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Food Guide: Portugal

May 6, 2021August 1, 2022chiracshah

With flavours inspired by Mediterranean neighbours France, Spain and Italy, Portuguese cuisine embraces the joy of eating through tantalising flavour and rich spices – not forgetting the delicious local wines and of course, Port. When enjoying your villa holiday, make sure you don’t miss an opportunity to savour some of the local fare, which focuses on meat and fish, olives and olive oil, bread, tomatoes and eggs. Here’s some of the best food in Portugal that you won’t want to miss!

Caldo Verde

This wintry soup is a staple of Portuguese cuisine that comes from the north of the country, and includes potato puree, chorizo sausage slices, greens, kale and a dark green cabbage that grows across the country’s borders, creating a warming and spicy soup with a variety of textures and local flavours. This dish is ideal when you want to indulge in a hearty lunch that packs a punch.

Cod fish

Fish is very popular in Portugal, with many tavernas and restaurants offering a fresh catch of the day. Otherwise known as Bacalhau, cod fish is included in many Portuguese dishes – so much so that residents find more than 365 different ways of preparing it, including baking, grilling, frying, canning and poaching. That makes a different Bacalhau dish for every day of a year. A popular way of enjoying Bacalhau is to enjoy it with scrambled eggs, onions, potatoes, garlic and olives (all dressed with parsley). Why not pick up these ingredients at a local market close to your Villa Marina Azul and prepare this dish for a filling family brunch in your villa kitchen?

The National Sandwich (Bifana)

You’ll find this popular sandwich everywhere you go in Portugal. It makes a perfect bite for lunch, and is usually served with either soup or chips for lunch or dinner. Locals might also pair it with beer for a late evening snack. The main star of this sarnie is the pork, which is marinated in paprika, spices, white wine and garlic, before being placed in a white French-stick style bread with a crunchy crust on the outside, and a soft doughy texture in the middle. Other popular fillings include bacon, eggs, tomatoes, vegetables and lettuce. Every restaurant will have its own recipe for the local marinade. Between Lisbon and Evora is the small town of Novas, which is known for its original Bifana sandwich recipe. Although it is commonly served as a snack, due to its enormous size, and once paired with chips and salad, we’d say it’s more of a full meal for the truly hungry!

Chicken Piri-Piri

Many Portuguese dishes are inspired by coastal Africa and the 15th-16^th century age of exploration. Think spicy chilli, smoky paprika and turmeric. The small, spicy Piri-Piri chilli pepper is known as ‘The African Devil’, and if you love Nando’s, you’ll love eating Frango, which is essentially Peri-Peri chicken the Portuguese way (which has become a global sensation). Restaurants that sell this Portuguese traditional food are known as Churrascarias. Peri-Peri chicken is often served with salad and chips, as well as a cooling refreshment like a glass of beer or wine. Locals never use a knife or fork – it’s all about using your hands, to get all the tender meat off of the bone. When you’ve had a day of relaxation in your private garden or pool in Villa Campos, head to a local Churrascaria for dinner in Guia and get the whole family tucking into this delicious chicken dish.

Pastel de Nata

Those with a sweet tooth will adore this famous Portuguese food. As you wander around any town or resort, you’ll likely encounter a pastry shop selling this dessert made from eggs, flour, butter sugar and cinnamon. Its rich pastry contains plenty of butter layered within the dough, to give this dish its crunchy and creamy flavour. The centre is filled with egg custard, and then cooked in a hot oven. Locals often pair this with a strong coffee as a mid-afternoon snack. As many as 10,000 tarts are made per day in Libson’s Fábrica de Pastéis de Belém, which still makes the tarts to their original recipe.

Want to indulge in this delicious cuisine? Get booking your dream villa holiday in the Algarve now and get ready to sample some of the best food in Portugal.

Best places to visit in Portugal

May 6, 2021chiracshah

Portugal is a friendly country that welcomes visitors back time and again thanks to its laid-back atmosphere, delicious food and wine, warm sunshine, vibrant cities, ancient architecture and famously stunning beaches – not to mention its crystal-clear waters for snorkelling and swimming! If you’re wondering where might be the best places to visit in Portugal during your villa holiday, we’ve got you covered with our expert guide.

Albufeira

A beautiful coastal city in the Algarve’s southern region, Albufeira is the place to be if you are a beach lover. The resort boasts 23 Blue Flag beaches in total, each with their own unique characteristics. When you feel like swimming in the fresh Atlantic ocean rather than your private swimming pool in your Villa Emilio Pequena, head to one of the many gorgeous sandy shores on offer and take part in a snorkelling or surfing session. Many beaches have lifeguards, sun loungers, and restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat and take shelter from the heat of the day. Some beaches also offer horse-riding activities, jet-ski rentals, banana boating and kayaking, especially in beaches that are close to caves. Many of the beaches in Albufeira also have hiking routes that take you from the coast and across some of Portugal’s impressive scenery – covering valleys, sweeping vistas and local landmarks.

If you’re a nature and animal lover, spend a couple of hours exploring the wetland area of Salgados Lagoon, where you can stroll along the boardwalk and take in flamingos and other native birds in their natural habitat. If you have children with you, don’t forget to stop at Zoomarine – one of the area’s most popular attractions and an opportunity to get up close with dolphins. The venue also offers theme park rides, aquatic shows, a wave pool and artificial beach.

Lagos

Famous for its epic beaches and rock formations, Lagos is one of the best places to go in Portugal, showing off the best of the country’s natural wonders. Take a boat trip through the Ponta da Piedade cave system, or why not try windsurfing in Praia da Luz, known for its breezy coast that proves great for a variety of water sports. The region also boasts plenty of day trips when you want to explore a little further outside of your delightful Villa Casa Sophia. Take a Jeep safari and discover the mountainous regions of Monchique and Caldeirão as you take a thrilling ride across epic sand dunes, forests and landscapes. You can also book tours to a traditional Portuguese wine house for some local wine tasting, as well as an old pottery, where you can learn more about traditional craft making in the country. Many tours also take in the coastal rock formations of Algar Seco and Ferragudo – all making some Instagram-worthy snaps.

Faro

A great place for culture lovers, Faro is one of the most interesting places to visit in Portugal because of its many historical sites and fascinating architecture. Meander around the city’s small Old Town, filled with quirky cafes, restaurants and shops selling local produce and hand made items. After a spot of shopping, give your feet a break with a ride on the Comboio Turística – a land train that departs from the marina and takes in the city’s main landmarks and tourist attractions. The ride takes 45 minutes to take in the Old Town, including the municipal market and the São Pedro church.

If you’ve got kids in tow, visit the Centro Ciência Viva do Algarve – a live science centre offering plenty of interactive experiments and games such as an earthquake simulator, observatory and aquarium with a touch pool. No trip to Faro for a history lover is complete without visiting Milreu – Roman ruins just over 10km north of the city. Set in tranquil orange groves, wander around this fascinating Roman villa site that dates back to the 1^st or 2^nd century AD, and which was clearly a home for a wealthy individual.

Ready to escape on your next villa holiday? Explore our collection of premium properties in the Algarve and discover the best places to visit in Portugal.

Best beaches in Portugal

May 6, 2021May 6, 2021chiracshah

Incredible beaches are dotted right across Portugal, which shares its coastline with the Atlantic, offering up incredible snorkelling and water sports adventures. The Algarve is home to many of Portugal’s finest beaches, and boasts a dramatic coastline backed by limestone cliffs and lofty rock formations. With more than 150km of shoreline on offer, you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to finding the perfect place to catch some rays, swim, snorkel and play with the kids. Here’s our ultimate guide to the best Portugal beaches.

Praia da Dona Ana

A beautiful beach located near Lagos that easily makes the list of best beaches in Portugal, Praia da Dona Ana was named after a WW1 survivor – a nun called Ana. You’ll recognise it as the picture postcard of the Algarve, offering inspiring rock formations and gorgeously clear waters. When sitting on the beach, the high cliffs will protect you from coastal winds, while children will love collecting the numerous seashells on the sand. Expect crystal-clear sea water that is ideal for snorkelling and swimming because of its calm nature. It is however a little cooler than other beaches, and it may take some time to acclimatise when swimming, especially during the heat of summer. Praia da Dona Ana is very popular and does get crowded in the summer months, especially during the middle of the day, and is quieter during the mornings and evenings.

The beach is a great place for a romantic stroll as you take in the views. Note however that due to high cliffs and plenty of stairs to access the beach, access isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or parents with pushchairs. When the sun sets head to the nearby town of Lagos for a bite to eat before driving back to your picturesque Villa Dora – a tranquil haven in the hills above San Rafael.

Praia da Marinha

One of the best beaches in Portugal, near Carvoeiro, Praia da Marinha’s sandy shores are continuously rated among the most beautiful in the world, and the shoreline is the poster beach for the Algarve tourism industry thanks to its famous ‘M rock’, formation. Its beauty has to be seen to be believed, and taking in the epic sights this beach has to offer really fills you with wonder. The beach boasts soft, golden sand and a restaurant offering refreshments. When the tide is high, walking to the quieter parts of the beach can be tricky if you don’t want to get wet. During low tide, you can walk right along the beach to the famous ‘M rock’.

When it comes to swimming, the waters are usually calm and clear enough for snorkelling, but you can get higher and more choppy waves than on other beaches, so it may not be suitable for younger children. Because of the high cliffs surrounding the beach, there is plenty of protection from the wind, but not much shade, so pack plenty of sunscreen. During peak season, crowds can gather, but thankfully not in their droves, as you need a car to access the beach.

Many people go to Praia de Marinha to enjoy the stunning views and hike the various walking trails that you can pick up from the beach. Walking to the west, one path takes you from the coast right up to Praia de Vale Centeanes, and is known as the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail, leading walkers up and across seven stunning coastal valleys. It is one of the most famous Algarve walking trails, so expect plenty of Instagram-worthy photos. If you walk to the east, you can take in a cliff walk offering epic views of the coast from the beach right up to Senhora da Rocha. This long trail lasts a few kilometres and is ideal for the whole family as you take in the panoramic vistas.

Have one of the best beach holidays in Portugal by booking one of our beautiful holiday villas in the Algarve. Return to a quality home-from-home after a day of fun in the sun.

Where’s hot in May?

March 25, 2021April 15, 2021chiracshah

Thinking of booking your next dream villa holiday, but want to avoid the summer crowds and extreme heat? Travelling in May may be the best way to go, as destinations across Europe enjoy the warm temperatures of late spring, and the beaches still remain relatively quiet before the peak season begins. If you’re wondering where’s hot in May, you’re spoiled for choice in terms of sunny destinations offering blue skies, sandy shores and plenty of attractions. Beat the crowds and treat you and your family to a villa holiday on the verdant Greek gem of Corfu, or Spain’s sunny Costa Blanca.

Corfu

Known as the greenest of the Greek islands, Corfu is the ideal place for a relaxing late-spring villa holiday with your loved ones. When you’re not sunbathing in the beautiful grounds of your Villa Anastasia and enjoying a glass of champagne while admiring the jaw-dropping views, you’ll never tire of things to do and places to explore. If you’re wondering where’s hot in May, Corfu offers everything from quaint villages and quiet walks, to vibrant towns, shopping and nightlife. For the little ones, there’s plenty of theme and water parks to keep them occupied, as well as some of the best beaches in the whole of Greece.

For a day out with your children, head to the Aqualand Water Park in Agios Ioannis Parelia, or Sidari Water Park. Join your kids as you race down the various slides on offer, or relax on a sun lounger while they splash about in the pools. Later in the afternoon, head to Corfu’s old town and explore the winding cobbled streets that are home to various independent shops, boutiques and eateries offering fresh local produce and hand-made souvenirs. Visit the two imposing fortresses that make up this iconic town, before viewing ancient Byzantine artefacts in the local museum. As evening draws in, come together as a family around the table at a cosy Greek taverna and tuck into Sofrito, Pastitsada and Bianco fish while your hosts perform traditional dances and play the bouzouki.

After a day’s rest in your premium villa, hop in the car and drive to Kavos, which is home to Arkoudillas beach and monastery. Arkoudillas is the perfect place to unwind while the kids splash about in the sea. To get some of the best photos during your trip, head up a quiet dirt track and hike up to the monastery, which offers some of the best views of the island and coastline towards Paxos. Take in the area’s history and get back to nature with a stroll around the area, before heading back to the coast.

Costa Blanca

If you’re looking for a beach holiday and you’re wondering where’s hot in May, it arguably doesn’t get much better than on Spain’s Costa Blanca, which enjoys warm temperatures in late spring without the scorching summer heat and risk of sunburn.

When you’re not lazing by the pool in your spacious Villa Moreno Blanco, you can get out and about for sightseeing in comfortable temperatures of up to 24ºc during the afternoons. If you are up to the challenge, take a hike up Penon d’Ifach, which is known as Costa Blanca’s version of the Rock of Gibraltar. Instagram-worthy photos are your prize once reaching the summit, with spectacular views from every angle. As the day warms up, take some time to catch a few rays at the 600m Playa de Racó de l’Albir blue-flag beach, which is usually quiet, even in the middle of the day. Got children in tow? No problem, Albir offers plenty of bars and restaurants serving a mix of English, Italian and Spanish food for dinner.

Just a 10 minute drive from the coast will take you to Spain’s biggest Medieval fortress, Santa Bárbara Castle, which dates back to the 9^th century. Soak up the history of this incredible castle that sits atop Mount Benacantil, offering up antiquity and panoramic views of Alicante and the Costa Blanca. Don’t feel like walking? There is a lift that will take you straight to the summit!

Find your ideal May holiday villa in the warm spring sunshine with our exclusive property collection in Corfu and on Spain’s Costa Blanca.

Where’s hot in April?

March 25, 2021April 15, 2021chiracshah

Fed up of the UK’s grey and rainy skies? Ready to escape April showers for warm sunshine on your face and a margarita by the pool? Spring is the time of year when Mother Nature waves her magic wand and transforms landscapes right across Europe into a kaleidoscope of colour. If you’re wondering where’s hot in April, we highly recommend Cyprus and Lanzarote, which both share warm temperatures above 20°C, offering weather that’s perfect for sunbathing and sightseeing.

Cyprus

A beautiful jewel of the Eastern Mediterranean, Cyprus makes our where’s hot in April shortlist because it welcomes visitors back time and again thanks to its sandy shores, archaeological sites filled with history, beautiful hiking routes and buzzing nightlife. When you can bear to pull yourself away from your plush Villa Poseidon complete with sunbathing terrace, large pool and pool table, take a stroll into nearby Coral Bay, where you’ll find plenty of souvenir and trinket shops selling pottery, ornaments, lace and jewellery. Browse the many stores selling local handmade produce that you can enjoy back at your villa. Try stuffed vine leaves, a fresh catch of the day, halloumi, chickpea dips and small Greek honey-flavoured doughnuts known as Loukoumades. Looking for something a little more high-end? There are plenty of designer boutiques around Gladstonos and Mylona in nearby Paphos where you can splurge on something special.

Spend a while lounging on Coral Bay’s 600-metre Blue Flag beach, which offers great sunbathing, watersports and snorkelling opportunities for the whole family. Tuck into some delicious Cypriot fare at a taverna before spending the afternoon at the Tombs of the Kings archaeological site, located just a mile north of Paphos harbour, and featuring carvings and monuments that date all the way back to 4 BC.

Hiring a car? Take a drive down to the south coast to visit the ancient city-kingdom of Kourion, which features Roman and Byzantine ruins dating back to 1200 BC. Nature lovers are catered for too – a drive to the Larnaca Salt Lake on the island’s south-west coast might give you an opportunity to spot various migratory birds, including pink flamingos, in their natural habitat.

Lanzarote

Although Lanzarote is one of the smaller Canary Islands at just 60km long, there’s plenty to do to keep you and your family entertained when you’re not dining alfresco or enjoying the private pool in your spacious Villa Jazmin. The great outdoors is a way of life here, with plenty of walking trails, driving routes, beautiful beaches and national parks to discover.

Right across the island, you can’t help but notice the presence of the inspiring local architect and artist, Cesar Manrique. He passed away in 1992, and visitors to the island can visit his iconic home and gardens, which were constructed beneath lava crust and volcanic rock. Also worth visiting is his Jardín de Cactus, which is home to over 450 different species of cacti, and also boasts a restaurant offering Canarian potatoes with mojo sauce, octopus, local cheese and even a cactus burger.

Hiking lovers will enjoy exploring the rugged terrain on a tour of Timanfaya National Park – an ideal place to watch the sun rise (or set), as you explore craters, sand dunes and the otherworldly beauty that is the jagged nearby coastline. The visitor centre gives you all the information you need to drive, walk or even take a camel ride through this stunning park. However you choose to experience it, it’ll be a holiday memory the whole family will treasure.

Book your perfect holiday villa in the sun with our exclusive range of properties in Cyprus and Lanzarote.