If you’re looking for that perfect Algarve destination this February half-term, then rent a holiday villa in Loule, where you’ll be able to experience the best the Algarve has to offer.

Loule is an ideal destination from which to explore the Algarve as it’s within spitting distance of all the main resorts and towns in the area as well as Faro airport which is only 17 kilometres away. In particular this charming market town is only 11 kilometres from the stunning beaches of Quarteira, Vilamoura and Vale do Lobo in addition to the many championship standard golf courses that flood the Algarve. Loule is a large town with plenty of amenities and services to make your holiday as care-free as possible, it’s also a fairly quiet town compared to other resorts and its tranquil atmosphere is the perfect place to get away from it all this half-term.

Perfect Getaways have three stunning holiday villas in Loule, Caso do Forno Cottage, Orange Cottage and Lemon & Carob Apartment Cottage, that would make your holiday in Loule one to remember. These properties are in beautiful, peaceful surroundings popular with walkers and bird watchers and are only a stone’s throw away from Loule town centre where you can explore its dazzling markets or fascinating historical relics such as the 13th century castle and the Arab Cemetery. However that’s not the only advantage when you rent these beautiful holiday homes in Loule this half-term, as February is carnival time in town.

Known as one of the largest, brightest and one of the most popular carnivals in the Algarve, Loule Carnival is a massive celebration bursting with music, colour, dancing and laughter. Taking place from the 19th to the 21st of February, the carnival is a time where the locals really let their hair down and stage a raucous event that can be enjoyed by all. Celebrating its 106th anniversary, the carnival has evolved to a grand scale where thousands of revelers celebrate in the streets of the Avenida Jose Da Costa Mealha. Each year the carnival has a designated theme and always features huge parades with elaborate floats that are adorned with massive political figures like Nicolas Sarkozy and the Portuguese prime minister as well as iconic sporting figures and national celebrities. Carnival is a great time to visit Loule with a real feel good atmosphere in the air, be prepared though, it’s tradition at carnival time for revelers to throw water bombs and eggs at each other, so watch out!

Here at Perfect Getaways we have a tremendous array of stunning holiday accommodation ranging from villas to apartments to cottages to ski chalets, so sometimes you can be spoilt for choice. So to make life easier for you we’re starting a ‘Property of the Week’ feature where we pick one of our favourite properties and present to you why we think it deserves to be our ‘Property of the Week’. 

Right then, let’s kick things off with our very first ‘Property of the Week’, Villa Oliveira is beautiful holiday villa in the Algarve, situated in a tranquil residential area only two kilometres from Albufeira city centre and the sizzling Oura area championed for its dazzling variety of restaurants and bars.
 
This classic style holiday villa is spacious, comfortable and ground floored making it great for families with children. All bedrooms have en suite bathrooms and are facing the villa’s garden. Two bedrooms have twin beds and the other 3 have double beds. The spacious living room has a fireplace, sofas and television. The living room is conveniently located near the kitchen and barbecue.

The back garden is an oasis of tranquility and fun, lined by palm trees and your own private pool accompanied by luxuriously comfortable sun loungers where you can lay poolside and bask in the glorious sunshine. There’s also a football table and a barbecue that really put the icing on the cake.

Villa Oliveira is only a hop skip and a jump away from most of the Algarve’s main attractions; many of its shimmering beaches are only a ten minute walk away, the golf capital of Portugal, Villamoura is only five minutes by foot, and Albufeira, the hub of the Algarve is only five minutes by car or ten if you choose to take a leisurely stroll. Here you can hop on a bus and visit one of the many fun-filled theme parks and water parks, or soak up the heritage of the enthralling historic centre, or you could have a delicious seaside lunch at the sophisticated and elegant marina. There really is so much to do in the Algarve and is one of the main reasons why it is such a popular holiday destination, however the terrific weather, dazzling beaches and jaw-dropping landscapes don’t half help the cause either.

Click here to have a look at Villa Oliveira in more detail, and to see a fantastic video tour of this Property of the Week click here.

The Algarve is a very popular holiday destination for many, with many things to do and great year round weather. However, many people are more than happy to soak up the sun and relax on it’s golden beaches, even though laying almost comatose on a shimmering beach is a great way to release all the stress of home, you’re missing out on so much, and we here at Perfect Getaways are here to let you in on what your missing.

1. Boat Trips – Hop on a chartered boat and be flung into a serene world of secluded bays, hidden grotto’s and isolated coves by a local sailor as he shows you slices of the Algarve only a few get to see. Snorkel in placid and breathtaking bays, or jump off the boat into the crystal clear Atlantic waters, a hired boat trip is a great way to spend a day and each is unique to every individual.

2. Local Markets – Get swept up in the head spinning ear-bursting whirlwind that is a traditional Algarve market, pick up anything from fresh local ingredients to knock up your own Piri-Piri Chicken, to local handicrafts and souvenirs and everything in between. The biggest market in the area is in Loule, which has fallen into the tourist trap of selling fake designer goods and tacky gifts, so if you want to taste an authentic Algarve market be brave and explore the smaller and less touristy towns.

3. Theme Parks – The Algarve is a very diverse place in terms of its beautiful yet landscape, and in keeping with this it has an eclectic selection of theme parks suitable for all ages. Swim with dolphins, pet Llama’s or get catapulted down a 60ft high slide, the opportunities of theme parks are endless in the Algarve and the hard part will be picking which one to miss out on!

The Algarve is a big place and there are many different resorts to stay in whilst you’re visiting this captivating holiday destination. Each town offers something different, from the bright lights of Albufeira to the sardine festival at Olhos d’Agua, some are more suited to others.

Perfect Getaways have a holiday apartment in the Algarve that we believe is in one of the best locations in the Algarve. Mosqueira is a delightful town nestled slap bang in the middle of the Algarve and only a stone’s throw away from the capital of Faro, meaning everything the Algarve has to offer you is on your front door.

Click here to have a look at this fantastic property and book a last minute trip today!

Look no further for fantastic deals then right here. Tom and I have got it covered with this weeks Happy Monday. This week we’ve chosen a Stunning property in Praia de Luz. Mayer Luz Beach Apartments have everything you will possibly require on your ultimate perfect getaway.
 
The Apartments consist of 1, 2 or 3 bedrooms so the resort is ideal for family holidays as well as couple retreats as the apartments can cater for everyone.
 
The resort itself of Praia de Luz is idyllic and luxurious. The views are sensational and the salty ocean sea is therapeutically refreshing. The promenade contains various cafes’ serving traditional Spanish cuisine as well as the ever popular fry up for those of us who prefer our home comforts. Restaurants and Market stalls are also located continuously along the prom which is adjacent to the beach. As well as this, there are supermarkets available for a big food shop where the only food supplied is freshly sourced with local and natural ingredients.
 
The beach is large and the sands are crystal white with typical and familiar peddalo boats available to hire for even more fun in the sun!
 
A short bus ride from Praia de Luz lies Lagos and Lagos and if traveling with a family, these are perfect destinations to visit on your travels as they are home to a zoo and a water park and is an ideal solution to the hot weather.
 
There are such a wide and diverse range of activities to indulge yourself in this holiday. So as we say here at Perfect Getaways, do not delay and book today!

Click here to view this worthy Happy Monday’s winner.

The sleepy Algarve village of Santa Barbara de Nexe is a tranquil paradise amidst a region of garish tourist resorts. Perched on the site of an ancient Bronze Age Hill Fort, Santa Barbara de Nexe is draped in history and charms at every opportunity.

Situated 7 kilometres north of Faro, the village is dominated by its ancient 400 year old church and famous bell tower which has provided inspiration to many artists down the ages and cuts an enchantingly eerie figure on a clear night. The fantastic gothic and manueline style of architecture and art that is on display in the church is perfectly archetypal of the rest of the village which is littered with interesting buildings and fascinating history.

Santa Barbara de Nexe is surrounded by verdant fields and hills smothered in fruit trees, and when you rent a holiday villa in Santa Barbara de Nexe, panoramic views of the rolling Algarve countryside and the shimmering Atlantic Ocean come as standard. From your holiday home you can explore many of the charming villages and towns in the Algarve and taste traditional Portuguese lifestyle, or discover a quiet beach where you can bask in your own private slice of paradise. The beauty of renting a holiday villa in Santa Barbara de Nexe is the freedom which it allows you, if you don’t feel up to an Algarve adventure, what’s stopping you from soaking up the sun beside your own private pool, or if you fancy having a crack at whipping up a traditional Portuguese meal yourself, you only need to take a stroll into town where you can purchase fresh locally ingredients at the daily market.

Another fantastic bonus of this tranquil village is even though you are tucked away in your own little paradise, you’re still in the Algarve and there’s tonnes of things to do, like dolphin or shark spotting boat trips, some of the world’s best golf, scuba diving, horse-riding and a whole host of other activities.

Click here to view this fantastic luxury holiday villa in Santa Barbara de Nexe that’s perfect for a relaxing retreat in the scenic Algarve countryside

Vilamoura is the biggest private tourism resort and community in Europe, and is also one of the most prestigious resorts in Portugal. It is a breath of fresh air from the hustle and bustle of the more popular towns in the Algarve with a very laidback and relaxed atmosphere lingering in the crisp sea air.

Centred around a modern marina, the resort has something to offer everyone and is ideal for families. There are many bars and restaurants along the marina front with the glistening ocean and bobbing boats offering a stunning backdrop on which to enjoy a delicious meal or relaxing drink, you can even visit the iconic Luis Figo’s “Bar Sete” which takes pride of place on the marina front. For those who want to get there dancing shoes on, the resort gathers pace at night with many bars hosting live music and the Casino regularly hosts evening entertainment with shows, dancers and the lure of hitting the jackpot.

The resort is blessed with two exquisite beaches, Praia da Marina to the east of the marina and Praia da Faelesia to the west. Both beaches sparkle with a deep blue sea that can only be found in the Algarve. For the more adventurous beachgoer, you can take a picturesque stroll to the quaint fishing village of Olhos d’Agua from Praia da Falesia. But if you simply want to bask in the glorious Portugese sun, stroll down to Praia da Marina’s Purobeach in front of the Tivoli Marina Hotel, where you can lounge in luxurious sofas, canopied beds and loungers set against breathtaking views and gentle music, here you can treat yourself to a massage and some of the best beach food in the area.

Vilamoura is world famous for its several championship golf courses, and is great for many other sporting activities, particularly of the nautical persuasion.  There are many activities to take part in to keep you occupied, like mini golf, tennis and parasailing to name a few, there are also many attractions like water parks and go karting nearby as nothing is too far away in the Algarve.

Click the links below to have a look at two of our favourite properties in Vilamoura.

4 en-suite double bedroom air cond

2 en-suite double bedroom air cond

Portugal’s Silver Coast is a region coming of age, previously a refuge for a handful of discerning tourists hiding out from the bright lights of the Algarve, the silver coast is fast becoming Portugal’s favourite holiday destination. Road developments have exposed this stunning region to more and more tourists, but who could blame them; only an hour’s drive from Lisbon, enchanting beaches, breathtaking landscape, activities and entertainment by the bucket load and relatively low prices.

Sao Martinho Do Porto is a traditional Portuguese fishing village that has the perfect blend of traditional lifestyle and tourist facilities. Historically a favourite for the Portuguese royal family, this charming town’s exquisite beach has also been drawing in French and Spanish tourists for hundreds of years.

The So Martinho Bay is a gorgeous naturally protected shell-shaped beach that has calm waters, perfect for children to play in and perfect to relax in. The recently refurbished waterfront promenade is a lovely limestone and marble structure that has many bars, restaurants, café’s and shops where you can buy anything from ice cream to a set of buckets and spades. Also the nearby beach at Salir do Porto is another great place to take the children who spend hours playing amongst the sand dunes overlooking the beautiful beach. There are also many other activities including, hand gliding, paragliding, sailing, surfing and golf to name a few.

Many tourists who visit Sao Martinho Do Porto enjoy the traditional easygoing lifestyle of this fishing village, which tends to centre around food and wine. So when you rent a holiday villa in the Silver Coast, you are sure to have a cracking stay that will only be enhanced with our selection of luxurious holiday accommodations.

Click here to view this fantastic property in Sao Martinho Do Porto

Albufeira is one of Europe’s biggest tourist destinations, and with good reason too as it is blessed with brilliant beaches and tonnes of activities. If you’re looking for the ideal last minute family holiday then look no further as Perfect Getaways have a tremendous selection of available villa’s in Albufeira, the Algarve’s most popular town.

Summer is the best time to visit Albufeira as the sun shines its brightest and smiles are at their widest. There are many summer gatherings and festivals, usually being staged on the beachfront and along the coast. These culturally oriented events are a fun way for visitors to connect with the traditional music, stories and cuisine of the Algarve.

In July, there is the fantastic BBQ Chicken festival, which lasts for 3 days and features chicken, chicken and more chicken; a perfect treat for the kids to gorge themselves on Portugal’s famous dish – Nando’s just won’t be the same. Then there is the Al-buhera festival towards the end of July, this cultural show has masses of locally made handicrafts on sale, music and dance exhibitions and great food on offer over the five day celebration.

August is jam-packed with events, starting with the Folklore Festival, this interesting event lasts several days and takes place in the ancient fishing village of Olhos d’Agua. After this, the festival of Our Lady of Guia begins with a special mass and finishes with a procession and live entertainment in the evening along the beachfront.The festival of Our Lady of the Oracle starting on the 14^th August, is the biggest celebration of the summer, the festival pays tribute to the patron saint of fisherman with a lengthy and vibrant parade starting at the parish church and finishing at the seafront promenade, where there is a friendly and lively party until midnight that ends at midnight with an awesome firework display illuminating the sky above Praia dos Pescadores. Finally, the municipal holiday on the 20^th sees lots of entertainment from pop artists and dancers to name a few, sporting events, spectacular fireworks and a well-spirited street party that is welcome to all. Come visit Albufeira and revel in the traditional celebrations.

Take a look at this fabulous property that is available just in time for the celebrations, simply click here.

Click here to view some of our other fantastic holiday apartments in Albufeira

With Rory Mcilroy conquering the mighty United States of America in the recent U.S. Open, Perfect Getaways want to celebrate the wonderkid’s achievement by telling you about the chance to enjoy the golfing holiday of your lifetime.

Perfect Getaways has thousands of luxury apartments in the best golfing destinations all over Europe, including Spain, Portugal and Scotland, renting a holiday villa from Perfect Getaway’s website will ensure you have a stay worthy of any golf champion in fantastic sun drenched destinations.

Many of our properties are situated on fantastic resorts with top quality golf courses integrated on the resort or merely minutes away. These properties are a haven to any golf fanatic, with many other features such as pools, restaurants and bars all nearby there’s plenty to keep you occupied.

Click here to have a look at some of our brilliant golfing holiday homes in the Golf del Sur resort in Tenerife.

Here you will find some more magnificent holiday accomodation in the Amarilla Golf resort.

Take a second to look at some of our favourite Golfing Villas :

Stunning Frontline Villa

Golf Apartment Championship Course

Bungalow in Campo de Golfe

Perfect Getaways currently have a fabulous deal on this luxurious apartment Villa Mantel close to the Algarve. Buy one week and get the second half price! (during august only). Ideal if you are still stuck for a last minute summer holiday. With this luxurious 3 bedroom villa accommodating up to 6 people, you can put your money troubles aside and still get the holiday you’ve dreamed of this summer.

 There are such a diverse array of activities to get up to in Taviria such as boat trips, horse riding, cycling trips whilst enjoying the scenery and relaxing on the tranquil beaches. For more information on this bargain holiday, click on the link below to be led to this fantastic apartment!

To see Villa Mantel in more detail, simply click here