Algarve Resorts

Algarve Acoteias Albufeira Alcantarilha Almancil Alte Alvor Armacao De Pera Balaia Boliqueime Bordeira Branqueira Caramujeira Carvoeiro Cerro D Aguia Espiche Estoi Ferraguda Ferreiras Goldra Guia Isla Canela Lagos Loule Luz Bay Moncarapacho Monchique Montechoro Montinhos Da Luz Olhao Olhos D Agua Pera Porches Portimao Praia Da Gale Praia Da Luz Praia Da Marinha Praia Da Rocha Praia Da Vau Quarteira Quinta Do Lago Quinta Dos Alamos Santa Barbara De Nexe Santo Antonio Sao Bras Sao Joao Sao Rafael Tavira Vale Da Ursa Vale De Garrao Vale Do Lobo Vilamoura

Vale de Garrao Holidays

Snuggled between two of the Algarve's most exclusive resorts, this place is all about getting the best of both worlds.

Fifteen miles west of Faro, Vale de Garrao nestles in the pine forests on a curve of sandy beach. To either side lie the stylish resorts of Quinta Do Lago and Vale Do Lobo, which both have superb golf courses as well as a fabulous choice of sporting facilities. But while it's not as exclusive as its neighbours, Vale de Garrao is far from being the poor relation. With miles of glorious pine forest and coastline to its name, this seaside stunner is all about Mother Nature's finest. So pull on your walking shoes and get exploring. Down by the shimmering sands, you'll discover a run of popular bars and restaurants – with the water this close it's not surprising that net-fresh seafood is always on the menu. Then there's Rio Formosa Nature Reserve – a great place for bird watching, cycling or walking. And history buffs should definitely venture futher afield to see the Roman ruins in Vilamoura and Estoi. Don't overlook nearby Faro on your travels. The picturesque old town has solid city walls encircling narrow streets of gaily painted, restored stone houses.But if you're holidaying with children, you'll probably find that it's the local waterparks that win their vote for a great day out. In the evening, eat on the waterfront with views of the sea. Simply irresistible.

The sea front at Vale de Garrao is a great place to relax and soak up the atmosphere. The beach has some of the most popular bars and restaurants in the area with fantastic local cuisine on offer to tempt you. There are also plenty of activities to keep you busy away from the ocean with horse-riding, tennis and water parks all nearby. However, probably the best way to discover the local countryside is on foot giving you the chance to take in the views at your leisure. For a day away, hiring a car and heading off to the historic Spanish town of Seville makes for an awe-inspiring trip.

Holidays in Vale de Garrao are all about sport, sunshine and style. This is no traditional Algarve village, more a well-designed, purpose built hideaway tucked amongst the pine trees alongside a curve of soft sand. Golf is big news, with a 27 hole course here in Vale de Garrao, and the golfing meccas of Vale Do Lobo and Quinta Do Lago to either side. If tennis is more your sport, then there are courts here too, and for those who want to get really serious, there's a tennis academy just up the road in Vale Do Lobo.

Of course, for many the only things worth getting serious about on their summer holiday are what to order for dinner and where to place your beach mat on the sand. There's plenty of scope for both here in Vale de Garrao, with beachside restaurants serving seafood straight from the Atlantic, and an unspoilt stretch of sand with watersports. This is a natural spot, with great walking and cycling through the sand dunes and pines, and even more of the same in the Rio Formosa nature reserve just the other side of Vale Do Lobo.

If you've chosen a self catering holiday in Vale de Garrao, make sure you dine out with the locals in nearby Amancil. Choose between mouthwatering fresh fish, or hearty traditional fare, for both are excellent here. For days out, you can't beat a stroll around the colourful, restored houses of Faro's Moorish walled town.