Algarve Dreams

Buying an overseas property for the first time can be a nerve wracking business, so it’s nice to know that you have a knowledgeable friend on the spot to help and advise you.

Here at Prestige Portugal we work with a tried and trusted team of English speaking professionals who will simplify the precess from start to finish.

From collecting you at the airport at the start of your first Algarve visit to signing the deeds at the Notary’s Office we will help you every step of the way.

It is currently a fantastic time to take out a mortgage as the rate is at an all time low, and we can help you with that too. We have a strong relationship with Millennium BCP, Portugal’s largest private bank enabling us to secure you a very competitive deal.

So, whether you dream of a holiday home in the Western, Central or Eastern Algarve region you can be sure that buying a property through Prestige Portugal will be a straight forward and simple affair.

Why not leave the details to us and start living your dream. . .

By Stephanie Johnson

Olhos d' Agua

Olhos d’Agua is a small fishing village in the Algarve famous for the unusual fresh water springs on the beach.

The pretty village has a choice of good restaurants but no discos or noisy nightlife making a peaceful location for a quiet romantic holiday.

Olhos d’Agua is located very close to Balaia Golf village between Albufeira and Vilamoura in the Central Algarve, making it an ideal base from which to explore more of the wonderful Algarve region of Portugal.

The rugged coastline and attractive pine clad cliffs make a beautiful setting for a unique beach and restful enjoyable holiday.

By Stephanie Johnson

Traditional Ways in the Algarve

The local women in the Algarve are a talented lot. Skills such as lace making and rag rug making have been passed on from mother to daughter for generations.

The intricate lace designs are first drawn onto cardboard before being skillfully knotted using wooden bobbins to hold the threads and a cushion stuck with pins to keep everything in place. I really don’t know how they do this with only two hands!

The results are sold to tourists but are also hugely popular with the Portuguese who so love to preserve traditional ways.

Rag rugs are also found here woven from strips of colourful rags the rugs are proudly displayed in gift shops and can be found in almost every Portuguese home.

In the Algarve weaving too is a skill still widely practiced, using wool from the sheep that graze on the Algarvian Ridge. After shearing the wool is washed in a fast running stream and then ‘carded’ and spun on a spinning wheel before finally being woven on a loom in the traditional way. Yarn has been produced in this way for centuries and it is comforting to know that even in these modern technological times the cultural identity of this wonderful country is being preserved.

On your next visit to the beautiful Algarve take home a locally made gift and be proud that you are helping keep these traditions alive.

By Stephanie Johnson

Roman Ruins in Vilamoura

Vilamoura in the Algarve region of Portugal is well known as a thriving modern town having been established less than forty years ago.

The site, however, had been inhabited long before then as proven by evidence of a Bronze age settlement. The Romans also left their mark on the area and the ruins at Cerro da Villa make for an interesting day out when visiting the Central Algarve.

Located a just north of the marina in Vilamoura the archaeological site shows the remains of a 2nd century Roman villa with baths and farm buildings. There is also a museum displaying Roman, Visigoth and Moorish artifacts.

This fascinating insight into life in the past is within easy reach of both Vilamoura and Albufeira and well worth a visit.

By Stephanie Johnson

Olhanense on the up

1 month ago SC Olhanense looked to be in deep trouble, rooted to the bottom of the table and a crushing 5-2 defeat away at Maritimo. What a difference 4 games make, starting with an incredible 2-2 draw at home to Lisbon giants Benfica SC Olhanense then drew another 2 games. Following a 3 game unbeaten run they showed even more fighting spirit on Saturday the 16th welcoming Naval to the Eastern Algarve, the young lions of Olhanense mad the home advantage count with a vital 1-0 win.

Fans from Albufeira, Loule, Vilamoura, Faro and Tavira will be happy to see their team slowly start to drag themselves out of relegation territory of Liga Sagres.

With some new players arriving, the support of the fans and the determination they have, the future looks bright for the young lions of SC Olhanense.

By Dylan Herholdt

Dolphin Watching in the Algarve

A day out in the Algarve can take many forms, there really is so much to do, but if you are looking for something a little different how about going on an Algarve Dolphin watching trip?

It is a great day out for all the family with friendly dolphins now so familiar with the boat that they come over to say ‘hello’ as soon as it appears!

You are very likely to spot common, bottlenosed, striped and spotted dolphins swimming and leaping through the water at speeds of up to 26 kilometres an hour. It is said that they love to perform to an audience so remember to take your camera.

The tour also takes in some of the magical caves along the Algarve coastline where you can actually venture inside.

Cruises leave from the Marina in Vilamoura and can be booked through the tourist office.

By Stephanie Johnson

Your Local in the Algarve

A trip to the Algarve is sure to involve eating out at some time, after all the wide range and quality of restaurants is legendary.

You really are spoilt for choice in Albufeira and one of the best amongst them is JK’s Bar and Restaurant in Praia de Gale.

Welcoming, friendly staff and a great menu ensure this popular restaurant is the sort of place to which you return again and again. The food is excellent value for money with an extensive menu featuring both Portuguese and English dishes all cooked to a high standard.

The efficient service offered by the helpful staff has even been known to extend to free lifts home! It’s always nice to have a ‘local’ where you can get to know the owners and staff as friends and really feel at home and JK’s really is this type of place.

So when considering buying property in the Algarve, whether you choose the Eastern, Western or Central Algarve remember to look out for your local.


By Stephanie Johnson

Our 100th Algarve Blog

In celebration of this our 100th Algarve blog on the Prestige Portugal Property website I thought I would write 100 reasons to visit this beautiful region on the southern coast of Portugal. . .

However, although it wouldn’t be hard to come up with a hundred reasons to visit the Algarve I don’t think I can fit in such an extensive list, so how about just the top ten?

1. Beaches - The legendary beaches must be given the top slot, so many world class beaches along one stretch of coastline giving everyone plenty of room and plenty of choice.
2. Golf Courses - With over 30 to choose from including some award winning courses.
3. Weather – With a fantastic temperate climate rarely dipping below 60 degrees and more than 300 days of sunshine each year, who could ask for more?
4. Activities – So many things to do including sailing, horse riding, fishing, surfing. . .
5. Bars and Restaurants – Where to start? The Portuguese love eating out and the numerous bars and restaurants in the Algarve are known for their quality as well as their quantity.
6. Ease of Access – So many airlines fly to Faro airport in the Central Algarve all year round, making flights inexpensive and easy to find.
7. Welcoming People and Atmosphere – Portugal is famous for its hospitality and you are always made to feel welcome by the local people, especially in the Algarve.
8. Historic Towns and Villages –Picturesque and historic locations such as Tavira, dating back to 2000 BC.
9. Nightlife – All along the Algarve you can have lots of fun after dark, but if you enjoy clubbing then head for Albufeira.
10. Culture – Stunning churches and plenty of historic buildings.

By Stephanie Johnson

Diving in The Algarve

Portugal is a diverse country full of interesting things to see and do which, coupled with the fantastic climate will definitely ensure the country’s continuing popularity as a world class tourist destination.

The huge sandy beaches and Atlantic waves make ideal conditions for surfing which is a very popular pastime throughout the whole country, but did you know that down in The Algarve you will also find some wonderful opportunities for diving.

The variety of marine life makes open water diving a colourful and exciting experience with lobsters, starfish and squid hiding in amongst brightly coloured plant life, all just a stone’s throw from the beach.
For the more experienced diver venturing a little further out brings the possibility of cave diving.
There are three caves off the coast of Sagres in the Western Algarve that allow you to dive to 24 metres exploring rocky labyrinths of huge rooms complete with stalactites.

If you prefer to snorkel then try the coast of Ponta da Piedade near Lagos. This area is famous for the unusual light created in the shadows of the caves when the sun filters through the green water making the dive a strange magical experience.

The waters of the Algarve offer something for divers at all levels and add yet another dimension to this beautiful region.

By Stephanie Johnson

Celebrating Chouriço in the Algarve

Portugal loves a party and any excuse to celebrate even the smallest thing - take the humble Chouriço, a smoked sausage eaten the length and breadth of Portugal for centuries. While it is true that chouriço is delicious is it really a cause for celebration?

Well the people of Loulé in the Central Algarve certainly think so, and they are holding a chouriço festival in the church square on 24th January to prove it! This is a popular annual event with a huge variety of chouriço available for visitors to try, and even a traditional chouriço auction.

While you may not consider chouriço worthy of such celebration it is definitely worth trying a slice or two while in the Algarve. It is extremely versatile and delicious eaten on its own or added to other, sometimes unexpected, ingredients such as fish.

However, nothing beats sitting on your own balcony overlooking the sea in beautiful places such as Tavira, Vilamoura or Albufeira with a glass of your favourite Portuguese wine and a freshly cooked sliced chouriço.

Now that is something to celebrate!

By Stephanie Johnson

Vilamoura Marina

When visiting the Algarve a trip to the pretty marina at Vilamoura is always worthwhile. There can nothing more relaxing than sitting outside one of the many bars or restaurants that line the quay watching the comings and goings of the yachting community. The attractive marina, built about 35 years ago is lined with palm trees and has a capacity for more than 1000 boats.

If you are feeling adventurous it is possible to charter a boat and try your hand at big game fishing or you may prefer jet skiing or parascending.

Should you be in a more relaxed mood then why not try one of the many restaurants that overlook the marina? O Cesteiro is a well known family run fish and seafood restaurant with a reputation for serving fantastic food in a beautiful location. The excellent service, delicious fresh food and top marina views ensure you will have a memorable meal.

Vilamoura is just one of the places you should visit when staying in the Central Algarve, just a short drive away you will also find Albufeira and the quieter resort of Olhos d’Agua.

By Stephanie Johnson

Bird Watching in the Algarve

How about a spot of bird watching in the Algarve? You would be amazed at the wide variety of birds that consider this beautiful part of the world their home.

It is not uncommon to spot flamingos, storks and egrets amongst the less exotic species.
Bird watching in the Algarve should be considered a seasonal occupation, the varieties you are likely to come across will depend on the time of year. Although some species make the Algarve their all year home, many stop off during migration to Africa and further flung locations.

The various environments that make up the Algarve region of Portugal include wetlands and marshes, saltpans, plenty of lakes and of course miles and miles of coastline, encouraging all sorts of avian visitors.

Organized bird watching trips are available if you prefer or just venturing forth with a picnic, camera and pair of binoculars will make for a delightful change from the beach. If you are a lover of nature you will be entranced by the Algarve.

Owning a holiday home in one of the wonderful locations along the Algarve coast such as Tavira, Vilamoura or Alburfeira would give you a great excuse to jump on a plane whenever you like and fly like a bird over to the sunshine.


By Stephanie Johnson

Holiday Fun in the Algarve

Happy New Year from Portugal's Algarve!

A jolly time was had by all over the holiday period in the Algarve. The bars and restaurants were packed, there were fireworks on the beach in Albufeira for New Year, and a jolly party atmosphere everywhere you went.

The historic town of Paderne once again began the year with a medieval festival, with the castle providing the perfect back drop. There was jousting, sword fighting, fire jugglers and jesters, with crafts and plenty of food and drink from stalls dotted along the cobbled streets.

This really is an all year holiday destination with visitors from all over the world joining in the fun.

The Algarve is famous for its many golf courses and combining a family Christmas with a round or two of golf is an ideal way to cater for everyone.
There are dozens of courses in the Algarve region stretching from Sagres in the west to Tavira in the Eastern Algarve ranging from modest nine holes to award winning world class eighteen holes.

The town of Vilamoura in central Algarve boasts at least six courses and along with the fantastic beaches to be found nearby is quite possibly the ideal place to invest in a holiday home.

By Stephanie Johnson