Villa Holidays in the Algarve - the perfect family holiday?

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Why villa holidays in the Algarve are so special

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What makes villa holidays in the Algarve so special? Is it the great range of holiday villas from modern luxury to rustic charm? The beautiful beaches, glorious sunshine and weather, great food and laid-back vibe? It’s all of that and more.

Family holidays are the highlight of the year for many people. Lazy summer days spent on the beach or lounging by the pool. Fun with the kids, with no timetable to keep other than that dictated by your own whims and fancies. Languid meals beneath the stars, limbs heavy from sunshine and swimming. Perfect when they are happening, perfect when remembered.

Here are some reasons why we think booking a villa holiday in the Algarve is a very wise move.

The Villas
An important part of any villa holiday is, of course, the villa. Choose the right property and it becomes the foundation stone for one of the best breaks you’ll ever have. There are some aspects to bear in mind. Think style - are you looking for sleek modernity or boho chic? Kid friendly or adult only? What about location? Do you yearn to holiday in the solitude of nature or prefer to mingle with others, with all the fun of resort on the door-step. If you’re looking for some glamour, Vilamoura and Quinta do Lago may be for you. Round the clock fun is at Albufeira, families love smaller towns such as Praia de Luz (read about Kerry’s Praia da Luz break) Lagos, Alvor, Tavira or Carvoeiro. If you want to be close to nature then the south-west and west coast- the Costa Vicentina , the Monchique hills or the Ria Formosa area are ideal. Although relatively small in size, the Algarve offers very distinct holiday experiences depending on the location.

A good villa holiday company will help you understand what’s available and what might best suit your needs. Blue Sky Villas for example have a range of holiday villas in Vilamoura, Vale do Lobo and Quinta do Lago. They have everything from cosy townhouses to large villas that can sleep up to 16. In addition, they offer a concierge service for extra treats and support in resort if required. Quinta do Lago, the award-winning luxury resort, has a portfolio of stunning villas to tempt you to live the good life. And if you want a mix of impeccable style with the easy-going atmosphere of a traditional Algarve village, the VILA VITA Collection delivers this and more in Salema. 

Usually, when you stay at a villa in the Algarve it is advisable to hire a car – you might be more than walking distance to the beach or supermarkets. Villa companies, such as Clickstay, have villas available all across the Algarve and they do have some properties where car hire is not needed, such as this great house in the centre of Alvor, if that is your preference. The plus side to having a car of course is that you can explore the whole region – check out these great scenic drives.



Family Friendly Villas
Not only do you get gorgeous villas in the Algarve (and it is fair to say that the standard of accommodation on offer in the region is generally very high) you can get all the extras you might need for that perfect family holiday. If you are travelling with young children, decide if you want a villa that is all on one level, or is over different floors. Most villas in the Algarve have their own private pool. Ask about pool fencing – it is possible to have temporary pool fences installed. Need high chairs or a cot? These are all easy to arrange through the villa rental company.
One of the great advantages of a villa holiday if you are travelling with young children, is that while the juniors (or seniors) have a nap or some down time, the rest of the group can still play in the pool or enjoy games in the garden. Being in a villa allows everyone to set their own schedule, which causes less friction that trying to impose a one size fits all timetable.

Life by the pool
Once you’re settled in your home from home, you’ll find yourself spending a lot of time by the pool. Life is lived outside during the Algarve summer. You can enjoy all your meals al fresco, giving the BBQ plenty of action as you grill up some fresh fish or juicy steaks for some great Portuguese food. If you’d rather not cook, there are in-house private catering services to do the work for you. Visit the local produce markets for a great range of fresh fruit and veg, fish and meat.



Beyond the Villa
The only issue that may arise from opting for a villa holiday in the Algarve is that you just won’t want to leave your summer home, not even for a little while. Should you manage to drag yourself away there are ample rewards….

Beaches
Great as the pool is, the beaches in the Algarve are even better. Get out and explore the coastline. No matter where you stay, you can find a choice of gorgeous beaches close by. Check out these Top 10 Algarve beaches. If you’re keeping an eye on your budget, a beach day out can be very economical and is one of the (nearly) free things to do in the Algarve. Do as the locals do and set your towel by the water’s edge where it is cooler, rather than further up the beach where the heat is more intense. Be sure to bring a sunshade or two and always pay attention to the lifeguards. And treat everybody to a Bola de Berlim – a sweet, delicious doughnut sold by vendors on the beaches.

Family Fun
There are so many great things to do in the Algarve it can be hard to know where to begin. Top of the list for most family holidays is a day at a Zoomarine. One of the biggest attractions in the Algarve, you can watch the amazing dolphin show, visit the aquarium, enjoy water slides and pirate fun. Something for everyone. Boat trips along the coast are another top day out – board a pirate boat, explore the famous Benagil cave or sail the lagoons of the Ria Formosa. Check out these top 10 fun for kids ideas.



None of the above would be so enticing if the journey to the Algarve was a long and epic undertaking fraught with obstacles, not when you’re travelling with baby and grandparents. With flying time to Faro airport 3 hours or less from most of Europe, getting here is easy so you can start your holiday stress-free and ready to roll.

If you own a property in Central or Western Algarve then Holiday Rentals in the Algarve can help you put your property to work, with professional property management and holiday rental services.

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