Frequently Asked Questions

Q  Do I need to hire a Car?

A  From the Acacias villas the village is within a 5 minute walk, and 10 minutes walk will get you to the Blue Flag Beach.  A car is not necessary, though an advantage for making trips to visit beaches and villages along the coast and to the mountains.  The walk to the beach is downhill and the walk back is uphill.  We like the walk back from the restaurant as it makes us feel less guilty for having eaten too much, but some people prefer to drive!

From the Bela Vista Villas the walk is a little further, and the walk back is uphill - so a car is recommended.

There is a regular bus service from Praia da Luz to Lagos, and in summer a bus to Zoo Marine.  There are restaurants/bars and a few small supermarkets within walking distance and a Bank and Post Office.

However, in summer the cost of hiring a car may not be a lot different to the cost of the transfers each way (approx. €80 each way) so if you wish to explore the area maybe it would suit you to hire a car to give you the option of exploring the wonderful surrounding countryside and south west coast.

The drive from Faro Airport is very straightforward, almost all motorway with just the last 3 or 4 miles on local roads.

Q  How do I pay?

A  You can pay by VISA or MasterCard by phoning us, or you can transfer money directly to our Bank, details of which can be given on request.  Prices and payments are in Euros.

Q  Can you arrange Transfers?

A  Yes we can arrange for you to be collected at the airport, and returned there at the desired time.  We will arrange the transfer for you, giving your flight details and mobile phone contact number to the transfer company, and payment is made directly to the driver at the airport.

Q  Where do I fly to?

A   Faro Airport is the nearest, and is less than an hour's drive along a relatively quiet dual-carriageway and motorway. We give you detailed directions to the villa, and a little map.  It is quite easy to find!

Lisbon Airport is 3 hour's drive, again almost all motorway/dual carriageway.

Q  What's the weather like?

A   The gentle sea breezes from the Atlantic generally temper the summer heat keeping the temperatures from getting too hot and humid. Autumn and Spring weather can be very pleasant, with warm sunny days and cooler evenings. In winter the weather can be mixed, with some rain, but quite a lot of nice, sunny days.  The temperatures in the winter generally average 10C warmer than in U.K. and Ireland. Winter evenings after sunset are cool, but the sun sets about an hour later in the Algarve than in U.K./Ireland.

Q  Is the house in the village, and how big is the village?

A   The 'Acacias' Villas are in a small, quiet development of 37 villas in Monte Lemos just above the village of Praia da Luz, off the Burgau Road, with no through traffic and ample parking.  The village is close enough to be easily accessible, but yet far enough away to ignore it, if that is what you prefer!

Within a 5 minute walk there is a small local shop which sells newspapers, basic grocery items, liquor etc.  Walking down 'Rua de 25 de Abril' there is a small supermarket, a hardware/gift shop and further down the street are 3 restaurants, a bar, LuzDoc International Medical Centre, Dental Clinic and at the end is the village square with Bank & ATM, the Church, Bus Stop, Taxi Rank

The village has Bank, Post Office, Chemist, 4 small supermarkets and an internet cafe. There are 30+ Restaurants, Bars and a nightclub. There are a couple of quality clothes shops (including a Gardeur Outlet) and a number of gift and jewellery shops, with a wider selection of everything in Lagos, 3 miles away.

Q  How far is the beach?

A  The main beach is a 10 minute walk away, and the smaller Senhoras beach is nearer.

Q  Is the Swimming Pool shared with other Villas?

A  No, each villa has its own Private Swimming Pool and only used by the villa occupants.  Children should be supervised at all times because of the obvious dangers.

Q How big is the Pool?

A  The Pools in Acacias Villas 10, 12 and 15 are approx. 25ft x 12ft, with steps at the shallow end, which is 3ft. The deep end is 6ft.  The Pool in Acacias Villa 22 is larger and the Acacias Villas 34 and 37 Pools are larger still.

Q Are all the villas owned by you?

A  No.  Villa Miranda (Acacias 10) is our villa and the others owned by our neighbours, friends and associates. The villas are all individually owned, so they all have different interior decor and furnishings. Most of the villas are managed by Senhora Clara Rocha, who lives locally and has many years of villa management experience.

Q What happens if there is a problem when I am on holiday?

A  The villa manager, Senora Clara Rocha, will assist with any problems that arise.  We give Guests the Phone Numbers for her mobile phone and her office land line. Clara speaks English, lives locally, and will be glad to help. The maids may be able to help with minor problems, though their English is limited ... and you can of course also contact us in Ireland!