Property and local area description
Pestana Palm Gardens
Pestana Palm Gardens is a small, exclusive development set on the cliff top about ! km outside the popular, bustling resort of Carvoeiro. The development consists of 80 two storey townhouses set in beautiful mature gardens that abound with palm trees, bougainvillea and well tended lawns. The houses were built about 17 years ago, but they have been completely refurbished within the past 3 years. There is a large communal swimming pool, which is heated in winter, a poolside bar and a restaurant. Other on-site amenities include a tennis court, table tennis, a small health club/gym and a reception office, with friendly helpful staff, that is open every day. There is direct access from the resort’s gardens on to the cliff top, which is a protected area that is home to many birds and is full of wild flowers in springtime.
The number 70 house is located a few tens of meters from the communal swimming pool and restaurant area, so the quietness is guaranteed. To the rear of number 70 is part of the communal lawns with views over the cliff top to the ocean. The ground floor of the house consists of a tiled entrance area, a fully fitted kitchen, shower room with WC, and a lounge/dining room with French windows opening to the communal lawn. Upstairs there are two air-conditioned double bedrooms, and a bathroom. The house is comfortably furnished and the floors are tiled throughout in the Portuguese fashion. The bedrooms have large fitted wardrobes. The bedroom which is at the rear has a balcony with views out to sea. In the lounge, which is air-conditioned, there is a stereo radio/CD, a cable TV with several English, German and Spanish channels, and a bed sofa, which enables two more persons (total six) to be accommodated. The house is cleaned twice weekly by the resort’s maid service. Bed linen and towels (except beach towels) are provided and changed weekly. Babies’ cots can be arranged.
Carvoeiro is a popular holiday destination with a great variety of restaurants and many other tourist facilities. It attracts families, couples and golfers, but not the 18-30 crowd, who tend to prefer Albufeira because of its many nightclubs. The coastline in the area is mainly limestone cliffs with many coves and caves. There is a variety of beautiful sandy beaches, the nearest is Praia de Centeanes, which is a 6-8 minute walk from Palm Gardens. There are many more beaches within a short drive, such as Praia Grande in Ferragudo (nice for childrens), Marinha (our preferred one), Falesia and, of course, Carvoeiro itself (very easy access from the Carvoeiro square). Each beach has its own attractions with varying degrees of facilities and accessibility.
The Algarve is known as a golfer’s paradise and there are many excellent golf courses within a half hour’s drive. The Pestana Group runs three beautiful 18 hole championship courses in the Carvoeiro area and guests at Palm Gardens are entitled to discounted (-40%) green fees on these courses (namely, Vale da Pinta, Gramacho and Silves ) Closer at hand, within 5 minutes drive, is the 9 hole par 3 Vale de Milho course.
Further Afield
To fully appreciate the western Algarve you should visit the historic town of Silves with its Moorish castle, and drive into the hills to Monchique and Caldas de Monchique, places that can provide a welcome respite from the heat of summer. Monchique is one of the best places to sample the local delicacy, piri-piri sauce, traditionally served on barbecued chicken. Cape St Vincent, the southwestern tip of Europe, is about two hours drive from Carvoeiro and makes an excellent day excursion..
To appreciate the coastline you can take boat cruises from Portimao or, for the more energetic, take a pedalo from one of the several beaches. Some boats also offer sport fishing. Details of excursions can be obtained from the reception office at Palm Gardens.