Further Details:
If you require a hired car or need to be fetched from the airport or station, we will be able to help you. We can also assist with privately arranged tours of the area. Due to some building activity opposite Casa Nova, we will give a 10% discount on all bookings until June 2006.
Beaches & Surroundings:
Praia da Luz is the ideal starting point to explore the Algarve. Going direction Lagos you find places like Porto de Mos, Ponta da Piedade and Praia Dona Ana. Many of the beautiful postcards showing the beautiful sandy cliffs of the Algarve were taken here. Meia Praia in Lagos is doubtlessly the largest beach on the Algarve. A paradise for walking or surfing. For relaxation you also find many little restaurants along this beautiful beach. If you walk or drive in a westerly direction you find many little villages and beaches like Burgau, Boca do Rio, Salema, Ingrina, Sagres (made known by Henry the navigator) or Cabo de S.Vicente, the most south westerly point of Europe are only a few of the well known areas. It is possible to walk along the cliffs and admire the beautiful panorama of sea and unspoiled countryside in all directions as far as the eye can see. Driving inland you have the beautiful mountains of Monchique, covered with cork oaks, eucalyptus and mimosa trees.
Gastronomy:
The neighbouring Atlantic Coast naturally leads to a sea product oriented-gastronomy. There is, however, a first and unavoidable dish that is part of the Portuguese everyday menu: soup. The most popular soup in Portugal is the 'caldo verde', emerald green like the province of Minho where it was first conceived. It is definitely a must. Let credit be placed where it is due: dried codfish, 'bacalhau', finds its place of honour several times a week at every table. Traditionally, it is said that there are as many different ways to cook it (more or less sophisticated) as there are days in the year. Among other fishing specialities, you will relish the sole ('Iinguado'), the red mullet ('salmonete'), the swordfish ('peixe espada') and the conger eel ('eiroz'). And last but not least, one of the less expensive but more tasteful fish - the sardine ('sardinha'), an essential delicacy in the barbecues and outdoor celebrations throughout the whole country.
Golf:
Looking for a golfing escape to wonderful weather, when winter is chilli Don't miss spending some time on The Algarve, Portugal's Southerly coast and home to many of the superb, sunny golf courses which have gained Portugal such an enviable golfing reputation. From Praia da Luz there are 3 well known golf courses within 10 km. One of them is within sight.
Boavista Umbrella pines, blossoming almond, fig, palm and olive trees line the rolling fairways, weaving their way between water hazards and carefully placed bunkers. Breathtaking views, spectacular scenery and the clear Atlantic Ocean, which is visible from most holes, all combine to make this course a delight for the golfer.
Parque da Floresta: The setting of this course is in the most western part of the Algarve. The architect of this course has created a fascinating course that presents visually attractive views of the surrounding countryside lined on the horizon by the sea. The fairways roll up and down through hills demanding accurate shots and good placing. The Par-3 fifteenth hole of 159 metres is a golfer dream.
Palmares: It is questionably the most attractive location of all the golf courses in the Algarve. The views as you play your round are quite breathtaking. Five of the holes are placed on the sand dunes with the fifth, a par-5 of 550 metres making a real challenge. At present there are no villas clustering the fairways so the feeling of openness as you play is very refreshing.
