Make a self catering villa in San Joao, Portugal your home away from home

The beautiful area of San Joao on the Algarve coast is known for its sandy beaches, sunny climate, quaint white-washed villages and lively nightlife. There is something to suit every member of the family at San Joao. Visit Faro Island, across the causeway at low tide, or venture further afield and explore some of the magnificent Moorish strongholds.

Things to do in San Joao, Portugal

There are a choice of beaches close to your villa at San Joao. The golden beach at Praia d’Oura has 5km of perfect sands sheltering beneath the rugged cliffs which makes it popular with sun worshippers. With a moderate surf, this beach is also perfect for all types of watersports from snorkeling to parasailing and wind surfing. Be as lazy or as active as you please!

The charming cobbled streets of San Joao are filled with street vendors and locals going about their business in time honored fashion. Enjoy shopping and eating in the wonderful local restaurants.

There are plenty of bars within easy reach of your villa in San Joao so start the evening sipping exotic sounding cocktails then head for ‘The Strip’ which is dedicated to fun.

Places to visit near San Joao, Portugal

As well as its active nightlife and sandy coves, Albufeira attracts visitors for its historic sights too. Named by the Moors in the 8th century as ‘the castle in the sea’ it was a fortified stronghold many centuries ago. See the Roman bridges at Paderne and Guia.

The Church of Sao Sebastiao on Praca Miguel Bombarda has some beautiful features including a Manueline doorway.

The ancient walled city of Faro is a delightful place to explore from your self catering villa in San Joao, as it is just 40km away. Once a trading port, it has both Arab and Roman ruins. The golden church of Nossa Senhora do Carmo certainly lives up to its name with wonderful gold leaf woodwork.

Make sure you visit the 13th century Cathedral in the square and the beautiful Episcopal Palace nearby. During the summer there is entertainment near the marina, and just outside the town there is a modern shopping centre and multiplex cinema showing films in English.

Weather in San Joao, Portugal

The Algarve is popular all year round due to its sunny, mild climate. From March to October is has 8-12 hours of sunshine daily with temperatures reaching 29C (84F) on average. Winter temperatures average a very pleasant 16C (61F).

Flights to San Joao, Portugal

The nearest airport is Faro International airport which is just 35 km from your San Joao villa. There are frequent low cost flights to Faro from all over Europe making access very affordable and easy.