Golfing facilities:
There are three superb 18 hole golf courses within close proximity to the villa. All three accept non-members. Clubs and karts may be hired. Many other well known championship courses are only forty-five minutes away in the Quinta do Lago area. Remember to take your handicap card with you!
Please refer to 'GOLF INFORMATION' below for more details.
Tennis courts are available for hire at Quinta de Oliverais (Eurotel hotel) just coming out of Tavira towards the villa on the left hand side of the road. Open from 8.00am to 8.00pm at Euro5/hour. There are also courts at Pedras Rei in Cabanas.
Beaches and swimming :
The nearest beach is at Manta Rota , about 5 - 10 minutes drive away from the villa. This beach considered by many to be one of the best in the eastern Algarve is long, wide and enjoys excellent bathing. It forms part of the protected area of Ria Formosa. The small seaside town has cafes and restaurants. Access to the beach is convenient and easy and a shower facility has recently been added. Ample parking is available. A walk along the sand either to the left or right of the arrival point will almost certainly take you away from any crowds in the peak season.
The island of Tavira (Ilha Tavira) some 25 minutes from the villa is located just off the pretty port city of Tavira - a short boat trip away. The island has 6 kms of superb beach with bars/cafes. Bathing all year round is normally safe. Boats to the island operate throughout the year and leave from quayside (summer only) and Quatra Aguas. The ride out takes about 10 minutes and costs around one Euro.
Activities and events:
Tavira is the cultural centre of the eastern Algarve (Sotavento) and as the villa is only 25 minutes away, you are sure to catch one of the events on Tavira's annual events calendar. Be it folk dancing or singing, annual religious processions, art exhibitions at the 'old market' or at the Palacio da Galeria, or simply sitting in the central gardens like the Portuguese locals do, you will enjoy yourself!Furthermore, Tavira has an old 'Moors' quarter with Moorish architecture and castle ruins. Not to be missed. The Igrejas (churches) of the area also need a visit.
The Moors controlled Tavira from around 743AD to 1153AD. Tavira as a town (declared a Cidade in 1153AD) is revered by the Portuguese locals for its historical significance, charm, originality and its lovely 'Rio Gilao' flowing through the centre.
Golf:
The superb twin Quinta da Ria and Quinta da Cima 18 hole golf courses are within less than 10 minutes of the villa. Opened in 2002 and 2003 respectively they are set in beautiful, undulating natural vegetation and old olive trees, playing golf on these courses is sure to rejuvenate your soul! The courses are in excellent condition. Seaviews are plentiful from most of the holes as the course is built within the Ria Formosa wetlands nature reserve. The clubhouse has all the necessary comforts of restaurant, bar and shower facilities. This course is open to non-members and they don't seem to ask for handicap cards! Clubs and karts are available for hire. There is also a driving range. If you are a lone player amongst your party and fancy a game call in to reception and the manager may be able to fix you up with a two or three ball either same day or next day.
Monte Rei - just a kilometer or so from the villa offers superb golf but at a price - recently opened in October 2007 it is destined to become two 18 holes shortly and a number of prime villas and apartments are now being built. Perhaps a visit to the club house first?
Other nearby golf courses include a pretty and panoramic 18 holes at Castro Marim (towards the Spanish border) and Benamor(just off the road at Cabanas).
Other Activities:
Fresh fish and fruit and vegetable market every weekday and Saturday morning
marks the location of the property in Algarve
