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 Luz Parque the walk to the village and beach takes a few minutes more, but the sea views as you walk are lovely.

From Luz Bay the walk takes about 2 or 3 minutes to the beach and village.

From the Bela Vista Villas the walk to the village and beach is a little further about 15 - 20 minutes, 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. EU 75 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 to Luz 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. We accept Irish cheques.  Prices and payments are in Euros.

Q  What happens if I need a Doctor when on holiday?  Or a dentist?

A   There is an excellent medical facility in Luz called LuzDoc, which is multi-lingual.  www.luzdoc.com    They provide a wide range of facilities, and have after hours cover too.  They even have the facilities to deal with external referrals for people under medical care at home and to deal with many foreign medical insurance companies. 

Also there is a health centre and a good hospital in Lagos.    There is a dental clinic in Luz, and many others in nearby Lagos.

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.   The cost is approx. EU 75 each way in an air conditioned car.

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, GPS co-ordinates and a little map.  It will be 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  Are the Acacias Villas in the village?

A   The 'Acacias' Villas are in a small, quiet development of 37 villas just above the village of Praia da Luz, beside the Rua 25 de Abril/Burgau Road junction, 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  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 What happens if there is a problem when I am on holiday?

A  The villa manager will assist with any problems that arise.  We give you contact details before you go on holiday. The maids may be able to help with minor problems, though sometimes their English is limited ... and you can of course also contact us in Ireland!