Algarve

Offering quaint villages and traditional towns, set amongst sprawling farms, inland is the place to head if you prefer the idea of a taste of the more authentic Portuguese way of life, yet still be a short drive from the allure of the region’s main coastal attractions.

A short journey away from the coast doesn’t necessarily mean having to compromise on amenities in the country either, many of the inland Algarve genuine towns and villages offer traditional bars, cafes, restaurants, markets as well as some of the oldest carnivals in Portugal. The Algarve countryside is definitely a great option for those looking to experience authentic Portuguese way of life which is active all year round.

Rolling Hills

Set amongst the rolling hills of the Algarve countryside you will find traditional and rustic towns such as the beautiful and charismatic Loulé, Silves and São Bartolomeu de Messines, each packed with real authentic Portuguese charm, plenty of historic hot spots to explore, exotic markets set amongst medieval back streets where locals go by their lives as they did decades ago.

The outstanding luxury villas in the countryside of Malhao, near Boliquieme offer space for the whole family in a peaceful countryside location, but with only a short drive down to Vilamoura with it's world class marina, beaches, restaurants and shopping - the best of both worlds.

Best of both worlds

Offering idyllic positions in the Algarve countryside, our luxury villas are also only a short drive to the local beaches and resort towns. The best of both worlds - and great value too - definitely worth a look.

Loulé

Situated 15 minutes drive north of Faro airport, you will find the beautiful rustic gem of Loulé city, a traditional market town packed with genuine Portuguese charm built around the remnants of an ancient castle.

Loulé features an exotic-looking Arabic market in its centre and medieval back streets are lined with traditional arts and crafts shops as well as a bustling Saturday-morning gypsy market. Loulé is also home to the oldest and biggest carnival in Portugal, a tradition that is over 100 years old. The 3 day event attracts thousands of people from across the world and takes place on the 11^th – 13^th of February every year.

Silves

Known as the “orange capital of the Algarve” the riverside city of Silves lies about 10 minutes drive north of the coast, close to the beach side village of Carvoeiro and the fishing village of Ferragudo making Silves the perfect beach holiday destination.

Silves is a historical town full of history and culture and features a hilltop castle which overlooks the city. The city is also packed with amazing restaurants and food markets.

São Bartolomeu de Messines

Located just 20km northeast of Silves is the stunning town of São Bartolomeu de Messines, a bustling rural Algarve town and only a 25-minute drive from the ever popular Algarve destination of Albufeira, with its shopping centres, bars restaurants and hotels.

Messines also has lots of history to offer and the town is centred around a 16th-century church, next to which is a small museum dedicated to Messines’ most famous son, the 19th-century poet João de Deus.

Santa Barbara de Nexe

The beautiful and popular village of Santa Barbara de Nexe is an authentic and tranquil village famous for its landmark church with its famous bell tower, which can be seen can be seen from miles away.  The church and its bell tower have inspired artists for hundreds of years and many people come from a far to paint this beautiful landmark and surrounding landscape. It’s also well known in a less traditional sense for being home to Eddie's Bar. A bar dedicated to the legendary heavy metal band Iron Maiden.

The village offers stunning Gothic and Manueline architecture amongst rolling countryside.

The beaches are only a short drive away, as is Faro Airport making the village of Santa Barbara de Nexe a must to visit.

Boliquieme

Boliquieme is a laidback village set amongst the hills and pine forests in rural Algarve.  This authentic village offers traditional cobbled streets where locals gather to play dominoes, yet only a short 15 minute drive away from the popular town of Albufeira offering stunning beaches and great night life nightlife.