Benagil in the Algarve.:
The Algarve has a Mediterranean climate with hot dry sunny summers and warm mild winters. Spring and autumn are also sunny with cooler evenings. It enjoys over 300 sunshine days a year. In the winter the days are sunny and cooler. One of the delights of the Algarve and the immediate coast at Benagil is that the sea breeze is refreshing in the hot summer. The weather is rarely grey, if there is a shower then it passes quickly and the sun soon emerges again. The light is superb, reflecting off the sea, cliffs and beaches, it is uplifting at all times of the year. The house, as well as having superb sea and natural parkland views, also has wonderful dizzying sunsets.
Local environment:
The Algarve offers a wide range of entertainment and activities with something to suit everyone. From Casa Atlantico it is possible to walk along the Coastal path west to Praia de Rocha or East to Armacao de Pera. You will see spectacular cliffs and golden beaches, watch the fishing and yachting vessels, see the birds circling, smell the perfumed Mediterranean vegetation and visit the old churches like Senora da Rocha, and other landmarks along the way. Some beaches are unique as they are accessible only from the sea; others such as the unspoilt beaches of Praia de Marinha, Praia de Barraquinho and Praia da Albandeira can be approached by almost hidden pathways and are never very crowded. As well as walking there are opportunities for fishing, golf, scuba diving, parasurfing, sailing, horse-riding and photography.
Local activities:
Benagil and Carvoeira have fishing festivals as one of their long-standing fishing traditions. Further inland the villages of Porches, Pera, and Ferragudo maintain their old world charm with local crafts such as pottery and ceramics being widely available. The fascinating Moorish castle at Silves and markets at Lagoa and Carvoiera are also worth a visit as is the mountain area of Monchique with its spas and copper crafts. Larger settlements like Vilamoura, Faro, Armacao, Portimao and Lagos are no more than 30 minutes away with their bustling old quarters, markets, lively squares and restaurants and cafes. There is much of historic and cultural interest to explore.
It is possible to get to Lisbon in 3 hours, Seville in 2.5hours and Tavira, Cordoba and Gibraltar/Morocco are also accessible.The route along the west coast of Portugal is a so a possibility by car as is exploring inland and northern Portugal.
Most of the towns and cities mentioned can also be asccessed by a train ride.
