About Portugal
Situated in the far south of Portugal the Algarve is truly a place of natural beauty with long beaches of sand shimmering in the sunshine, tiny beaches framed by lace-like rocks and unique coastlines with spectacular cliff formations. This is a warm place where you will not only find a sunny and warm climate but also an exceptional lifestyle. There are several roads leading to the Quinta do Lago area but whichever one you take you will know when you have arrived. In the center of the big roundabout a large rainbow-colored “Q” the logo of Quinta do Lago rotates inside a fountain. From here the whole atmosphere changes. You are entering the unique environment of Quinta do Lago that lies within the Natural Park of Ria Formosa. This park is internationally known for the variety of birds who live there or who stop off on their regular migration between Northern Europe and Africa.
Because of the unique location the overall level of construction is limited to 8% guaranteeing space, natural surroundings and quality of life to all who live there. Quinta do Lago comprises of 2,000 acres stretching inland from the Ria Formosa and the coast of the Atlantic. The Ria Formosa is a Laguna separated from the sea by a coastal dune system, broken by a series of natural and man made-inlets.
The majority of people who buy homes in the Algarve are from Northern Europe. There are four championship golf courses in Quinta do Lago and all have been designed to complement the natural surround. The four courses between them account for over 30% of all golf in the Algarve. Very near Quinta do Lago is Vale do Lobo golf course which has received widespread acclaim from those who have had the opportunity to play golf on this magnificent course. There are frequent flights to Faro International Airport from Ireland. Faro airport is very near Quinta do Lago and the other resorts in the Algarve. Situated in the heart of the Algarve is the beautiful, lush paradise of Vale do Lobo.
Successfully retaining the natural beauty of the environment, this resort is nestled amongst pine forests and immaculate stretches of beach.
There are incredible views from the resort overlooking the sea and beautifully landscaped surroundings. At Vale do Lobo you can enjoy a variety of sports. Golf is the main attraction and has become much more than a game, it has become a way of life. There are two excellent golf courses on the development. The Royal course is superbly designed with the famous par 3, 16th hole, requiring great skill to carry over the two chasms in the stunning cliffs. The Ocean course is equally challenging, with its narrow fairways and natural obstacles such as the beautiful umbrella pines and water features If golf isn't your game then you could try one of the many other activities on offer. You could treat yourself to one to one coaching at the Vale do Lobo Tennis Academy, take a dip in the luxury swimming pool, workout in the gym or take a well earned break in the sauna and spa at Barrington's Health Club.
At the end of your day you can relax and unwind in one of the many restaurants or alfresco bars located all over the resort. Whatever you're looking for in a holiday resort or a permanent home you will undoubtedly find it at Vale do Lobo. Located just 20 minutes from Faro airport.
Vilamoura is an ideally located near the Marina and Beach and also 3 Golf courses; Vilamoura Old Course, Vilamoura Dois and Vilamoura Três. In Vilamoura there is a horseriding center, shooting club, bowling club and sports center. When not soaking up the sun on one of the blue flag beaches there are many watersports to enjoy such as jet-ski, para-sail, scuba dive or snorkeling. Vilamoura is 20 minutes from Faro International Airport. Lagos is essentially now an important tourist town there are still many architectural signs of its ancient past, even a building dating originally back to around 1445 and is recorded as being Europe’s first building used as a slave-market. The walls of the town are in most parts remaining after areas of restoration. Attached to the famous 17th century "gold" church of Santo António there is a small museum of regional items, some of which are quite odd! There are several interesting statues erected to the famous past figures that are associated with the history of this town. None more controversial that the sculpture of Dom Sebastião standing in the main square in front of the Town Hall. A statue has recently been erected to commemorate the Algarve’s only Saint,São Gonçalo de Lagos who was born in 1360 and died in 1422 in Torres Vedras. Pope PioVI raised him to Sainthood in 1778. The town’s more recently constructed Marina presents a lovely picture and this harbour is the first sight a visitor has of Lagos. Besides the boats that find it convenient as a permanent mooring it is usually full of yachts passing through, to and from the Mediterranean. The municipal council has constructed a modern Cultural Centre in which various exhibitions and culturally related events are held during the year. In the Marina different boat tours and deep sea-fishing outings can be booked. Near to Lagos is a small beach village of Burgau. Across the river from Lagos is Meia Praia, a very long sandy beach sheltered from the north by a gentle slope dotted with comfortable villas. The once upon a time fishing village of Praia da Luz is now devoted to the quieter side of the tourist trade and residents from colder climates. Nearby the coastal village of Salema there are some small Roman ruin proving the existence of its past life. Vila do Bispo to the west of Lagos is a very small administrative town for the Sagres area that is the most south-west corner of Europe! The village of Sagres is a must for every visitor to the Algarve. It presents a very impressive dramatic sight of towering sheer cliffs being beaten by the weight of the vast Atlantic Ocean. It is from here that Prince Henry planned his epic shattering voyages. Cape Santo Vicente is the name given to this promontory.
There are several other championship golf courses dotted around the coast and inland such as Vilamoura, Vila Sol, Salgados, Vale de Milho, Pestana Golf, Alto Golf . As well as golf there are several other interesting areas such as the Lagoa, the picturesque town with white houses. This is a wine-producing center on the coast bordered by charming beaches. There are several charming fishing villages such as Praia da Luz, Praia da Rocha, and Carvoeiro.
Due to the high demand for property in the Algarve, choosing your ideal property can be difficult. Let Aquarius Properties conduct a search through our network of associates in Portugal. Just give use details of the property you are looking for and the budget and we will take it from there. Also the Algarve is an excellent location to invest in Property and many people are doing just that in the past few years because of the risks attached to equities at this time.
Remember you are not just buying a property in the Algarve you are also buying a wonderful lifestyle!
1. Together with Cyprus, the Algarve has the most sun hours per year.
2. Lowest criminality rate in Europe, sale and non-political.
3. Lower building density and harder building restrictions than in other popular destination, i.e. France, Spain, Italy etc.
4. Most golf courses, in relation to area, in southern Europe.
5.Friendly English speaking local population.
6.Unspoiled, white sandy beaches - clean Atlantic water.
7. According to local real estate companies last year’s rental income on "good properties" was between 8 - 12%
8. The stipulated demand for property in the Algarve should far outweigh the possible supply of product in the next many years to come, which should keep the price level up.
9. The Algarve is exclusive, small and cosy - everything one wants to do can be done within a 15 min drive.