Vale do Garrao Villas

Just returned from an 8 day stay in one of the self catering villas with plunge pool with wife and 2 children. Villa/apartment was very nice. 2 bedrooms both en suite with a large living room and well equipped kitchen. The area is well looked after but fairly isolated. The villas are attached to the Ria Park Garden Hotel, and you have use of 2 nice pools and tennis courts. The beach is about 15 minutes walk but the hotel has a complimentary shuttle bus which we used once. We were surprised that there were no shops within walking distance. Having stayed in many self catering apartments in Portugal before there has always been some form of shop, even if only croissants and drinks, close by so, but not here. You definitely need a car unless you are prepared to take taxis everywhere. The best supermarket was the Pingo Noce at the Quinta do Lago shopping centre 25 euros return by taxi. The hotel had a restaurant which had a set menu each night for dinner at 30 euros a head: there are 3/4 restaurants on the beach. We had great weather and enjoyed a quiet relaxing holiday

This was a beautiful villa with a lovely pool. Very quiet place but also relaxing . A little disappointed that the Ria Garden Hotel was closed during our stay as our booking was to include availing of its facilities. The other hotel close by , The Ria Park Hotel, has a very elite atmosphere , the staff are very professional but quite reserved . There is no entertainment at nights , which we didn't mind too much , but others might . The beach is not as near as we thought, about 20 minutes walk , which is a lot in 30 degrees heat. We rented bikes which made the beach and local area more accessible but the nearest shop was at least 15 minute cycle away. Bike rental costs 72euros for 6 days . Renting a car would be wise if you are going here. Overall we had a great holiday but another place with some social /entertainment aspect may suit better if you or your family want a more lively , sociable atmosphere on holiday.

Spent a week in a gorgeous villa in Vale do Garrao, Algarve, in October 2/10 and was delighted with it. The villa was beautifully decorated, clean,with everything you need and the back garden and pool were lovely. The area is so beautiful, tranquil and very clean, like stepping back in time. My husband likes to play tennis and as there are two tennis courts in the grounds behind the villa, along with a large swimming pool and the Vale do Lobo Tennis Academy is 5 mins drive away, he was delighted. The weather was so lovely, not too hot, between 19/21 and the beaches were just right, no overcrowding. The restaurants were quieter, as we like it, you always get terrific service. You do need a car as shops, horse riding, sports etc, are a short trip away and it is great to visit the other picturesque villages dotted around the coastline. We will most definately be back and at any time of the year.