Algarve Villa - Casa Branquinha

Algarve villa sitting room with Olivett, the maid

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GENERAL

This Algarve villa is 45 minutes drive from Faro airport, 15 minutes from Albufeira, and 10 minutes from the beach. Although simply furnished, the villa is well equipped and private. There is an automatic washing machine, satellite TV and wood burning stove for winter comfort. Maid service is provided and the villa is part of a private development with access to two swimming pools and a tennis court.

WALKS

One of the pleasures, particularly in the Winter, is walking. Check with the Quinta office, but generally you can walk quite freely over the hills around the Quinta.

WINTERTIME

Winter has its own advantages; fewer tourists, less congested roads and lower car rentals are but a few. This Algarve villa is dry and warm, particularly with the wood burning stove. You might get some rain but the weather is generally sunny and warm. There are many places of interest to see, particularly if you travel further afield to places such as Alentejo or Lisbon. The country is particularly beautiful in the early months of the year when the trees are in blossom.

A POEM FROM ONE OF THE GUESTS

The little ones found much to do,
Around the pool, at the 'Big One' too,
Kevin did linger at the 19th hole,
I think his liver took its toll.

We all did venture to the West coast,
Upon a beach some more to roast,
Banana-boating, paragliding,
Our purse certainly took a hiding.

Not only to the golf course did Kevin sally forth,
But also to the local tennis courts,
From whence he returned all sweaty and limp,
In cooler times, he'd be termed a wimp.

On crazy golf our escudos we did spend,
Where do the attractions of the Algarve end?
Many restaurants were there to try out,
On return to Blighty we all must diet.

We'll return to the Quinta I have no doubt,
After a spell of abstemiousness to dry out,
To replenish the funds and trim the tum.
There will be no stopping us for years to come.

What of the narrator you may ask,
To control the dash was her main task.
Nothing too strenuous you understand,
The holiday was grand

ELECTRICITY

The villa has a single phase mains supply at 200-230 volts and 50 Hz AC (similar to the UK and other Western European countries).

SHOPS

Shop hours vary greatly. There are some which only open Monday to Friday 0900 to 1300 and 1500 to 1900, and many of these close on Saturday afternoons. Other shops are open all day, including the two big supermarkets on the ring road to the East of Albufeira (Pingo Doce and Modelo). Two good local supermarkets are Senhora Rocha's shop (Alisupa-tradicional) and the bigger Alisuper next to O Barco. Albufeira market is closed on Mondays.

BARBEQUE

You can buy charcoal and firelighters at most mini and supermarkets.

BANK

The nearest bank is at Guia. You will require your passport.

MEDICAL

There is a hospital in Albufeira. For less urgent problems there is a medical centre in Albufeira which is staffed with British doctors. There is a good English dentist in Lagoa and emergency dental treatment is provided by the local hospitals.

CARS

The law demands that seat belts are worn all the time by the driver and front seat passenger. Children must travel in the back. It is also compulsory to carry your documents in the car at all times, including any car hire contract and your driving licence. Infringements of the law result in on-the-spot fines.

TELEPHONE BOXES

There are still some coin operated boxes, but for many, including the one in the Quinta office, it is necessary to purchase a telephone card. These cards can be purchased from shops, including the two supermarkets already mentioned. Calls are cheapest after 2000.

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