Why Portugal? | SPL Villas Blog

Villa Holidays in Portugal

Stretching along the sun kissed Atlantic coast of southern Europe, Portugal boasts dramatic landscapes, attractive towns and fascinating cities. It is however the spectacular beaches, surfing waves, golf courses, delicious food and welcoming locals that make it exceptionally alluring. No wonder it is such a popular holiday destination.

Where better for a family villa holiday than Portugal's most southerly region, the Algarve?  Here the beaches are undeniably inviting with their sunny yellow sands, dramatic cliffs and fun holiday activities. Pristine golf courses are another big attraction.

The villas we feature are scattered along the best parts of the Algarve for a holiday. Whether you prefer lazy days by the pool or sea, sampling local cuisine, improving your golf skills, dolphins spotting, snorkelling, surfing, nightlife or high adrenalin sports, the Algarve really does have it all! Our villas in Portugal will provide you with the perfect locations for exploring everything that this wonderful destination has on offer.

When to go

If it is sunshine you are after, then Portugal is for you. It is one of the sunniest countries in the world, so you will not be disappointed. In summer, temperatures reach a glorious 28C on average. When the heat is too much, your private pool and the sea are never far away for a refreshing dip.

Don't limit yourself to the summer holidays though. June and September are fantastic for sunshine and heat with the advantage of lower villa rental prices. Try May half term for early summer heat. With an average of 10 hours of sunshine and temperatures averaging 25C on the Algarve, it is definitely beach weather. October half term is usually a pleasant 22C giving you a blast of warmth before returning to the inevitable colder winter months back home. Our villas in Algarve with private pools are the perfect way to keep you cool in the warm sunshine.

How to get to there

Fly direct to Faro airport for our holiday homes in the Algarve. Choose from a number of direct flights from the UK or Ireland when you book your villa. Aim to time your flights to coincide with villa tenancy times so that you are there by the afternoon and leave in the morning. The flight time is around 3 hours from the UK if you fly direct.

Where to stay

Our villas and apartments with pools by the pretty fishing village of Carvoeiro give you a slice of easy going, Portuguese life. Soak up the sun on Carvoeiro's sandy cove beach with its backdrop of dramatic red cliffs, enjoy fresh seafood platters at local restaurants and stroll to the buzzing main square for an evening drink. Don’t limit yourself to one beach as there are more to discover nearby. Explore caves and quieter beaches at Praia do Centianes and Benagil.

The incredible resorts of Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo have a wonderful range of top quality holiday homes with fun activities close at hand. Shop in gorgeous boutiques, dine in excellent restaurants and try a range of water sports from snorkelling to water skiing. There is plenty to keep everyone occupied. Beautiful beaches and pristine golf courses give you a heavenly mix for a special break with family or friends. A Vale do Lobo holiday can provide something for everyone.

Between the two, you will find the peaceful town of Almancil. Here you can find three Michelin star restaurants and various cultural delights which are all easily accessible from our Almancil villas. Almancil is also just a short drive from the coast and the beautiful beaches.

The vibrant town of Albufeira is well set up for families with its golden beaches and pretty old town. Rent a villa in Albufeira and you will have a good balance of coast and culture. The fun packed luxury resort of Vilamoura is within easy reach for sports facilities, yachts, nightclubs, a casino and places to eat. It certainly adds a bit of international sparkle to your holiday. It is also is a magnet for golfers who can choose between five courses. Our villas in Vilamoura are perfectly positioned to explore the marina and the surrounding golf courses.

How family friendly is Portugal?

Our holiday homes in Portugal are all situated in an incredibly family friendly area of the country. The Algarve has a wonderfully laid-back feel. When you stay in one of our villas or apartments, there is always sun, sand and an ice cream to keep the little ones happy. Active older children will find a variety of sports on offer from tennis and golf to surf schools and sailing.

Explore the colourful lagoons and islands of Parque Natural da Ria Formosa, rich in wildlife and you may even spot a flamingo or distinctive water dog helping the local fishermen. Boat rides are usually a hit with all ages and easily arranged.

Be sure to visit Zoomarine and Aqualand waterparks for fun filled days out for. Situated a short drive from most of our villas, they are packed with water slides, pools and rides. Zoomarine is also a centre for marine life where you can learn about dolphins, sealions and other sea creatures, so interesting for all ages.

Whether you are into sandcastles or water sports, a quiet paddle or a more lively buzz, each beach attracts a different crowd so you can always find one to suit you and your family.

How is the Food and Wine in Portugal?

Food shopping on the Algarve is a breeze. Each village has a grocery store and a larger supermarket, typically stocked with a welcome mix of British favourites and fresh local produce. In no time you will be cooking up a storm at your villa and dining in style on the terrace.

Eating out is a treat in Portugal too. Firstly, your table is usually outside, perhaps with a sea view to admire.

Secondly, you are sure to find somewhere to suit your mood and style, from informal beach bars to more elegant eateries. If you have a special occasion to celebrate, you can choose from a number of fabulous Michelin-starred restaurants in the Algarve too.

Lastly and perhaps more importantly, even the fussiest in the family can find something delicious and uncomplicated to eat, while foodies will discover an array of fresh local produce to savour. 

Seafood tends to feature on most menus from lobster to octopus, sardines and bream. It is all freshly plucked from the sea and delicious. Salads and vegetables are all locally grown so taste divine. Sip a glass or two of local Algarve wine and you experience the full Algarve taste sensation. 

No trip to Portugal is complete without tasting freshly baked 'pastel de natas'. These delicious creamy custard tarts are a national institution, so there is no excuse not to try at least one!