The Surrounding Area:
The area in the immediate vicinity is mainly farmland and rural. The Olive farm and citrus farm providing lovely scents especially in the spring. There are two service roads within the farm area which provide a good 3 miles of jogging route without hitting the public roads and which are also suitable for cycles which can be rented locally. There is also a horse riding centre or 'hipico' as is horse in Portuguese just 2 mins away. Within 2 km is Odiexere (pronounced Odiash) which is a very local town with your main essentials, a quaint local mini store with local pricing ! a pharmacist, a butcher and a take away for pizzas and pastas. For those wanting more modern shopping there is a supermarket called Pingo 5 KM away towards Lagos and a Continent superstore 6 Km towards Portimao. Lagos is a bustling historic port with many restaurants, a marina and good nightlife.
Meia Preia is the best local beach stretching from Alvor to lagos, 7 km long and with near white sand and dunes.
Safety:
One must always cast an eye of caution with safety claims. The paths are well built and lit. The resort is well lit at night. There are no reported robberies in our resort village to date. The area is away from roads with a single lane entrance and therefore we hope wrong doers are deterred by this. The most risk one faces is probably leaving personal belongings on display through unlocked doors and windows. We always close the shutters when we are out and lock doors. The surf can pick up on the local beaches, one should swim within their limits, and on west coast wear a wetsuit and generally be attached to a board. the south coast beaches tend to be calmer and more child friendly.The local water parks are fun, but be prepared for the odd head bang and burn, they are not overly modern!
Eating Out:
It is still possible to eat out in Portugal well & cheaply. The Portuguese are blessed with good wine and they do not over price it with mark ups below double unlike rip off UK. Food is simple, and generally fresh and well cooked. Bear in mind 90% of Portugal is still rural, produce is abundant and quality good. We recommend the local restaurant La Cactus, its on the main road but inside you don't notice that and the English owner prepares a good menu. In Alvor ILCancino is a fish restaurant perched in rock on the edge of the sea overlooking a private beach, a good dining experience. The restaurants along the marina in Lagos are all pretty good.
The take away in Odiaexere is pretty good too, pizzas better than pasta, and cheap. £40 can still buy a good meal for 5. I particularly like the wooden bar/restaurants by the sea from Alvor along to Meia Preia (approached from palmeras golf course) as they are good quality and set in the dunes so children can play while you rest!
Golf:
The renowned Penina Golf course and country club is very close by. They have held several Portuguese opens there. It has recently been upgraded to win its next open and the greens are very testing and undulating. The course has matured amazingly in its 40 year life, it could be 100 years old ! Palmeras is a hidden gem of a course also about 5 minutes drive from the villa. It is set on hills in a private estate flanked by pine trees and palms overlooking the blue expanse of Pria Meia beach and beyond. The course is also good value and not controlled by a hotel. It is hilly and a good test with the best holes on the hillside and 5 or so links holes by the sea. Other notable courses within half an hours drive include Vale de Lobo, San Lorenzo, Quinta, Villamoura and Villa Sol.
marks the location of the property in Lagos region
