VILLA dos ARCOS - 2 Bedroom (Sleeps 4) Villa in West Algarve
UNIQUE PROPERTY with GARDENS and POOL in A TRULY UNSPOILT COASTAL VILLAGE
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Owner/Property
Manager: Margaret Armitage and Michael Aubrey
Book this Villa by contacting the owner
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price, property details and availability.
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Overview
Description
CHARMING VILLA AT THE EDGE OF AN HISTORIC VILLAGE IN THE NATIONAL PARKVILLA DOS ARCOS (sleeps 4) with optional cottage CASITA DO PINTOR (sleeps 2)
This charming and unusual property , very near the coast, will suit any combination of guests from 2 to 6. It has great character, a beautiful garden with private pool and commands dramatic views over the countryside.
VILLA DOS ARCOS (sleeps 4):
Detached villa built in 1985 to traditional design and using traditional material. Separate cottage in the grounds (Casita do Pintor, sleeps 2) available as an option.
Sitting Room - 25ft sitting room at first floor level with open fireplace and wood burning stove, satellite television with DVD player and dining area. Extensive views to North and South over the village and the surrounding open countryside. French doors to spacious terrace. Free Wi=Fi.
Kitchen - Well equipped sunny kitchen with breakfast bar. Kitchen facilities include washing machine, fridge-freezer, oven, microwave, hob, kettle, toaster, cutlery and crockery.
Bedrooms - 2 bedrooms (one kingsize double, one twin) both with fitted wardrobes and french windows leading into the garden.
Bathrooms - 2 bathrooms with bath, shower, hand basin and w.c. (one also has a bidet)
Outside - Wide south facing sun terrace at first floor level with stunning views and steps leading into the gardens. Delightful garden with barbeque, wall lighting, gazebo, pergola and orange, lemon and peach trees, fruiting vines: visitors are welcome to pick the fruit.
Swimming Pool - Private swimming pool in walled garden with floral sun terraces, regularly cleaned.
General - Outside furniture includes loungers and there is a vine-covered pergola with dining table and chairs beneath it.
Linen and towels are provided but please take your own beach towels.
Suitability - Family friendly - cots are available and an infant's crib and high chair . English speaking babysitter available.
CASITA DO PINTOR (Optional cottage , sleeps 2):
N.B. THE CASITA IS ONLY AVAILABLE IN CONJUNCTION WITH VILLA DOS ARCOS (Please ask about availability and price at the time of your initial enquiry.)
Delightful cottage converted from two old barns.
Sitting room/Kitchen - Light, sunny room with kitchen area and french windows to the patio.
Bedroom - Twin bedroom with fitted wardrobes. There are two additional sofa beds in the sitting room but the cottage is most comfortable for 2.
Bathroom - Shower, hand basin and w.c.
Outside - Patio with barbeque. Swimming pool.
(N.B. The Casita is not suitable for infants due to its close proximity to the pool).
THE SURROUNDING AREA
The nearest beach is reached by a glorious short walk through a valley dotted with fig and bamboo groves, and medieval wells, with abundant bird and butterfly life. It is sheltered by cliffs all round with a ruined Roman fortress on top, and there is sometimes a freshwater lagoon. Because it cannot be reached by car there tend to be few people there.
The village itself, over 500 years old, is a conservation area so there are no modern developments and it retains all its quaint charm. Whitewashed, single storey cottages with colourful features and curious chimneys, mostly occupied by local families. Narrow, winding cobbled streets; this is a genuine village, not a tourist imitation.
There is a small fishing village about a mile away, reached on foot or by road in a couple of minutes. On its expansive, sandy beach fishermen land and sell their catch, mooring their colourful boats; several restaurants charcoal-grill the freshly-caught sea food, although recent 'improvements' have led to some of its traditional character being lost.
There are many deserted beaches and small coves within easy reach, with superb cliff-top walks between them, making this one of the finest stretches of untouched coast-line in Europe.
Visitors are thus able to enjoy the unique combination of authentic village life, together with the comforts of a modern villa and pool normally found only in developments which have destroyed so much of the Algarve. They offer that rare discovery - THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS.
The Villa is attractively furnished in traditional Portuguese style and include bed linen, towels, and complimentary welcome pack with a generous selection of food and wine.
An English speaking baby sitter is available by arrangement..
FACILITIES NEARBY (with times by car):
GOLF: Parque da Floresta. A fine 18 hole championship course, never crowded, in a charming forest setting with many water holes and challenges.
( 3 minutes)
Palmares. 18 hole seaside links course. (20 minutes)
Penina. 36 hole woodland course(s). (30 minutes)
Boa Vista. 18 hole cliff-top course. (15 minutes)
BIRD WATCHING.
There is an abundance of bird life, including Sardinian and Melodious Warblers, Montagu's and Marsh Harriers, and Egrets. There are many other rare species in the area including Pratincoles, Stilts, Hoopoes, Bee-eaters, Black and Red Kites, Vultures, Booted Eagles and migrants (en route to Africa).
Professionally guided tours to breeding grounds and, by boat, to watch Petrels and others far out at sea. Lagos has a centre where large birds of prey are demonstrated daily . There is a vast wetland bird reserve at Palmares.
A bird-watching log-book is kept in the Villa with previous sightings, which visitors are welcome to up-date.
SPORTS
Riding academy nearby with tuition and excellent horses to hire for hacking : roam freely over miles of wild unspoilt countryside and beaches.
Squash, Tennis (3 minutes)
Wind-surfing in Salema (3 minutes). Excellent board and body surfing at numerous nearby beaches
Sailing, Micro-light hire in Lagos (15 minutes)
"Slide and Splash" Aquatic Park (30 minutes)
Scuba diving also arranged
Donkey sanctuary nearby (3 minutes)
Fishing: Superb sea fishing all along the coast
Big Game, Marlin and Shark fishing in Lagos
Beach-Barbecues: (arranged by boat). Scooter hire and local market in Salema (3 minutes)
Entertainment: Museums, Churches, Galleries, local handicrafts, cinema, wide range of restaurants and night life in Lagos.
Local Art School (English speaking) in Burgau (8 minutes )
Bedroom Details
Bedroom 1
1 x King Bed
Bedroom 2
2 x Single Beds
20 Reviews
Charm and Serenity in a Traditional Setting
By Mrs Monica Withrington on 09-Jun-2026The Villa dos Arcos provides an authentic feel to the Portuguese experience. Occupying the highest point in an historic village, the villa has been designed in complete sympathy with the traditions of the country, both in its decor and in its architecture. Two large bedrooms occupy the ground floor and give access to a courtyard embellished with raised flower beds, trees and climbing plants. Beyond, in a second enclosure, the swimming-pool has the most charming and colourful surround, with trellises and small trees. Upstairs, in the villa itself, is a large open space for dining and relaxing. A balcony, stretching the length of the building, provides views of the hills which border the sea. The only concession to modern life is the well-stocked kitchen, where everything is in excellent working order. A stay in such delightful and relaxed surroundings might well be enough for the holiday-maker, but there are plenty of opportunities to explore further, owing to an excellent bus service. The village is an easy journey to Cape St Vincent, Europe's furthest point west, while the bustling, yet pleasant, harbour town of Lagos lies a mere twenty minutes to the east. The nearest beach is a two-mile walk away, and can also be reached by bus. We look forward to making a return visit in the near future.
Great villa in a quaint Algarvian village
By Ivor Williams on 01-Apr-2026We stayed in the Villa Dos Arcos for the month of April, enjoyed it immenseley and actually felt quite at home during our occupancy. The villa itself was spotlessly clean and very well appointed in all aspects with all modern conveniences. At various points in the month, we had family and friends to stay and there was plenty of room to accommodate everyone without feeling as though we were on top of each other. The small garden was delightful and the pool area roomy and very private. The villa is in a quiet part of the village although within short walking distance from the amenities that it has to offer. The traditional village has narrow streets and sometimes it is not possible to park immediately outside the villa therefore a flexible attitude is required to park and walk. Although the village shop is now closed there is a supermarket very close to the village where everything may be found. We loved the locality with the local beach only a short walk away and the small resort of Salema only five minutes away by car. Lovely villa and great holiday!
Naturally Portuguese
By Dominic Clear on 01-Mar-2026Thoroughly enjoyed our stay here and would definitely return. We liked the rustic, and natural simplicity of the villa and the village it’s in. Felt like traditional Portugal . Close to beaches and restaurants so best of both worlds here.
A great place to stay in a truly authentic village
By Michelle on 13-Mar-2026The villa had everything you needed for a comfortable stay.
A Charming Villa
By Mark L on 02-Oct-2018This delightful villa is in an old and atmospheric Portugese village, well away from most tourists. The villa is charming, elegant and authentic. The traditional bedrooms and facilities are simple but entirely adequate. The delightful sitting room has a superbly light and sunny outlook; its terrace overlooking the garden and pool is most inviting and a wonderful place for indulgent lunches. This villa is highly recommended (except for those seeking very luxurious modern accommodation).
Peaceful and secluded
By David E on 20-Feb-2019Casa dos Arcos sits on a high point in a village which has avoided the blights of mass tourism. Its walled garden and swimming pool area are bedecked with flowering shrubs and trees which produce an irresistible combination of scents and colours. Pleasant walks lead to unfrequented, unspoilt beaches. Winds from the Atlantic ensure the Algarve's heat is moderated.Simple restaurants serve fresh cuisine ( especially fish) and local wines. To summarise; anyone wishing to escape to a quieter and slower way of life should head to Casa dos Arcos!