 25 degrees, so ideal to watch some racing in the Algarve!

Karting Algarve and racing Algarve is fun for the whole family, combining leisure and competition. Great fun for families, children, friends and companies.

International Autodrome Algarve

The international Autodrome Algarve is located just outside Portimao and offers racing Algarve as well as karting Algarve. Designed to be one of the best and most modern circuits in Europe, it has 32 different layouts and is FIA and FIM approved. State-of-the-art facilities together with an amazing track make the AIA one of the best circuits in the world. Designed to be one of the best and most modern circuits in Europe, the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve will benefit from the best conditions of safety and comfort both for drivers and the public. The Autodrome offers a safe and perfect place for racing Algarve and karting Algarve.

Racing Algarve

As motor sport is the key component of the project, it has been overseen since the beginning by the world governing bodies, the FIA and the FIM. The plans for the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve were approved by the FIA for Formula 1 and by the FIM for Super Bikes. As a matter of interest, the F1 version is different from the motorcycling circuit circuit, a good indication of how detailed the project is and the extent to which the sense of spectacle will be maximized in races for both types of vehicle.

The total capacity of the racing Algarve circuit will be 100,000 spectators, with 15,000 seats in the main stand and the remaining seats in other stands, and standing room in areas around the track. There will be a spectacular view of the circuit from all of these vantage points.

There will also be VIP boxes providing a range of services such as catering, above the pits and in the main stand. The VIP Tower is the project trademark.
It is planned that major races Algarve in the world motor racing and motorcycling championships will be held at the circuit, with the World Superbike Championship and the World Endurance Championship being firm fixtures. These races are broadcast worldwide on more than 80 television channels reaching more than 2 billion viewers, thus ensuring unparalleled publicity for the Algarve and for Portugal.

Events in the National Motor Racing and Motorcycling championships will also take place at the Algarve International Race Circuit. That means spectacular racing Algarve.

Karting Algarve

Kartódromo Internacional do Algarve is one of Europe’s largest kart circuits which can operate three tracks simultaneously. It even has a track for children up to 6 years of age who like to go karting Algarve. The venue also has a restaurant, boxes and shops and more than 50 different Kart categories for hire. In addition the track can be used for driving courses similar to those run by the racetrack as well as driving courses for karts. There will be no lack of official races, karting and championship trials and private competitions.

Karting Algarve is not only for competitions. The kart track is also a favorite place for testing, with artificially wet zones, to complement the existing Autódromo Internacional do Algarve. Companies and teams will find this the ideal place for a variety of events, whether they want to hire meeting rooms, launch a new product or simply hold ‘team-building’ exercises. Karting Algarve is fun for lots of people and companies.

The Kartódromo Internacional do Algarve is, without doubt, a place of leisure and entertainment for fans, companies, families and children, who will all find a place of great fun here. For racing Algarve or karting Algarve.

Accommodation Algarve

Algarve Housing rent villas in the Algarve, from luxury villas till rustic windmills and cottages. Some with private tennis court, others with jacuzzi, pool table, but all with private pools and gardens, and many with outdoor kitchen to enjoy outdoor living in the Algarve. Please contact me for further information regarding Karting and Racing in the Algarve, and a nice holiday villa in the Algarve.

Warm Regards,

Michele

Things to do in the Algarve in September

The Algarve is one of the number one holiday destinations in Europe. September is an ideal month to visit the Algarve. The sun still shines (as we speak, 35 degrees), the gorgeous beaches are less crowded then July and August, and the Portuguese are still friendly! What to do in September in the Algarve?

Tapas Tour in Portimao Portugal-Rota do Petisco

Till the 2nd of October, you can enjoy local cuisine and culture from the city Portimao Portugal.

Supported by the counsel of Portimao, 31 restaurants and pastelarias (pastries) participate, to give you the opportunity to enjoy the local gastronomy of Portimao. Take a tour through the beautiful city while enjoying the tapas, pastries and drinks.

How to participate?

You need to get a ‘passport’ with route menu, which is a leaflet with all participating restaurants, you find them all over Portimao and Praia da Rocha. The local gastronomy menu will consist a typical delicacy/tapa and a drink, for the price of 2.50 euro. The traditional sweet menu will be a regional sweet and a drink for the price of 2 euro. On the ‘passport’ you find a map indicating where all the participating restaurants are, and what each of them serve, start your tour through Portimao and enjoy the various tapas and drinks! Have fun!

More information?

Medieval Festival Salir Portugal

Travel back in time, come to Salir 9, 10 and 11 of September. For the third year, the counsel of Loule organize this fantastic event in the mountain village of Salir, Portugal. This year there is a special focus on the Arts of the middle ages. This event is guaranteed to liven up the village of Salir with traditional games and plenty of animation.

Looking for a place to stay in the Algarve Portugal?

Algarve Housing is the Algarve villa rental company for superior holidays in Portugal. Our Algarve villas for rent all have private swimming pools and gardens. A lot of them are situated at a truly unique and beautiful spot. We offer a hand picked selection of unique holiday villas in the Algarve. If you are looking for Algarve villas for rent don’t look any further. We have a wide selection of nice holiday villas in the Algarve. From rustic windmills and cottages till restored farmhouses and luxury villas. All Algarve villas for rent are situated within the beautiful Algarve region.

Warm regards,

Michele

Algarve Housing

Festival Med don’t miss this spectacular event!

The historical old town of Loulé will be transformed into a Global Village from June 22nd to 25th, singing, dancing and partying to rhythms from all over the world. Enjoy this gorgeous street festival with artisan craft work, exhibitions, gastronomy, theater and entertainment from all over the globe.

The emphasis of this festival is World Music, with performances of from some oftoday’s most respected artists in this area such as, GEORGE CLINTON Parliament Funkadelic, Muchachito Bombo Infierno, SEUN KUTI & EGYPT 80, Luisa Sobral, Sean Riley & The Slowriders, Lula Pena, Magnifico, AFROCUBISM, DakhaBrakha, António Zambujo …

Price: 12 euros/night, 40 euros for 4 days.

More information about this Festival not to be missed.

A few You tube Videos of the Artists to get in the mood:

Watch a video of George Clinton


And what can I expcet of Muchachito Bombo Infierno?

Loule presents the 8th edition of the Festival MED, one of the oldest national festivals of world music, you better get your dancing shoes out of your cupboard, and enjoy!

This information has brought to you by Algarve Housing, who offers villas to rent in the Algarve. More information about amazing villas in the Algarve?

Warm Regards,

Michele

Algarve Housing

Beaches In The Algarve

More than 300 days of Sunshine per Year!
With 200 km shoreline and more than 300 days of sunshine per year the Algarve has become the number one holiday region of Portugal and one of the most popular holiday destinations in Europe. Extremely clear water, spectacular cliffs with hidden creeks, endless sand beaches, protected by dunes and a mild Atlantic breeze make this place so special.

Blue flag beaches

Sun and sea with quality and in safety.

With the highest number of beaches attaining the distinction of the Blue Flag, the Algarve has collected almost 50 of these awards, increasing year-on-year, confirming the region’s commitment to quality tourism.

This award is given out annually to beaches and leisure resorts which fulfill the comprehensive set of criteria set out by the European Foundation for Environmental Education. The criteria are based on the following standards: Environmental management, safety and amenities, and in the case of beaches, water quality.

With respect to leisure resorts, the award goes further, with the inclusion of management and environmental education and information. The Algarve has also been successful in this area, with its marinas achieving this mark of quality.

Blue or Gold flags make the 3000 hours of sun a year and the 200km of coastline with unspoilt landscapes and dream beaches even more appealing because they can be enjoyed in total safety. Enjoy them!


Would you like to enjoy one of the most beautiful Beaches of the Algarve?

Algarve Housing rent villas in the Algarve, and we have a few nice special offers for June!

Now only 500 euros/week:

Quinta Palmeiral, located on a hill looking over the rolling hills towards Vilamoura, Quarteira and Vale de Lobo. With 2 bedrooms, and 2 bathrooms, an infinity edge salt water pool with gorgeous views. Close to Loule and Boliqueime, 15 minutes drive to white sandy, safe beaches!

Read more about this fantastic luxury villa

Monte Boi, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and again fantastic views towards coast, located close to market town of Messines and historic Silves. 20 minutes drive to the beach.

Read more about this nice villa

Casa Lavender, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, located in the country side between Messines and Silves, in green, lush valley.

Read more about this modern holiday villa

Casa Bordeira, sleeps up to 7 guests, in very beautiful restored farmhouse, with nice private pool and gardens. Located close to capital Faro, in the quiet country side.

Read more about this very special place to stay

Then we have Casa Vilarinha, in the same green valley as Casa Lavender, for the first lucky guest we have a very, very special price for 2-16 July. This Moroccan luxury villa, a hidden treasure, with 6 en-suite bedrooms, fantastic colonial, covered terrace looking over the private pool and gardens….

read more about this hidden oasis…

Please contact us for any further information of the beautiful and safe beaches of the Algarve and the Special Offers of Algarve Housing.

Warm Regards,

Michele

Algarve Housing

Algarve Ready For The Summer

Beach holiday algarve

The sun loungers and Tropical umbrellas are on the beaches, boat trips and activities are running, bars and restaurants are now on their long summer opening hours and, the weather is already shouting Summer!

Although the full Allgarve 2011 Summer Events program hasn’t been confirmed yet, you can rest assured that there will be plenty going on. Beach parties and beach entertainment, concerts, festivals such as the Silves Medieval Festival and Festival Med in Loulé and lots of sporting events including motor sports at Autódromo Internacional do Algarve in Portimão.

Seafaris

Although life is very laid back here in the Algarve, things don’t stay still when it comes to activities! Every year activity companies add new programs to keep visitors entertained, a great example being Algarve Seafaris in Vilamoura with their fantastic new ‘Sea Fun Combi’ (combining a coastal cruise with a speed boat visit to the caves!), or in the case of Zoo Lagos in western Algarve, their new additions mean the pitta patta of little feet and the arrival of new species such as hippos, meerkats, prairie dogs and Lynx!

Shopping

Algarve Shopping

On the subject of new additions, the western Algarve shopping scene was given a real boost recently, when the fabulous Aqua Portimão shopping mall opened. Bringing H&M and Primark to the Algarve and other new brands and boutiques, Aqua Portimão has really got the locals talking…and reaching for their credit cards! Aqua Portimão is now the fifth major shopping mall in the Algarve, joining Algarve Shopping in Guia (Albufeira), Forum Algarve in Faro, Gran-Plaza in Tavira and Ria Shopping in Olhão.

Special_offers

Algarve Special Deals

Self catering holiday villas, we regularly have special offers, and we will keep you updated about these unmissable bargains! Till the end of June we have a few very nice holiday villas on Special Offer, for only 500 euros/week. Contact us for more details!

Club_nau_by_night

Algarve Beach Bars

As Summer is starting, many Beach Bars has opened their doors, with mouth watering cocktails, live music, like Club Nau, Praia Grande, Ferragudo.

Questions About The Algarve?

Please do not hesitate to contact me, about Things to do In The Algarve, where to stay, general things, I am happy to help YOU! Contact ME! Very regularly I up date myAlgarve Villa Rentals Face Book Page, so ‘like’ me, and you never miss out …….

So with the end of the week drawing to an end, we won’t waste any more time in sharing more of our news from the Algarve with you! Have a great weekend and we hope to see you soon!

Warm Regards,

Michele

Algarve Housing

What Else Can You Do In The Algarve?

Algarve chefs week

The Algarve is well known for sun, sea, beach… but there is more, we have selected a few of the many there is, whether you live here, or on holiday. Have you not booked your holiday yet, please visit our website for some nice holiday villas to rent.We have some nice Special Offers at the moment!

ALGARVE CHEFS WEEK

What: Algarve Chefs Week

When: 14-21 May 2011

Where: Nine participating hotels across the Algarve

The details: Five-star hotels in the Algarve will be giving food lovers the opportunity to sample the best dishes from the region during the Algarve Chefs Week.The menu will cost €30 per person excluding drinks or €40 with wine selection and will only be available between 7.30pm and 10.30pm each day.

One euro of the price of the menu will be donated to a charitable institution in the Algarve.

The initiative will kick-off with a promotional event on May 14 from 7pm at the new platform of Faro International Airport, where the chefs will interact with passengers, giving them the opportunity to taste various delicacies.

Sheraton Pine Cliffs, Longevity Wellness Resort, Hilton Vilamoura, The Lake Spa Resort, Grande Real Sta Eulália, Crowne Plaza Vilamoura, Vila Monte, Tivoli Marina Vilamoura and Tivoli Victoria & The Residences at Victoria are behind the annual event, which aims to show diners the best the Algarve cuisine has to offer.
Algarve Chefs Week is hosted by the best chefs in the region, who have greatly contributed to the development and internationalization of Algarve gastronomy. The purpose is to highlight the role of chefs in high level cuisine, how they create a rapport with diners through food and to promote the region as a destination of choice for top quality cuisine.

Algarve Chefs Week is open to hotel guests, holidaymakers and residents.

Price: €30 per person, drinks excluded, to include a €1 donation per person to charity. 50% discount for children aged 3-10

The chefs:

Stephan Kuehlwetter – Hilton Vilamoura

Jan Stechemesser – Longevity Wellness Resort Monchique

Luís Correia – The Lake Resort, Vilamoura

Hugo Rodrigues dos Santos – Vila Monte, Moncarapacho

José Domingos – Crowne Plaza Vilamoura

Fernando Fonseca – Grande Real Santa Eulália, Albufeira

Fabien Martinez – Sheraton Pine Cliffs, Falesia

António Bastos – Tivoli Marina Vilamoura

Chef Brüno – Tivoli Victoria & The Residences at Victoria, Vilamoura

Algarve Painting Exhibition
Algarve Painting Exhibition

CARLOS BARAO PAINTING EXHIBITION

What: Carlos Barao Painting Exhibition

When: Until 6 June 2011

Where: Vale do Lobo Art Gallery, open daily from 10:00h to 19:00h

The details: Carlos Barao is renowned for pictorial narratives and expression-fuelled artwork. The “Look” exhibition highlights his latest work.

Golf in the Algarve
Golf in the Algarve

VALE DO LOBO – GOLF OPEN FOURSOMES WEEK

What: Golf Open Foursomes Week

When: 15-21 May 2011

Where: Vale do Lobo

The details: Celebrating its 29th anniversary, and promising a week of fun on the resort’s golf courses, with over a hundred entrants including property owners, friends and visitors. Numerous different types of competition are played, including Fourball Betterball Stableford, Foursomes Stableford, Singles Stableford, Greensomes Stableford and the Foursomes Match-play Finals, with prizes also awarded for Nearest to the Pin and Longest Drive.

Any member introducing a guest who has not previously played in the tournament will receive free entry to this year’s event. Meanwhile, their guests may wish to take advantage of the special golf and accommodation package on offer, which includes resort accommodation, car rental, green fees and unlimited golf over the week of the competition, as well as entry to the prize-giving dinner and a host of resort benefits.

International Fair in the Algarve

ALGARVE INTERNATIONAL FAIR

Location: Show Ground, Lagoa
Dates: 4-5 June 2011
Opening times: 11am-7pm
Details: Over 170 exhibitors of products and services for the home and garden, plus new car exhibition, arts & crafts marquee, Algarve Dog Show, food & drink, and children’s entertainment including parades, clowns, rides, face painting and much more.

ANGELS THEATRE GROUP

What: Music Hall Revue

When: 4 June 2011 at 7.30 pm

Where: Cine-Teatro, Sao Bras de Alportel

The details: Music hall and variety evening performed by the Angels Theatre Group. Includes music hall songs, barbershop harmonies, female impersonator, Russian dancers, fado and classical guitarist. All proceeds go to the Sao Bras Bombeiros.

Tickets: €12 including a glass of espumante

Algarve Housing rent nice holiday villas in the Algarve, the most Suothern part of Portugal. At the moment we have some nice Special Offers, for 500 euro/week we can offer beautiful holiday villas till the end of June. Please contact us for more information.

Warm Regards,

Michele

Algarve Housing

Shop Till You Drop In The Algarve!

Aqua Portimão, a new shopping centre near Portimão, opened its doors. The largest center in western Algarve, with 132 shops, including Primark and H&M, more than 20 restaurants and a Jumbo supermarket. Primark is one of the UK’s top clothing chains and this will be its first store in the Algarve, covering 4,200 square metres and creating 250 jobs.

H&M, also the first shop in the Algarve, a Swedish clothing company, is best known for its fast fashion offerings and will have a 1,980 square metre store at Aqua Portimão.
Other shops are: Stradivarius, Blanco, Bershka, Centroxogo, a Loja do Gato Preto, Massimo Dutti, Pull&Bear, Kiko en Seaside.

The shopping centre has three floors above ground and an underground car park with spaces for 1,800 cars.

Aqua shopping is open 7 days a week, Sunday till Thursday from 10 am till 11 pm and and Friday and Saturday till 00.00!


Shop till you drop in the Algarve!

Watch this video:

Agua Shopping

Warm Regards,

Michele

Algarve Housing

Easter In The Algarve Portugal

As March now draws to an end and Easter holidays are just around the corner, we are thrilled to say that the Algarve is set to give visitors a lovely warm welcome! The countryside is flourishing and the bright sunny days are offering nothing less than the perfect setting to enjoying all that the region has to offer. The April events calendar is full of Easter festivals, concerts, sports and gastronomy fairs and it is the ideal time of year for long walks, outdoor activities and family fun on the beach. So if you haven’t booked your holiday villa for Easter yet, Algarve Housing have some nice deals for YOU! Please contact me for more details.

A few events in the Algarve during April/Easter:

Ballet in Algarve

Coppelia by the Moscow Ballet

Venue: TEMPO (Municipal Theatre), Portimão on 8th April
Tickets available from TEMPO, Portimão Arena, FNAC, ABEP Agencies, Alvalade,
www.blueticket.pt & www.ticketline.pt
Tel. (+351)707 234 234,(+351)707 234 234 (Reservations)

Expomar – Fair of the Sea and Nautical Activities

Venue: Jardim Pescador Olhanense, Olhão from 7th to 10th April

Duke Ellington Orchestra

Ready for some Jazz in the Algarve?

Venue: Portimão Municipal Theatre on 14th April at 21.30
Reservations: (+351) 282 402 475 (+351) 282 402 475 / 961 579 917

Equestrian Tour Vilamoura 2011

Venue: Vilamoura Riding Centre from March 30th to April 24th
Competitions – Tuesday to Sunday from 09.00 to 18.00. Grand Prix events on 3rd, 10th, 17th and 24th April
The 4 Week International Showjumping Event is composed of six competitions qualifying for the FEI ranking.

Algarve Folar (Easter Loaf) Fairs

Paderne 16th & 17th April
Barão de São João (near Lagos) on 23rd & 24th April (15.00 to 24.00)
8th Folar challenge in Guia on 24th April (16.00 at the Football Club grounds) – making the biggest Easter loaf you have ever seen!

Festa das Tochas Floridas

Venue: São Brás de Alportel on Easter Sunday, 24th April

9.30 – Opening of the streets to see the carpets of flowers
10.00 – Eucharist at the Parish Church
11.30 – Hallelujah Procession and the Flower Torches
13.00 – Eucharist at the Parish Church
15.00 – Churchyard: Fair of regional confectionery, Cultural afternoon with traditional music groups, Prize giving ceremony for Flower Games, Best Flower Torches and Balconies.

Festa da Mãe Soberana in Loulé

A major religious festival that attracts thousands of faithful followers as well as tourists every year. The festival starts on the 24th April with the Festa Pequena (small feast) and finishes on 8th May with the Festa Grande. The high point of the celebrations is the procession through the city carrying the image of the Sovereign Mother

3rd Portuguese Wine Show

Venue: EMA (Multi-use space), Albufeira from 30th April to 2nd May

Time: 14.30 to 20.00 (to 19.00 on May 2nd)

A perfect opportunity to try some Portuguese wines!

The EMA is in the Caliços area of Albufeira at the junction of Estrada de Caliços and the Avenida dos Descobrimentos.

“Soul of Fado” Concert by Cristina Nóbrega

Venue: TEMPO (Municipal Theatre) Portimão on 23rd April

Reservations: (+351) 282 402 475 (+351) 282 402 475 / 961 579 917

Algarve Housing rent special villas in the Algarve, please contact me for any further information,

warm regards,

Michele

Algarve Things To Do In Spring

Orange blossom Algarve

Spring has arrived early in the Algarve! So Algarvians are enjoying 20 Celsius days, and days of taking walks on the many sandy beaches have returned, a couple of brave souls may even dare a dip in the still chilly waters. Beach bars starting to open up, with some nice live music in the afternoons. Aside from beaches what else is there to do in the Algarve?

Walking! At the moment the orange blossom is full on, and this gorgeous sweet smell is everywhere, plus lots of blooming flowers everywhere, this is the time of the year, to enjoy the beautiful nature of the Algarve!

You don’t like walking?

There are a few nice shopping centers near Guia and near Faro, open 7 days a week, from 9am till 12pm, so you can shop till you drop! Plus there are nice, large cinema’s!

But there is more to do in the Algarve!

Dolphinsafari

The list of things to do in the Algarve is endless. We do a few suggestions.

For a great day out take a boat trip along the coast, enjoy dolphin watching, go on jeep safari or learn to surf. Visit one of the Algarve water parks or enjoy some top pampering at a luxury spa.

A few of the many events:

Rally

World Rally Championship

When: 25-27 March

Where: Faro, Loule and Silves

Click here for more information

The excitement of the World Rally Championship-WRC is back with the classifying stages being held in the Algarve. With a distinguished entry list and its traditional flair and passion, this year’s Vodafone Rally de Portugal looks to be an absolute classic.

The Vodafone Rally of Portugal, the most important motor sport event in Portugal, is already one of the flagship events for the promotion of tourism in the country.

Theatre in the Algarve

When: 25 to 27 March

Where: Theatro Lethes, Faro

Price: Price: €12 adults & €7 children and students

More information call +351 910037151

The A Portada Theatre Group is now preparing for their next production, the amusing romantic comedy, “Twelfth Night” by William Shakespeare. Following on from their runaway success in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and “The Real Inspector Hound” these highly talented actors are supported by lavish costumes and professional set design. Rehearsals are now underway and the show promises to both intrigue and entertain the theater lover.

Exhibition in Portimao

When: till 30 April, Turesaday 2pm uintil 6pm, Wednesday to Sunday: 10am until 6pm

Where: Museum Portimao

Price: Free

More information: +351 282405230

Due to popular demand and interest, the exhibition, “Portimão at the beginning of the 20th Century” has been extended for a second time until April 30th. The exhibition promotes some of the key aspects of the evolution of the former “Vila Nova de Portimão” in the first quarter of the 20th century during it’s transition from the Monarchy to the Republic regime, focusing on the most significant changes made during this period.

This information is brought to you by Algarve Housing, we rent special villas in the Algarve. Please contact me for more information.

Warm Regards,

Michele

Algarve Housing

Enjoy Springtime In The Algarve!

Carnival in the Algarve
Carnival in the Algarve

I live in the Algarve for almost 10 years, coming here for almost 25 years! and many times I get the question, what is the best time to visit the Algarve? I have a standard answer for that, March and April. Why??? the smell of orange blossom, the Mimosa and all the flowers blooming… daisy’s, poppy’s….millions, I cannot describe how beautiful this is….stunning nature!

Besides that 5-8 March is Carnival!

Spring in the Algarve
Poppy's in the Algarve

Year after year the Carnival Parade in Loulé is the absolute highlight of the Algarvian carnival season. This spectacular event attracts many thousands of visitors from all over the region.

Combine the fantastic time of the year with all the smells and flowers, with Carnival in the Algarve, and book a nice Holiday Villa near Loule! Quinta Palmeiral, in March 675 euros per week, and April 810 euros. The villa sleeps 4.

Holiday Villa in the Algarve
Holiday Villa in the Algarve

Most towns and villages in the Algarve has Carnival, so spent your Carnival Holiday in the Algarve!

This year, Easter is in April, another reason to visit the Algarve! Have a look at my website, for more nice Holiday Villas, and contact me for more information.

Come and enjoy, the daisy’s, poppy’s, mimosa, orange blossom and last but not least some sunshine!

Spring in the Algarve
Flowers in the Algarve

Warm Regards,

Michele

Portugal… to be experienced and savored at any time of the year!

Food in Portugal
Food in Portugal

A country with a long tradition of producing enticing flavors, Portugal invites you to sample some of its gastronomic diversity in elegant modern restaurants or informal cosy taverns.The specialties of the country’s different regions include many fresh fish and shellfish dishes. There are also some of the world’s best cod dishes… they say that there are over 1001 different recipes! Tender and succulent meat dishes or appetizing sausages and smoked meats hail from the Portuguese hinterland. And then there’s the desserts… prepared using age-old convent recipes that offer the perfect complement to any meal.

Each dish also has the perfect wine to accompany it. Port and Madeira wine are world famous, but you’ll be surprised by the excellent Portuguese table wines. It is possible to embark upon numerous pleasant trips following the various Wine routes.

Portugal… to be experienced and savored at any time of the year!

Taste Portugal
Do you know what is the best taste in Portugal? Is it the fish, which many people consider to be the best in the world? Or is it the wines, originating from the country’s sun-drenched vineyards? …

Wines from Douro and Porto
Discover the oldest demarcated wine region in the world. The Douro awaits you. Let the Port Wine Route surprise you!

Olive Oil Route
Slightly thick, fruity, golden in color and sometimes a little green. This is the olive oil of the Alentejo.

Cafés in Portugal
Cafés and tearooms with history, absolutely lovely and with irresistible delicacies to match. Give in to the pleasure of light conversation while nibbling on some tasty titbits!

Gastronomy of the Algarve
From Sagres to the river Guadiana, the Algarve is a region of sun and seafood.

Portuguese Wines
Portuguese Wines

Algarve Housing rent Holiday Villa’s in the Algarve, from Rustic Windmills to Luxury Villa’s. To enjoy the gastronomy of the Algarve, in your private villa, we can arrange your private Chef, to enjoy both your villa and the Algarvian food!

Warm Regards,

Michele

www.algarvehousing.net

New Years Eve in the Algarve!

New Year in the Algarve
New Year in the Algarve

This year that will see the end of 2010 and the begining of 2011 and will bring to everyone living in the Algarve or who are visiting the Algarve especially for the New Years Eve, a fantastic array of parties, festivity and fireworks.

Algarve Housing give YOU a few options of the many there are….

Albufeira

New Years Eve in Albufeira is always one of the highlight of this city and it has been confirmed that this event is the biggest of it’s kind on a national level.

In partnership with the local Town Hall of Albufeira and SIC TV, the grand final of “Idols” will take place live from the Fishermans Beach. With over 1 million viewers in Portugal, “Idols” is one of the most popular shows on TV and this unforgettable final will make New Years Eve an unforgettable night. At mid-night there will of course be a spectacular display of fireworks and the entertainment will continue on into the early hours with fabulous DJ’s and live music.

New Year in the Algarve
New Year in the Algarve

Ferragudo

Club Nau is famous for great food, great music and excellent parties. Join them on New Years Eve for a fabulous evening of food and fun. The fantastic 5 course meal includes wines, champagne at midnight and an open bar until midnight. The entertainment is by Accrinton Stanley – the Beatles tribute band, and DJ Miguel. Advance reservations …

Portimao, Praia da Rocha and Alvor

Portimão will have a fantastic Fireworks displays as it has 3 sites for the fireworks – along the river front at Portimão, along the beach of Praia da Rocha and the waterfront at Alvor! The night will start with music from different artists and after the fireworks the partying will continue into the early hours in the nightspots of Praia da Rocha and Alvor!

Paderne

From Dec 30th until Jan 2nd the the Parish of Padern will “return” to Medieval Times” The historicial village will revive the times of the middle ages with parades, tournaments, medieval market, musical performances and many other historical moments.

Lagos

Lagos will be celebrating New Year’s Eve with fireworks along the waterfront! So if you are going to be in Lagos don’t miss out on the New Year celebrations…bring your bubbly with you and join in the celebrations on the Avenida dos Descobrimentos. After the fireworks the party will continue in the bars both on the marina and in the town!

Or have your private party in your private holiday villa, Algarve Housing rent luxury villas in the Algarve, please visit our website for more information.

Finally, where ever you decide to party on 31st December 2010 we hope you have a safe time, and enjoyable party and not too bad a hangover on January 1st 2011

Happy New Year!

Michele

Algarve Housing

Visit Portugal in 2011!

Looking for a unique idea to start 2011 in great style? Visit Portugal. Pack your bags and bring only the essentials. We have everything that you need. Look for romance, discover culture, live an adventure or restore your calm by the sea in a good game of golf, at a spa, in the comfort of a luxury  holiday villa.
The Algarve is YOUR destination. Make your stay one of discovery and transform each moment into a special occasion. You’ll see that it’s a unique holiday!Why wait? Take a look at the many luxury holiday villas we offer at www.algarvehousing.net and start planning YOUR Holiday in Portugal today. Accept the challenge and visit Portugal in 2011!

Wishing you a Happy New Year!
Algarve Housing

Christmas and New Year in the Algarve

December is a month full of festivities, also in Portugal we celebrate Christmas and New Year, why not combine some nice weather and your Holidays in the Algarve?

Algarve Housing rent fantastic villas in the Algarve, and have a few villas left for YOU to enjoy Christmas and New Year in the Algarve. With mild days and cool nights, and very often we get sunshine, and you can even enjoy some sunbathing at the beach. But I have to be honest, it can rain too, and therefor we supply gorgeous villas, with nice wood burning fires to enjoy with a nice glass of Portuguese wine!

Spending Christmas and the New Year in the Algarve is a great way to enjoy the festive season. More and more people choose to spend Christmas away from home. Some want to avoid the fuss, others are looking for a different Christmas experience. The Algarve is an ideal destination as it caters to both traditional and alternative tastes.

Great time to enjoy a few rounds of golf at one of the many golf courses, enjoy one of the many Christmas Fairs, Concerts, Exhibitions, party nights and Christmas shows. The Algarve is foodie paradise, no matter where your are, you never far away from some sort of eating establishment. From the simplest of ‘tascas’ to Michelin starred and everything in between; Indian, Chinese, British, Thai, French and Fusion. Most of our villas located inland where you can find some great restaurants serving hearty algarvian food like Wild boar, Lamb stew and goat kid stew – simmered for hours so that the meat falls of the bone, caldeirada and cataplana – traditional fish stews. Bom Apetit!

A few recommendations of things to do in the Algarve in December.

And one of the nice villas to book in December… Casa Lavender. A very nice, cozy villa, that has a nice woodburning stove to keep you warm in the cool evenings, and fantastic terrace, south facing to enjoy the sunny days! Have a look, and let me know if you need any more information.

More holiday villas of Algarve Housing you find on our website. Please contact me for more information,

warm regards,

Michele