Last summer was a strange and uncertain one—a season defined by, among other things, social distancing, ongoing anxiety, and a stark absence of joy. But as more and more people get vaccinated and the world is beginning to fully reopen, the summer of 2021 is set to feel dramatically different, characterized by long-awaited family reunions, gatherings with strangers, the prospect of international travel, and above all, fun.
If you're planning on visiting Portugal this summer, we have an incredible selection of must-see places you will love. Enjoy our curated, luxurious, remarkable, unforgettable selection to achieve the best of Summer in the Algarve.
Quinta dos Vales is a superb wine estate situated in the heart of the Western Algarve. From very humble beginnings this 44-hectare estate is now considered one of the best wineries in the Algarve with recognition from international organizations and visitors coming from far and wide. This boutique wine estate is a place full of surprises.
There is plenty in store for those who wish to delve into the world of winemaking or simply enjoy a nice day out exploring the history and natural beauty of the grounds.
The stunning natural beauty and bracing sea air of Portugal’s Algarve region is medicine on its own.
Vila Vita Parc is a five-star resort, a member of "The Leading Hotels of the World," with 22 hectares of immaculate subtropical gardens, situated in front of a secluded white sand beach and surrounded by the dramatic coastline of the Atlantic Ocean. Serenely tranquil, the hotel offers you a glamorous retreat with the privacy you need. Known for its timeless elegance and the unrivaled style of its range of services, the hotel offers each guest a unique and personalized experience, inspired by Portuguese culture and hospitality.
Many people don’t know the existence of this fabulous place that is part of Villa Vita’s incredible history. Also known as “A Cave de Vinhos”, this special place is where you will find the best wine qualities to complement the luxury experience at this astounding resort in the south of Portugal. Wine tasting, personalized service, personalized dinners for the guests, and remarkable tours through the wine house facilities are some of the main activities that you will have the chance to experience in Villa Vita’s incredible Wine House.
The Ocean Restaurant at VILA VITA Parc is an exceptional gourmet experience. Holder of two Michelin stars, the intimate restaurant creates tasting menus that are exquisite renditions of the art of fine dining.
Executive chef Hans Neuner and his team have reached and maintained enviable standards of excellence in a relatively short period and were awarded their first coveted Michelin star in 2009, winning the second Michelin star in 2011, and retaining them every year since. Ocean Restaurant is also included in the famed La Liste of the top 1000 restaurants in the world - ranked in the top 25 of the very best. Chef Neuner's commitment to using local produce allied with precision, skill, and passion ensures spectacular menus. Using locally grown fruit and vegetables, locally caught fish, and organic meat from the Vila Vita Parc country estate Herdade dos Grous, new menus are created regularly. Chef Neuner's philosophy is to create elegantly simple, classic, and assured cuisine.
Morgado do Quintão was founded by the count of Silves and is still in the possession of the family who continues to embrace ancient grape varietals and heritage winemaking methods, exhibiting and elevating the quality and character of the Algarve terroir by championing local grapes like Crato Branco and Negra Mole. Their wines are on sale in the Algarve and around Portugal, as well as in the UK, France, and soon in the US. The focus of the Wine Experience Programs is to share the passion for their 50-70-year-old vines (which are sole of indigenous grape varieties and treated organically), as well as our old olive oil press, our 2.000-year-old olive tree, one of the oldest in Portugal, as well as to provide insight into how food & wine are such a significant part of Algarvian culture.
Quinta de Mata-Mouros, where the Convent of Nossa Senhora do Paraíso stands, is located on the left bank of the River Arade, opposite the historical city of Silves. Fruits typical of the region, such as figs, almonds, carob, and loquats, have been grown on its 120 hectares for centuries. History and legends are in the “Quinta de Mata Mouros” name, which may have a variety of origins, including the fact that frontline troops were stationed here during the Christian reconquest, “mate-mor” or there was a wood (mata in Portuguese) belonging to the Moors.
More recently, the owners of “Quinta de Mata Mouros” took on the challenge of producing high-quality wine good enough to measure up to the best wines from the main wine-growing regions in Portugal. In January 2012, with the objective of developing Quinta de Mata Mouros wine farming potential, the “Convento do Paraíso” project began through a partnership between the Pereira Coutinho family (owner of Quinta de Mata Mouros) and the Soares family.
The Algarve is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world and is regularly voted as the best beach destination in Europe.