A very special place
Review Submitted: June 4, 2008
Date of Stay: May 2008
This is a wonderful house which is in an ideal location. There's plenty of room both inside and outside of the house, it's really well equipped and gives one a comfortable feeling right away. We loved the Andalusian-style courtyard, and the sense of privacy despite being right in the middle of the village. Even if you'd rather swim in the pool than the Atlantic, it's only a few minutes walk away to a perfect beach - absolutely beautiful.
Manta Rota itself is relatively small, but it's very friendly and tidy with all the services you'd want within easy (and flat) walking distance. There are five very fair restaurants which are well described in the comprehensive "visitor guide", two supermarkets, and several very good cafes and snack bars. Prices are better than further west, and the portions generous.
As the "designated driver" it was a big bonus to have been able to enjoy a beer, glass of wine, gin & tonic, malt whisky, etc. (before, during, and after dinner!) because everything's so close by. If you just want a quick snack, the Sol e Mar just round the corner from the villa does the best bifana (pork steak on a roll) I've ever had, and it's got live music on Thursday nights!
It's only two or three minutes drive to the very excellent Quinta da Ria/Quinta de Cima golf courses, with Benamor just a couple of minutes closer to Tavira - one of our favourite towns. Or visit the restaurants and shops in Vila Real do Santo Antonio, followed by a stroll alongside the marina on the Guadiana - it's only ten minutes away by car. If you've never been to Faro itself, you should try the Old Town and the pedestrianised shopping areas - or the excellent Forum Algarve shoppng mall located at the Jumbo supermarket.
My wife and I have enjoyed villa holidays in Portugal - especially in the Algarve - for many years. I can honestly say that we've never had a better combination of accommodation and location. Else and Andrew are quite wonderful hosts who do everthing possible to make you feel at home in their home - they're special people. Quite simply, if you want the best that the Algarve has to offer - without the worst effects of tourism - then this has to be the perfect choice.
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Helpful votes: 5/6