Southern Iberian Peninsular
Iberia means Spain and Portugal, and by the Southern Iberian peninsular we’re talking the Atlantic coast . . . the Cadiz province of Andalucia in Spain . . . and the Algarve in Portugal. Here’s a little about the area to wet your appetite:
We all know that the South of Spain is famous for it’s sun and beaches . . . but most people tend to think of the Costa del Sol and the Mediterranean coast . . . now becoming increasingly over developed . . . and some think over-rated and often TOO hot. Welcome instead to the Portuguese Algarve and the Spanish Costa de la Luz . . . also blessed by year round sun. But with many advantages:
- Far less spoilt by development and with many National Parks designed to prevent inappropriate development
- On the Atlantic coast and thus cooled by sea breezes. It’s not so cold in winter nor hot in summer as the Costa del Sol . . . so very pleasant to be in all year round.
- Luz means LIGHT. This whole corner of Europe has a wonderful feel to it with a quality of light that’s ideal for artists, photographers or those on a spiritual journey.
- It still has miles of unspoiled, sandy, beaches:
– a typical West coast beach
The Algarve is the most south province of Portugal. . . opposite the Strait of Gibraltar to Morocco. This proximity to Morocco explains many and extensive Moorish features in our local architecture and culture.
Quinta Pintados is located in the Serra de Monchique (the mountains in the Western Algarve) between Monchique and Marmelet off the N267 – we’ll send detailed direction once you’ve booked!
Go to our Quinta page for pictures of our home and surrounding mountains.
We’re an easy drive to the Airport at Faro which have regular, cheap, flights to Gatwick and many English regional airports.
Not just countryside
Besides seaside and mountains we’re also blessed with some lovely towns and villages. These range from the previous Algarve capital – Silves, with it’s amazing Moorish castle:
to the region’s capital, Faro, with it’s harbour:
or the typical smaller town or Lagoa:
. .. plenty for historians and shoppers alike!
Or perhaps you’re interested in chimneys!? – an Algarve specialty:
or complete with stork:
Events and attractions
The Algarve plays hosts to many cultural and sporting events and attractions for a day out – some unique and rather spectacular. Ones we’re drawn to include:
Vida Nova
Sir Cliff Richard’s vineyard (near Guia) – tours available
Fiesa
Amazing sand sculptures (near Pera). This is from the 2005 festival:
Click on image for panorama of the sand sculptures
The Algarve Airports Centre
Microlight traing and trial flights from Lagos
Dolphin Seafaris
These are just a sample of the many sights within easy reach of Quinta Pintados. We look forward to enabling you to explore those that you feel drawn to.
Portugal & Spain Links
About Quinta Pintados
About Pintados