As we use the apartment as our second home and travel there frequently (under non-covid rules!!), we could not really consider a long term exchange for longer than 4 or 5 weeks maximum.
Our holiday home is a lovely, modern, ground floor apartment situated within the Vale Da Pinta and Gramacho Golf resort close to Carvoeiro, Central Algarve. It has 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a good sized lounge/diner and kitchen. A three panelled sliding patio door opens up to a large terrace which has a table and chairs for "al-fresco" dining, along with a BBQ area. We have a communal swimming pool onsite (approximately 150 metres away).The apartment is fully equipped, as it is our second home and is NOT rented out. It is fully alarmed, has electric shutters fitted and 24 hour security guard on site, so you can feel assured from a safety point of view. Also, Portugal is one of the safest Countries in the World, so visitors from outside of Europe do not need to have any concerns about their safety. Most local Portuguese people speak perfect English, and quite a few speak German and French too. The apartment is around 10 minutes drive from some of the most fabulous beaches.
Situated on Vale Da Pinta golf course, Lagoa, less than 10 minutes away by car from Carvoeiro and several blue flag beaches. There are literally hundreds of fabulous restaurants within a 15 minute drive, ranging from cheap and cheerful all the way to Michelin Star. This is Central Algarve, so it is the perfect position for exploring, from Tavira in the East to Sagres in the west. The beautiful West Coast is easily reached by car in approximately 1 hour. Carvoeiro is fabulous, having a real family friendly atmosphere with several local shops, bars, outstanding beaches and walks. You can take a boat trip along the stunning coast, visiting famous caves and for the fishing fanatics there are sea fishing trips too. Whether you are a single person, a couple, or a family, there is plenty to see and do. The larger town of Portimao (home of the 2020 Portuguese F1 Grand Prix) is around 15 minutes away by car and the tourist hotspot of Lagos a further 15 minutes.
Where do I start? It is Golfers paradise with opportunities galore: Vale Da Pinta and Gramacho on site.
Within 20 minutes drive: 2 great courses at Amendoeira Golf, 1 at Silves Golf, 1 at Alto Golf and Country Club (incredibly difficult greens), 2 at Morgado Golf, 2 at Salgados Golf, 2 at the fabulous Penina (Henry Cotton - my favourite!!)
Within 40 minutes drive west: Espiche Golf Club.
Within 40 minutes drive east: Vilamoura Old Course, Victoria Course (home of the Portuguese Masters), Laguna course, Pinhal Golf.
Within 50-55 minutes drive east: (The Piece de Resistance!) 2 courses at Vale do Lobo (check out the 15th hole on the Ocean Course - fabulous!), Quinta do Lago North, Quinta do Lago South, Laranjal, San Lorenzo
