Guia
Located in the southern Algarve, Guia is a small municipality of Albufeira with a population of around 4,000 people (although seems far less). There are approximately 22 restaurants (the best in our view detailed below), some small local shops serving the local community including a pharmacy, wine shop, bank (with ATM / hole in the wall), several cafes (with outdoor seating) and a market nearly most days during the summer months - they sell pool toys, children's safety floats and balls.
Our little village, approximately 4 kilometers / 2.5 miles from Albufeira, is famous for two things: allegedly the discovery or invention of piri piri sauce dating back to 1974 is particularly flavoursome in chicken and made famous by Nando's and Sir Cliff Richard's winery, which can be visited and toured (the wine is excellent).
Walking into town takes 5-10 minutes - there is a short cut through the Quinta dos Alamos complex - a map is provided in the apartment but is very easy to navigate. We highly recommend walking to allow you to sample the local wines and take in the warm nights.
Getting Around
Whilst a car is not essential (buses and cab fares are inexpensive) for real freedom to explore Guia, the Algarve and beyond, we recommend hiring a car. There are many companies based out of Faro airport, (including Europcar, Holiday Auto's. Avis). Driving is on the left hand side. Our agents, Santomero, can also organise taxi transfers if required.
We have negotiated a 10% discount with Rhino Car Hire who compare the best deals from the main rental agents. Details on how to redeem the discount is included on booking confirmation or please enquire in advance.
For reference, Rhino's website is http://www.rhinocarhire.com/Car-Hire/Portugal-Car-Hire.aspx
If you have taken the decision not to rent a car, then a taxi is the preferable option for getting about. Albufeira taxi's (on +351 289 583 230) are very reliable. As a very rough guide a taxi from Faro airport to our apartment is approximately 35 euros for two adults and two children. Rates may vary of course depending on time of day and demand.
Buses are available and operate a service between Guia - Albufeira - Salgados - Gale (the nearest beach). Current times are available on the link.
Restaurants
There are a number of restaurants in Guia with our favourites being:
1) Atlantico: One of the best in Guia with an excellent menu, extensive wine list and friendly service.
Located in the southern Algarve, Guia is a small municipality of Albufeira with a population of around 4,000 people (although seems far less). There are approximately 22 restaurants (the best in our view detailed below), some small local shops serving the local community including a pharmacy, wine shop, bank (with ATM / hole in the wall), several cafes (with outdoor seating) and a market nearly most days during the summer months - they sell pool toys, children's safety floats and balls.
Our little village, approximately 4 kilometers / 2.5 miles from Albufeira, is famous for two things: allegedly the discovery or invention of piri piri sauce dating back to 1974 is particularly flavoursome in chicken and made famous by Nando's and Sir Cliff Richard's winery, which can be visited and toured (the wine is excellent).
Walking into town takes 5-10 minutes - there is a short cut through the Quinta dos Alamos complex - a map is provided in the apartment but is very easy to navigate. We highly recommend walking to allow you to sample the local wines and take in the warm nights.
Getting Around
Whilst a car is not essential (buses and cab fares are inexpensive) for real freedom to explore Guia, the Algarve and beyond, we recommend hiring a car. There are many companies based out of Faro airport, (including Europcar, Holiday Auto's. Avis). Driving is on the left hand side. Our agents, Santomero, can also organise taxi transfers if required.
We have negotiated a 10% discount with Rhino Car Hire who compare the best deals from the main rental agents. Details on how to redeem the discount is included on booking confirmation or please enquire in advance.
For reference, Rhino's website is http://www.rhinocarhire.com/Car-Hire/Portugal-Car-Hire.aspx
If you have taken the decision not to rent a car, then a taxi is the preferable option for getting about. Albufeira taxi's (on +351 289 583 230) are very reliable. As a very rough guide a taxi from Faro airport to our apartment is approximately 35 euros for two adults and two children. Rates may vary of course depending on time of day and demand.
Buses are available and operate a service between Guia - Albufeira - Salgados - Gale (the nearest beach). Current times are available on the link.
Restaurants
There are a number of restaurants in Guia with our favourites being:
1) Atlantico: One of the best in Guia with an excellent menu, extensive wine list and friendly service.
2) Ideal: Another great menu with the prawn skewers highly recommended!
3) Restaurante Patrick: Only opened in recent times, this restaurant has already built up a strong reputation for good food and service. The chef works extremely hard to ensure all of his customers leave having had an excellent meal.
4) Sao Martininho: Again high quality food, good wine and a particularly wide selection for the children. The restaurant is quite small and many local Portuguese eat here so worth arriving reasonably early to ensure a table.
5) Restaurante Palladium: Very friendly service, good for children and adults alike.
6) Bar de Guia (Guia Football Club): For quick and easy good value meals and situated on the main road through the village. Seating is available inside but most sit outside.
3) Restaurante Patrick: Only opened in recent times, this restaurant has already built up a strong reputation for good food and service. The chef works extremely hard to ensure all of his customers leave having had an excellent meal.
4) Sao Martininho: Again high quality food, good wine and a particularly wide selection for the children. The restaurant is quite small and many local Portuguese eat here so worth arriving reasonably early to ensure a table.
5) Restaurante Palladium: Very friendly service, good for children and adults alike.
6) Bar de Guia (Guia Football Club): For quick and easy good value meals and situated on the main road through the village. Seating is available inside but most sit outside.
Algarve Shopping Mall
The Algarve Shopping Mall (English version in the top right of this link) is a large shopping complex with everything one could want - parking is free both on the outside and underground. Inside, on the top level of the complex is the is the food hall with a wide range of outlets including traditional restaurants and fast food outlets - Burger King, McDonalds, Pizza Hut, KFC and more. For specific requirements we recommend:
For Gifts: Imaginarium, Perfumes & Companha, Pandora and Swarovski.
For Sportswear: Ericeira Surf Shop, Quiksilver and Sport Zone.
For Food: Continente - literally supplies everything and great value.
For Clothes: H & M, Guess, G Star Raw, Levi's, Massimo Dutti and many more.
Other shops: Body Shop, Sunglasses Hut, Sephora (make up and beauty) and Zara.
Depending on the exchange rate, prices are generally cheaper than in England. Banks and cash machines are sited throughout. Mall maps are available at most entrances. Algarve Shopping is open from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. and even later in summer and December.
Zoomarine
Similar to the famous Sea World in Florida, Zoomarine is a fantastic day out with plenty to keep the whole family entertained. Dolphin, seals and sea lion shows, plenty of water rides, man made beaches and swimming pools provide great entertainment and learning. There are also tropical birds shows, birds of paradise shows and a 4D Sea Turtle Adventure film, which all add up to a terrific day and very close to our apartment. It does get busy so we recommend avoiding at the weekends and to get there early to cram everything in.
Sir Cliff Richard's Winery
In Portuguese known as Adega do Cantor, the winery is located next door to the Algarve Shopping centre and can be accessed through the rear of the car park - there are sign post pointing the way. The winery was created to produce wine from the vineyards principally the Vida and Onda Nova ranges, which can also be purchased at the shop - the Vida Nova range is currently the most popular. Tours are available and well worth it as the guides are very knowledgable and friendly and you can also taste a selection.
Water Parks
There are a number of parks across the Algarve but the best and closet to Guia are:
1) Aqualand: Located at Alcantarilha nearly 6 kilometres / 3.5 miles away so a drive of about 10 minutes.
2) Aquashow: Probably the largest of the parks, Aquashow is located at Quarteira 25 kilometres / 16 miles away so a drive of around 30 minutes.
3) Slide & Splash: Based in Estombar, again plenty of fun to be had on a wide range of slides and pools. Approximately 19 kilometres / 12 miles away - a ride of around 24 minutes.
Many parks will offer a cheap price return if you were to visit again within the following two weeks. Therefore, we would recommend exploring one of the water parks early on in your holiday to allow you to return again if desired, which most of our guests do to take advantage of the cool waters but also for the children to have plenty of fun.
Weather
The Algarve Shopping Mall (English version in the top right of this link) is a large shopping complex with everything one could want - parking is free both on the outside and underground. Inside, on the top level of the complex is the is the food hall with a wide range of outlets including traditional restaurants and fast food outlets - Burger King, McDonalds, Pizza Hut, KFC and more. For specific requirements we recommend:
For Gifts: Imaginarium, Perfumes & Companha, Pandora and Swarovski.
For Sportswear: Ericeira Surf Shop, Quiksilver and Sport Zone.
For Food: Continente - literally supplies everything and great value.
For Clothes: H & M, Guess, G Star Raw, Levi's, Massimo Dutti and many more.
Other shops: Body Shop, Sunglasses Hut, Sephora (make up and beauty) and Zara.
Depending on the exchange rate, prices are generally cheaper than in England. Banks and cash machines are sited throughout. Mall maps are available at most entrances. Algarve Shopping is open from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. and even later in summer and December.
Zoomarine
Similar to the famous Sea World in Florida, Zoomarine is a fantastic day out with plenty to keep the whole family entertained. Dolphin, seals and sea lion shows, plenty of water rides, man made beaches and swimming pools provide great entertainment and learning. There are also tropical birds shows, birds of paradise shows and a 4D Sea Turtle Adventure film, which all add up to a terrific day and very close to our apartment. It does get busy so we recommend avoiding at the weekends and to get there early to cram everything in.
Sir Cliff Richard's Winery
In Portuguese known as Adega do Cantor, the winery is located next door to the Algarve Shopping centre and can be accessed through the rear of the car park - there are sign post pointing the way. The winery was created to produce wine from the vineyards principally the Vida and Onda Nova ranges, which can also be purchased at the shop - the Vida Nova range is currently the most popular. Tours are available and well worth it as the guides are very knowledgable and friendly and you can also taste a selection.
Water Parks
There are a number of parks across the Algarve but the best and closet to Guia are:
1) Aqualand: Located at Alcantarilha nearly 6 kilometres / 3.5 miles away so a drive of about 10 minutes.
2) Aquashow: Probably the largest of the parks, Aquashow is located at Quarteira 25 kilometres / 16 miles away so a drive of around 30 minutes.
3) Slide & Splash: Based in Estombar, again plenty of fun to be had on a wide range of slides and pools. Approximately 19 kilometres / 12 miles away - a ride of around 24 minutes.
Many parks will offer a cheap price return if you were to visit again within the following two weeks. Therefore, we would recommend exploring one of the water parks early on in your holiday to allow you to return again if desired, which most of our guests do to take advantage of the cool waters but also for the children to have plenty of fun.
Weather
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| Centigrade (C) | 12 | 13 | 15 | 20 | 21 | 23 | 28 | 28 | 23 | 19 | 16 | 14 |
| Fahrenheit (F) | 54 | 55 | 58 | 68 | 70 | 73 | 82 | 82 | 73 | 66 | 60 | 56 |
| Sunshine (hours) | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 12.5 | 12.5 | 12.5 | 7.5 | 7.5 | 7.5 |
The Algarve weather is a very pleasant dry heat. Summer temperatures often exceed the 80's and well into the 90's leading to long, hot summers and very mild winters. The further north travelled the cooler it becomes. The Algarve is in effect a micro climate due to the mountains further north. In July and August temperatures can be very hot so whilst beautiful you must ensure precautions are taken particularly for the children to avoid sunburn and heat stroke. Peak temperature times are between 1 and 3 p.m.
Beaches
The nearest approximately 2 kilometres / 1.5 miles away is the beautiful Praia (meaning beach) Gale and currently ranked number 11 of all attractions (out of 116) in Albufeira. The western side is open, flat and wide whilst the eastern end has wonderful rock formations, caves and even a grotto.
The sandy beaches are very welcoming and whilst it can get busy at weekends at the height of the summer season it really is worth spending a day (or more) soaking up the sun, topping up your tan and enjoying the cool waters of the sea. Cafes provide snacks, food, teas and coffees, cold drinks and of course ice cream. Some of the cafes also serve meals in the evening where you can relax and enjoy the stunning sunsets over the sea.
Beaches
The nearest approximately 2 kilometres / 1.5 miles away is the beautiful Praia (meaning beach) Gale and currently ranked number 11 of all attractions (out of 116) in Albufeira. The western side is open, flat and wide whilst the eastern end has wonderful rock formations, caves and even a grotto.
The sandy beaches are very welcoming and whilst it can get busy at weekends at the height of the summer season it really is worth spending a day (or more) soaking up the sun, topping up your tan and enjoying the cool waters of the sea. Cafes provide snacks, food, teas and coffees, cold drinks and of course ice cream. Some of the cafes also serve meals in the evening where you can relax and enjoy the stunning sunsets over the sea.
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