The hidden treasure in the Algarve
Swift cottage
DAVID, SUSY, JACK (AND OUR TWO ROGUES, CHARLIE AND FREDDIE) WELCOME YOU TO SWIFT COTTAGE
❋ Flexible accommodationSleeps up to 4 people. Two bedrooms (one double and one twin). Well-equpped kitchen with oven, microwave, fridge and freezer. Lounge with TV & CD player. Bathroom with shower.
❋ Private gardenWith swimming pool, sun loungers and dining table, putting green and table tennis, all overlooking the scenic views of the valley
❋ A home from homeWelcome hamper on arrival, including local wine. We are also happy to prepare lunch hampers on request, whether for the beach or a day’s hiking. Golf clubs and tennis rackets available to borrow. WiFi. Parking outside the property.
❋ Sumptuous breakfast availableLocal delicacies, all sourced from local suppliers and from the famous Aljezur market, including home-made breads and jams, fruit, freshly squeezed orange juice/home made smoothies, local cheese and meats, yoghurts, granola, plus daily changing cooked options.
For queries about the rental
please contact David
Phone 0351910451878
WhatsApp 00447715203603
email woodyslarder@hotmail.com
'After a little research, we discovered this hidden gem. When I mentioned it to anyone Portuguese, I received a knowing smile. The common consensus is that the area is totally different to the rest of the Algarve…our own little spot in paradise...'
unbeatable location
When my mum and I decided to up sticks to the sunny climes of the Algarve in 2023, we were familiar with all the well known hotspots, such as Vilamoura and Vale de Lobo, but knew little of what lay west of Lagos — other than it tended to be ‘where the surfers’ went. Now I have written a number of articles for Tomorrow Magazine, celebrating the local area and culture.
In a place known for its beautiful beaches, we are lucky enough to have Praia da Arrifana, a surfers’ dream and Praia De Monte Clerigo, (voted best beach in Europe 2026), both on our doorstep. For avid walkers and cyclists, you can’t beat the breathtaking scenery along the world class Fisherman’s trail, known locally as the Trilho dos Pescadores, a 226.5 kilometre hiking route that winds along dramatic Alantic cliffs and sandy paths carved out by local fishermen to access the best fishing spots and secluded beaches, with Aljezur serving as a major hub and transition point along the way.
Aljezur is located on the the west coast, some 1 hr. 15 minutes from Faro Airport and just 30 minutes from Lagos. A train service runs from Faro to Lagos and there are buses from Lagos to Aljezur and from Vale da Telha to Aljezur, but for those seeking to explore further a car rental is advisable. There are also taxi options in the area.
For those of you, like myself, who like a more gentle stroll the 3.5 km lake, which teems with wildlife is literally just a five minute walk from the house, ideal for the dog walkers amongst you.
There are a number of surf rental and bike rental shops, both In Aljezur and in Vale da Telha. We can also highly recommend the Amoreira River Kayak tour, which takes in the beautiful Costa Vicentia Natural Park, the Aljezur River and Amoreira beach. There are also plenty of horseriding options, for all ages, that offer beach rides, trails and lessons in the area. Right on our doorstep are Horse Adventure Tours, that frequently pass our balcony. This family run concern are known for their friendly welcome and catering for all abilities. For the adrenalin junkies amongst you the area also offers jeep tours and tandem paragliding.
Although in the middle of nature, we love the fact that all the amenities are literally on our doorstep, including the Amovate tennis club and the Aljezur Padel club. For the golfers amongst you, the scenic club of Espiche is a short 30 minute drive away and it would be amiss of me not to mention that they also have an excellent restaurant. Close to Lagos, there is also the Palmares golf course and the Boavista golf course. With Lagos being just a thirty minute drive away, any trip to the area, wouldn't be complete, without a visit to this city, with its idealic beaches, beautiful marina and bustling restaurant scene.
restaurants and food
We are fortunate to be surrounded by fantastic food choices. Here are a selection of our favourites:
Pont’a Pe This Portuguese restaurant located by the bridge in Aljezur, is a favourite among the locals. It was here that we enjoyed a delicious Cataplana and an extremely tender veal steak.
O Sargo restaurant. Situated on the stunning Praia de Monte Clerigo beach, this restaurant has a trendy beachy feel, with the added bonus of being child and dog friendly. The Cuisine is a mix of contemporary Portuguese and Asian fusion flavours. This popular restaurant also features live music.
Arte Bianca With 2 restaurants in the area, this authentic Italian restaurant is great for a family meal out. With its delicious pizzas and home-made delights, it will certainly appeal to all ages.
O Paulo is situated on the cliff, next to the Arrifana beach. Not only does it have a unique and breath taking view, but the menu has a strong emphasis on high quality ingredients. The fish is always fresh and the shell fish are live, making for a memorable experience.
Sushinami, located in Vale da Telha, features a fabulous array of fresh sushi and has a friendly vibe. They also do takeaway.
Not only does the area have fabulous restaurants in the area, but I can also recommend The Bakery in Vale da Telha, for its fresh bread and appetising breakfasts, as well as A Padaria, in central Aljezur with its warm welcome, mouth watering and substantial home-made cakes, not to mention the very reasonably priced smoothies. Cafes of note, include Roots, with its vegan and vegetarian options, the newly opened Arel bakery and the trendy and popular Koyo cafe with its speciality coffees. For those who enjoy a more lively night out, Hugos bar, in the heart of Vale da Telha welcomes an international and local clientele, featuring live acts and themed evenings.
There are several festivals held in the area, including the Sweet potato festival, held in late November/ early December, the Aljezur surf fest, held in spring, featuring surf contests and live music as well as the Festas de Aljezur, taking place at the end of August, which fills its historic streets with processions, food stalls and live concerts featuring renowned Portuguese artists.
Around and about
EDEN ALVOR MINI GOLF AND SO MUCH MORE
As my friends can bear witness, I am a notoriously poor golfer, with a style that one professional said can only be described as being ‘unique’. I might add, he did this with a wry smile and a shake of the head, so when I saw Eden Alvor mini golf advertised, I thought this was probably a better way at showcasing my skills to my impressionable teenage son. Joking aside, Eden Alvor has transformed itself into something far more than just a mere mini golf course. The golf course, created and lovingly cared for by its owners, has an abundance of scenic holes, complete with waterfalls and fun features, but that's just the start. It also has a restaurant, open for both lunch and diner that would give any quality restaurant in the area a run for its money. Where they really set themselves apart, is that they now have an outdoor spa, complete with a number of massages, ideal for all the family. There is also a golf simulator and furthermore they are branching out and making this wonderland into a wedding venue.
For those interested to find out more please click or to make a booking, please click here.
THALIA MAFIA WINES
Sometimes in life, you come across a story that puts a smile on your face. A story about history, friendship, community and at the centre of it all wine. Thalia wines was the brain child of a group of friends, who were brought up in the region of Alentejo, where the making of wine has not changed since the Roman times. No chemicals, nothing added, just a natural fermentation process, made in those historic Thalia pots. This is all done in a region where you can almost believe you are part of a Roman bacchanalian feast, surrounded by goddesses. If you don’t believe me, why not venture over to their annual festival, where you treated to the whole community coming together in celebration?
To find out more about these wines visit them at www.talhamafia.com, read my Tomorrow article, or feel free to try a bottle with me, while stocks last!!
MUSHROOM COMPADRES
On arriving in Aljezur, we were told in hushed tones about the legendary farmers’ market, ‘not just the market the tourists see’ and this has now become our weekly pilgrimage as the quality of the produce is second to none. Its also a great way to meet the locals. One stall in particular caught my eye, with its array of exotic mushrooms. Exotic may I add, not magic!! The varities being Reishi, Lion’s mane and Turkey Tail. It turned out that all these mushrooms had been cultured in nearby Rogil, by a group of friends and that there were a whole array of offerings from coffees, hot chocolate, chocolate bars and Tinctures. What I hadn't realised was the healing powers of these mushrooms, from boosting the immune system to treating nerve growth, clarity, focus, cognition and digestive health. In Japan, the mushrooms have even been used in conjunction with cancer treatments.
On returning home, I couldn’t wait to try these mushrooms and they didn’t disappoint. At one stage, so meaty were the flavours, I honestly thought I was eating steak. To cut a long story short, these mushrooms now feature heavily in our everyday lives and are often found on our breakfast menu.
To find out more check out www.mushroomcompadres.com
HEAL WITH EWA
With alternative health practices very much to the fore, I'm delighted to be collaborating with Ewa, who is based in the U.K. Ewa has teamed up with two projects designed to help with health and well being. Firstly she has joined forces with the Coral Club to promote the benefits of their product Coral Mine. This product, is a naturally derived product, sourced from the deep sea Coral formations in Japan, close to the Okinawa and Tokunoshima Islands. The product mixed with water and taken on an empty stomach, is known to be a rich source of Vitamin C, Magnesium and Calcium.
For further information or to place an order email Ewa at HEALWITHEWA@GMAIL.COM
Use this link to register and receive a 20% discount.
QUANTUM ANALYSIS WITH QUANTEC
When Ewa mentioned an analysis of what was going on with my body, through instrumental biocommunication, without even being physically present, I have to say I didn’t believe it was even possible. But Quantec is part of a group of radio devices, capable of scanning morphic fields and auras. What is an aura, you may well ask? It is an energy field surrounding every human being. Any disturbances in this field can cause disharmony and disease. Removing these disturbances is what restores both physical and mental health.
The quantum analysis includes: Organ status, Infections, diseases, disorders, Levels of Vitamins, minerals, nutrients, Toxins, heavy metals, fungi, viruses, bacteria, parasites, Allergies, Hormonal balance, Mental and emotional well being, Meridians and energy system, Psychosomatic disorders
Once this test has been carried out and the results given, an expert of over ten years will then give you her recommendations on a course of supplements and possible follow up. As I mentioned I was incredibly sceptical, but as they say the proof is in the pudding. A number of my nearest and dearest have tried this test and the results have been astonishing. One family member who had been suffering for years and with repeated trips to the doctor, found out that they had been living with Malaria. They have now been successfully treated. One child had been suffering from extreme allergies. These allergies were pinpointed and duly treated. As for me I am now undergoing an extensive course for parasites, a condition rarely discussed by the medical profession.
Mike Edwards, Friend and Artist
On arriving in Vale Da Telha, I became acquainted with Mike who humbly informed me that he dabbled in a bit of art and wondered if Id like to come over to choose a piece as a house warming gift. For me, his art was love at first sight and one of his landscapes now has pride of place in my house.
Even more surprising was that Mike only took up oil painting after his son gave him a painting course as a retirement gift. Apparently his son felt he needed a new hobby in his retirement years and what better than a bit of painting to occupy is mind.
The course was held at the Norfolk school of painting lead by Martin Kinnear and inspired Mike to delve deeper. Since then he has developed his own style. He takes inspiration from the impressionists, particularly Sisley, Monet, Van Gough, Cezanne, Turner , Rembrandt and Freud. Mike enjoys painting landscapes, seascapes and portraits, but is happy to lend his hand at most things. Much of his work is commissioned through friends and family, often depicting scenes, portraits or pets.
Please see below some of Mike’s work and if you would like to discuss a commission with him, his email is mikeed15@me.com
