CASA Juliëtte
Quinta do Gramacho
Quinta do Gramacho is a collaboration between designers Ronald Fream and Nick Price from 1990 and is one of the two golf courses at Pestana Golf Resort. It is a varied, fair course set in beautiful scenery, 64 km from Faro Airport. Every golfer is challenged to play strategically from the first tee to the final putt.
Vale da Pinta
Vale da Pinta is a rolling, American-style golf course set among almond and olive trees, 63 km from Faro Airport. Its American feel comes from the famous designer Ronald Fream. This championship course from 1992 is part of the 36-hole Pestana Golf Resort. Wide fairways and large greens make it suitable for golfers of all levels.
Vale do Milho
Vale do Milho is a short, appealing nine-hole course that surprises with its competitive challenge — ideal for practicing short irons. All nine holes are par 3, yet the course is complete and demanding, requiring players to navigate a series of obstacles from the first to the last hole. Hole lengths vary: the longest is hole 11 at 161 meters, and the shortest is hole 3 at just 70 meters.
Penina Golf
Designed in 1966 by Sir Henry Cotton, Penina was the first golf course in the Algarve. The Penina Championship features narrow fairways, numerous bunkers, water hazards, and large greens. This "old gem," located 71 km from Faro Airport, offers a challenge for golfers of all skill levels. A golf holiday at the stately Penina Hotel & Golf Resort brings the classic golfing era to life.
Silves is a beautiful town in the central Algarve, Portugal, known for its historic castle, cobbled streets, and lush orange groves. If you’re looking for things to do in Silves, there are plenty of activities and sights not to be missed.
The Castle of Silves is one of the town’s main attractions. This 11th-century Moorish fortress offers spectacular views over the town and surrounding hills and is a must-see for history enthusiasts. The Gothic Cathedral of Silves is also worth a visit, with its stunning windows and panoramic views of the town.
Beyond its historic sites, Silves offers delicious local cuisine, including grilled sardines and cataplana, a traditional Portuguese seafood and rice dish. Explore the surrounding nature as well, including the Monchique mountains, the coastline, and the Arade River, where you can hike, cycle, kayak, and more.
It’s also worth visiting the local markets, such as the Mercado Municipal de Silves, where you can find local products and crafts.
Whether you’re a history lover, a foodie, or a nature enthusiast, there’s plenty to see and experience in Silves. Don’t forget to explore nearby towns and villages like Portimão, Lagos, and Albufeira. Silves is easily accessible by car or train from Faro Airport and offers an unforgettable holiday experience in the Algarve.
In addition to historic attractions, Silves has a wide range of activities and restaurants. From local markets and artisanal shops to scenic nature walks and kayaking on the Arade River, there’s something for everyone. When it comes to dining, Silves offers many options for delicious local dishes, including grilled sardines, cataplana, and arroz de marisco, with plenty of cozy taverns and restaurants to discover, all with great atmosphere and tasty cuisine.
Praia da Marinha
This beach has everything you imagine when thinking of the Algarve: blue water, golden sand, and stunning rock formations and cliffs. You can walk along the cliffs for incredible views of the beach or take the stairs down for a stroll along the sand. Go early to enjoy the beach almost to yourself — Praia da Marinha is the most popular beach in the area, so it can get crowded. We visited in February at 10:00 AM and had the beach entirely to ourselves, which felt magical. We stayed for hours, taking countless photos — it’s just that beautiful! Praia da Marinha is also the starting or ending point of the Seven Hanging Valleys Hiking Trail, which comes highly recommended.
Praia da Benagil
If you search online for the most beautiful beaches in the Algarve, you’ll always see photos of Praia de Benagil, featuring a stunning beach inside a cave — truly unique! The best way to experience this beach is by boat or a short swim. While hiking the Seven Hanging Valleys trail, we passed over this beach, but unfortunately, you don’t get the full view. The more easily accessible beach near the village of Benagil is also worth visiting and definitely recommended.
Praia do Carvoeiro
Carvoeiro may not be the largest or most famous beach, but it’s one of the most charming, thanks to its cliffs and whitewashed village backdrop. During our search for the perfect Algarve beach, we saw several golden-sand beaches with blue water surrounded by cliffs and villages, but the view at Carvoeiro was our favorite. It’s more picturesque than some of the views we had in Albufeira, making this beach a must-visit when exploring the Algarve.
Armação de Pera
Armação de Pêra is a fishing village in the heart of the Algarve, about a 10-minute drive from Carvoeiro. It sits at the mouth of a small river and directly on the Atlantic Ocean. While fishing used to be the main industry, today the village thrives on the many sun-seekers who visit in summer for relaxation and adventure.
Right in front of Armação de Pêra lies Praia de Armação de Pêra, a wide sandy beach lined with cafés and restaurants built into the dunes and cliffs. Nearby attractions include the Ermida de Nossa Senhora da Rocha chapel, the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail, and the Benagil Cave.