Some info HERE

Robby

Thanks for that info. The apartments I'm actually interested in are the Vila Rosal but I've had a look at the Vila Rosa and they see to be really interesting! One to bear in mind I think.

My mistake I've amended my link

Robby

Cheers. Thanks for the link. Do you know any links to the Sao Rafael region?

Lizzie

Take a look HERE
You can download and print off the Freemap. You can also pick it up in the resort.

Many thanks, you've been really helpful. I've been searching around the net this afternoon but all I've managed to find is information just relating to the various villa agencies and hotels etc.

Thanks once again

Lizzie

Hi Lizzie,

We looked at the Vila Rosal apartments when we were property hunting a couple of years ago. They were brand new then and they were still building one block. They're about 10 minutes walk from Praia Grande at Sao Rafael which is a beautiful beach. See the beach guide on Albufeira.com - hover below Sao Rafael and click on Praia de Sao Rafael. The photos don't really do it justice - I think it's much nicer in real life!

The county map will also show where Sao Rafael is in relation to Albufeira. Click on More Locations and you'll see it about 2 kilometres west of the Old Town, and the new Marina is in between the two. Sao Rafael is mainly an area of residential properties with a few hotels and bars/restaurants. There are lots of good restaurants dotted around the area, at the Marina and of course in the Old Town and further east in the newer end of Albufeira (The Strip etc.) I think it might be too far to walk with the children to the Old Town (probably 30-40 minutes), although in May you should be able to get taxis fairly easily. There's also a city map which will give you a bit more detail.

From what you say, and provided your children don't want organised "kids clubs", Vila Rosal at Sao Rafael sounds as if it could be perfect for you, but I would recommend hiring a car to get the best out of your holiday as there is so much to see and do. You are surrounded by lovely coves and coastal walks, there are aquaparks for the kids, boat trips, sand sculptures etc. etc. And having a car would mean you could pop into Albufeira some evenings without having to rely on taxis. May is a lovely time of year in the Old Town as everywhere will be open but it won't be crowded.

Hope this helps!

Thanks for that information. The beach map is something else!

Would you have any information about fishing in the Algarve? In particular fishing from the beach/rocks and also fly fishing on rivers/lakes etc. My husband is keen to try it out. Any info would be gratefully received!

Lizzie

Afraid I can't help much but you might like to have a look at this topic on Albufeira.com. And there's a chap called Dave Godwin who runs sea fishing trips from the Marina. His website is http://www.portugalfishing.co.uk.

Hopefully there are some keen fishermen on here who will be able to help you more!

Thanks once again for the info. The internet never ceases to amaze me with the stuff you can find out. I think this area will be ideal for our hols!

Cheers

Lizzie.

hi has anybody visited the vila rosal apartments? what are they like do you need a car how far from the beach good places to eat how near are supermarkets? thanks steve [/b]

hi welcome.. i assume you mean Vila Rosa apartments in Pria de Rocher
have you seen the members reviews in the Algarve section of the hotel reports forum?

no i definately mean vila rosal apartments ,sesmarias near sao rafael i think its only a couple of years old thanks anyway

lwill merge this with an exhisting topic you may find more info there