Vivenda Silva is located in the peaceful back lanes of Galè, to the west of Albufiera. Gale has become very developed over the years, probably thanks to its lovely and popular sandy beach. The beach-front area of Gale is full with apartments, restaurants, and shops but Vivenda Silva is set back from the busy sea-front in a peaceful residential area. The local attractions are within walking distance and Albufiera’s ample amenities are just a short drive away.

The golden sands of Galè (1.6km away) stretch for miles and are lapped by the blue waters of the Mediterranean. As well as beachside cafes and bars, you will find water sports on offer in high season and the area enjoys nice clifftop walks.
The nearby town of Guia, about 3km away, is home to the popular ZooMarine ocean theme park; set amongst lakes and gardens this park offers a variety of live shows, rides and exhibitions to entertain the whole family. It features a huge range of marine animals from sea lions to turtles and exotic birds. (For a large fee – around £80 – you can also experience the magic of swimming with dolphins but make sure you pre-book). In Guia, you will also find the new ‘Algarve Shopping’ mall, with a large selection of shops, fast food outlets, cinema screens (English language films) and a ten-pin bowling alley.
Albufeira, 3km away is 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 also stroll around the newly completed marina in the west and admire the dazzling array of white yachts. Alternatively, you could wander 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 is Salgados, set back from the Gale beach with 18-holes and lots of water hazards.

One of Albufeira’s nicest beaches; Praia dos Pescadores or ‘fishermens’ beach is so named because of the little colourful fishing boats that line the shore here. This sandy beach has only a few steps down to the sand and plenty of parking; it also has a small pier and a beachside café. Leading down to the beach is ‘The Street of bars’ where there is plenty of nightlife to be had.

Nearby attractions for those with children include.
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. Located north of the town on the N125, approx 25km away

Ground Floor

As you enter the property there is a staircase on your right leading up to the first floor. The spacious living/dining room has a homely and traditional feel. Teracotta-style tiles are laid on the floor, the walls are white and there is attractive darkwood furniture. In the centre is an oval dining table and six chairs upon a rug. In the corner by the stairs is a small bar area with two bar stools. A lovely feature is the open fireplace which has a brick surround; scorched black from the previous heat of burning logs. In addition there are two cosy sofas, and a large side cabinet with the satellite TV. At the far end, patio doors open onto a covered terrace overlooking the pool. A small doorway leads to a cloakroom beneath the stairs.

A doorway to the side leads through to the country-style kitchen which has a range of wooden units at base and eye level, and a fresh white worktop. In the centre is a round breakfast table and four chairs and the kitchen is well-equipped with a dishwasher, microwave and washing machine, as well as an oven/hob and fridge/freezer.

The attractive master bedroom has a cream metal bedframe, bedside cabinets with soft reading lamps and a matching chest of drawers. There are wardrobes along one wall and in the corner; a door opens to a tiled, en-suite shower room.

GARDEN APARTMENT -

A path leads through the garden to the separate apartment. Set away from the house, this apartment enjoys privacy and independence with its own kitchen and bathroom facilities. This feature makes Vivenda Silva a good choice for large parties and could be used by a couple wanting extra privacy, or by older children who will enjoy the novelty of being away from the main house. The front door opens into a cosy living room with a large sofa bed, and the open-plan kitchenette is fitted with wooden units, oven with grill and hob, and sink beneath a small window. There is also a small breakfast table and chairs. The bedroom is furnished with a double bed, bedside cabinets and storage. It has the use of a separate shower room with walk-in shower, toilet and washbasins.

First Floor

The staircase bends up and around to the central landing on the first floor. Straight ahead is a separate family bathroom with full bathtub, toilet and washbasin. On either side you will find a bedroom. One is fitted with a wooden-framed double bed, bedside cabinets, small lamps and fitted wardrobes. The other is similarly furnished but with twin beds.

Outside

Patio doors open from the living room to a dining terrace beneath the shade of the overhanging roof. There is a garden table and chairs, as well as an adjacent built-in barbecue - everything you need for relaxed family meals outdoors. There is also a poolside shower with blue tile, shaded by the overhanging leaves of a tall spiky palm. Handy for rinsing off after a sand-castling session down at the beach.

The terracotta sun terrace stretches out across the garden and contains the private swimming pool. In the corner, integral steps lead gently into the water. Sunloungers are lined up around the poolside where you can laze in the warm sun. To one side of the pool is a wide strip of green lawn. As well as a wall and tall palms, the garden is bordered by an attractive climbing plant that has grown across much of the garden spreading its red petals across the terrace.