Address

Praia da Luz, Algarve, Lagos, Portugal, Faro, Portugal

Accommodation & Outdoor Amenities

The house is on three levels comprising very large sun terrace on the roof and main apartment area on the mid floor. Downstairs are the bedrooms, two en suites, shower room and private pool. The two double bedrooms both have ensuite facilities. The 2 twin bedrooms share an adjacent bathroom. There is another WC upstairs in the mid floor. The four bedrooms offer extremely comfortable accommodation for eight persons, however there is a cot for an infant and it would be possible to provide another 'camp bed' for a child or young adult, meaning that the villa would accommodate 10 persons. There is also a high chair and buggy available at the property if required.

The fully fitted kitchen is complete with all applicances. A washing machine is situated in a utility cupboard under the external stairs. The villa has a CD played and TV with a basic Sky package in the lounge. There is also an iPod player/docking station.

The Villa can sleep up to 10 people, and has 4 bedrooms, which is suitable for children of all ages and also suitable for people with restricted mobility. Access to the villa- a car is advised.

Local Amenities and Activities

The Praia da Luz area
Ponta da Gaivota is situated in a quiet and enviable position, with fantastic sea views and just a short walk, about 10 minutes, to the centre of Praia da Luz with its golden beach, cafes, shops and restaurants.

Praia da Luz is located in the Western Algarve of Portugal; approximately one hour west of Faro airport, and a short drive from the larger, historic town of Lagos. It has the advantage of being within easy reach of many picturesque bays and coves along the Algarve coast. Praia da Luz has developed over the past few years into a small, peaceful and popular family resort.

The sweeping sandy beach, which has a Blue Flag rating, as well as full time professional life guards, is ideal for families as it offers safe bathing as well as many types of water sports (from May to October).

Weather
March to October is warm with little rain in the south. With an average of 3,000 hours of sun per year, the south-facing coast of the Algarve is the sunniest, driest, and warmest part of the country. Tempered by the Atlantic Ocean means the summer heat rarely reaches the unpleasant levels sometimes found in other parts of the Mediterranean. Winters are mild and wet.

Places to Visit
Lagos: With one of the largest bays on the Algarve, Lagos is an attractive, bustling town conquered in the 8th century by the Moors who left behind fortifications, some of which can still be seen today. The centre of the town consists of pretty 18th and 19th century buildings. Cobbled streets and enchanting squares link the maize of thoroughfares creating an ambience of charm, culture and history in this captivating town. The citizens of Lagos continue to make their living from fishing giving the town a character and independence all of its own.

Lisbon: The likeable capital is a relaxed port, overlooked by a ruined castled. Whitewashed, cobbled streets form a labyrinth upon a hill, populated by fantastic architecture, and Art Nouveau shops and cafes. A statue of Christ stands by the river, arms outstretched, surveying the grand suspension bridge and river ferries. Travellers should visit the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, the Manueline complex that houses the tomb of Vasco da Gama, and the Gulbenkian Museum, home to a superb art collection.

Porto: At the mouth of the Douro River, this atmospheric city of tangled tiers reaching up from the river's north bank has more to offer than simply its port-producing suburb of Vila Nova de Gaia. Spectacular bridges span the wide river, contemporary art is on display at the Fundação de Serralves, and the old town bustles beside its riverbanks.

Estremadura and Ribatejo: Just north of Lisbon, these regions are home to a number of delights. Surfers should head to the Atlantic rollers at Enceira, those interested in religion should visit Alcobaça's twelfth-century monastery and Fátima's famous shrine, while geologists will want to explore the Grutas de Mira de Aire - a vast and extraordinary cave system.

The Algarve: Long sandy beaches have brought mass tourist development to the area. The charms of the area may be overwhelmed, so it's best to skip the high season and the area from Faro to Albufeira.

Festivals: Carnival celebration is held in Lisbon in February or March
June: Santos Populares - 13th, 24th and 29th June. The celebration on 13th June is the largest, and all begin the previous evening. People hit each other over the head in the streets with plastic hammers.
July and August: Estoril Festival takes place in July and August

Activities and Sports
Golf
Casa Gaivota is ideally situated in an area blessed with many golf courses and for those who wish to travel a little further, there are over 20 prime courses to choose from, all within an hour's drive of Praia da Luz.

The most local courses to the villa are:
Boavista is only 3km away from the centre of Praia da Luz, This course poses a challenge for the more accomplished golfer.
Palmares one of the most scenic courses in the Algarve, is close to Lagos
Penina a championship course, is about 20 minutes drive away from Praia da Luz
Oceanico offer a range of courses from Arnold Palmer designed Oceanico Victoria course (home to the Portugal PGA Masters 2007-2009) and the Oceanico Faldo Course.

Other activities

The villa’s location is a great base from which to go exploring; guided mountain bike tours and walks take you to many different places of interest in the region. Alternatively hire a bike and explore by yourself or with the family.

Less than 15 minutes drive away: Close to the villa you will find a beach, sailing, water skiing, boat hire, wind surfing, fishing, flying, walking, cycling, horse riding, golf, tennis, sports centre, museum, zoo, theatre / cinema, restaurants.

Shopping and Souvenirs

Leather goods copper, ceramics, embroidery and tapestry, cork products, porcelain and china, crystal and glassware.

Restaurants
With over 200km of coastline, as you would expect fish and seafood are a staple part of the diet for people of the Algarve. The traditional Portugese restaurants normally offer a large selection of fish dishes, one of which is almost certain to be grilled sardines. Also commonly on the menu are a range of omelettes, salads and some meat dishes. The prices are very reasonable, the food is good and the portions are generous. House wine, which is normally a local Portugese wine is very good value and very drinkable! On average a 2 course meal for 2, including house wine can cost less than €25. Obviously prices vary enormously depending on location.
As well as restaurants serving traditional Portugese food, the Algarve has a huge choice of restaurants serving food from across the world; Chinese, Indian, Italian and English being particularly popular. Thai, Mexican, Tapas and Vegetarian are also available.
Burgau and Praia da Luz have a good variety of restaurants, but the more traditional towns and villages will often just have a local Portugese restaurant or cafe serving food.

Check in / Check out times

We try as far as possible to keep high season bookings to Saturday to Saturday reservations in order to try and achieve full weeks. Earlier and later in the season it is possible to consider more flexible dates.

Airports / Sea Ports / Other Transport

Driving directions (from airport or sea port)

Policies & Disclaimers