Carnival Rio de Janeiro or Algarve?

Of course Carnival in Rio de Janeiro is the most famous and colourful carnival of the world, but if you cannot make it to Rio de Janeiro, carnival in the Algarve can be entertaining too! Especially this year as the weather forecast is looking good, the last many years it has been cold, windy and wet!

The carnival in the Algarve this year will be governed by the EU’s crisis. But in a playful way. Satire always is plentiful during the carnival parades. The largest carnival parade takes place in Loule. And with the 106-year existence, making this one of the oldest Loulé Carnival parades in Portugal. A colorful celebration that a large number of visitors from home and abroad attracts.

Samba dancers and politicians
Except for ‘Angela Merkel’, ‘Nicolas Sarkozy and Portuguese politicians, there are samba dancers and musicians performing in and around the floats. They will be making stirring music by the Av. Jose da Costa Mealha of Loulé. The parades are in the afternoon on 18, 19 and 21 February. Entrance is € 2.00.

Carnival Celebrations in Loule
Apart from watching the carnival parades in the afternoon, you can also join one of the many parties in the evening. On Saturday, February 18 from 22 pm there is the traditional carnival gala at “Palácio do NERA” in Loule. Dress up and join the carnival gala! Monday night, carnival with a DJ. Admission to the carnival gala on Saturday costs € 15,- and Monday you can go in for € 7,-.

More carnival in the Algarve
Many other location in the Algarve, carnival is celebrated, including 19 and 21 February from 14.00 parades in Paderne and Alte. And in the town Odiáxere (near Lagos) there is a carnival parade on the 21st of February.

The traditional fisherman’s village Ferragudo, has Friday and Saturday night carnival party at the Tucabar with live music of various artists of the Algarve.

Saturday 18th of February there is a carnival party at The Santa Eulalia Club, Albufeira with a Brazilian Samba group and various DJ’s, start 23.30 till early mornings!

 There are loads more parades and festivities, we just mentioned a few we think is worth to try!

This information is brought to you by Algarve Housing, the villa rental company for better holidays in Portugal. We rent unique holiday villas in the Algarve, from rustic windmills till luxury villas. Please visit our website for more information.

Warm regards,

Michele

Algarve Housing

Love is in the air….

Algarve Housing wish you a Happy Valentine’s day and like to give some ideas for a lovely Valentine’s  in the Algarve.

Valentines day, Tuesday 14th of February, some romantic suggestions:

Cafe Ingles – Silves
S. VALENTINES ROMANTIC DINNER

LOVE MENU – FOR 2 PEOPLE

1 STARTER FOR 2 PEOPLE ( MOULES MARINÉRE ), 2 MAIN COURSES TO CHOOSE FROM ( SEABASS FILET WITH CHAMPAGNE AND ASPARAGUS OR PASTA WITH ANCHOVIES AND OYSTER SAUCE), 1 BOTTLE OF HOUSE WINE, 1 CHOCOLATE FONDANT WITH ICE CREAM, STRAWBERRIES, CREAM AND MINT & COFFEE.
PRICE 35 €

BIG LOVE MENU – FOR 2 PEOPLE

2 GLASSES OF CHAMPAGNE, 2 STARTERS ( MOULES MARINÉRE), 2 MAIN COURSES TO CHOSE FROM ( FILET STEAK WITH DRIED FIGS AND MADEIRA WINE, SEABASS FILET WITH CHAMPAGNE AND ASPARAGUS OR PASTA WITH ANCHOVIES AND OYSTER SAUCE), 1 BOTTLE OF WINE JOÃO CLARA, 2 CHOCOLATE FONDANT WITH ICE CREAM, STRAWBERRIES, CREAM AND MINT & COFFEE.
PRICE 65 €

Reservations: 282 442 585

A Lota Restaurant Alvor

All you need is love….A Lota Restaurant, with it’s excellent location down by the harbour in Alvor, is a wonderful choice of restaurant if you are planning an unforgettable night with the one you love on Februarty 14th.

Every attention to detail has been given to the romantic mouthwatering menu which will be available only for this special night.
Download the attachment for details of the menu that takes you from the First Look through to Dating and finishing with the Sweetest Sin !

And if that wasn’t enough, should you opt to enjoy a bottle of Monte Mayor wine with your meal, A Lota restaurant offers you one night of a weekend stay at Hotel Santa Beatriz in Monte Maior, inlcuding a guided visit and wine-tasting at the Adega Mayor
Reserve your table today and enjoy the experience.

For reservations just call: 282 458 444

No Patio Restaurants – Lagos
No Patio Restaurant are planning a feast for Valentine’s Night. Reserve your table now and enjoy a delicious meal full of romance and spice!! A romantic menu with plenty of choice to share with the one you love.
Cupid’s champagne cocktail on arrival
~~~
Love fruit soup
Tomato and roasted pepper soup with pesto croutons
Cupids arrows
Roasted green asparagus with a velvet hollandaise sauce
Pillow talk
Soft scallops pan-fried with smoked bacon
And a pea and mint puree

Main Courses
Between the sheets
Salmon supreme wrapped in filo pastry with Thai spices
presented on a lightly spiced coconut milk sauce
My Valentine
Loin of lamb pan-fried and placed on a bed of snow peas
served with fondant potatoes and a madeira jus
My hearts desire
Supreme of chicken with a smooth creamy sauce with vermouth
and mushrooms, served on rosti potatoes
All main courses are served with a selection of fresh vegetables

Desserts
Dark seduction
Rich chocolate mousse with a
liqueur centre
My heart is yours
shortbread biscuit with
a citrus mascarpone cream filling
Made for sharing
four individual berry desserts made for you
both to share
Coffee or tea
Enjoy a liqueur coffee for just
€4,00 extra

€35,00 per person

Reservations: 282 763 77

Algarve Housing rent luxury villas in the Algarve Portugal. Contact us for any information regarding the above Valentine’s suggestions or any detail for the unique and romantic villas we rent. Let us know about your Valentine’s day suggestions!

Happy Valentine!!!
Michele
Algarve Housing

Spring in the Algarve!

Can’t believe it is already January! January in the Algarve means start of the feeling of spring, as the beautiful Almond blossom is starting to come out, which gives some beautiful pictures! Next to the colourful oranges on the trees, and the lambs jumping up and down in the fields, this is always a nice start of the year! We just had a bit of rain, but looking at the forecast, the sun is back in the Algarve! It has been sunny since end of November last year!

Tip for coming weekend:
Querenca Sausage Festival 21 and 22 January
The Querença sausage auction in the church square in picturesque village of Querenca, is one of the highlights of the Querença Sausage Festival on the 21st and 22nd of January, continuing a long tradition for this traditional Algarvean village.

The festival is in honor of São Luís, protector of animals, and is considered one of the most important rural gastronomic events held in the region.
The celebrations on Saturday night start with fado in the ballroom of the Casa do Povo de Querença.

But the real meaty action takes place on Sunday, from 11.00am in the Church Square, with the opening of the exhibition ‘Tradições Serranas, a Matança do Porco’ or ‘killing of the pig’.

The exhibition aims to recreate this tradition, ranging from the rearing of the pigs, through to the time the animal is killed, and the various ways the animal is prepared for food. Starting early, the public is encouraged to taste the grilled sausages.

At 15.00pm there is a church service followed by a procession through the streets of the village. Then at 16.30 there will be the auction of sausages in Church Square.

This festival continues a centuries-old tradition and is the flagship festival of its kind in the Algarve and, as such, “is an important tourist attraction at this time of year, highlighting the religious aspects of food,” according to Loulé Câmara.

The roots of this event go back to a time when families used the pig for food throughout the year. It was also a tradition to ask São Luís, patron saint of animals, to keep the pigs in good condition to ensure a supply of food for the household.

In gratitude, families offer the best home-made sausages to the church if the animals have had a good life up until slaughter, the remainder being auctioned. (text: Algarve Daily News)

Enjoy the Algarve!
Warm Regards,
Michele

Algarve Housing – for better holidays in the Algarve

Christmas in the Algarve?

Christmas Algarve

How is Christmas in the Algarve? The Portuguese tradition is to celebrate with a family dinner on the evening of the 24th, with cod fish (Bacalhau). Not everyone, but most Portuguese will go at midnight to the church, after this presents can be opened, or the following day. Christmas day, the Portuguese have a lunch together. 26th of December, (boxing day), does not excist in Portugal, this is a normal day as every other day, shops open….

Around Christmas, there is much to do regarding entertainment such as concerts, and other type of performences. If you do not want to cook yourself, no problem at all, many restaurants in the Algarve organise Christmas dinners and lunches. Below we give a few options of the things to do with Christmas in the Algarve:

Dining and wining

23-27 Christmas Dinner Carvoeiro

Pimenta Preta Restaurant in Carvoeiro have prepared a mouth-watering Christmas Menu. This 4 course menu, which includes the traditional turkey along with a wonderful mixture of accompaniments is just €39 per person.

Where?

Pimenta Preta, Pestana Palm Garden Resort, Vale de Centeanes, Carvoeiro

Reserve a table: + 351 282 350 200

Price: €39

25 December – Christmas Lunch Almancil

Famous for their wonderful Carvery lunches, Restaurant Vaults in Almancil, has a great Christmas Carvery lunch on Christmas Day.

Where?

Vaults Restaurant, Ave 5 de Outobro, Almancil

Price: € 60

Reserveatable:+351289391883

Festivities and Events

16-12 Christmas Dance show Lagos

The show will consist of several choreographies such as, Classical Ballet, Contemporary Dance, Traditional Dance, Modern Dance, Ballroom Dancing Oriental Dance, Indian Classical Dance and Hip Hop, all of which will be presented by the students from the Lagos Dance Association.

Where?

Cultural Centre, Rua Lançarot e Freitas, No 7, Lagos

Time: 19.00

Price: €5

Orquestra_do_algarve

17-12 Christmas Concert Portimao

With the festive season almost upon us, the festive concerts also begin. Kicking off the season will be the Orquestra of Algarve with a series of Chrismas Concerts. Performing at the Tempo Theatre in Portimão the orquestra will interpret the works of renowned composers.

Where?

TEMPO, municipal Theatre Portimao

Time: 21.30

Price: € 10

Sleeping-beauty

22-12 The Sleeping Beauty Loule

The Sleeping Beauty has enchanted audiences for more than 100 years with its brilliant choreography and unforgettable score by Peter I. Tchaikovsky.

Based on a tale by Charles Perrault, Sleeping Beauty, is considered one of the greatest classical ballets of all time. Elegant costumes and magical sets complete this captivating world where true love really does conquer all.

This masterpiece, which has been danced by most dance companies throughout the world, is undoubtedly, one of the most beautiful from the illustrious Russian composer, Tchaikovsky.

Where?
Cine Theatro, Louletano, Ave Jose da costa Mealha, Loule
Time: 21.30
Price: from € 21

Algarve_-_weather

Weather

Winters tend to be mild averaging around 15º and this is the season with the most rainfall. The Algarve gets on average 50 days of rainfall all year, most of them between November and February. But very often the sun shines, and it feels like over 20 degrees! Breakfast and lunch can be easily taken outside in a t-shirt, enjoy the beautiful environment of the Algarve during a walk, play tennis or golf, all very nice during the winter in the Algarve.

algarve villa rentals

Accommodation

Algarve Housing rent villas in the Algarve, from rustic windmills till luxury town houses and villas, all with private pools and gardens, located in beautiful areas with nice decorated interiors and exteriors, most set up for outside living to make the most of the nice weather in the Algarve. Please check our Winter Rental section for our recommendations for winter let,

Merry Christmas!

Michele

Algarve Housing

https://www.algarvehousing.net

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

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

Looking for some Sun in September and October? We have some Special Offers!

We like to share some Top Special Offers for September and October 2011!

Algarve Housing rent villas in the Algarve Portugal. We have some very Special Offers for YOU! Book your holiday to the Algarvian sun, and enjoy the beautiful beaches, the friendly Portuguese, the lovely food, and a nice holiday villa!

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!

We offer this luxury villa for 675 euros/week

Read more about this fantastic 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. Relax and unwind, and enjoy the Algarve in Monte Boi.

Special offer: 650 euros/week

Read more about this nice villa

Casa Bordeira, sleeps up to 7 guests, in very beautiful restored farmhouse, with nice private pool and gardens. Located in the countryside, but only a 15 minutes drive to the capital of the Algarve, Faro. Bordeira is the name of the typical Portuguese village, close to your holiday villa Algarve, where you still can enjoy the real Algarve.

Special offer: 650 euros/week

Read more about this special place to stay

 

Quinta Eucalyptus

Quinta Eucalyptus Monchique is a newly renovated Algarvian farmhouse situated in a quiet valley in the foothills of Monchique. There are no other houses in sight but this 4 bedroom house is only a 20 minute drive from the nearest beach and only 30 minutes to the west coast.

Special offer: Sept: 700 euros/week, Oct: 650 euro/week

Read more about this country side farmhouse

Casa Colina, was renovated and completed in 2011 and is suitable for 12 up to 16 persons. Casa Colina breathes an atmosphere of quietness and peacefulness and offers a paradise where you can enjoy beautiful sun sets and sun rises, while relaxing on the terrace and cool of in the private pool.

Special Offer: 6 persons: 650 euros. 50 euros for every extra person.

Read more about this Moroccan decorated villa

Casa Rodriques, 8 lucky guests can enjoy this 2 storey house, 5 minutes from the largest beach of the Algarve, Meia Praia, and 5 minutes walk form Lagos. The villa is new, modern, located in little condominium. 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms and private pool. Contact me for more information, as villa is not yet on our website.

Special offer: 6 persons: 960 euros

Algoz Residence, sleeps up to 10, in Central Algarve, close to market town Algoz and lively Albufeira. Only 10 minutes drive to the beach. Walking distance to bars, restaurants and all amenities.

Special offer: 6 persons: 1135 euros. 30 euro extra per person.

Read more about this modern, luxury villa

Casa Jacaranda, this luxury villa near Silves, sleeps up to 12, includes private Jacuzzi, close to fairy-like Silves, close to golf course and less then 15 minutes drive to the beach.

Special offer: 1200 euros/week

Read more about this fantastic villa with jacuzzi

Casa Vilarinha, located in the green valley between fairy-like Silves and market town Messines Algarve, Portgual. This Moroccan luxury villa, a hidden treasure, with 6 en-suite bedrooms, fantastic colonial, covered terrace looking over the private pool and lush gardens….

Special offer: 1250 euro for 6 persons.

Read more about this hidden oasis…

 

Please contact us for any further information regarding the Special Offers. We already taking on bookings for 2012, please contact me for more information.

Every week I share Special Offers for villa rentals Algarve, Portugal, and information about the Algarve on my Face Book Page. Please become a ‘friend’, and you will never miss anything!

 

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Warm Regards,

Michele

Algarve Housing

Sardine Festival Portimao Algarve

The yearly “Festival da Sardinha Portimão ‘in fishing town Portimao Algarve, is starting again this Friday the 5th of August. Until August 15 there will be lots of fresh, grilled sardines to eat, but also wine and beer, plus you will find Portuguese crafts shops. Portuguese and tourists come to this festival to the “Zona de Portimão ribeirinha ‘with lots of Portuguese music.

Concerts at the Sardine Festival in Portimão
Friday evening starts with a concert with a great artist, Dulce Pontes.(watch video, below) Furthermore every night performances of national celebrities, such as Mickael Carreira on August 12. There is also a stage for local bands. The concerts of the bands starting at 21.30 hours, national celebrities from 22:30.

Fireworks
The sardines festival starts each day at 18.00 and lasts until 24:00. The last night finishes with fireworks.

Sardine Festival Concert Program
Entrance fee costs € 5.00 and children under ten years have free entrance. For further information on entrance fees and the Program on the website of the municipality on the Sardine Festival in Portimão.

Program of the national artists Portugal:

5th Dulce Pontes
6th Charanga Habanera
7th Per7ume
8th Virgem Suta
9th Aurea
10th Quadrilha
11th Amor Electro
12th Mickael Carreira
13th Susana Félix
14th Oquestrada
15th Trovante

Watch the Youtube video of Dulce Pontes

Combine Sardines of the Algarve, with nice entertainment in Portimao Portugal!

Warm Regards,

Michele

Algarve Housing

Jazz in the Algarve!

The Algarve has lovely weather, fantastic beaches, nice restaurants, friendly people, lovely food and fantastic holiday villas!!!

Next weekend you can combine this all with a 3 day Jazz Festival:

Lagoa Jazz Festival, 1,2 and 3 July

Location: Sitio das Fontes, Estombar, Lagoa.

Start at 7pm till 10 pm

Program:

1 July: Omar Hakim & Rachel Z “The Trio of OZ” – USA

Watch video of this Jazz artist.

2 July: CINCO – Portugal

3 July: Quinteto de Daniel Mille – França

More information: +351 282 416 093

Enjoy lovely music in fantastic setting, open air concert, looking over the River of the Arade.

Casa Arrochela, also located at the river do Arade, close to the Sitio das Fontes Estombar. Combine the Jazz with this fantastic holiday villa!

Sleeps up to 8 persons in 4 en-suite bedrooms, located close to Silves, in fantastic surroundings of the River Arade. The views are beyond believe, Must seen, to believe!

Algarve Housing rent luxury villas in the Algarve, and one of them is Casa Arrochela. Please contact me for any further details about this special holiday villa in the Algarve, Portugal. Check out our website for more nice villas we offer.

Warm Regards,

Michele

Algarvehousing.net

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

Cheap Holidays Algarve!

For only 500 euros/week we can offer some top villas

Algarve Housing rent unique properties in the Algarve, the most southern part of Portugal.

At the moment we still have some available weeks in May and June, and we have a top offer for YOU! Take your chance, get a break, and enjoy the cheap rental prices, for fantastic villas in the Algarve. For 500 euros/week. Top value for Your money!

You need a break before the busy high season starts? You want good value for money? Take your chance NOW! and enjoy the Algarve with its famous nice white beaches, golf courses, good food, friendly people and more to discover!

Here we go:

Casa Lavender

Casa Lavender, sleeps up to 6 persons, 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, modern villa with private pool, between Silves and Messines. Located in very nice, green valley.

Monte Boi

Monte Boi, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, fantastic views to the coast, private pool, located close to market town Messines, and historic Silves.

Casa Bordeira

Casa Bordeira, sleeps up to 7, 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, close to capital Faro, and airport, private pool, unique location

Quinta Palmeiral

Quinta Palmeiral, renovated, modern farmhouse, with THE MOST gorgeous views to Golden Triangle (Vilamoura/Quinta do Lago), sleeps up to 4, two bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, fantastic infinity edge pool, close to Loule and Boliqueime.

You need a break before the high season starts? You want good value for money? Take your chance NOW! and enjoy the Algarve with its famous nice white beaches, golf courses, good food, friendly people and more to discover!

Please contact me for any further details.

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

Have You Booked Your Holiday?

4seasons

With Easter and the Royal Wedding break nearly upon us we hope you are gearing up for some holiday time! Algarve Housing has a few new villas, we like to share with you!

Quinta das Artistas- A Place Full Of Surprises

Quinta das Artistas is situated in Estombar/Lagoa, Portugal in the center of the Algarve in the middle of an family owned historic wine and fruit estate of nearly 500.000 sqm. A combination of art, wine and holiday accommodations makes this a special place to spend your holiday. On the estate are 5 private holiday accommodations, that sleeps between 4 and 16 persons.

Adega

Prices are in euro per day per villa:

Villa Pers. Max Off Season Low Season Mid Season High Season Pool
Four Winds 4xT2 66 98 121 135 Common
Casa Sol 4 plus 1 66 98 121 135 Common
Margarida 4 plus 1 90 116 154 200 Private
Casa Artista 8 plus 1 105 135 185 218 Common
4 Seasons 12 plus 4 240 260 335 550 Private/heated

For clients of Algarve Housing we can offer 2.5% discount if you book before 17th of April!

Casa Colina Algarve Portugal

Casa Colina- Moroccan Style Villa

Casa Colina, a beautiful holiday villa in Portugal, situated above a small village, Vale Fuzeiros, 15 minutes drive from castle town of Silves. With 4 bedrooms, breathtaking views over the green Valley of Vale Fuzeiros, close to market town Messines, an ideal place to relax and enjoy the real Algarve!

For more information visit our website.

Rodriques

Casa Rodriques- Lagos

5 minutes walk from one of the largest and most beautiful beaches of the Algarve, Meia Praia is Casa Rodriques. With 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms this offers for 8 lucky guests a nice place to spent your holiday. The harbor of Lagos is also only 5 minutes walk away! Prices vary from 800 euros for 4 guests in April to 1850 for 8 persons in July and August.

Mendes Mill and Villa Algarve Portugal

Mendes Mill and Villa dropped the prices with 15%!

This charming Mill and Villa, located on top of a hill, looking towards the coast (Vilamoura, Vale de Lobo) has some weeks left and there for dropped the prices! Max 14 guests can enjoy this unique property with two private pools, tennis court, game room with pool table! Please visit our website for more information. (prices already adjusted)

Algarve Housing rent special villas in the Algarve, please visit our website and do not hesitate to contact us for more information regarding the above villas and and the other nice holiday properties in the Algarve!

Warm Regards,

Michele

Algarvehousing.net

michele@algarvehousing.net

Mobile: +351 963717094