Villa Nicholas is located in the resort of Gale, just 6km from the lively resort of Albufeira. The villa is just 2km from Gale Beach, a beautiful expanse of sand that stretches for miles between picturesque cliffs. A mini-market and restaurant are both within convenient walking distance. Just a short drive brings you to Albufeira, where you'll find an accessible sandy beach and wide selection of restaurants and bars.

Villa Nicholas is the perfect base for exploring the beautiful Albuferia coastline, with its fourteen sandy beaches and coves. The nearest is Gale beach, which has a wide variety of tourist facilities and snack bars. In the direction of Albufeira are two smaller beaches that are quieter and less visited. Castelo Beach and Sao Rafael are picturesque coves protected by stunning rock formations of great natural beauty.

Once a traditional fishing village, Albufeira is now a sprawling town with plenty to see and something to suit everyone. During the day you can enjoy the sandy stretches of beach or browse the markets where local handicrafts and fresh goods are sold. In the evening, a wide variety of bars, restaurants and clubs fill the streets with people and life; locals sit on the terraces of traditional restaurants, the bars fill up with thirsty punters and all kinds of music drift across the air. You can admire the array of white yachts in the newly completed marina in the west. Alternatively, you could stroll around the Old Town and explore the maze of cobbled streets, past white-washed fishermen's houses.

Many of the beaches have water sports on offer throughout the summer, and there are plenty of golf courses, tennis courts and horse riding facilities found all around the Algarve. The nearest golf course to the villa is Balaia Golf Course, a 9-hole course 8km away.

Nearby attractions for those with children include;

. ZooMarine- an ocean theme park set amongst lakes and gardens with exhibitions, shows and rides to entertain the whole family. Has a large range of marine animals from sea lions and dolphins to turtles and exotic birds.

. Slide and Splash - a huge water park with pools, Jacuzzis, slides and rapids that can keep the whole family amused for a day. There are plenty of grassy areas for relaxing and picnicking and because the grounds are so large, it doesn't get too crowded.

Approach

Villa Nicholas is located in a peaceful residential area surrounded by countryside. There is a driveway with parking space at the front of the house, and a covered terrace with wide archways fringed by leafy hedges.

Ground Floor

The front door opens to the open-plan living and dining room, stylishly decorated in contemporary cream and white with dark wood furnishings. The comfortable living area has sofas arranged around a coffee table, satellite TV and a DVD/CD stereo. Light and airy, the room has three sets of French windows that open onto the covered terrace.

On the other side of the room is the dining area, with a solid wooden dresser and a large table to seat eight. From here, you enter the country oak kitchen. Fully equipped, the kitchen has a gas hob, electric oven, microwave, fridge/freezer, dishwasher and washing machine.

The bedrooms are located along a separate corridor. The two-bedroom family suite has a double bedroom that adjoins a twin bedroom, ideal for children. Further down the corridor are a twin bedroom and full bathroom. Villa Nicholas also has an additional TV room that can be used as a children's playroom or teenager's den.

First Floor

Upstairs is the master twin bedroom, prettily decorated with bright fabrics that offset the fresh white walls. This room has an en-suite bathroom and doors to a spacious balcony terrace with sweeping views of the surrounding countryside - the perfect place to greet the morning sunshine in peace.

Outside

Outside is a charming sun terrace fringed by flowering bougainvillea that overlooks the pool. Furnished with table and chairs, this is a lovely spot to enjoy a glass of chilled wine while supper sizzles on the nearby stone barbeque.

Just a few steps away is the tear-drop pool with poolside shower and integral steps. Surrounding the pool and villa are walled gardens, beautifully landscaped with neatly manicured lawns, flowering shrubs and leafy palms.

Additional Information

This villa is available for short breaks.