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A holiday in Almancil - Algarve?Almancil is not what you’d call an Algarve tourist resort. It is really just a small market town, and although quite pretty, there’s not a whole lot going on for the holidaymaker. It is quite an uninspiring town in many respects. It is located 13 km northwest of Faro, so is only a short drive from the airport. The only thing that it is famous for is its pastel coloured pottery. The pottery is still produced by a few workers in the town and there are a number of pottery and ceramics shops around should you wish to make a purchase. What Almancil does have in its favour, is some good shopping and a whole raft of very good restaurants. The reason for this is its location, being very close by to the major up-market resorts of Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo (not forgetting the smaller developments of Dunas Douradas and Vale do Garrao ). The town has grown in an effort to supply these places with some decent shopping and the growing requirement more places to eat. With expensive second homes around the area, unsurprisingly, it is also the home to a fair few estate agents. Why would you want a holiday in Almancil?The beauty of Almancil is found when you compare it to the likes of Vale do Lobo and Quinta do Lago. They are purpose built resorts, with their own communities and way of life (not everybody’s cup of tea), whereas Almancil is a real town. You’ll have easy access to the facilities of these resorts without staying there, you’ll probably save yourself some money, and you’ll have the shopping and cuisine available in Almancil itself.If you like this idea, here is a selection of Almancil villas and apartments (just click on the links). Almancil RestaurantsTo cater for the demand from the nearby resorts, Almancil has its fair share of restaurants. Many countries cuisines are represented, but there are not that many Portuguese style restaurants. If you’re after international cuisine, there are some good quality restaurants to be found here though.Here is a selection you might like to try (the list is far from definitive): Mr. Freddies Restaurant In-between Almancil and Vale do Lobo, this restaurant with its terrace has excellent cuisine and refined service. It serves international food, with some good seafood, and is popular with golfers from Vale do Lobo. While not cheap, it’s certainly not the most expensive restaurant around. Mr. Freddies Restaurant Estrada de Vale do Lobo 8135-016 Almancil Algarve Contact Tel: 289 393 651 Casa Velha Restaurant Casa Velha is located on the hill near Quinta do Lago. It combines French cuisine with great ambience in an old converted farmhouse. It is open for dinner only and you must make a reservation. It is closed on Sundays however. Casa Velha Restaurant Quinta do Lago – Almancil Algarve Contact Tel: 289 394 983 Ermitage Restaurant A little outside Almancil at Ferrarias, which is just north of Vale do Lobo, this restaurant is in a converted 18th-century farmhouse. It provides fine dining, from an international menu, in elegant surroundings. The food and service are both great, but be prepared to pay for it! There is now a decked area outside for drinks and in the summer months they also have a Jazz band. Restaurante Ermitage Ferrarias 8135-018 Almancil Algarve Contact Tel: 289 355 271 Pig & Whistle Restaurant Sounds like a pub, but is far more sophisticated. It serves well presented and good quality International cuisine, and the service is good. It is always popular, so book ahead. It is closed Tuesdays. Rua 1 de Dezembro 2 8135 Almancil Algarve Contact Tel: 289 395 216 Restaurant India You may have guessed from the name, that this is an Indian restaurant. If you’re from the UK, where Indian food is part of the staple diet, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the quality of the food here. You’ll recognise the names of the dishes, and it’s well worth a visit if you’re can’t live without a curry. It’s not as cheap as you would find in the UK though. Restaurant India Escanchinos 8135 Almancil Algarve Contact Tel: 289 395 756 Pequeno Mundo Restaurant Located in a converted farmhouse, Pequeno Mundo is perfect for a special night out. Cuisine is French and International, and in the summer its worth sitting out in the beautiful courtyard. It is popular, so you should book in advance. Its quite expensive, but worth it for a special occasion. Pequeno Mundo Restaurant Apartado 3618 8135-907 Almancil Algarve Contact Tel: 289 399 866 Almancil HotelsThere a number of Almancil Algarve hotels. They are not in the town centre, but located in-between the town and the resorts of Vale do Lobo, Vale do Garrao, Dunas Douradas and Quinta do Lago.The hotels are the Ria Park Hotel and Spa, a 5-star hotel and its sister hotel a short distance away, the 4-star Ria Park Gardens hotel. There is also the 4-star Formosa Park Aparthotel which has 61 apartments. Find out more about these hotels by clicking on any of the links. Here you can find prices and availability and also real traveller reviews where available Things to do in Almancil, AlgarveGolf Courses near Almancil AlgarveAlmancil is a great place to base yourself if you want to take advantage of the many championship golf courses in the area. There are 3 Quinta do Lago golf courses, and 2 Vale do Lobo golf courses, all of which are great courses to play. Not far away are the 5 Vilamoura golf courses, so you’re really spoiled for choice. Of course the Algarve is not a huge place, so if you want to play some of the other courses in Algarve, they are within driving distance. Click on the link for more information on Golf Course in the Algarve. Almancil Algarve Karting If you fancy yourself as the next Michael Schumacher, you should try the kart racing near Almancil. It is open all-year round. They cater for adults, juniors and children with three different tracks. It is part of a Western style theme park, so there are other things to do there... click here for more information. São Lourenço Church The only thing the guide books tell you about Almancil is that it is close to a small village called São Lourenço, with its 18th Century church, which is worth a visit. The interior of the church is covered with the Portuguese blue azulejo tiles depicting the life the life of Saint Lourenço. Also here is the São Lourenço Cultural Centre, which has art exhibitions and occasional classical music. Almancil Events There is a regular market in Almancil every other Sunday and on 14th of each month there’s a Flea Market. Almancil Algarve Tourist InformationThere is no tourist information office in Almancil, but you can get information at the following number :Contact Tel: 289 463 900 Return from Almancil Algarve page to Central Algarve page
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