somewhere2stayVilla Casa Sao Jose in The Algarve, Portugal

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Guests who like being near a resort centre will love this welcoming villa in Carvoeiro. Standing on a hillside 300 metres from the heart of the village, almost everything Carvoeiro offers can be reached by foot, including its picture-postcard main beach.

A well-established house surrounded by beautiful flowerbeds, the interior is furnished in homely style and extremely well maintained. The open-plan sitting-dining room is simple yet comfortable and the country-look kitchen, which opens onto the front garden, is equipped to a high standard.

Just a step from the sitting room brings you to the charming pool area, which is mostly laid to terrace and offers shady and sunny sections. Here you can sunbathe by the pretty pool, relax in the shadow of a tree or enjoy alfresco lunches or suppers cooked on the portable barbecue. Bordered by bright flowering shrubs and fruit trees, it is a lovely place to pass the time.

For dining out, there is an excellent fish restaurant practically on your doorstep, as well as the wider choice of eateries offered in Carvoeiro centre. A nearby supermarket and fresh food market also make shopping for everyday items a pleasure. Unfortunately, the hillside location of the Saò José makes it unsuitable for those with mobility difficulties.

NB. A refundable breakages deposit of 200 euros is payable in cash on arrival.