Tag: Portugal

Activities, Golf, Portugal

Golf in the Algarve

The Algarve is considered one of the best destinations worldwide for golf, attracting players from all over the world.

With over 300 days of sun per year, the Algarve is one of the sunniest regions in Europe making it the ideal location to play golf all year round. The wide variety, with almost 50 different courses to choose from carefully designed by golfing champions like Sir Henry Cotton and Rocky Roquemore, makes the southern coast a golfing paradise.

Beginners, as well as more experienced players looking for a challenge, will be spoilt for choice with its 33 courses ranging from 18 or 27 holes, located in unspoilt areas with stunning views. The Pine Cliffs course between Vilamoura and Albufeira even tests golfers with a shot over the beach!

The Penina Hotel & Golf Resort near Portimão was the first course to open back in 1966 and has since been awarded the best in Europe on numerous occasions.

The newer golf courses in the centre of the Algarve – Quinta do Lago, Vilamoura & Vale do Lobo – are much more luxurious and incorporate cliffs, lakes, and bunkers. The most photographed hole in Europe is found at the Royal Golf Course in Vale do Lobo, Par 3, where three incredible sea cliffs stand between the tee and the green.

The most popular time of year for golfers is between April and June and September and October when the weather isn’t too hot and it’s comfortable to spend the day outside on the course. However, the winter months can also offer some excellent weather and of course, accommodation and some courses offer discounted rates during these quieter months. Get in touch if you’d like information on our low season rates for golfers.

Portugal

Casa da Rocha’s website is now live

The bluespot team has just launched the new website for Casa da Rocha. Check it out here.

Casa da Rocha is an incredible place to spend your holidays any time of the year. It features spectacular views over the cliffs out to the sea, only a 2 minute walk away from the secluded beach of Praia dos Beijinhos.
Five luxurious bedrooms with Savoir beds and a state of the art Gagenau kitchen .
Summer & Winter lounges, front garden and outdoor dining area with views out to the ocean .
The back garden is full of aromatic herbs & fruit trees.
Nearby you will find 5-star spa and Michelin star restaurants

Portugal

Monsaraz

We recently took a trip further inland to Alentajo’s ‘village in the sky’, the beautiful medieval Monsaraz.

One of the oldest settlements in Portugal, Monsaraz was highly coveted in the early 1100’s for its priviledged location, perched atop a high hill with panoramic views. Over the years it saw several fierce battles and takeovers, but was eventually recovered in 1232 by King Sancho II with help from the Templar Knights, to whom he donated the village in gratitude.

Located near the Alqueva dam (and coincidentally the best place to view the dam from), Monsaraz feels other-worldly. Almost as though somebody has attached large balloons to the vast wall ringing the town and let it float away in to the open air. A stoic castle looms at one edge of the village, with closely packed streets spilling away from it over the undulating blanket of the hilltop.

While you’re there take some time to browse the artisan shops, and stop for a traditional Portuguese lunch in one of the handful of restaurants hidden among whitewashed buildings. 

Happy travels,

The bluespot team

Portugal

Best Beach Destination in Europe

The Algarve

How about some good news to distract you from the current madness of the world?

For the 7th time in the last 10 years the Algarve has been awarded Europe’s Leading Beach Destination 2020, ahead of Mallorca, Sardinia and Cannes by the World Travel Awards! Even a year as challenging as 2020 hasn’t been able to compete with the Algarve’s beauty.

If you haven’t had the opportunity to visit this beautiful coast yet, get in touch with us. We’d love to help you discover what all the fuss is about.

Happy travels,

The bluespot team

Portugal, Uncategorized

Best things to do in the Algarve in Winter

Horse riding

Horse riding in the Algarve is a great way to spend a morning or a lazy afternoon, even if you’re a complete beginner. The weather is perfect and because it’s generally quieter, you can go for a relaxing evening stroll along the beach as the sun sets.

Water sports

Fortunately, water sports are always an option in the Algarve, no matter what time of year – the waves in winter are incredible for surfers, and you can’t beat paddle boarding as the sunsets when there’s no one else around. Grab a SUP board in Carvoeiro and explore the Algarvian coast and Benagil Caves.

Wine tours

There are plenty of quintas (farms) and adegas (wineries) offering superb wines in the South of Portugal – both in the Algarve and in Alentejo. Wine tours are a great way to explore the countryside in other areas like Lagoa and Silves and to try some Portuguese cheese and traditional cold meats!

Cycling

The Algarve is becoming one of Europe’s go-to spots for cycling with unbeatable weather conditions and diverse terrains suitable for both road and mountain bikes. With so many different trails you’ll want to spend the whole winter here exploring.

Golf

As you’ve probably heard, golf is one of the most popular sports in the Algarve, home to some of the best golf courses and resorts in Europe. We recommend enjoying some long shots with views to the sea and to the Ria Formosa.

Hiking the coastline

Two of the best hiking trails are Forte da Nossa Senhora da Rocha and the Seven Hanging Bridges. We recommend you take your time to fully appreciate the views as you walk along the coastline and stunning clifftops. Don’t forget to take a blanket and some snacks with you for a well-deserved picnic along the way.

Happy travels,

The bluespot team

Portugal, Uncategorized

Nossa Senhora da Rocha

Our Lady of the Rock

Nossa Senhora da Rocha is a must see in the Algarve, situated in the Porches area between Carvoeiro and Armação de Pêra. This spectacular chapel was built back in the 16th century and it’s believed that it was originally enclosed by a fortress protected by a pit and drawbridge. Unfortunately an earthquake destroyed the fortress walls in 1755 but despite all odds the chapel still remains today.
You’ll find that the locals enjoy spending the last hours of their day here, chatting away with their fishing rods hanging over the headland, patiently waiting for a fish to bite. We highly recommend you head to this beautiful spot in the late afternoon, in time to watch the sunset. The panoramic views will take your breath away.
Be sure you venture down to the beaches on either side of the chapel too, they’re some of our favourites in the area. The easiest way to reach Nossa Senhora da Rocha is by car but by all means, if you’re feeling energetic and have the time, cycle or walk.
Happy travels,
The bluespot team

Portugal, Uncategorized

Portugal Grand Prix Formula 1

Here in the Algarve we are all very excited about the Formula 1 Grande Prémio de Portugal 2020 which will be taking place in the Autódromo do Algarve for the first time ever! The event is set to take place from the 23-25th October.

We’re preparing our villas for the coming weeks to make sure you have the perfect place to stay for this special occasion. If you would like more information about accommodation, transport and amenities in the area, get in touch with us. We’d love to help you.

Happy travels,

The bluespot team

Portugal, Uncategorized

The incredible Benagil Caves

Grutas de Benagil (Benagil Caves) are a must visit if you are in southern Portugal. They are located in Praia de Benagil between Carvoeiro and Armação de Pêra, two traditional towns with some of the best beaches and restaurants in the Algarve.

The grutas are only accessible from the ocean which means the easiest and most typical way to visit the grutas is by boat. You’ll find plenty of companies offering trips to the caves on nearby beaches such as Praia de Armação de Pêra and even further away in Albufeira. From the boat you’ll also get a great view of the impressive Algarvian coastline known for its spectacular rock formations and other hidden seaside caves.

If you’re looking for something a little less typical, why not try a guided kayak or SUP tour to the caves. If you want to push the boat out even further, why not swim to the caves on a guided swimming tour? Get in touch with us if you’d like us to arrange any of the above for you.

Please note however, we do not recommend kayaking, SUP or swimming to the caves without a guided tour due to boat traffic and risk of getting stranded at sea. That would not be so fun!

Happy travels,

The bluespot team

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