Relax:
The villa has a natural flow, and with the full length windows opening out on to gardens, there is a sense of freedom and tranquility. The pool area is particularly relaxing, with views across the grounds and the sound of water running over the razor-edge. At 11x5m the swimming pool is also a good length to swim.
The villa is close to Tavira, São Brás, and Olhão, each town has its own characteristics. There are many cafés and a wide range of regional and international restaurants.
The eastern Algarve has 3,000 hours of sunshine. The natural, uncrowded beaches and sea of the eastern Algarve are the warmest on the coastline. Barril, Ilha de Tavira, accessed by a short walk or a miniature train ride from the car park, is especially pleasant.
Ria Formosa, Tavira Region:
The Ria Formosa Natural Park and Portuguese water dogs' centre is about 12 minutes from the villa. Like the National Park of Doñana (Huelva, Spain), the Ria Formosa is also host to a large migratory bird population.
The Tavira region has quite diverse geography. It has the natural beaches of the Ria Formosa, the spectacular hills/mountains towards the Alentejo and the Barrocal in between. There are several interesting routes to discover the various aspects of the region.
The town of Tavira has several points of interest: Roman Bridge, churches, museums, interesting range of architecture, Torre Obscura, castle walls and views across the town and distinctive roofs. Tavira is still a picturesque town which welcomes tourists and remains traditional Portuguese. Throughout the year there are music events and festivals and many more activities across the summer.
Castles and Further Afield:
The castle and fort at Castro Marim, 25 minutes away, is worth a visit for the views across the River Guadiana alone - perhaps as a diversion en-route to the Spanish border town and beaches. At the end of August Castro Marim hosts a well regarded medieval event.
Silves large castle/fort and museum to the time of the moors and the hills and spa town of Monchique are 1¼ hours to the west.
To the north is the fort town of Mertola in the Alentejo.
The old walled town of Faro is only 25 minutes away. The vibrant and historic cosmopolitan city of Seville, (tapas, operas, flamenco) is an easy 2 hours drive.
Golf:
Within 30 minutes of the villa are the many new prestigious golf courses in the eastern Algarve, such as Quinta da Ria, Monte Rei (Jack Nicklaus), Quinta do Vale (Seve Ballesteros) and the established golf courses of the central Algarve, (Quinta do Lago, Vale do Lobo). The Spanish border is only 25 minutes away and new golf courses are now being played.
Other Activities:
star gazing.
