What is Algarve Housing?

Algarve Housing started business with holiday villa rental, villa management and villa maintenance. We started with just one special villa and soon more followed. The combination of superior houses, stunning locations and personal attention for our guests has worked very well so far!

Who are Algarve Housing?

Michele, Dutch, started the company, but after a year her partner Alan, English, joined. Alan designed and maintains the website and Michele takes care of all the bookings, enquiries and guests.

Where are you based?

Our properties are mainly in the Silves region of the Algarve (the southernmost region of Portugal).

How do we get there?

Most of our guests arrive via Faro airport, by plane. Some fly into Lisbon or Seville. Some decide to drive and arrive by car.

Are air flights included in the price?

No, the price is for accommodation only allowing you to obtain the cheapest flights available.

How do we get flights?

These days, booking flights via internet is the easiest option. On this site we mention a few airline companies, go to the links page to find out what the cheapest airline companies are to the Algarve. The closest airport to our villas is Faro Airport. Alternatives, but further away, is Seville (Spain) and Lisbon. Both are approximately 2,5 hours drive away.

Where can we rent a car?

Our properties are in rural locations and a hire car is essential. We can arrange your car rental; on this site you will find more details about car hire. Follow the instructions and select the car/s required. We will make all of the arrangements and the car/s will be ready for collection at the airport.

Where are the bars and restaurants?

Portuguese like to go to a bar for a 'bica' (a coffee) or a 'cerveza' (a beer), so every little village has at least 1 bar. They are definitely not the bars we are used to in Northern Europe, as you will always find a television on and bright lights! More civilized (Northern European standards) bars and restaurants can be found at the coast, in places like Albufeira and Carvoeiro. Also Silves (close to our villas) has a wide range of bars and restaurants. We recommend Cafe Ingles for non Portuguese food. They do nice live music as well. There are various local restaurants near all the villas were you can eat chicken piri piri, or fresh fish like the Sardines, Dourada (sea bream), etc.

How far are the Water parks?

There are various water parks in the Algarve, they are all located near the coast, about half an hour away from you villa. It is a nice day out and children love it.

What other entertainment is there?

Zoo Marine is good entertainment for children as well for adults. An incredible dolphin show, bird of prey show and the big wheel are the main attractions. If you want to do something very special, you can make an arrangement to swim with the dolphins. In high season this is very popular, so you better book ahead. Please, if you are interested let Michele know, she can arrange this for you! Crazy World is a zoo, not far from the villas. Apart from great reptile show, a nice animal farm, camels and elephants they also have 36 hole of mini golf!! Another nice Zoo you find in the Monchique area. The Algarve is famous for his most beautiful golf courses; please have a look on our site for more details. Explore the area on a mountain bike, by canoe or on horseback, these are all possible in the neighborhood. Or would you like to see the beautiful Algarvian coast from the sea! We can arrange a day trip on a two masted sailing yacht! You may get to see dolphins. Contact Michele for further details.

Is there water in the pool in the winter?

Yes. The pools are full all year round.

Is there pool heating?

No. None of our pools have heating, but some pools have dark tiles (Villa Ribeira, Villa Foz and Quinta Alta) and in the winter, spring and autumn these pools are several degrees warmer than blue tiled pools.

Is it possible to swim in the winter?

You can! Frequently our guests swim from February until November. It depends on you.

Is it true there is a drought in the Algarve?

Water is in short supply throughout the Algarve. Due to a lack of rain in the winter the water supply lakes are rather empty, which does give problems. We do have to be careful with the water and ask our guests not to take long showers, do not leave the tap running while brushing your teeth or shaving and do not wash you car! But we will make sure that there will always be water in the swimming pools and you always will be able to have showers etc.!!!

How dangerous are the fires?

Because of the drought, it gets very dry in the summer. The past couple of years there have been severe fires and ruined lots of forest, houses and other nature. Your safety is very important to us, if there would be any danger we would inform you. Make sure you have taken out travel insurance. If necessary we would evacuate you to another villa or a hotel. Until now, this has never been necessary. You can always contact Michele for the latest update of the situation.

What is the climate like?

The Algarve is well known for its fine climate, with over 300 days of sunshine a year. The summers are hot, but generally there is a nice breeze to cool you down. Spring and autumn can be very warm, but a rain shower once in while could be possible. The winters are mild, some days are cloudy with some rain, but very often the sun shines and during the day it can be very warm. The nights can be cold though!

Does it look dry and horrible because of the drought?

Fortunately not! The famous red soil here is very fertile. All year it is pretty green here, although winter and spring are greener. All year-round there is always something blooming, like in January and February the white almond blossom, followed by all sorts of flowers in various colors like poppy's, . The orange blossom starts in March and smells so fantastic you always want to keep it with you!

What are the extra costs, above the rent?

The prices are all inclusive, electricity, gas, water, linen and cleaning are included. The only extra costs are for renting a car and your travel insurance. In low season we charge for electricity, gas and you will need fire wood (which we can arrange)

What is not provided?

Beach/pool towels and sun cream please bring your own.

Can I rent long term?

There are villa's available for long term rent; most of the villa's are available for long term winter let. We also have villa's available for 12 month's rent, these are not on the website, so please ask Michele for more details.

How do I know if the villa is available?

Please contact Michele for latest update of bookings.

What is the booking procedures? option/payment terms?

When you book a villa we send you a booking form and contract by email. We ask you to pay us 50% deposit within two weeks after receiving the forms. Your booking is an option until we reeived the deposit. We ask you to fill in the booking form, print it, sign and return to our address by post. 6 weeks before you arrival in the Algarve we need to receive the other 50% of the total amount.

How can I pay?

By international bank transfer if you live outside Portugal. Normal Banc transfer when you live in Portugal. When you book the villa shortly before arrival, we ask still ask to pay 50% in our banc account, but the rest can be paid cash on arrival.

Can I pay with credit card?

Sorry, we don't have that service.

Can I pay by cheque?

Only when the cheque is from a Portuguese bank, otherwise we prefer an international bank transfer or we have to charge 50 Euro extra.

Can I pay in Pounds?

Sorry, but we only accept Euro.

Do we have to pay a damage deposit?

Yes, we ask a damage deposit on arrival of 200 euro, this can be paid cash or by cheque. We also accept an equivalent in pounds sterling.

How can I get euros?

The most convenient method for foreigners is to use VISA or MasterCard in one of the many 'Multibanco' (ATM) machines.

Do we need Visas?

No. Not if you are European citizens. Usually yes, if you reside outside the European Union. Check with your local Consulate and allow plenty of time for the application to be processed.

Do I need a Passport/ID card?

Yes, please ensure your passport is up to date and covers the period of travel.

How far is the beach from our chosen villa?

Check with the description on the site. We list distances to beach, restaurant, shops and airport.