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Explore Portugal

Our Truly local Brewery, Vineyard and restaurant

20/1/2023

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Just five minutes drive from Casa Jovic (or twenty minutes walk), on route to Gramacho golf course (turning left at the water tower opposite Joao's), is an amazing micro-brewery, vineyard and restaurant called Quinta Dos Santos, where they produce an lovely series of very moreish lager-style beers, several extremely good quality wines and the restaurant is truly exceptional for lunch or a romantic evening meal. 
Click on the logo to see their website. They don't make a noise about the restaurant but truly it's a hidden gem and well worth a visit.
Email: reservations@quintadossantos.com
Tel: (+351) 282343264
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Rap & Hip-Hop In The Algarve

20/1/2023

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The Algarve is the setting for one of the world's great festivals.. Afro Nation brings together 1000’s of the world’s Afro-Beat and Hip-Hop lovers to Portimão (Praia da Rocha).​​
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Afro Nation is an annual three-day music festival based around boat and beach parties, with renowned DJs performing at each alongside the performances that take place on their three festival stages. ​Afro Nation is held at Praia da Rocha (about 20 minutes car ride from Casa Jovic), welcoming more than 25,000 people (over 18’s-only). 
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​Rolling Loud Portugal again sees the 'world's largest hip-hop festival' touch down in Europe for an incredible party from the 5-8th July 2023.

​Having established itself as one of the biggest and most influential brands in the rap world, this leg is extra special as it takes place on the beach at Praia da Rocha, Portimão.
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Take a look at visitportugal to find many more attractions this year and next. 
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GC's Lead To G&T's

20/1/2023

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In July 2022, an amazing leg of the GC32 World Championship Tour landed, or at least moored, in Lagos for several days competition. It was great fun to watch.
The racing takes place on American Cup style courses and the catamarans, each worth upwards of 1/3 million pounds, race over a series of days at each venue.
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​The 2023 schedule is yet to be announced. But why wait on the quayside for some great views? Instead, head to the new Mare bar & restaurant  on the Rooftop of the Mercado Municipal (The local produce market) on the quayside in Lagos. It provides the best view of Lagos Marina entrance and a chance to see the endless number of beautiful boats that pass-by, including Jared's boat which previously took us on a few trips along the coastline. 
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SPY THE PERFECT SUNSET LOCATION

14/7/2022

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It always amazes me how the same view can alter in a matter of minutes. Never is this truer than when watching the sunset over The Algarve. And there are few better places to enjoy the experience than on the cliff edge near Spy Manor, or Casa Skyfall as its address on Google suggests.
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Mind you, I wouldn't follow Google Maps to find it as it's shown in completely the wrong place (probably on purpose). Oop's, I probably just let out a secret :)
The view can be found 30 minutes easy walk from Casa Jovic, towards Caneiros and Ferragudo. Look for the lane to the left of Quinta Cali, itself a beautiful villa. Head down the lane until there isn't one and walk the rest of the way in the direction of Torre da Lapa. (See the map)
Both Praia da Afurada and Praia do Mato are only accessible from the water and please do not get too close to the edge. As you can see, there was a collapse in 2020.
Spy Manor can be seen from the cliff above Praia da Afurado. It's an impressive location which Aston Martin used for its DBX test drive event. But for me, the real picture is that sunset.
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Quinta Cali
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Torre Da Lapa
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All Good Things....

9/7/2022

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For any previous visitors to Casa Jovic, you'll be aware how beautiful, how mature and how unforgiving the hedge of Bougainvillea was around the pool area. Beautiful because for a few weeks of the year the flowers were absolutely stunning. Mature because it had been resident since the villa was built and unforgiving because the spines on the branches were pretty horrible to passers-by.
It is with a heavy-heart, tinged with more than a little relief, that I have to tell you that it is no-more. All of the hedging has been removed and the area cleared back to the fence. Whilst we were reluctant, the roots were impacting on the structure of the patio and at nearly 3 feet deep it was becoming more troublesome for those brushing passed it. Many a football had been sacrificed on its spines. Fortunately no children had been sacrificed during its life.
On first view it might now seem a little bare, but the area now consists of pots  containing more colourful, visitor-friendly foliage. Plus, the extra space is welcome. 
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Agave A little

7/7/2022

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The evening before we moved into Casa Jovic in July 2005, we stayed at a little known place near Sagres called Martinhal (now developed as part of a chain of upmarket resorts).
As the picture shows, at the time there was very little in the area other than a surf-shack (it can get extremely windy) and lots of luscious plants adorning the dunes. 
I really liked these plants and on the drive to Lagoa in the morning, during a photographic stop, I plucked a tiny sprig
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of what looked like a miniature version of what I'd seen, as a memento of the important day. The root was little more than two inches long and in truth it was barely surviving. Once we had the keys and headed to the villa, I planted said sprig in a patch of earth fully expecting it to wither. Needless to say, it didn't.  ​
Lesson: Be Careful For What You Wish
Meet that little sprig of a plant now, or to give it its correct name a Foxtail Agave.
I am still exceptionally fond of it. After all, we would be pushed to find something like it in the UK and it reminds us every day of how lucky we are to enjoy Casa Jovic. But boy, is it big!  
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In the 2nd photo I widened the shot to include the car. If it were a Smart car, the plant would be bigger!
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Our 'little' Agave has also generated a lot of pups, one of which is still in a pot in the front garden.
And it's not alone in the garden. Alongside stands another giant - The Agave Americana, standing 8 feet tall and 12 feet wide. 
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Sadly, Neither Agave would provide the ingredients for Tequila (for which Agave's are best known). That would only be the Blue Agave. But in Mexico these Agave's would definitely be used to make similar Mezcal-type drinks.
​But as a part of the local landscape, they are certainly stunning.
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Get the latest on nearby events

6/7/2022

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​To find out the latest on upcoming cultural activities near Casa Jovic, see the Lagoa municipal Facebook page. 
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No Hire Car? - No problem!  See The algarve USing THE 'HOP-ON HOP-OFF' CLIFF LINE BUS

5/7/2022

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Eva Cliffs Line is the new bus line from Vamus Algarve that transports passengers through an idyllic landscape by the sea.
​(The closest bus stop is just 5 minutes walk from Casa Jovic).
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There are 19 stops connecting Alvor and Zoomarine, stopping along the way at the main tourist spots in the Algarve, in “hop on hop off” mode.
“This means that the passenger, on the same day and with the same ticket, can have breakfast at Praia da Rocha, visit the famous Benagil Caves, take a dip in Marinha beach and even visit Zoomarine. You can also get off at a stop at any time and go through part of the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail in Lagoa, which was once elected the best hiking destination in Europe,” said bus company Vamus Transportes do Algarve.
 
Tourist ticket
The day ticket for the Eva Cliffs Line can be purchased on board, at ticket offices or at an EVA Kiosk at the main bus stations in the Algarve. The tourist pass is also valid on this route and can be used continuously for 3 or 7 days.
This pass also gives access to the entire network of intercity buses in the Algarve without any travel limit and can be purchased at Vamus Algarve Agencies, Tourist Offices and Adherent Ticket shops.

​Download the Vamus Algarve app and, using on-board wi-fi, you can access information about the routes, stops, check bus timetables in real time and purchase transport tickets.
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Hiking The Seven Hanging Valleys (Percurso dos Sete Vales Suspensos)

21/6/2022

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There are many types of people that venture on a villa holiday. Many seek relaxation through limited movement beyond a swim in the pool, a barbeque at the villa or a gentle stroll to a nearby restaurant.  
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Yet for some visitors relaxation comes in a different form. They like to explore, either by car or walking/hiking for hours on end. You might consider yourself in both of these categories and for you the Seven Valleys walk might be just what you need. If taking the pathway in the summer, be careful of the heat and sun. You’ll be walking along exposed clifftops and the combination of the sun, heat and sea air can affect you very quickly. It’s also not a walk to take in poor footwear. Flipflops are not sensible shoes for hiking.
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The route of Seven Hanging Valleys (Percurso dos Sete Vales Suspensos), other otherwise known as ‘The walk of the slightly unhinged’ is a hiking trail along some of the most stunning coastline in the Algarve, between Vale de Centianes (close to Carvoeiro) in the west and the Praia da Marinha to the east. Along the way you’ll pass the beaches of:
 • Praia do Vale Centeanes – great sundrenched beach and a café/restaurant that’s worth a number of visits.
• Praia do Vale Espinhaço – This is a small and quaint beach and one of the quietest on the route
• Praia do Carvalho – Again a stunning long beach reached via a tunnel under the cliff
• Praia de Benagil – perfect as a starting point for boat trips to see the caves, plus it’s home to quite literally the best fish restaurant in the Algarve (O’Algar) which overlooks the valley
• Praia da Corredoura (only accessible by boat) – If you have access to a boat then it’s a must in the summer. You can sometimes get a boat taxi by asking the boat owners at Benagil, (Rui) at Marinha or the owners on the beach at Carvoeiro. But remember to arrange the trip back also.
• Praia da Mesquita (really part of Praia da Marinha)
• Praia da Marinha – a beautiful beach, accessed from the car park down a long set of steps and sloping pathways. It is extremely popular in the summer and the café is worth the visit. But as with many beaches facing the Atlantic, be careful of the undercurrent when paddling.
 
For More Information see the Algarve-Tourist website
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Keep Your Eyes On Storks

1/5/2022

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It's not unusual to see a good number of storks and other birds in the Algarve. But May and June are particularly fun because the birds are nesting and rearing chicks. This pair, pictured from about 100 metres away (plus their nest sits on-top a chimney stack) had at least one small chick. You can just see its head in the second photo. It's a lovely sight seeing such lovely birds, but beware parking nearby - they eat a lot and what goes in, invariably comes out. 
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Six reasons why the Algarve is the best place to spend your holiday.

19/2/2022

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Our family have visited Portugal every year for the last 30+ years. I cannot see that altering going forward. As a result, I feel like I can speak with some authority about the place and its culture.
As people look towards taking a summer break, here are six primary reasons to go ahead and book your holiday to The Algarve sooner rather than later.

Bargains Galore

Booking a holiday to The Algarve this year and beyond is likely to deliver a bargain because everyone in the country is keen to attract custom. This might be true of other locations too, but the Portuguese have suffered badly as a result of the two-speed Eurozone and the impact of a fluctuating Euro. They need business. And the Portuguese people, (certainly those I have engaged) are very genuine, positive and honest people. They certainly are keen to receive a tourists’ money, but they also take pride in delivering good value for that money.  

Follow The Sun

Portugal is one of the only sun-drenched destinations within Europe (with 265 days of sun per year) that can be reached directly from the UK without travelling across another European border that could be subject to disruption (e.g. Strikes etc).  The ability to travel without passing over another country is pretty-important given the likelihood that the already unsettled French will likely cause air-space disruption at some point in the year, if only to impact their own government.  
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Long-Standing Bond
The diplomatic alliance between England (and by association the rest of the UK) and Portugal runs deep into the cultures of each country. Portugal is the oldest country in Europe, The longest-standing diplomatic alliance in the World with England dates back to the 14th century. Regardless of the UK's EU relationship, the relationship of these two sea-faring nations will remain strong.

Kitchen Delight
Portugal boasts some of the best food anywhere in the world. That’s because the food is from everywhere in the world. All the dishes that make up the so-called Portuguese Cuisine is a mix of centuries of cultural influences, and that’s what makes it unique. Fish is an obvious favourite, with bacalhau (salted fish) being the most prominent. Yet most of the  bacalhau served actually comes from Norway or Iceland. Portugal has adopted many ingredients and styles from other countries. Chilli and peppers from the Americas, spices from India, its lovely cataplana (fish stew) results from a mix of North African and Middle East sources.  The list seems endless. The cuisine is clearly Mediterranean, and yet you can tell it apart from other countries as it has its own twist. Portugal is also a great destination for families from the UK because its ingredients are just as you might find in the UK, meaning fussy children tend to be accepting of the food presented.

Endless Wining
Portugal’s reputation for its stunning Port production needs no introduction. Indeed, a visit to Oporto in the northern quarter of Portugal is a must whenever possible. Yet it is beginning to be out-positioned by Portugal’s fast-growing wine industry. Portugal is reportedly the 9th largest wine exporter in the World. But as with many other countries, the best wines are not necessarily those which are exported. So you'll find many wines only available in the local region. Portugal has remained immune to many of the outside influences which have forged regions like California in the US. Most of its 200+ grape varieties are native. This results in very distinctive red and white wine production. And you’ll find wine production in many parts of the country. The climate in the Northern Vinho Verde region (famous for its fresh young white wines) differs greatly to the sun-kissed southern coast of The Algarve.  It’s also worth noting that Portugal is one of the World’s most important cork producing countries. So even their corks are grown locally. 
To be sure of top quality, look for the ‘DOC’ acronym on the label. It stands for Denominação de Origem Controlada and means the wine was produced in one of the long-established and proven quality wine producing regions. 

Beaches
Portugal boasts some of the best beaches in the world with sports to suit all. From the West Coast Surfing, to the Southern caves and perfect scuba-diving areas, Portugal has everything. Oh, and you can just sit on the beaches too, plus the majority provide miles of child friendly sand.  
Whatever reason you find, Portugal remains a great place to stay, Brexit or no Brexit.     
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LAGOS TO BENAGIL - BY SEA

13/10/2021

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Yesterday, despite it being the 2nd week of  October, we decided to hire a boat & skipper and take a ride along the coast between Lagos and Benagil - taking in many of the sights we know and love along the way.
See the pictures at Coastal views or See The Boat.
The day began with a leisurely breakfast at Lagos marina before (at 11am) meeting our skipper for the day "Jared" - on his boat "Dove" moored very conveniently in the Marina itself. After pleasantries and checks, we set off. The temperature was mid 20's and the slight North wind was calming the sea near the coast.  - We learned that yesterday :) 
Early excitement came from coming to terms with the fact that we were actually on the water, not looking at it from the key as we have done for so many years. It felt great. We first headed for the old Lagos Fort, not the one now visible, but a ruin on the top of a now isolated stack just south of the existing fort. It apparently helped Lagos defend itself until the mid 1600's, but erosion put paid to that, plus of course it and the current fort (Forte da Ponta Bandeira) were further wiped out by the Tsunami in 1755. Only the current fort was rebuilt.
At this point we turned West and sped across the bay. The idea was to make it to Benagil and then return slowly, stopping off at Alvor for lunch and possibly a swim.
The pictures  are in general order from Lagos to Benagil, but some might not be in order as, to be honest, there was so much to see that it was hard to remember it all.
Not only was the day great value and the skipper very professional, it's possibly one of the best days we've had since flying the same route some 12 years ago. If you're staying at Casa Jovic, it's highly recommended. 

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Finding The Secret Bar Lift

21/7/2021

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Despite coming to Casa Jovic each year and despite visiting Alvor beach every time we do so, there's been one place that has eluded us - That is until this week! We had heard tales of a lift down to the beach bar at Alvor, but we could never find the place. This week, in beautiful sunshine and with plenty of time to spare, we resolved to find it.  From the main road between Alvor and Praia do Vau, on the West side of Alvor beach, you look for signs to Caniço Restaurant. You'll have to park and walk as much of the area is a private resort. Not only is it a beautiful restaurant, but behind it is a secluded lift down to the beach bar. But first you encounter what must be one of the most beautiful views in The Algarve. I would apologise for the number of photos, but it's hard to take it all in with just one picture. The bar is well worth a visit, but be prepared for hordes of people during the summer as it's really popular. You can also reach the bar, when the tide is out, from Alvor beach. But then you don't get that view! 
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You say frittata and i say Frittata

22/3/2019

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You often find that names sound so much better in another language than they do in English, don't you think?  Frittata is one such word. It sounds so much better than Omelette!  Yet that's exactly what it is. It's a perfect dish for hot days when all you really fancy is a salad.
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But what if you don't feel like cooking? Well there's an answer. At Luis's supermarket just a few steps from Casa Jovic, you can buy a lovely fresh Frittata, ready to eat or warm up. You could even add to it and cook it a little more. And they only cost around €2.

​Portuguese Frittata's are distinguished by their use of meats like 
Chouriço to boost the flavour.  

Of course, the great thing about The Algarve is that there are fantastic fresh ingredients available, should you choose to make your own. 

Then, the only problem is what wine to pair with your fabulous Frittata. One of the best wines we've found is Muralhas. It's inexpensive, light, fresh and a little too easy to drink :)  Ensure it's nice an cold before you drink it!

Muralhas is a pretty safe bet, but if you prefer a red wine then Monte Velho is a perfect option. It's a little more expensive than Muralhas, just 1-2 euros more, but it's a great medium bodied wine that's very smooth and soft on the palate with lots of flavour. If you have a suitcase then this is one to take home. Open it about an hour before serving and when you buy it, get two - trust me you'll want to try it again.
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Head For The coast

13/6/2018

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Take a Break from a busy day and take a look at the beautiful rugged coastline near to Casa Jovic. Apparently you can walk the coastline from Ferragudo to Carvoeiro, but I reckon it takes a little nerve and a lot of fitness.  This section is the closest to Casa Jovic between Praia do Vale da Lapa and Praia da Cama da Vaca. You can reach it by foot from the villa in less than 15 minutes.

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Explore Seville

9/6/2018

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As we were at Casa Jovic for a couple of weeks (end of May) we decided to take a trip to Seville for a few days in the middle of the holiday. It's less than a 3 hour car trip (it cost us 30 Euros in fuel), although I'd advise stopping in Tavira or Vila Real de Santo António on the way for lunch and possibly at the shopping complex next to IKEA, near Faro, on the way back. You’ll need to make sure that your car hire covers travelling to Spain; it’s an easy addition. Alternatively there is a coach that goes direct from Carvoeiro and while it's normally a day trip, you can always stopover and come back the following day, or two. Seville is great to see and worth the trip. We stayed at the Petit Palace Marqués Santa Ana and it's lovely, but there are also studios and apartments available. Most importantly the food is brilliant, particularly the Tapas at Taberna Coloniales.
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More and More restaurants to choose from!

5/6/2018

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​Those of you that have already visited Casa Jovic will likely have visited Pizzeria Donato’s. With great quality Italian food at very reasonable prices, and only 5 minutes walk from the villa, it's proved a popular haunt with Casa Jovic guests for quite a few years now.
Donato has now moved his restaurant slightly further away into the local town of Lagoa (now a 5 minute drive rather than walk) but thankfully has maintained the reasonable prices and great food.
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​In its place by the water tower close to the villa, local businessmen Joao and and his son have reopened the restaurant as Casa Joao's, which means that guests of Casa Jovic can now enjoy a second option of Italian food at very reasonable prices, plus more traditional Portuguese dishes including fish, meat, pasta, salad and of course pizza options on the menu.
Along with the new Casa Joao's, the village still has plenty of other options with Hexagone, Luisa's, Jophils, Rosa's, Oregano and michelin-starred BonBon all providing fantastic options and all within 5 - 10 minute’s-walk of the villa - after all, you can start the diet when you get home!
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Always Somewhere New To Find

22/5/2018

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​When you’ve been visiting an area for 25 years you would imagine that you’ve seen every beach. Yet the Algarve is full of surprises. Heading towards the coast from the A125 through Porches, look for direction signs to ‘Cova Redonda’. It takes 5-10 minutes to reach Praia da Cova Redonda (but don’t expect to see the beach from the car). Parking the car might be a challenge as it’s a highly built-up area, but once you have found the passageway to the beach park-up and head down the steps to the beach. It’s a lovely and surprising large beach. You could have an enjoyable day just here, but if beaches and exploration are your thing then you trip is not finished.
From the road entrance to Cova Redonda head down the hill by foot, turning right at the Pestana hotel following the sign for ‘Praia da Senora da Rocha’. Some way down the hill, follow the ‘Praia’ (Beach) sign down the steps. You’ll find another lovely beach with a good beach bar and boat trips etc.
But you’re not finished yet!  Once on the beach, head to the headland on the right-hand side of the Praia. You’ll find a hole in the wall. If you’re brave, head through the hole (be careful as it isn’t very tall) and follow the path through the headland. If you don’t fancy the exploration, simply look at the photos below. These were taken very early season when the weather isn't hot and the tourists are less plentiful. Don't expect it to be so empty when you visit as there are a number of sprawling 'Solana-style' (for those that watch Benidorm) hotel/apartment blocks around. 
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Beach Volleyball Anyone?

2/5/2018

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If Beach Volleyball is your thing, or you'd like it to be, then look no further. Praia da Rocha is one of the finest beaches you'll find for a sport which suits both types of people - people who want to play and people that want to sit and drink Sagres while watching people play.
We found two organised groups at the beach this time. Both seemed really well run and from the fun everyone seemed to be having it's a great event to attend. The first group was DeepDish, a group (brand) created by the Great Britain Volley Ball team. There were some seriously good players, but also some people to whom VB was clearly new. The atmosphere among the group seemed terrific. If it wasn't for the ridiculous amount of effort involved, we would have joined in. The second group, a Swedish company Beach Travels, were spread over another section of the beach. This seemed suited to a young crowd, more of a summer camp vibe in my view. Again, everyone looked to be having great fun and there was a lot of training underway.  
Visiting the amazingly wide Praia da Roche beach is a bit of a must-see during a stay at Casa Jovic, if only to realise how wonderful it is to have your own pool to go back and sit beside.     
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Rota das Falésias - Cliff Route Hop-On Hop-Off Bus

2/5/2018

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​A new hop-on hop-off bus route has opened in and around Carvoiero, with the main connection stop right outside the Sesmarias Supermarket, on the Ferragudo road just 200 metres from the villa. On first sight it seems like an expensive option, but we think that if you use it efficiently it could be really worthwhile. The ticket takes in a number of routes ranging from Lagoa, to Ferragudo, to Praia do Carvalho. A 24 hour ticket in high season is 10 euros and for one trip that’s more expensive than a taxi, especially if there are four of you. But our suggested itinerary gives you a good day out, all for the same money:
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First take the 9am bus to Lagoa to see the fish market working. To be honest you need to be there by 7am really, but then you are on holiday :)   After the market, take a wander around the village. There are some lovely buildings there, particularly in the vicinity of the market although the local council has clearly received a bumper load of tarmac recently and has decided to lay it through the village. The work may, or may not, be finished by the time you are here because it only started last October and this is Portugal after all.
By now it’s 10am’ish and you need a Galao and maybe a Pastel-de-Nata. Head towards the newer office buildings near the end of the pedestrian cobbled street (Rua Alfonso Costa) and find Helydoce café. It’s a lovely pastelaria and they make some amazing cakes, plus fresh rolls. It’s now time to get back on the bus. You’re now heading for the beach. You can either pick Praia de vale Centianes or Praia do Carvalho. Both are worth a visit. Each has a great beach and a good café/restaurant.
Having sweltered in the sun for a while, catch the bus back into Carvoeiro. Metabixo bar in the square is a good place to watch the world go by for a while (and grab a beer) before taking the bus home. But the day is not done.
In the early evening, take the bus to Ferragudo and take a walk along the water front before settling in the square at one of the many restaurants, or for a big meal book Fim do Mundo (End Of The World) - on the road opposite the square.
The last bus home is around 11pm, but it’s worth checking the time with the driver as it might alter during the season.

​There you are, a full day out for just 10 euros each.        
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Alpha-Pendular Train To Lisbon and Porto. Book Early (www.cp.pt)

5/4/2017

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If you're flying into Lisbon rather than Faro enroute to Casa Jovic, or if you fancy a trip to Lisbon or Porto during your stay, one of the best ways to travel is the Alpha Pendular train. It's a fast (tilting) train that takes just two hours thirty minutes to make the trip from Lisbon to Tunes - the stop closest stop to Casa Jovic.  Using Tunes does restricts the number of trains available to you, but it means that taxi costs are less, or it's a simple drive. 
Assuming the train schedules stay the same it means you can get the train from Lisbon at 8.24am or 6.24pm. If heading North you need the 7.30am from Tunes, or 3.35pm if you prefer to go later. It means that you could be in Lisbon by 10.04am, in time for brunch, making a day trip feasible. That said, Lisbon is so nice you might want to stay over and come back the following day. To book tickets go to www.cp.pt. The site is in Portuguese or English.  
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Feira Enchidos 

6/7/2016

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Worth a visit in March is the famous Sausage Fair of Serra de Monchique. This year it took place on 7-8th March, promoting the traditional sausages of Monchique made with generations of knowledge handed down by the people of the 'serra'. Algarve food festivals always have a great party atmosphere as well as being seriously yummy! The video below gives you an idea of the event, but at this time of year, with temperatures around 20'c, this is worth a visit and maybe even a beer in the sun too. 
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See more at Alvor!

3/5/2016

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Alvor is the perfect place to walk off your lunch while enjoying the refreshing (and often needed!) breeze, glorious sunshine and stunning views along the way. The new addition of the Ria de Alvor Nature Reserve boardwalk makes for a nice round route walk. Just head right from the beach cafe of your choice to the stone promenade at the end, walk along to the promenade to join the boardwalk and follow the route of your choice back to the beach car park and restaurants. The beach spans approximately 5km of the Algarve coast so even in peak holiday months it is also the perfect relaxation spot as there's plenty of space to set up camp and enjoy your time on the beach. A real must-visit and only a 25 minute drive from Casa Jovic. 
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Rent An Electric Bike

7/4/2016

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If you don’t rent a car when you’re at the villa, or if you fancy some open-air exercise, then renting an electric bike might be the answer. There are rental/charge points at two locations within 5-10 minutes walking distance of Casa Jovic, plus stations in Lagoa, Portimao and at many other locations across the Algarve. The bike can run for 60 kilometres on one charge but if you also peddle then this can be extended. You can either park your bike at a recharge point, or swap its battery for another and head on your way. The cost for a day’s hire is €30. You can even rent it for €5 per hour.  This was a new facility in 2014 so, in good Portuguese style, the website still lacks detail but does provide full pricing. See www.citybike-pt.com. 
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One for a slightly cooler day!

4/4/2016

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When visiting Casa Jovic in the slightly cooler months (November - March) provides a great opportunity for a more ambitious ramble along the Algarve cliff tops. This is the sort of activity than in peak summer would be just too hot for us but in the cooler (15'c-20'c) temperatures that this time of  year brings a recommendation is to do the cliff top walk from Marinha beach to Benagil. The stroll takes approximately 40 - 60 minutes and provides stunning views of unaccessible beaches and caves along the way. We chose to stop off in Benagil for a coffee stop, but the walk is doable as one loop. Worth the effort for those that can and really is worth it for the beautiful views!

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    Guest Suggestions

    "Carvoeiro is a great place on the Algarve to stay, with many places of interest within easy reach. Had trips out to Vilamoura, Ferragudo, Portimao, Silves and Luz"
    "We had many nice meals down in Carvoeiro, and particularly like 'Ela and Elas', 'Casa do Bife' and 'O Tascos'"
    "Some of our favourite places to eat were L'Orange, Bon Bon (Sesmarias), Primavera (Carvoeiro) and Jophil's (Sesmarias)"

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