I've found http://www.holidaypropertiesdirect.com but can anyone give me some more info or sites to visit?

you could look through the private rentals forum.. alao have a read throughsome of the topics on this thread (you will find similar questions asked) and take a look at the pictures on the following thread
http://www.holidaytruths.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=69403

wizard

Hi Ravnet, There are many people on this forum with their own idea of the best spot along the Algarve coast. We are all different in our wants and needs when it comes to a holiday. I am no different, all I or anyone else can help with is to give you an idea of what to expect. We are in our fifties and have been visiting this coast very regularly for over 23 years. The beaches are clean long and wide usually with a cafe/restaurant for a good value lunch, the sea is on the cool side and normally there is a lovely breeze to keep you cool. In the evenings sometimes you may want a light jacket. We like the Portuguese people and they like the Brits, if there are any children in your party they are especially welcome in restaurants. Driving is ok I have had one incident in all my visits and that was with a German. Eating out is very reasonable with a very varied choice. If your emphasis is on fairly quiet my advice would be Lagos, Tavira, Praia de Luz, Alvor, for very quiet Burgau, Salema. If you get a map out you will notice that other than Tavira all these places are situated west that,s because I know it better than central or east. That doesn,t mean that there are not quiet spots in the central or eastern parts as I am sure other contributors to this forum will make that very clear after reading this. Afraid I can,t help much with websites other than Simply Portugal and Algarve retreats I have been with in the past and been quite satisfied. [/u]

Thanks for the info Jerry. It's always difficult trying to recommend for people as we all have our own slant on what makes a good holiday. The information you have passed on is welcome especially regarding the clothing for the evenings.

I'll take a look at Simply Portugal & Algarve Retreats.

Thanks again.

Hi, We love the algarve and have been many times. We have had many lovely holidays in Vale da Parra in some lovely villas. it is very central to the Algarve and is very handy to tour round if you have a hire car, like was said before the driving is ok. In Vale da Parra there is a number of nice restaurants, as is the close by Castelo. The supermarkets sell everything you can get in the UK. and ther are plenty of white sandy beaches and little coves in the area. We also love Vilamoura. Once again this our slant on a good holiday. Hope you find what you are looking for

Hi,

Have to agree with Titch. Stayed in villas a few times at Vale de Para and Guia and its a very relaxing area but with lovely eating places and a great base if exploring the Algarve.

Its close enough to the Old Town if you want a bit more to do and some noise. If going to Vale de Parra I can recommend eating in the Jompra, O Barco, Museu de Salgados and Cabanitas. If Guia then just about anywhere but we really liked the Palladium.

Very close to Algarve Shopping(cinema, shops, restuarants, bowling, very large supermarket and a jewellery shop my Wife frequents far too often!!) and Zoo Marine also.

I have stayed other places too but find this area very relaxing but still close enough for something to do.

Have a look at

http://www.travillas.co.uk
http://www.villaplus.co.uk
http://www.algarveagency.com
http://www.villaselect.co.uk

for some villa ideas. We have used travillas and the algarve agency but the others look good also and villaplus gives a good map with the location of the villa, which I liked.

Each to their own though.

Have fun, its a nice problem to have choosing a place!!

Lummie