Learn about the traditions of the area
visit the museum in Sao Bras de Alportel which houses a collection of traditional Algarve clothing throughout history and an exhibition about how cork is produced.
Alto de Santo Antonio
Eastern Algarve
- 6
- 3
- 3
Web Ref: 3821
From
£ 850
per week
Accommodation
At a glance
- Sleeps 6
- 2 Double Bedrooms
- 1 Twin Bedroom
- 3 Bathrooms
- Air Conditioning
- WiFi
- Beach 20km
- Ground floor: Entrance hall. Cloakroom. Kitchen with pantry (counter-top oven, microwave, dishwasher, washing machine). Living and dining room with patio doors to pool side terrace (WiFi, A/C, Sat TV). Twin bedroom with patio door to barbecue terrace and en suite bathroom (A/C). Double bedroom with patio window (no exit) and en suite bathroom (A/C). Double bedroom with patio door to pool side terrace and en suite bathroom (A/C).
- Outside: Enclosed and gated grounds with lawns. Shallow fish pond, waterfall feature and sandy area. Built in barbecue with covered dining area. Private parking.
- Private circular swimming pool (14m circumference) with Roman steps.
Perched on a hilltop amongst verdant hills over the coastal plain, Alto de Santo António offers stunning views towards the sparkling blue waters of the Atlantic ocean. Recently constructed in traditional Algarvian style, this spacious rural retreat is perfectly placed to enjoy the many attractions of Portugal’s most sunny region.
Inside, spacious rooms radiate from the extensive hall with modern amenities contrasting pleasingly with numerous familial art works and antique pieces. Each bedroom benefits from en suite facilities, electric shutters and guests will enjoy an ample open plan living/dining room with tremendous views over the terrace and swimming pool to the hills and ocean beyond. A contemporary and generously equipped kitchen adds a finishing touch to make for an excellent villa holiday base.
Outside, extensive enclosed grounds feature traditional Portuguese calçada, vibrant lawn, a shallow fish pond and secluded reading spots under native Medronheiros. Foodies will be enticed by an impressive barbecue area providing an ideal spot to enjoy outdoor dining while an inviting south facing pool will help escape the heat on a hot summer’s day.
Nearby, the traditional market town of São Bras de Alportel (4.5km), is at the heart of a thriving cork industry while the bustling marketplace at Loulé (15km), is a must visit for soaking in local colour. Fabulous dune backed golden beaches are within easy reach in Faro (20km), the exclusive Quinta do Lago (25km), and cosmopolitan Vilamoura (32km), whilst for nature lovers, the expansive wetlands and lagoons of the Ria Formosa Natural Park can be explored via boat and ferry journeys from Faro (15km) and Olhão (17km).
- Terraced grounds mean younger children may need supervision
Pricing & Availability
Location of Alto de Santo Antonio
Locality
Great Things to Do Near Alto de Santo Antonio
The village of Estoi..
is famous for its Roman ruins at Milreu dating from the 2nd Century. They are about a 10 minute walk out of the village. The 19th Century Estoi Palace and Gardens are also well known and attract visitors to see the ornamental fountains and the blue and white tiled terraces.
Explore the very local town of Loulé
and witness craftsmen at work in many traditions such as copper, tin, brass and wrought iron mainly in the streets around where the market is held. Other items manufactured locally are shoes, cane furniture, pottery, wax candles and harnesses. Many a fascinating hour can be spent watching the craftsmen plying their trade.
Birdwatching
The Algarve is a stop off point for migrating birds and as such is a haven for birdwatchers. One of the most important sites is the Parque Nacional do Ria Formosa, close to Faro and the wetlands are considered to be amongst the most important in Europe in terms of birdlife. Amongst the species that have been spotted are white stork, flamingo, hoopoe, stone curlew, Caspian Tern, Iberian Chiffchaff…..
The village of Guia
is renowned for the number of restaurants famous for serving the typical Algarvean dish of chicken piri piri. Naturally, they all claim to be the best but you can be assured that they are all very good and represent excellent value for money.
Visit the Pego do Inferno
7kms northwest of Tavira this spectacular series of waterfalls stretch over 2 kms is well off the beaten track. It can be reached by a series of wooden walkways and wooden bridges. There are picnic areas and the pool is a great favourite with families who can enjoy a dip in the crystal clear waters.
The delightful town of Tavira is well worth exploring
as it is considered by some to be the most charming town in the region. It is sited on two sides of the River Gilão and spanned by an elegant Roman bridge. As you wander around the narrow streets, take note of the portas de reixa, which are Arabic style lattice panelled doors. One of the claims to fame of the town is that it has some 40 churches!
Capture the atmosphere of Faro,
steeped in history, by taking a walk around the old town, which is encircled by medieval walls. Evidence of the rich history of the town can be found in the Museu Arqueologico including a Roman floor mosaic and a collection of Moorish oil lamps. A visit to the Cathedral is a ‘must’.
It is worth taking a trip to the border with Spain at Vila Real de Santo Antonio,
on the banks of the river Guadiana, which forms the border with Spain. Explore the twin castles of Castro Marin which were strategically placed to protect the settlement for many centuries.
For a day out with a difference,
visit the Parque Natural da Ria Formosa, which stretches along 37 miles of coastline east of Faro from Olhao to Tavira. It was created to protect the ecosystem of the area and is an important breeding area for wetland birds.
Visit the most south westerly tip of Europe at the Cabo de Sao Vicente,
which has reputedly the most powerful lighthouse in Europe. To watch the sun setting here is a truly memorable experience.
Brush up your tennis skills
at one of the many tennis centres and academies in Vilamoura and Vale do Lobo. Take your own racquets. If you are lucky you might be there when some big names are in town to participate in a tournament.
Visit the World of Sand
This international sand sculpture festival is usually held between May and October. Reportedly the biggest sand city in the world, this fascinating and spectacle will amaze all members of the family! There are sand sculpture activities for children and it is illuminated by night. Take Exit 8 off the A22 (Algoz/Pera), or from EN125 at Pera and follow signs.
Horse riding
Horse and Pony rides are available from Centre Hipico Quinta Almadena, Sao Bras de Alportel. Tel: (351) 289 997 118. www.clubsantamaria.com.
Take a boat trip!
Trips leave from Vilamoura Marina, Faro and Albufeira to the different beaches and the Islands. It is also possible to charter a yacht from Vilamoura Marina and enjoy a day sailing around the beautiful coastline.
The castle town of Silves is worth spending a day exploring.
The Cathedral, built in red stone, and the Moorish castle both offer beautiful views over the orange and almond groves below.
When in Rome...
don’t forget to sample the many different types of port wine!
Chilled white port makes an interesting aperitif and can be a serious rival to sherry.
Accompanied by some delicious local olives, it’s a great way to preface a supper of freshly grilled sardines!
Chilled white port makes an interesting aperitif and can be a serious rival to sherry.
Accompanied by some delicious local olives, it’s a great way to preface a supper of freshly grilled sardines!
Go to the beach!
You can catch a boat from Olhao to one of the small islands just offshore where the uncrowded white sandy beaches are reportedly some of the best in Portugal. There are beach bars and restaurants available.
Explore the town of Lagos,
famous for its sea faring traditions and the former capital of the Algarve. Take a rest in the Praça Infante Dom Henrique and enjoy a well earned cool drink.
Visit a water park
There are several along the Algarve coast, the nearest to the property being Aquashow Algarve at Quarteira. (Tel: 289 389 396). Open daily from 10am – 5.30pm (7pm in August). It is also a bird park with birds of prey and tropical birds such as parrots and macaws.
Nearby
Towns
| Sao Bras de Alportel | 8 mins | |
| Faro | 24 mins | |
| Loule | 26 mins | |
| Tavira | 30 mins | |
| Vilamoura | 31 mins | |
| Lagos | 42 mins | |
| Vila Real de Sto. Antonio | 45 mins |
Beaches
| Quinta do Lago | 25 mins | |
| Vale do Lobo | 28 mins | |
| Tavira Beach | 40 mins |
Airports
| Faro | 24 mins |