The villa is situated on the southern slopes of a range of hills and is about 300 metres above sea-level on the semi-private estate of Quinta das Raposeiras. It enjoys magnificent views over the surrounding countryside down to the coast where the fishing village of Olhão and the lighthouse can be clearly seen. It is close to the typically rural village of Bordeira (1km) and between the historical market towns of Loulé (10km) and São Bras de Alportel (6km).

 Bordeira is only 3km from the new coastal motorway and Spain can be reached in 20 minutes. The nearest post office in Santa Barbara de Nexe (6km).

 The airport of Faro is 17km away and takes about 17 minutes by car or taxi. There are many golf courses in the Algarve, and just over the Spanish border, and numerous beaches all within easy reach. The closest is Faro beach-about 25 minutes-but there are many others along the coast for you to explore.

 Beaches: The beach lover will find many easily accessible, clean and sparsely populated beaches plus dozens which offer a more challenging point of entry! For children the rock pools and their occupants will always provide endless hours of fun. Many beaches offer delightful bars or restaurants serving freshly caught sea food to tempt you at lunch time and on the more popular ones you can rent umbrellas and take part in many water activities-para-gliding, banana boat rides, water-skiing, snorkeling, pedaloes, game fishing etc.

 Sport: The Algarve is renowned for its sports facilities with numerous golf courses, tennis clubs and all manner of water sports. The Algarve offers more than a dozen quality golf courses with an excellent climate for all year round play. The atmosphere is friendly and informal; ideal for both the casual and serious golfer (some courses require a valid handicap certificate).

 Horse Riding: As any horse rider will tell you, the better the scenery, the better the ride, and the Algarve has some of the best scenery there is.

 Family Entertainment: The Algarve has several water fun parks: The Big One, Wet & Wild and Slide & Splash are just three of them. All are set amid spacious green lawns with whirling aqua-rides for all ages, from gentle kiddy slides to the heart-stopping Kamikaze, and make a wonderful day out for the whole family! Zoomarine also offers a holiday experience not to be missed, with dolphins, sea lions and elephant seals.
 Eating Out: There are hundreds of restaurants offering excellent value in the Algarve, with both local and international specialities. Try chicken piri-piri -pieces of chicken coated with a spicy mixture of olive oil, honey and hot chili peppers; Caldo verde-a finely shredded cabbage soup; caldeirada-a fish stew; cataplana-an unusual combination of such ingredients as clams, port, peppers, garlic and tomatoes.

SIGHTSEEING

Cape St. Vincent. The most southwesterly point of Europe, with a very interesting lighthouse which is open to the public. Nelson defeated the French off Cape St. Vincent in 1797.

Lagos straddles the hillside overlooking a wide bay and must rate as one of the most delightful towns on the Algarve coast. This was the region’s capital for two centuries and the home port for many of the explorers who charted the routes to India. Along the coastline, close to the town, are beaches of soft golden sand and also the beautiful rock formations of Ponte de Peedade: a boat trip around the caves, arches and pinnacles is not to be missed.

Portimão. One of the largest towns and fishing ports in the Algarve, known for its furniture, wickerwork and barbecued sardines (available at many outdoor cafés and bars along the quay for only a few escudos). A new attraction is the extensive marina development, with many fine shops and a quality restaurant from which you can watch the ever-changing scene along the causeway.

Monchique. Set high on the mountain, this town is a complete contrast from the coastal resorts. Spectacular views and fascinating little villages, such as the delightfully cool, shady and elegant spa of Caldas de Monchique.

Faro. Capital of the Algarve. It was destroyed by an earthquake in 1755 and only part of the old town remains. This is also the shopping capital of the Algarve, and boasts a beautiful pedestrian precinct shopping area with many smart shops and restaurants. The harbour and surrounding area is a particularly pleasant place for that light refreshment and a rest from shopping.

Loulé. Nearby market town with covered fish and produce market. It is well known for copper and leather work and has a popular central avenida where coffee and other refreshments can be enjoyed under the shade of the jacaranda trees. The market also has a section selling a wide range of the local pottery for which the Algarve is famous.

Olhão. Attractive fishing port with large fish market and pleasant shopping streets, ‘capital’ of the Ria Formosa nature reserve. Ferry services to two of the islands in the lagoon provide access to large sandy beaches, and the reserve is a paradise for birdwatchers.

 Estói. Once a place of considerable importance, this small market village is often overlooked, but can boast an imposing parish church, an eighteenth century palace (in restoration, but the garden is accessible at set times), and Milreu, the archaelogical site of a wealthy Roman settlement in the first century BC.

 Tavira. Called ‘the town of poetry’ by the Moors, this ancient town was the capital of the Algarve until the harbour silted up. It owes its graceful charm to the River Gilão and the Roman bridge which are situated beside the Praça da República.

Between the Guadiana river, separating Spain form Portugal, and Cape St. Vincent-a distance of about 160 km-there are hundreds of interesting villages and beaches-enjoy yourselves!