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Facilities and the Local Area Tucked away in a valley, Palmeiras provides the perfect setting for a relaxing and tranquil holiday. The villa and cottages are set within 12 acres of private farmland, but are close to a traditional hamlet, and are within a ten minute drive of two bustling market towns. A fantastic range of beaches are within a 30 minute drive; the wilder West Coast beaches can also be easily reached within 40-50 minutes drive. Public transport links to the area are infrequent and therefore car hire is considered essential.
At Palmeiras we have a beautiful saltwater swimming pool (8m x 4m) with an adjoining paddling pool; ideal for younger children and babies. Guests may wish to spend their day relaxing on the terraces or swimming in the pool, or if preferred, can spend time in the privacy of their own cottage garden. Visitors are more than welcome to walk around the farm and sample the seasonal organically grown fruits (including citrus, plums, apricots, peaches, guavas and figs), and there are many lovely walks that can incorporate a traditional Portuguese lunch in one of the friendly local village restaurants. The surrounding valleys are recognised as areas of significant archeological interest, and recent excavation work has revealed an Iron Age burial site on the edge of the farm. Those who are interested in walking or cycling will be delighted by the immediate landscape, but can also head a little further inland to the foothills of the serra de Monchique.This is a superb area for hiking and cycling with a famous spa town nestling amongst its hills. For horse trekking, facilities at the local 'QuintaVentura' offer riders a chance to trek through some of the most beautiful countryside in the Algarve.
Picnicking is popular amongst Portuguese families, and there are many tranquil country settings - such as Alte, with its own source of spring water and a picnic area sited amongst trees alongside the river. With long sandy beaches and picturesque rocky coves only 30 minutes drive away it is easy to also enjoy the beautiful coastline. Long hot summers and mild winters make the beaches accessible throughout the year, with the larger resorts offering a wide range of water sports. Golfers will not be disappointed by the standard of facilities available in the coastal areas, with more courses planned for the near future.
The neighbouring town of Silves offers a wide range of restaurants, catering for all tastes and budgets; fresh fish and seafood are a local speciality. Once the Islamic capital of the Algarve, Silves has a superb castle which remains the focal point of the town. The moorish history of the area is evident in the surrounding architecture, and alongside its 13th century bridge can be found a bustling riverfront market. |
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