Make a holiday rental home or villa in Sao Rafael, Algarve, Portugal your home away from home

Often cited as one of Albufeira’s nicest beaches, Sao Rafael is a favourite with photographers due to the serene nature of the area, warm colours and marvellous geological features found along the length of the beach. Sao Rafael is a modern, clean resort which has been designed to compliment the surrounding area and the traditional styles of the Algarve. Sao Rafael accommodation tends to come in the form of whitewashed villas or apartments, many of which have private pools.

Things to do on holiday in Sao Rafael, Algarve, Portugal

There are two beautiful beaches within a short walk of a Sao Rafael villa; Praia Grande and Praia de Arrife. Here, you can spend many hours lazing in the warmth of the sun, swimming in the clear, warm seas or taking to the water in a sailing boat, fishing boat or windsurfer. Both of these beaches have been awarded the coveted Blue Flag award. The waters are amazingly clear, perfect for snorkelling, and you can buy snorkels and masks from the mini-market for a very reasonable price.

The resort has a range of sporting facilities, including tennis courts, communal swimming pools and open parks for football, as well as a mini-market and a handful of bars and restaurants. However, if you are looking for active nightlife, Albufeira is just a short walk along the coast. Albufeira is a huge party town, where you can find every style of club or bar.

The coastal paths towards Albufeira are a great way to spend a few hours, admiring the extraordinary coastline, and as you reach Albufeira, there are some delightful cafes and bars from which to get refreshments and catch your breath.

Although Sao Rafael does not offer a vast number of sports itself, golf, cycling, horse riding, windsurfing, water-skiing and scuba diving can all be arranged in the very close proximity of a villa in Sao Rafael.

Places to holiday in Sao Rafael, Algarve, Portugal

In renting a villa in Sao Rafael, you are not only positioning yourself to take advantage of a magnificently peaceful beach, but allowing access to one of the most vibrant resorts in the Algarve. Albufeira always exceeds the expectations of first time visitors, as its beaches are stunning, nightlife wildly entertaining and shopping extensive. There is nothing that you cannot find in Albufeira, from internationally recognised restaurants to top-class water sports facilities of all descriptions, all within a short walk of the tranquillity of a Sao Rafael villa.

Weather in Sao Rafael, Algarve, France

The climate of the Algarve is well documented. Sao Rafael has average temperatures of around 27˚C from the beginning of July until the end of September. The most surprising feature of the Sao Rafael climate is that even during the coldest months (January and December), temperatures still average 15˚C, which is the same as the British average in June!

Flights to Sao Rafael, Algarve, Portugal

A Sao Rafael villa is easily reached from the UK. A quick flight to Faro International Airport (FAO) from almost any airport in the UK can be found from a huge range of airlines, and once you arrive in Faro, you only have another half an hour before you can be settling into your accommodation and heading for the beaches!