Casa Campo Velha

We stayed there for a week at the end of May 2017. For us it was a little paradise! An enclosed garden where our toddlers can roam free, orange trees that supplied us with endless amount of orange juice. The garden in in two parts, half is beautifully landscape and half is an orchard with all sorts of trees to provide some fruits all year round. The house itself has well equipped kitchen, a large bathroom,good size lounge and bedrooms. The terrace is large, part undercover. We ate and spent the evening there listening to crickets, peacocks, cats and dogs and enjoying our wine
The area is very peaceful countryside. There is a small but well stocked village shop just up the road where you can get all necessities. the nearest restaurant is right by Ria Farmosa pretty much straight down towards the sea. It is walking distance but not nearby.We had bikes and cycled to Tavira, Moncarapacho, Santo Elvadao, Fuzeta. At times we had to push them up the steeper hills but it was part of the fun.
Marco, the owner has a restaurant in Tavira which is very good. We didn't need to contact them but his mum popped in a few times to tidy the orchard.We can't wait to go back!

We had an enjoyable stay at the Casa Campo Velha in May 2011. The villa was excellent value for money and I would recommend it to a friend for a quiet, relaxing holiday in the Algarve. The description of the villa is accurate although it is semi-detached property. There was another couple staying next door when we stayed but there was ample private terrace and garden space so we didnt even notice them.

Best things about the villa:
1) quiet, rural setting - unspoilt Algarve
2) fresh orange juice (oranges picked from the grove)
3) BBQ and well equipped kitchen
4) personal touches on arrival (fresh flowers/herbs) and friendly owner
5) wildlife

Things to consider if choosing this villa:
1) no air conditioning
2) need good directions to the villa as it is off the beaten track
3) no pool
4) need a car

If you are thinking of staying here a car is essential to access local shops and to visit towns such as Tavira (although the roads and driveway leading to the property are narrow so dont hire anything too wide!). Directions - we found that it was easiest to follow the signs to Fundo off the N125 between Pinheiro and Luz de Tavira, then take the second narrow (steel-pipe-sided) bridge on the right. The villa was approximately the 3rd property on the left and the keys could be obtained from Maria next door further up the road in the white house with blue doors and windows (as in the owners instructions).

The owners were very friendly and accommodating and provided us with directions to the best restaurants and places to visit. Tavira and Olhao were very pretty and it was easy to buy fresh meat, fish and vegetables to cook at the villa. Alcoutim on the Spanish border was also idyllic and not too far away. The beaches on the Ilha de Tavira and Ilha de Armona are superb and not to be missed!

In summary, this villa is ideal for independent couples or small families wanting to see the unspoilt Algarve. It is comfortable
but not luxurious or fussy, rural but not remote. We had a great time.