LOCATION:
We bought our rural home in the Algarve in Sept 02 from a lovely German family who left every conceivable kitchen extra! More importantly we have a hairdryer and iron (if you can be bothered!) We were fully booked last Summer and have been told the pics here don't do it justice! We plan to live in Quinta Primavera when we retire but for now need to share its beauty and tranquility with others. From here you can chill out in the sunshine, watch house martins skim the pool, see farmers with their goats & sheep meander past & just get away from the rat race. But you're still close enough to all the touristy bits of the Algarve when you want it! We're just a 14 min drive from Faro - great for those not used to driving abroad! There's a small supermarket with freshly baked bread etc in the village and if you fancy an evening out without the car that can be organized. All planes go out to sea, so no airport noise whatsoever just the occasional local dog barking as is the way of Portugal!
GOLF:
Within 15 mins you can be at what are claimed to be some of the best courses in the world! These are the courses on the Algarve - rate them for yourself! (We can't - we're not golfers!!!)
PINHEIROS ALTOS, SAN LORENZO, COLINA VERDE, QUINTA DA RIA, QUINTA DA CIMA, BENAMOR, CASTRO MARIM, QUINTA DA LAGO RIA FORMOSA, PARQUE DA FLORESTA, BOAVISTA, PALMARES, MORGADO, PENINA CHAMPIONSHIP, RESORT COURSE, ALTO GOLF, PESTANA PINTA, GRAMACHO, VAL DA MILHO, SALGADOS, BALAIA, SHERATON PINE CLIFFS, ROYAL COURSE, OCEAN COURSE, VILA SOL, VILAMOURA PINHAL, THE OLD COURSE, MILLENIUM & VILAMOURA LAGUNA - take your pick!
SHOPPING, SITESEEING, BEACHES:
Fab designer shopping to be had in Faro - an elegant, interesting town with great museums. Forum Algarve a huge mall is just 10 mins away! Magnificent marina in Vilamoura with great nightlife and bars. Peaceful secluded blue flag sandy beaches set amongst pine trees just 15 mins away in Vale do Garrao nr Vale do Lobo. Lots of watersports and fortunately because it's off the beaten track only those in the know go there! Five excellent restaurants overlooking the sea including Julias (good - but pricey!) hence it's known as Julias beach. Try Paradise Beach Club - great food, service & atmosphere + spectacular views across the wild Atlantic. Faro beach (also blue flag)10 mins away. Santa Barbara 5 mins. Supermarkets sell everything you need from Apolonia in Almancil (bit like M & S) to Jumbo in Faro, Lidl's & Modelo in Loule - we like Modelo - it's a straight road 10 mins away! There's a small supermarket in the village selling fresh bread, cheese etc & delicious wine from just a euro!
Golf:
If you want to have the minimum drive back after a fabulous day on the golf course then Quinta Primavera is perfect!
It is in Sao Joao de Venda - just off the main EN125 - quick and easy to get to from Faro (14 mins exactly - even by my driving!!) and yet close to all the magnificent courses near Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo.
Other Activities:
Ria Formosa 10 min, kiddies playground & picnic area 5 min. Exc water park 15 min. Karting in Almancil 10 min, Zoomarine + Golf!
