Golfing enthusiasts can enjoy Gramacho, Palmares, Penina, Pinta Vale de Milho and even the Ocean Golf experience in Vale de Lobo, whilst ensuring that the family members who perhaps do not want the golfing experience can relax around the private swimming pool or on the beach under the umbrellas and sun beds provided.

There’s also other activities close by; Carnival, Loule is one of the biggest and brightest street parties held each year; there’s the Algarve International Film Festival, FIESA is the outstanding international sand sculpture festival which spans from May to October and the Vodapone Rally de Portugal also accommodates the world’s top drivers who wish to race across 1000km of the terrain.

For those who wish to do nothing more than relax and enjoy traditional Portuguese food, the hospitality of the locals and wonderful beaches, Ferragudo is the place to be.

There’s something for everyone.  Carnival, Loule is one of the biggest and brightest street parties; the Algarve International Film Festival is a renowed event.  Vodapone Rally de Portugal has some of the world’s top drivers racing across 1000 km of Algarvian territory and then there is the FIESA international sand sculputre festival which is something very special for all to see.

There’s much more to see and do for the adventurous but Ferragudo offers wonderful relaxation in traditional Portuguese surroundings  if that’s what’s wanted.

It’s going to be Carnival time from the 22nd-24th of January in Silves, a wonderful town that it great for a visit with its Castle based at the top of the elevated part of the City. 

A recent visit to the West Coast (only an hour’s drive from the villa) was also a great place to visit for the day with the expansive beaches and coastline forrestry and of course great hospitality as always from the small Portuguese restaurants that are based in this area.

Something for everyone.

Then we have the early months of 2011 and the spring.  With bright a bright sunny sky and wonderful calmness, this is the place to be if you wish to share time with your friends and family.  This self-catering villa offers wonderful views from every room and for the children, swimming in the heated pool is a big plus at this time of the year.  For those who wish to go a little further afield, there’s not only a huge beach on your doorstep but there are other wonderful locations to view, varying from small coves to the natural Atlantic coastline.  Steeped in history, Portugal is a great place to tour and this villa allows easy accessibility to the motorway infrastructure or winding roads to take you to more local historic sites.

Many of us will have been involved in seasonal activity and the Portuguese are no different in sharing this special time of year. The Portuguese tradition of gift-giving was defined mostly by the strong Christian religious beliefs of the people. Children await the coming of the Three Wise Men during Christmas time. On the eve of January 5th children place their shoes along windowsills and doorways and fill them with carrots and straw. They do this hoping that this will lure the wise men’s horses to their houses during the night and that they will find their shoes packed with gifts and treats in the morning. The treats left is more likely to be candied fruits and sweet breads.

They do not recognize the red suit of most traditions as the person who brings gifts, but, gifts are a big part of the many Christmas celebrations. The Christmas Feast of the Immaculate Conception and the Feast of the Holy Innocents both involve the sharing of gifts.

They have a feast known as the consoda which takes place on the morning of Christmas Day. They set extra places at the table for the souls of the dead. They give a gift of food to these souls and hope that by doing so the fortunes of the next year will be good.

The Portuguese “Christmas log,” or cepo de Natal, is a piece of oak that burns on the hearth all through the day while people enjoy a lingering consoda.

Season’s Greetings to the residents and visitors and a very happy and healthy 2011.