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Sao Rafael is a premier holiday resort in Portugal's Algarve. It features beautiful sandy blue flag beaches within a five minute walk, a fabulous swimming pool with childrens' paddling area, and stunning tropical gardens. Albufeira with its vibrant and varied night life is a 5 minute drive away, and the hills and castles of the interior are within a 30 minutes drive. Salgados Golf course is less than a ten minutes drive away. Ferragudo, the most traditional of Algarve fishing ports is a short drive. Studio and two bedroom apartments are available at most of times of the year at very competitive prices. We can arrange airport transfers, car hire and excursions. You can pay in installments by cheque or by credit card using Paypal
Contact Us
Contact Us
Contact us by email to lettings@algarvelet.com We always try to respond to your emails straight away, and hate to keep you waiting!
www.algarvelet.com/mailform.htmlThe Apartments
Location
Google map. Sao Rafael is located right on the beach. It is about 40km from Faro Airport. It takes under an hour by car. Taxis can be arranged if you prefer.
www.algarvelet.com/googlemap.html
Studio Prices
Studios sleep 2 adults and 1 or 2 small children at a very competitive price. You can check airfares with all the low cost airlines from here too.
www.algarvelet.com/studioprices.html
Studio Description
Studios offer a combined lounge and sleeping area with a open plan kitchen and a patio. Perfect for couples, or a couple and one child.
www.algarvelet.com/studiodesc.html
Two Bedroom Prices
2 Bedroom apartments sleep 4 adults and 1 or 2 children. The accomodation is spacious and comfortable. You can check airfares here too.
www.algarvelet.com/2bedprices.html
Two Bedroom Description
Two bedroom apartments are large and spacious and suitable for families travelling with friends or relatives. Sleeps 4 as standard, but can accomodate more.
www.algarvelet.com/2beddesc.html
Poolhouse
The poolhouse is available to all guests. It features television, dvd player, books and magazines, a pool table, childrens' games and drinks and confectionary machines.
www.algarvetlet.com/pictureRotator.html?picDirectory=POOLHOUSE&picCount=8&PicDesc=poolhouse"
Gardens
The gardens at São Rafael are lovely whatever time of the year you may visit. There are date palms, banana trees, peach trees and all manner of exotic flowering plants and shrubs.
www.algarvelet.com/gardens.html
Beaches - Blue Flag status
Read about very high standards required to attain the Blue Flag award and the SEVEN blue flag beaches in the Sáo Rafael area, including Sáo Rafael itself of course!
www.algarvelet.com/blueflag.html
Reviews
Read guest reviews. Our guests are mainly from the UK, but we have also had guests from Norway, Canada and even Australia!
www.algarvelet.com/reviews.html
Images
View pictures of the apartment and the area near by as thumbnails, click to view the ones you are interested in full size.
www.algarvelet.com/images.html
Visitor Images
View pictures taken by guests of the apartment and the area near by as thumbnails, click to view the ones you are interested in full size.
www.algarvelet.com/visitorsimages.html
Videos
View a seletion of videos of the local area and of interesting events. Including a video of 'Procissao do Enterro do Senhor' in Faro Easter 2009.
www.algarvelet.com/videos.html
Extras
We can provide cots, high chairs and additional beds. Please ask and we will try our best to meet your requirements.
www.algarvelet.com/extras.htmlThe Weather and Algarve News
Weather Forecast
Live FARO weather forecast, 5 day weather forecast, climate, sea temperature, average temperatures and a lot more.
www.algarvelet.com/weather.html
News
Read the latest news from 'The Resident', the Algarve's newspaper for ex-pats and visitors. A selection of headline articles...
www.algarvelet.com/news.htmlMaking Payments, and Payment Guarantees
Pay By PayPal
Algarvelet.com accept payments by PayPal so that you can buy with confidence. Follow this link to be transferred to the paypal website where you can login with your PayPal id and make payment.
www.algarvelet.com/paybypaypal.html
Payment Guarantee
Your rental payments can be INDEPENDENTLY covered by a FREE guarantee up to £2500. Please ask for details.
www.algarvelet.com/guarantee.html
Car Hire and Airport Transfer
Holiday Autos Car Hire
Holiday Autos are part of the Lastminute.com group of companies. They provide competitve and reliable car hire. We always use Holiday Autos for our own trips, and can throughly recommend them to you.
www.holidayautos.co.uk
Airport Transfer
A variety of services available. Fixed pick up and set down times. Flexible pick up and set down times. Different vehicles according to your needs. All at very competitive rates.
www.algarvelet.com/airporttransfer.htmlCurrency Conversions and other conversions
Currency Conversion
Multi-currency convertor from xe.com. Convert from any currency to any other currency. This excellent convertor is made available by xe.com.
Universal Currency Convertor® provided by xe.com
Other Conversions
Celsius to Fahrenheit, Fahrenheit to Celsius, Kilometers to Miles, Miles to Kilometers etc. Quickly convert those metric measurements to imperial. Provided by metric conversions.
www.algarvelet.com/conversions.htmlFlights and Transportation in Portugal
Flights
Links to Easyjet, BMIBaby, Monarch and TAP Air Portugal. Check for Depending on the time of year you may be able to travel for far less than you might think!
www.algarvelet.com/flights.html
Trains
Train information. The train service is generally very good in Portugal. Why not fly to Lisbon and take the train down to the Algarve? Fares to Lisbon are often much cheaper than those to Faro.
www.algarvelet.com/trains.html
Buses
Bus information. The bus service in Portugal is generally good with excellent modern buses. Buses run regularly from the main road near the resort to Albufeira and beyond.
www.algarvelet.com/buses.html
Taxis
Taxis are all controlled from a central point, you always ring the same number and instructions are issued to cabs from there. This centralisation means that cabs can be monitored and checked by the authorities to ensure fair priced and safe and clean levels of service.
www.algarvelet.com/taxi.html
Biking
Bikes can be hired from the nearby Hotel Maritur. There is a very good bike ride to Amacao do Pera, via quiet roads with a waffle at the end should you fancy one!
www.algarvelet.com/bike.html
Downloads
Download information about the apartment, a how to find us guide with pictures, and a guide to the local area. We even have a guide to buying property in Portugal, and have successfully helped several guests with this in the past.
www.algarvelet.com/downloads.htmlThings to do
Activities
Read about the many activities available... Sir Cliff Richard's Vineyard, Quad Bike Tours, Karting, Jet Ski hire, Jeep Safaris, Diving, Deep Sea Fishing, Cruises, Yachting and Yacht hire, Bull Fight, Natural Parks, and Golf. All can be arranged for you at the resort office.
www.algarvelet.com/activities.html
Golf
The Algarve is very famous for its golf courses. 31 are listed here, enough for you to play on a different one every day for a month, and Salgados Golf course is virtually next door to Sao Rafael. This page has a link to site where you can book online.
www.algarvelet.com/golf.html
Sir Cliff Richard's Vineyard
Sir Cliff Richard's vineyard, Adega Do Cantor, Guia. Visit the vineyard, taste the wine, buy your wine in the Cellar Door Shop. And afterwards visit Algarve Shopping.
http://www.winesvidanova.com/thepeople.htmlShopping
Shopping - Algarve Shopping
Algarve Shopping is Albufeira's Shopping Centre. As well as a very wide range of designer shops it features a multiplex cinema and a huge food hall with restaurants of all types. There is a low cost creche and free use of pushchairs and pedal cars. Free parking too.
www.algarvelet.com/algarveshopping.htmlHistory
History Books
A selection of Algarve History books from Amazon, ranging from ancient to modern history. Portugal has a fascinating history, and is Britain's oldest ally, the treaty going back to 1215!
www.algarvelet.com/algarvehistorybooks.html
The Portugeuse Cockerel
You will see the cockerel at souvenir shops everywhere. But what is the story behind it? Read all about the extraordinary history of the cockerl here.
www.algarvelet.com/cockerel.html
The Faro Lockheed Constellation
The Lockheed Constallation was the premier luxury aircraft of the 1950's, and for many years there was one at Faro Airport. Read about the history of this fine aircraft and view Udo Haafke's excellent photograph of her last days as a restaurante.
www.algarvelet.com/connie.htmlLocal area walks
Walk 1
Cliff top and marina walk to Albufeira, this walk takes in some fine sea views, a panoramic view of the new marina, a visit to the marina and onwards to Albufeira.
www.algarvelet.com/walk1.html
Walk 2
Cliff top walk to Castelo and Galé. Wonderful views and a challenging walk with steep climbs and descents. Visit the beach bar at Coelho (Rabbit) Beach or have a meal at Castelo.
www.algarvelet.com/walk2.html
Walk 3
Short walk to Albufeira Marina. Visit the marina via a secret and untrodden path. See the yachts and power boats and visit the shops, bars and restaurants at the marina.
www.algarvelet.com/walk3.htmlTravel Guides and places to visit
Travel Books
A selection of Algarve Travel books from Amazon including guide books and maps. Some general Portugal texts as well as just the Algarve.
www.algarvelet.com/algarvetravelbooks.html
Tavira
Tavira is a fishing town to the east of Faro. Over 2,000 years old, Tavira was an important fishing town of the Moors, and has many old and attractive buildings. You can also get water taxis to the islands to visit secluded beaches and the Rio Formosa National Park.
www.algarvelet.com/tavira.html
Estoi
Estoi is located to the north of Faro. It has a fine church, a 19th century rocco palace and wonderful Roman ruins complete with fish mosiacs.
www.algarvelet.com/estoi.html
Faro
Faro is the modern capital of the Algarve. The town is to the east of the airport and makes a good day excursion to visit the museums and shops.
www.algarvelet.com/faro.html
Albufeira
Albufeira is less than 10 minutes drive from Sao Rafael. It is a vibrant small city with many bars, restaurants and clubs. There is also a fine beach.
www.algarvelet.com/albufeira.html
Silves
Silves is the ancient moorish capital of the Algarve, or 'El Garb' as it was then known. It has a fine castle and a beautiful cathedral. There is also a very interesting museum. And a lovely tea room too!
www.algarvelet.com/silves.html
Armaçào de Pêra
Armaçào de Pêra is a two hour walk from Sao Rafael. You'll pass through numerous small beaches and some larger ones with beach bars and restaurants. There is also the Salgados golf course and nature reserver along the way. Crepes await you at your destination!
www.algarvelet.com/armacaopera.html
Ferragudo
Ferragudo is a small fishing village on the east bank of the River Portimao. It is a good place for a morning trip out and for lunch. Winding and climbing cobbled streets lead to the church and a fine view over Portimao.
www.algarvelet.com/ferragudo.html
Algar Seco
Algar Seco provides specactular cliff scenery. A steep stairway leads down between spectacular rock formations to a big drop to the sea.
www.algarvelet.com/algarseco.html
Seville
Seville, Spain, is the captial of Andalusia. It is about three hours journey from Sao Rafael, and well worth a visit. We thoroughly recommend it!
www.algarvelet.com/seville.htmlFood and Restaurants
Pastelarias
Portugal is noted for cakes and pastries. Many are traditional recipes made with the local ingredients, particulary almonds and figs. There is a good pastelaria near Gale.
www.algarvelet.com/pastelarias.html
Restaurants and Bars
Find Local Restuarants and Bars. There is a wide selection of fine restaurants in and around Sao Rafael, ranging from traditional Portuguese to Italian and Indian.
www.algarvelet.com/restaurants.html
Recommended Restaurants
Here are our personal recommendations for restaurants in the Sao Rafael, Gale and Albufeira areas. This is updated each time stay in the area, and visit local restaurants.
www.algarvelet.com/restrecommend.html
Portuguese Recipies
Piri-Piri, and a whole lot more. Some great recipies for you to try before you go, or when you get back, or just to give you an idea of what awaits you!
http://www.portugueserecipes.net/feed/Health Care
Health
Private Health care and Health Services. Emergency out of hours assistance. Remember to get a EUROPEAN HEALTH INSURANCE CARD and take it with you on holiday.
www.algarvelet.com/br_health.htmlHoliday Tips
Holiday Tips and Links
Flight booking, car hire, trains, buses, taxis, telephones, find it all here. This section includes personal tips gained from many years of travelling to, from and around Portugal.
www.algarvelet.com/tips.html
Phone Cards
Phone cards are the cheapest way to make calls home. Mobiles are expensive
as they tend to attract charges at both ends. This applies to text messages
as well as calls.
www.algarvelet.com/phonecard.html
Credentials and Partners
Casa Vista Bonita Casa Vista Bonita
www.algarvelet.com/casavistabonita.html
Website Credentials
Our Website credentials. We aim to maintain high technical standards and work with reputable companies to deliver a high standard of service to all our customers.
www.algarvelet.com/credentials.html
Partners
We are partnered with other owners at Sao Rafael, and can arrange competitive lettings with them on your behalf. Here are some of their websites.
www.sao-rafael.co.uk www.saorafael.co.uk
Albufeira Hotels
If you fancy a night in a hotel follow this link for information about Albufeira hotels.
www.algarvelet.com/albufeirahotels.html
The Algarve Website Directory
This is the definitive list of Algarve websites. Follow this link and find out just about anything about the Algarve.
The Algarve Website Directory
www.comparehirecar.co.uk
Compare car hire offers the quickest and easiest way to search and compare the best car hire prices and deals available. Their car rental comparision engine searches up to 40 car hire suppliers including Alamo, Sixt, Holiday Autos, Thrifty, Easycar, ebookers, Opodo, Economy and Budget.
www.comparehirecar.co.uk
Facebook and Blog
Facebook
Algarvelet is on facebook. Sign up to Facebook. Search for 'Sao Rafael'. Become a friend and receive notifications of special offers and events.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sao-Rafael-Albufeira-Portugal/26211694465
Algarvelet Blog
The Algarvelet blog. Information and news is blogged here regularly. Sign up to receive posts. Special offers and news will be posted here.
http://algarvelet.blogspot.com
Algarvelet Twitter
The Algarvelet Twitter. Sign up to twitter and follow the twitterings of Algarvelet.com.
http://twitter.com
Buying in Portugal
Buying In Portugal
If you are planning to stay at Sao Rafael with the intention of buying, or have stayed before and liked it so much you want to buy, please follow this link for agent recommendation.
www.algarvelet.com/buying.html
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