Villa Sereia is situated geographically central in the Algarve, just a 10 minute drive from the centre of Albufeira Old Town. Located near the picturesque fishing village of Olhos d’Agua (Water Eyes), a small friendly fishing village where you can still see the local fishermen hauling in the days catch on the beach – but after dark, it puts on its tourist hat. It doesn’t go party crazy like Albufeira but the clutch of restaurants and bars here aren’t quite as sleepy as they make out. Olhos d’Agua offers many great traditional restaurants, bars and small boutiques.
The local beaches have soft golden sand and shallow waters that are good for little paddlers framed by golden cliffs. There are also plenty of little rock pools to explore. The ocean, in every shade of blue and mostly calm and warm, invites you for long swims and to indulge in water sports.
A couple of large supermarkets are to be found in Olhos d’Agua as well as Pine Cliffs, a stunning 9-hole golf course with its challenging 9th hole, called the Devil’s Parlour.
Attracts thousands of visitors every year and it’s easy to understand why! There is Albufeira old town with it’s pretty cobbled streets lined with restaurants, bars, cafes and shops; the lively nightlife in São João; Albufeira marina with it’s sugar candy coloured apartments and last but not least the lovely, sandy beaches. Albufeira is perfect for families, couples and singles of all ages only a 10 minute drive away. We are happy to recommend taxi companies.
A 5 minute drive away
The Strip’ walk (about one and a half miles) down to Ouro beach from Montechoro is the main tourist hub in Albufeira, crammed as it is with bars, and restaurants serving an enormous choice of food from Chinese to pizza and fast food. Restaurants and bars mix with holiday resort shops and bargain electricals. There’s a bustling quite noisy holiday vibe on ‘The Strip’, especially in the peak holiday months from end of May to Mid-September. If you’re looking for the holiday nightlife action then head to Montchoro. If a bar or restaurant is crowded that’s usually an indication it’s a quality venue!
A 15 minute drive away – a treat for the golfers.
Vilamoura has six different Golf Courses, the largest marina in Portugal (inaugurated in 1974), two beaches, a Lawn Bowling Club with two grass greens, a Tennis Centre, a Sports Club, a Shooting Club Night Clubs, an International Casino with glamorous shows, and an excellent Riding School. At the heart of Vilamoura is the marina which has the capacity to berth over 1,000[2] vessels.
There are many activities in and around Albufeira, we have listed a few:
Algarve Shopping Mall is mainly open air and includes a large Continente supermarket on the ground floor and cinemas and large food hall on the first floor. There is plenty of parking both covered in the underground car park and open air. The food hall has fast food, self-service buffet and traditional restaurants and there is access to plenty of outside seating if you want to take a coffee break in the sunshine. The cinemas show English language films and you’ll find all the latest releases. There are plenty of shops to keep you busy with too.
Karting Almancil is located in the Golden Triangle area of the Algarve and is just off the main EN125 road that runs along the Algarve so is easy to get to from Vilamoura, Quarteira, Loule and Faro.
When you get to Karting Almancil you are able to choose the type of kart that you want to use along the track and this offers experienced karters the chance to feel the speed of the 390cc kart, while those less confident about the track or younger drivers (usually over the age of 13) can try out the 200cc kart.
Children can try out the Junior Kart, suitable for 7-12 year olds or if parents would rather take the wheel themselves then there are the two seater karts that allow for one adult and a child under the age of eight to accompany them.
Experience the junior track or pick up speed on the main track for adrenalin filled fun!
More and more anglers are choosing Portugal as a destination for coarse, specimen, feeder, and fly fishing and it has some of the best carp fishing in Europe.
Fishing has long formed an integral part of Portuguese culture and diet. It is a fantastic fishing destination with a long season and lots of different fish and angling experiences. Popular forms of fishing in Portugal include sea fishing including big game fishing, fresh water fishing, beach casting and cliff fishing.
There are many Algarve markets to visit. The most common Algarve market is the daily fresh fruit and fish markets, most towns and villages in the Algarve have one, and they are generally located in the centre. Get there early in the morning to find the best fish!
Then we have the gipsy markets, auctions and the flea markets. The monthly gipsy markets also have food and beverages, mainly coffee, beer and fried chicken! Many locals of the area dress up for this monthly event!
(10km from Albufeira)
It’s open all year round and is a great day out for the family with dolphin and sea lion shows, birds of prey demonstrations and tropical birds show, a 4-D movie on the environment “Oceanus” aquarium and a rehabilitation centre for sick and injured marine wildlife. It’s both educational and fun. There are places to eat and drink, and also some fun rides like the pirate ship and water flume and pools to cool off in! Zoomarine is open from March to the end of October.
The perfect escape from the summer heat on the Algarve is Slide and Splash Water Park. Home of numerous slides, pools and river tube rides, the whole family will find an adventure to keep them cool on a sunny day in Portugal. Slide and Splash is seasonal and opens from April to October only. It opens at 10am daily and closes between 5pm and 6pm depending on the time of year.
Choose from a full day jeep safari or a Combi Safari which includes either a visit to Aquashow or a boat trip along the Algarve coast with a jeep safari.
Jump aboard Albufeira’s original caves and dolphin watching cruise on-board “Insonia”. Starting from Albufeira marina and cruising along the Algarve coast to Carvoeiro, all the while keeping your eyes on the lookout for the local population of dolphins.
A family day out with plenty to do. It’s a small zoo and also has krazy golf, a playground area, animal petting farm, pony rides for the younger ones and a pool to relax by. There are bars and a restaurant as well.
Opening hours are 10.00h to 19.30h during July and August, open daily. The rest of the year: 10.00h to 18.00h (closed Mondays and Tuesdays).
Horse Riding: At Albufeira Riding Centre. Tel: 289 542 870. The centre caters for all the family with half hour rides on leading reins for the kiddies and one or two hour countryside rides for the more competent.
Diving: Indigo Divers, Tel: 289 587 013
Water sports: Are available at most beaches between April and October.
