For holiday rent: appartment in the Algarve.
The appartment is close to Albufeira, to the west.
By car it is about 45 minutes driving from Faro airport or two hours from Lisbon.
A taxi from Faro will cost about 40 euro. From Faro-town there is a reasonably good bus link to Albufeira. From there you should take a taxi. On Faro airport there are usually enough taxis but if you want to be sure you can also arrange transportation in advance. We have had good experience with mr. Mendes: www.jmendes.8m.com. He prefers a fax rather than e-mail. Price: 40 euro for four persons. (2002)
The Sao Rafael park in which the apartment is on the back row dates from around 1985. That means that the organisation runs smoothly and the gardens are green. The apartments on the back row are the ones on the quiet side and the large ones. The total area is 133 sq. metres.
The beach is about a 300 metres walk from the appartment.The Sao Rafael beaches are relatively small and secluded, friendly to children, and have little rocks in the water but they are all sheltered by cliffs. In western direction you find more of that type, eventually, after some three Kilometres ending in the Gale beach and Salgados beach, which are more of the flat, open type, extending to Armacao de Pera. To the east, direction Albufeira, there are only two small beaches before the rocks take over and you end up in the new Marina of Albufeira.
The park features a nice programme of activities for different age groups, they even received rewards for it. During high season there are shows at night in which you can participate. Take a look at their webiste: www.saorafael.com.
If you don't desire a car, you are very well off with a bicycle to see the region. They can be rented through the local agent or directly at the local bike shops. If you rent for a week or more, in most cases the bicycle will be brought and collected. Cost: about 5 euro a day.
If you are interested in beach/pool only you can even do without means of transportation. There is a supermarket (and a pool, sportsground, restaurants etc.) on the premises and a free shuttle bus to Albufeira three times a day.
The closest golfcourse is Salgados, about four Kilometres to the west. Salgados golfcourse is considered a "Florida" type of golfcourse; par 72 of about 6 Kms length, with a lot of natural obstacles. To the west of the golfcourse there is a bird sanctuary with some rare species. In early morning and evening you can see them on the golfcourse.
The appartment.
The block contains 11 apartments of which 3B is more-or-less like a penthouse on top in the middle: no direct neighbours! To get to the front door is thirty small steps.
There are two terraces, the front one has sun in the morning and has (some) seaview and is covered, facing southeast. There is a table with four chairs, all teak. The back one is smaller but has the sun in the evening plus a barbecue and a small table with chairs. This terrace has a direct access from the kitchen.
The kitchen is of a fair size, with a large refrigerator/deep freeze, a washing machine, dishwasher and enough pans and tableware for more than six persons. Warm water is made by a gas heater. Cooking (stove with four hobs) and heater run on gas.
Other amenities: vacuum cleaner, toaster, juicer, coffe machine, waste bin, fire extinguisher, iron and board.
The living room offers a table with four chairs, two sofas facing the terrace and the TV. It offers four portuguese channels, most films come in original version with subtitles. Also an analogue satellite receiver and a stereo receiver with cassette and CD.
The childrens' bedroom is on the back. There are two beds, a wardrobe and a small desk The sliding doors give access to a small balcony and have shutters and curtains.
The parents' bedroom has sliding doors towards a small balcony and can be closed by shutters and a curtain. It has a double bed, wardrobe and a desk
There are two bathrooms, the small one immediately to the right at the entrance, the large one in between the two bedrooms, with the entrance in a small hall that can be seperated from the living.
The Services:
On arrival the appartment is clean, ready for use and the beds are made. Per week you have one large and one medium towel per person, plus bathmats and teatowels. After one week there is a light cleaning and the bedlinen is changed, towels twice a week. Or the appartment is cleaned and prepared for the next guests, dependent on the length of your stay. If you wish so, more service can be arranged (and paid) at the reception.There is a phone. Pets are not allowed.