CASA KALU Bed & Breakfast is situated at the top of a hill in Alportel, away from the tourist crowds while still being conveniently close to everything. From the terraces and garden you can enjoy the stunning views over the hills and valley. The town of São Brás de Alportel, nicknamed “terra de bons aires”, the land of good air, is just 2 km away. The Bed & Breakfast location provides the perfect setting for a trip to Faro, Loulé, Olhão, Tavira, a bike ride, a walk, a lovely day at the beach, or a round of golf. São Brás de Alportel used to be the world’s foremost cork town – nowadays you can still visit the local cork factory.
Because of the location, it is advisable to rent a car. Parking is possible in front of the house.
There are many things to do in the area of our Bed & Breakfast. A day out in the country, relaxing at one of the many beaches, visiting a townand its local markets, sporting activities and many other things. We provide you with an overview of interesting sights and activities. This is by far not everything the region has to offer. We are happy to assist you with some advice and further recommendations.
The rolling hills of Alportel and São Brás de Alportel region invite to lovely walks and hikes as well as the close by Ria Formosa, a unique nature reserve featuring approximately 18,000 hectares of lagoons and a wealth of flora and fauna. Discover some small trails and roads amids cork and olive groves, through wonderful villages and enjoy a good cup of coffee and homemade cakes.And don’t miss the cork route (Rota da Cortiça). It is the perfect way to learn more about the noble cork oak (sobreiro), the art of debarking and the fascinating features of this 100% natural raw material. Along the route, you can visit Nova Cortiça, a cork processing plant whose cork ultimately ends up in the champagne bottles of the large houses in France.
The landscape around our Bed & Breakfast offers a range of possibilities for cyclist’s. From the reasonably flat coastal strip with orange and olive groves, to small paths in the hills of the Serra. Just North of CASA KALU is where a cyclist’s dream comes true: long roads, across hills and through valleys with little to no traffic. Even though the hills aren’t all that high, there are plenty of steep stretches that should satisfy even the most demanding cyclist. A paradise for road cyclicsts as well as Mountainbike enthusiasts.
South and east of Faro are some islands that are part of the Ria Formosa nature reserve. Most of these islands are only accessible by boat or ferry from Faro, Olhão, Fuseta or Tavira. Two exceptions are Ilha de Faro, accessible via a bridge, and Ilha de Tavira (Praia do Barril), accessible by an old little train or short walk. The beaches are stunning, wide and long, and offer plenty of space even during peak season.
What was the Algarve like before resorts, golf courses and pubs sprang up along this coast with its year-round sunshine and golden beaches? Head east and north (rather than west) from Faro and you will find out.Tavira, straddling the Gilão river, is arguably the Algarve’s prettiest town, and exudes an authentic Portuguese charm. Big hotels are few, churches are many, fishing boats crowd the river and everyone has time to dawdle. Layers of history can be seen, from Phoenician excavations through Islamic-decorated doorways to Renaissance and Baroque flourishes. However, it is the colours that hit you: blinding-white walls, brilliant azulejo tiles, fiery-red pantiles. The former capital of Algarve provides pleasant little streets, old houses with the typical “quatro aguas” roofs, many churches and nice restaurants, as well as the famous Roman bridge over the Gilao river.
Loulé is a city of contrasts, where mountains meet the ocean and old monuments blend inwith modern buildings. It is located 16km northwest of Faro and only 7km from our CASA KALU. Right in the city centre stands the local market, a Moorish-inspired building that has been stocking up locals with fresh produce for more than a century. From fresh fish to local crafts, there are plenty of stalls worth browsing through in this colourful market. Saturdays are the best day to visit the market as there are more stalls open and the market extends into the streets. Other interesting attractions include the Conceição Chapel and the Castle of Loulé.
Faro is a historic and culturally rich city that boasts a variety of fascinating tourist attractions. Sadly, Faro is often overlooked, considered purely for its airport, but spend time in Faro, and you will discover a charming and authentic Portuguese city. The delightful historic centre (the Cidade Velha) of Faro is encircled by ancient city walls and contains a Gothic cathedral, the Paço Episcopal palace and pretty cobbled backstreets. Outside of the city wall is a modern city centre, with pedestrianised shopping streets, scenic plazas and variety of restaurants and bars. South of Faro is the Parque Natural da Ria Formosa, a series of saltwater lagoons and mudflats, which are a haven for migratory birds and wildlife. Along the seaward side of the Ria Formosa are three sandbar islands, and these are the location of Faro’s pristine beaches.
The former capital of Algarve. The inland town of Silves makes a good destination for day-trippers from pretty well anywhere on the western Algarve. With its charming cobbled streets surrounded by orange and lemon trees, the historic town centre is dominated by a well-preserved medieval castle. Sipping a coffee in one of the small, traditional cafes, you’ll feel like you’re a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of The Algarve’s coastal resorts. From the castle, you can enjoy some magnificent views over Silves and the surrounding area.
Olhão is a coastal town in the Algarve which grew out of the fishing industry in the seventeenth century. Olhão, located just ten kilometers east of Faro, is still one of the Algarve’s main ports. It was here that the first canning factory was established in 1882, sparking a trend that was to spread in both directions along the coast, with canned tuna and sardines quickly becoming the Algarve’s main source of income. The fishmarket on the waterfront is still Olhão’s main draw. A quaint and energetic place, the market sells local produce such as fruit, honey and vegetables as well as a huge variety of fresh local fish.
The old quarter of Olhão has a distinctly Moorish feel, with square whitewashed houses, flat terraced roofs and box-chaped chimneys. The church of Nossa Senhora do Rosário dates back to the seventeenth century.
are further villages worth a visit. Mostly with the typical whitewashed houses, Moorish chimneys, cobblestone streets and lovely views over the Serra up to the ocean. You also find smaller nature reserves in this region, which are perfect for a nice walk.
There is a huge variety of authentic local and international restaurants and cafes in the area. Some examples below sorted by driving distance:Alportel – walking distance 15 min.
São Brás de Alportel – driving distance 10 min.
Mealhas – driving distance 10 min.
Mesquita – driving distance 15 min.
Moncarapacho – driving distance 20 min.
Loulé – driving distance 20 min.
Olhão – driving distance 30 min.
Fuseta – driving distance 30 min.
Ilha do Farol – driving distance 30 min. plus boat
Parque Natural da Ria Formosa (Praia do Barril) – driving distance 30 min.
Tavira – driving distance 30 min.
Santa Luzia – driving distance 30 min.
Almancil- driving distance 30 min.
Faro – driving distance 30 min.
Praia de Faro – driving distance 35 min.
“Fit on vacation”
“Therapy + Training”
15.-21.10.2023
More information and registration: www.fitimurlaub.online
