In residential area of privately owned villas, between the fishing village of Alvor (2Km) and the city of Portimão, gated and private with fence around mature gardens, trees, lawn. Perfect for a golf party, as it is near two major golf courses: Penina and Alto. Luxury setting and interiors with immaculate taste. Plenty of parking. Free internet access. Sightseeing: walk along the coastal cliffs - a must! Monchique a haven for walkers/bird watchers; lovely fishing town of Ferragudo (to the east). F1 Autodrome and International Carting Track is 15min drive. The city bus stops at the entrance of the estate providing excellent and reasonably priced connections to nearby sites, Alvor village or downtown Portimão. Our home is, as a guest has put it, 'fantastic!'. We have decorated the interior with unique and unusual art pieces, luxurious furnishings and fixtures, everything with extreme high standard. The property is totally fenced off with special order wrought iron fences and railings, artistically handmade. The house is a work of love with special attention to details and interior decorating - every room is a luxurious discovery. When the sliding glass doors are open, the living room becomes part of the landscaped lawns and gardens surrounding the house. Our two children loved the gardens and the space around the house - we even have a playhouse! Outside The property is in an exclusive neighbourhood of privately owned villas. Entrance to the estate is about 500m. Plenty of parking space. It is landscaped all around: the extensive lawns are perfect for al fresco picnics, games of football ... or just relaxing with a book. There are sun loungers and patios with outdoor furniture (tables, chairs), covered verandas, hidden corners... Private with gated entrance. Coast/Beach The closest beach is Alvor, then Prainha, Meia Praia and, of course, the famous Praia da Rocha. Typically, the south coast beaches, because of the calmer waves and gentle slopping shoreline, are very nice for wading, beach combing, safe swimming and sunbathing. The west coast is exciting, wild and excellent for surfing, body boarding, and the general enjoyment of the sea and dramatic cliffs and landscape. Golf Le Méridien Penina Golf & Resort (3Km) is considered one of the best golf courses in Portugal, with the 18-hole Sir Henry Cotton Championship Course has, besides the main course, a 2 9-hole courses to indulge in, and a golf academy with 12 covered bays. Nearby - a mere 10 min. drive away - is also Alto Golf (18 holes); Boa Vista golf (18 holes), home of the Henry Cooper Classic, is 15 min drive away. We can offer a 20 % discount at Alto Golf and discounts on golf rentals. If you're interested in golf, ask us more details! September is prime golf time - the weather is usually very pleasant. Special interest holidays Alvor has a large beach surrounded by expansive dunes which lead to a calm estuary. Here you can take kite-surfing lessons...or just observe the colourful kite surfers and take advantage of the extensive, new boardwalks that provide pleasant access to the dunes and beach. Formula 1 circuit about 20 mins away. Come here for a holiday out of season: a typical day in April is similar to an English summer day - with the garden looking its best. Average day-time temps - June:18º, July:20º, August:20-28º, Sept:19-25º. Another idea: take a day trip by car or bus to Lisbon or Seville, Spain! If you have special interests, please let us know: nearly all activities - too many to list! - are available and we are happy to try to get the information for you. Travel The nearest airport is in Faro, a 40 min drive from Portimão on the A22 motorway; or take the train/bus (1 hour). Car hires are available and it is recommended to reserve in advance of arrival, especially during the high season. The airport in Lisbon is about a 3 hours drive, or a 4 hour bus or train ride away. We have helped guests in the past with these arrangements. If there is a need, please let us know. We have info on the city bus which connects to trains or other buses. Distances 40 min / 65km to Faro airport. The villa is between the picturesque village of Alvor (2km) and the city of Portimão (3km). The city of Silves, once the capital of the Algarve, with its Moorish Castle, medieval streets and historic church, is 12km from Portimão. The mountain village of Monchique and Spa, 20km distance, forested landscapes and vistas of the coastal towns below. Further details Many restaurants and convenience stores, shops, banks all nearby. The village of Alvor is like a quaint shopping center, but there are many others around (Retail Park, Aqua, Continente, etc.). One shopping centre is 5 mins drive from the villa (supermarket, ATM machines, shops, food court). There are several water slide parks - a bus for 'Slide and Splash' is available. Other activities in the area: windsurfing, surf, para-gliding, skydiving, kite-surfing, horseback riding, cycling, hiking, dolphin watching, kayaking, jet skiing, diving, snorkelling, paragliding, coastal tours, sailing, fishing. The Formula 1 race track is 20 min away. You will find all the details in Welcome Folders upon arrival, but fell free to ask us! The extensive coast line and beach area offer plenty of privacy and sunbathing space for all, without any fear of towel overlapping. There is also plenty of space for beach games such as Frisbee and the very popular bat and ball. Along Praia de Alvor there are many cafe's and restaurants, ranging in price from expensive to value for money. Our property managers have secured discounts in some of the nearby restaurants, which we recommend (info in Welcome Folder at the villa).