Special interest holidays:
On the outskirts of Vila Real de Santo Antonio (approx 5 minutes drive) there is a municiple Sports Complex which is one of the most highly regarded centres in Europe. The complex is a high performance training centre and it is recognised by the Portuguese Olympic Committee as an Official Training Centre. Aside from athletics it is also a tennis club.
Coast/Beach:
This part of Algarve coast enjoys long sandy beaches. Between Tavira (30km West) and Monte Gordo (6km S/E) there are 5 blue flag beaches. The fantastic soft sandy beach of Praia Verde is less than 10 mins drive from the Villa. Car parking, beachside restaurants and bars all present. Villa Real, less than 10 minutes away has a wonderful marina.
Just over the border, (Ayamonte is 10 minutes drive) are the beautiful unspoilt beaches of Isla Canela.
Travel:
Car hire is recommended, although there are taxis available from village/locally. Faro Airport is 40 mins drive, Seville Airport 80 mins drive. Airport pickup is available if required. There is also a rail service from Faro to Villa Real, costing less than 5 Euro per person. Taxi from Villa Real station to the villa is approx 8 euro.
Distances:
5 minute walk into local village. 5 minute drive to the ancient town and castle of Castro Marim. 5 minute drive (can be walked) to the new clubhouse at Castro Marim golf course which has a fine restaurant. 10 minute drive to the marina town of Villa Real. 10 minute drive to Monte Gordo. 10 minute drive to Ayamonte, Spain. 20 minute drive to Tavira. 40 minute drive to Faro.
Further Details:
There are 4 Water Parks and 2 Theme Parks along the Algarve all within 1 hours drive, Zoomarine and Villamoura water parks approx 45 mins. The villa itself is close to a huge nature reserve which has designated nature trails and bird watching facilities. There are lots of locations offering organised activities, such as horse riding or 4X4 'Safaris', within easy driving distance. For those of you who enjoy a night out on the town the nearby Monte Gordo and Ayamonte (Spain) offers lots of bars, restaurants and clubs as well as featuring a great casino complete with nightly live shows for a really great night out. Tavira, about a 20 min drive, is really worth a visit.
The old passenger ferry between Vila Real and Ayamonte, (approx 2 Euro) is worth a trip, it lands within a two minute walk away from Ayamonte's central square with all its surounding cafe/bars and shops. There are also river trips from Vila Real up the Guadiana to Alcoutim.
There are mini-marts (corner shop style) in the village as well as several bars/cafes/restaurants, mostly less than 5 mins walk away. For proper supermarkets, Banks etc Castro Marim and Villa Real are a short drive away. Directions in the villa to the best local supermarkets will be supplied.
There is free internet access available at Castro Marim (in a small square opposite Caixa Geral De Depositos bank) and Vila Real (behind block furthest away from marina in square) in council operated internet shops. There is also an internet cafe at Monte Gordo, its one of the first shops you come to on the beach front when travelling from Vila Real. But if you have a laptop which has Wi Fi, it will work anywhere in the square at Vila Real. It costs 5 euros for 1 hour, but they only accept Visa credit cards.
