A fresh and newly renovated, 3 floor functional and air contitioned house in a small, friendly and quite village (28/8-25/9). For us (mother/father, 4 yr & 10 month + grandparents) this was a perfect house; 4 bathrooms, large kitchen and bed rooms for all. Close access to small shops, restaurants and cafées. You need to take a small ferry to the beach, but this was only a few minutes walk from the house + 10 min to the beach. Great success with the 4 yr old. Good information and service from the owner.
Relevant information from us:
Taxi: 40-50 Euro to/from Faro airport to house, 4-5 Euro to/from Tavira)
We took taxi from airport and rented car during our stay. One rental company in Santa Luzia (“30 por 1 linha” by the harbour). The others could deliver. Most companies are aligned in price.
You don't need a car in St. Luzia only to travel around Algarve etc.
Bike for hire: Main street St. Luzia. We walked a lot - also to Tavira.
Internet: Public library in Tavira (for free) – walking time 25-45 min depending w or w/o children. Just follow the main road to Tavira and follow signs. Bring your own lap top or borrow stationary PC for free (30 min). Nice café in the library. The library also has a room for children with TV/DVD.
Personal treatment: cheap hairdresser, pedicure, manicure and SPA in Tavira. Hairdresser close to house as well. We used her. Restaurants/Bars (a few among many nice ones):
A Ver Tavira (Tavira, by the castle). Fado evenings Thursdays. Piano bar rest of week.
Vincent – St. Luzia, Rue Teotóneo Pererira 7, 1min from the house. Great value for money, very nice food and good service. Speaks fluent English.
In general a lot of small bars and restaurants/cafés – just walk the narrow streets to find them! Friendly people and quiet atmosphere. A few festivals during our stay. Easy to get information related to water parks etc on the Algarve. Only downside: no pool and internt