As we gradually near the end (hopefully) of a year long period of severe disruption we look ahead with some hope and positivity and begin to tentatively plan our summer holidays.
With a potentially long summer into autumn travel and a climate that suits year-round visiting we believe Portugal and namely the Algarve should be on your list as a potential destination for 2021.
With its mild climate, 3000hours of sunshine per year and 850 kms of splendid beaches bathed by the Atlantic Ocean, 200 kms just in the Algarve, Portugal is the perfect holiday destination all year round.
This is a country that has the oldest borders in Europe, with an exceptional range of landscapes just a short distance away, a vast array of leisure activities and a unique cultural heritage, where tradition and modernity blend together in perfect harmony. Superb cuisine, fine wines and hospitable people makes the Algarve a tourist paradise of the highest quality.
The climate in Portugal varies considerably from one region to another but the Algarve sits in a comfortable South Westerly region which benefits from a mild winter temperature rising considerably in the summer, perfect even for a family beach day in November!
The Algarve is probably the most well-known and popular tourist region in Portugal. Accessed by Faro airport nothing is too far away and while a windy drive this includes Quinta do Lago. A gem of the Algarve, Quinta do Lago offers something for everyone.
Privacy and tranquillity are complemented by a wide range of leisure facilities including tennis, horse riding, health clubs, water-sports, fishing and beautiful golden beaches. But for golfers Quinta do Lago is a haven. The Quinta estate is one of the largest golf resorts in Europe and has hosted the Portuguese Open many times.
For visitors who appreciate fish, seafood and a full range of international cuisine, Quinta do Lago and surrounding area boast a number of renowned restaurants from Michelin star restaurants, beach restaurants with comparable quality to more traditional restaurants at local prices. All this in an area close to Four Seasons Fairways. But should you like to stay in, Fairways offers a gastronomic choice in both their Bistro, where you can have a simple pizza or hamburger, or a good steak, or at their gastronomic Amara restaurant for a more intimate dinner experience.
A flagship of the estate is Quinta Shopping situated at the entrance to Quinta do Lago where you’ll find international designer boutiques, restaurants, bars, banks and a supermarket as well as souvenirs.
As you make your way through the estate you are transported to a world that feels fresh, cared for and energising. You’ll find fitness enthusiasts jogging the light stone footpaths, locals and visitors mingling at local juice bars or cafes and golf lovers testing their swing at the pro shop and driving range while the future generation are working on their putting skills at the most decadent mini golf course you’ll ever find. Occasionally you’ll spot a villa which fills you with excitement just imaging what the inside might look like and a flurry of estate keepers maintain the verges and fauna.
It’s easy to see the glitz of these manmade attractions but look beyond and you quickly find the natural beauty is in abundance too. Being part of the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve, a lot of consideration has been given to the protection of environment in order to preserve the delicate ecological balance and the natural beauty of the surroundings. You won’t find huge accommodation developments as building regulations only permit a limited number of constructions, ensuring the area retains its natural feel and yet the area maintained by an army of dedicated keepers ensuring Quinta do Lago is in keeping with its beautiful surroundings.
Families will enjoy the wide diversity of activities available at Quinta do Lago to suit children of all ages, Four Seasons Fairways itself offer a fantastic Kids Club, The Upside-Down world, as they’ve literally turned the world around in their kids club. Their team cater for babies from 6 months old in the crèche as well as a fantastic activity programme for juniors including more radical activities like water sports in the lake, karting and water park drives. Football, swimming, golf and tennis academies are accessible from The Campus offering the finest sports experiences in the country.
We asked Jorge Oliveira, Managing Director of Four Seasons Fairways why the Algarve is the perfect holiday destination.
“what the Four Seasons Fairways has to offer is quite unique, as we sit neatly within the estate but operating independently. Quinta do Lago is, in fact, a privileged area. Everything you find around the world, you’ll find here, but to a higher quality and with more security. We have the best beaches in the world, the best restaurants, not to mention the wide range of leisure activities available.”
He also provided us with some highlights to try while visiting and his must do/must see’s:
- Take a bicycle tour along the Ria Formosa.
- Spend a day on one of the Algarve’s world-famous beaches, including Benagil, known for its beautiful rock formations.
- Hike up into the Algarvian Hills.
- Sip a cocktail while watching the native bird life.
- Dine at one the regions traditional Portuguese restaurants
- Just be… with family and friends.
