Local Information
Nearby Beaches
The nearest beach is walking distance about a 12 minutes amble to Praia do Vau, and some of the most beautiful beaches and beach-dining on the Algarve are at Tres-Irmaos and Alvor itself to the west of the Ribeira de Alvor, about 5 minutes in a car.

Tres Irmaos beach (The Three Brothers) unlike most of the typical dramatic cliff-edged beaches, which have multiple coves, caves and rock pools, this beach has some depth even at high tide. More importantly it is also “on the flat”. This makes it suitable for people who are not keen on climbing up and down a hundred, usually rickety, wooden steps for beach access. At low tide you can really have some fun wading around in the shallows and walking to other more secluded coves.

The “long” beach at Alvor is flat and wide sand and also easily accessible from there you can walk along the beach to Tres Irmaos or vice versa.

For the energetic, at Alvor there are pedalos to rent which sport integral swim slides, but pedallers, remember to coat your ankles against the sun and salt.

Both of these beaches rent loungers with shades for day or half day, but there is loads of room to set up your own camp on towels. Between two of the beach restaurants at Tres Irmaos there are public facilities.

This is an Atlantic coast so the tidal ranges are just as large as they are in the UK. It is a good idea not to camp too close the water at low tide or you might be moving camp quite a lot. The water is much cleaner than the Med (though not as warm) and the waves allow good body surfing but it is important that if children want to do this that they stick to the flats between the flags where there are no rocks and currents, especially when “surf’s up”.

The west coast is closer than ever due to the recent completion of the motorway along the Algarve as far as Vale do Bispo. There you can continue west on the N125 to Sagres and Cape St Vincent (the most westerly point in Europe famous for the embarkation to the New World) or, cut the corner off, and head north-west to explore the miles of true West Atlantic coastal beaches. Just follow signs from the main road to the Praias. The further north you go, the more deserted the beaches. These places are often very wild and few have any of the beach facilities so make sure you are all prepared.

Grocery Shopping
There is a small supermarket, Ali Super, walking distance (5 minutes), another larger one close to the Alto Club and there are also hypermarkets at Praia de Rocha (Carrefour) 2-3 miles, Lidl (the discounter) just on the Alvor side of the dual carriageway from Carrefour and opposite a new Aldi. In another part of the Portimao suburbs: “Le Clerc”. If you are spending time in Lagos there is a big, “Pingu Doce”, on its outskirts.

The Carrefour store is part of a larger shopping complex including clothes and other boutique type shops. The centre also has a walk-in nail bar and a multi screen cinema.

The “Original” Alto Country Club facilities*
Before the golf course was built Alto’s premises consisted of the Alto Country Club which is on the outskirts of Alvor (2 kms from villa). Being resident at the villa entitles guests to use the Alto Club facilities which are not open to the public. This includes an indoor pool complex with sauna and Jacuzzi. (No children under 14 without adult supervision). This is useful in the shoulder season as it is heated (very), although it does have a sliding conservatory roof and sunbathing area for those cooler but still bright days.

There is also a large outdoor pool (including baby pool) surrounded by some beautiful ornamental water gardens and some lawn; plenty of sun loungers and umbrellas around. This is a good place to meet other families. There is also poolside dining, bar, kiosk in high season etc.

Located next to the Club’s reception (where you pick up keys etc.) is a hairdressers and beauty salon, small gym and tennis courts (see photos). If you are planning to use the salon you should book in advance (at least a couple of weeks ahead at least in high season) as it gets very busy.

Across from reception is more sophisticated evening dining at "Cottons" restaurant. The menu is excellent and surprisingly reasonable.

The Club organises a few theme evenings at the poolside bar you can get details of their schedule if interested from the Club reception.

*Residents of the Villa, are Country Club Members for the duration of their stay at the villa, but you need to collect temporary i.d. card(s) in order to take advantage of the facilities, this can be done on checking-in and collecting keys at the Alto Club reception (not the Golf Club.)