Resort: Balaia

Overlooked by craggy cliffs and backed by fragrant pine forests, Olhos D'Agua is named after the fresh water which springs from the 'eye' in one of the fascinating rock formations along its lovely beach. This is a fishing village where sun-wrinkled fishermen still mend their nets on the waterfront and there's many a Portuguese speciality dish served in the local restaurants. Nearby Balaia has several fine restaurants and the lovely beach of Santa Eulalia whilst Acoteias has a golf course and beautiful Falesia beach.

Region: Algarve

Highlights of the Algarve
Much of the charm of the Algarve lies in its endearing blend of quaint simplicity and warm sophistication. The natural hospitality of the Algarveans is a legacy of the five hundred year Moorish occupation of the region, complemented by a pleasing and relaxing lack of urgency in day to day life. This a land of paradox, where one moment you'll see a wizened, sun-wrinkled elder leading a donkey and cart to the market as his ancestors have done for generations and the next you'll meet some of the world's top sportsmen testing their skills on an award-winning golf course. And whilst the Algarve has many splendid water parks providing endless fun for children, those same youngsters can enjoy many a sun-filled hour simply exploring rock pools on the beach

Resorts and villas in the Algarve
A villa or apartment in the Algarve conjures up different visions for different people. For some, an apartment in the Algarve should have a view of the golf course glistening under the sprinklers. Perhaps you imagine yourself relaxing in a villa in the Algarve, while the children play in their own pool, or your ideal apartment in the Algarve is a short walk from miles of unspoilt beaches?

Whichever it is, we have a wonderful choice of apartments in the Algarve in most of the sought-after resorts. Our villas to rent in the Algarve include everything from an intimate single-bedroom apartment, to a sumptuous family villa. Style holidays in the Algarve combine choice with quality. Pick a villa in Western Algarve for the sports, (a villa in Western Algarve often offers good access to golf, tennis and watersports) or choose from villas in the Algarve close to beaches or in quality resorts.

Choose your villa or apartment in the Algarve
Algarve apartments and Algarve holiday villas offer the perfect getaway, with hours and hours of predictable summer sunshine, friendly locals, good affordable food, astounding beaches and superb sports facilities combining to make an Algarve holiday perfect for the whole family.

For wonderful Algarve holidays and to find the perfect Algarve apartment, Algarve holiday villa or Algarve hotel, search on the destinations below or search by date and departure airport.

Algarve apartments and villas - choose your resort:
If you're thinking about an Algarve villa holiday or a holiday apartment in the Algarve, we have a fabulous selection covering all the main resorts.

There's so much to do on an Algarve villa holiday. Fabulous beaches, sixty in all, the azure sea and sunny days with gentle cooling sea breezes are the most obvious attraction. But people who take a holiday apartment in the Algarve have so much more available. World-class golf courses, top kite-surfing and wind surfing, particularly in the south west and water parks for the whole family, all vie for your time alongside historic Moorish culture, fascinating resorts and charming countryside villages. If this is your first time on an Algarve villa holiday, prepare to relax and enjoy. Gentle people and welcoming local hospitality, good food and great value are all to be found.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Average flight time: 2 hours 40 minutes
Language: Portuguese
Currency: Euros
Tourist office: Portuguese Tourist Office, 11 Belgrave Square, London SW1 X8P
Telephone: 020 7201 6666
Website: www.visitportugal.com