Who will enjoy it: Beach lovers who want to get away from it all and enjoy the rustic appeal of this charming, unspoilt and still unknown area, away from the bustle and over development of the Algarve.
We particularly enjoy the simple pleasures of being able to walk across the cliffs to secluded beaches and to wander down to the village to sample local produce fresh from the daily market. In the evenings there is a variety of bars, cafes and restaurants all at reasonable prices. Go to the Hamock Bar for the best 'Caipirinhas' in town! You'll be glad you only have to walk back home.
Our children love going to the main 'cool' beach where 'Baywatch' lifeguards monitor the progress of young bodies surfing, swimming and playing volleyball. We prefer to go to a secluded beach, 5 minutes walk from the house, (176 steps) which is 'cleansed' by the sea on a daily basis.
The house is the best place to 'chill out' and enjoy stunning views and amazing sunsets, while enjoying a drink or two on the upper terrace.
Who won't enjoy it: If you like crowds, lots of tourists and noisy night life, Zambujeira is not for you... It is certainly not boring, but OK and Hello magazines have not discovered the place yet (thank God). In fact you probably won't see any other 'Brits', as there are no hotels nearby !
There is an excellent 'Algarve Shopping Centre' in Guia, near Albufeira in the Algarve, with a variety of first class shops, (1-1/2 hours drive). If the children insist, you could link the shopping to a visit to the nearby Aqualand and Slide & Splash water parks.
Inland are the Monchique mountains (1-1/2 hours drive), where you can enjoy the best chicken 'piri-piri' in the world together with some of the renowned Alentejo wines.
There is an international music festival which takes place every year in the estate of Casa Branca outside Zambujeira at the beginning of August, which attracts crowds of around 30,000 young people and has featured international bands like Jamiroquai, Molokko, Portishead and P.J. Harvey.
What to do: Imagine Cornwall but warmer, less crowded, with better and cheaper food, wine and restaurants.
If spending the day on the beach and chilling out in the evening on the 48 jet, six person, outside Hot Tub is not enough, water sports, horse riding, cycling, mountain biking, canoeing, fishing and bird watching are all in the vicinity. We particularly like going for walks along the rock cliffs facing the Atlantic with spectacular views and sunsets.
The location of the house is perfect for children of all ages (we never see ours except at meal times) as both beaches, bars and restaurants are all within walking distance.
Sailing is available in Lagos, 40 miles away, where we sail our own Dart catamaran across lovely Lagos bay. Yacht charters are available through the Lagos Marina.
There are 4 major golf courses within an hour's drive: Palmares is 50 mins, Penina 60 mins, Parque da Floresta 50 mins and the Algarve's latest and most stunning course, Boa Vista is 45 minutes away.
