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The Algarve and Local Area
You will find some general information relating to the Algarve below
The Algarve is Portugal's southern-most province it consists of over One hundred miles of dramatically beautiful coastline and has a reputation as one of the world's finest shorelines. The area is filled with sun, beaches, sport and historical interest that will occupy anyone all year round.
On the coastline jagged sandstone cliffs streaked with vibrant orange climb above the golden beaches or form secluded rocky coves. Away from the coast the mountains to the north give way to hills and valleys teaming with fragrant pine forests and wild flower meadows.
The markets provide a busy and colourful atmosphere, and a trip would not be complete with bargaining for leather goods, tiles or ceramics.
The Algarve averages over 3000 hours of sunshine each year - more than the Costa Brava, Majorca and the French Rivera.
There are a great number of things to see and do in the Algarve and Villa Acalmar represents a great base for all of them.
Aside from the local beaches listed below are some of the other attractions that are all within easy distance of Villa Acalmar:-
Water parks, Sightseeing boat trips, Fishing trips, Go-Karting, Horse riding, Jet Skies, Parasending, Markets, Zoo Marine, Algarve Zoo, Casino and Nightclub, Birdwatching and much more.
Cuisine
The many restaurants offer excellent value with both local and international specialities. The region is famous for it's seafood. You really should try freshly caught sardines grilled over charcoal. Sea Bream, sea bass, sword fish and lobster are all widely available. Local dishes include Caldeirada is a spicy fish stew; Cataplana an aromatic seafood dish named after the pot it is cooked in and there is always the national speciality "Bacalhau" dried cod for which there are 365 recipes. Other specialities of the Algarve are cakes and sweets made from eggs, almonds and sugar. The sparkling "green wine" Vinho Verde is not to be missed and is delicious served chilled.
The surrounding area:
Vilamoura (5 Kilometres)
This modern resort with it's busy and stylish marina, new casino, fashionable shops and excellent sports facilities is only a 5 minute car ride from Villa Acalmar. Shops, boutiques, a casino, discos and cafe bars front the fantastic marina and seafront. There are five golf courses in and around Vilamoura as well as a golf academy where you can hone your skills.
Vale Do Lobo (less than 2 kilometres)
Perhaps the longest established resort area Vale Do Lobo is renowned for it's beautiful beach and two championship golf courses, each with incredible views. You will find excellent restaurants, bars and bistros centred around the Praca, a delightful cobbled square. The David Lloyd Tennis Centre here is one of Europe's top six.
Quinta Do Lago (5 kilometres)
This is one of the special places in Southern Europe with over 1700 acres of unspoiled pine forest, grassland and lakes. It includes part of the Ria Formosa nature reserve and a long stretch of glorious sandy beach.
Qunita Do Lago also includes four championship golf courses, restaurants, nightspots and superb shopping facilities. The Bouganvillea Shopping Plaza here is a modern, high-class, shopping centre and a magnet for shoppers from all around. Not surprisingly it attracts some very well heeled visitors. Horse riding and water sport facilities are also available. It also boasts a large lagoon that is a haven for wild birds.
For a flavour of the old Algarve, take a short drive to the prosperous little town of Loule that has a famous street market each Saturday with many handicraft stalls.
Quarteira also offers a large market each Wednesday morning.