Places of interest


Quinta Santa. Luzia is situated 3 km. north of Loulé (see the map), which is an old market town serving this rural area. The covered market is an unmistakable mock-Moorish structure selling fish, meats, eggs, bread, plants, herbs, pottery and local crafts daily. On a saturday the surrounding streets are packed with
stall holders selling local produce such as buckets of black and green olives, baskets of beans, sacks of almonds, strings of sausages, boxes of oranges and bunches of coriander. Every Saturday there is also a gypsy-market which is very popular with the Portuguese and the tourists. Various local craftsmen can be seen
working in their shops in the town: coppersmiths, leather workers and potters. There are many cafés where the weary shopper can enjoy coffee, pastries and perhaps a brandy! For a more substantial meal there are restaurants and pastelarias where excellent meals and wines can be enjoyed at reasonable prices. For the historian there are churches to visit and the old castle walls to view. Loulé has a modern medical centre and pharmacists are open seven days a week.

Within easy reach of the Quinta there are a variety of recreational activities such as cycling, horse riding and rambling.

When you prefer to go to the beach, you can travel west along the coast and choose between the excitement of resorts like Quarteira, Vilamoura and Albufeira or find a quiet, pleasant place like Praia do Trafal where even in the high season you find only a few people. Most beaches can be reached by car within 20 minutes.

From Faro going to the east you will find a lagoon coastal formation, offering extended beaches and slightly offshore little sandy islands that can be reached by small boasts from Faro, Olhao, Fuseta and Tavira. (Please note that some of them offer their services only in the high season). The Spanish border is just 40 minutes by car.

The Algarve is famous for its golf courses which are situated near the coast. All children are fond of waterparcs and you will find several of them within half an hour driving. These are extremely well run and offer entertainment for all the family. Furthermore there are other amusements like Zoomarine (with a spectacular dolphin show) and Krazy World, a combination of zoo, fair, and mini golf court.

The Monchique mountains (one hour by car to the west) are worth visiting. Calda de Monchique is a very old Spa, which has recently been beautifully restored.
The Algarve has varied facets and aspects.
The further you travel inland the more the original Portuguese culture becomes apparent. Villages like Querenca, Alte, Salir, Silves and Mertola are worth visiting.Mertola for example, has 4 museums to visit, an old ruined castle, a monastery and beautiful views in every street of the town. Travelling north into the Alentejo you will meet fewer fellow tourists and experience pure Portuguese culture. The motorway to Lisbon will be opening in the summer of 2002 when this famous city will be no more than 3 hours by car.

This is just a potted version of this lovely province of Portugal. Further information will be available in the Casa and we would be willing to provide you with our experiences of this beautiful country.