What to do at Casa Flor de sal ?
RELAX AT OUR ESTATE
We are idyllically situated in the Unesco-protected Ria Formosa Natural Park in the heart of unspoiled Eastern Algarve. Our estate is 27000 m2 and at its heart is the original 250-year-old whitewashed traditional Algarve farmhouse where we live. The holiday houses are located in three other buildings arranged in a way that always gives a feeling of space and privacy even when we are fully occupied.
The property has two pools, a natural swimming lake, 4000m2 of fragrant gardens, and a vegetable garden with seasonal strawberries, melons, watermelons, peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes and chili plants. Scattered through the fields and gardens are vines, citrus, pomegranate, fig, carob, almond and olive trees. Our fruits and vegetables are produced organically, please ask if you would like some. In the private patios and through the gardens - depending on the season - you will find fresh mint, oregano, thyme, sage and other herbs to use in your cooking.
BIRD WATCHING
Casa Flor de Sal is located in the Ria Formosa Natural Park. This area is great for birders and all wildlife lovers. The immediate surroundings cover habitats from dunes and mudflats to salt marshes and scrubland that support quite a range of fauna & flora. We have named our cottages after birds that have all been seen at or within one km of the property: Azure-winged Magpie, Avocet, Flamingo, Hoopoe, Golden Oriole, Spoonbill and Stork. Most birds are here in the winter half of the year, but even in September (which is summer here) a visiting birder spotted more than 60 species within walking distance.
WATERSPORTS
On the water you can go on traditional, motor or sailing boat trips, romantic boat trips for two, catamaran tours or fishing trips. Algarve´s waters are very rich in wildlife and there are many organized trips to watch dolphins, turtles, sea horses and birds in their natural habitat. You also have a wide choice of sports: sup yoga, stand up paddle, kite surfing, water skiing, body boarding, snorkeling, diving, and more.
Laurent himself is a big watersports fan and will be able to provide you with great advice on where the best beaches are for each sport. He also has a large assortment of windsurfing, kitesurfing and wing-foiling gear that can be rented.
GOLF
The Algarve is famous for its golf courses. We are near to some of the best in the region and can book them for you. Colina Verde (6km) is a small inland 9-hole course situated in Moncarapacho. The Benamor golf course (20 km) was designed by Sir Henry Cotton. The course is an undulating one offering views over the mountains to one side and the sea to the other.
Nestled amongst the picturesque foothills of the Eastern Algarve, Monte Rei (32 km) is an exclusive award-winning Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course, consistently ranked as the best in Portugal.
Quinta da Ria (27km) is an 18-hole golf course which offers amazing views overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and the beach of Cacela Velha, which recently has been awarded amongst one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Right from the start of the round, you will be able to recognize the work and design of a world renowned Golf Course Architect – Rocky Roquemore.
BIKING
Our area offers a fantastic variety of cycling possibilities, whether you are a dedicated roadie, keen mountain biker, or prefer the more sedate option of a touring bike or easy to ride e-bike. The Ecovia do Litoral, a 214 km bike path running along the Algarve coast, is just outside our door and bikes are available on site to borrow and cycle off to the beach or into town. Cerro de São Miguel, a small mountain 400m high and 11 km from Casa Flor de Sal, is also very good for cycling and used for down hill biking.
HIKING
Many of the top hiking areas are along the coast, where the scenic Atlantic views make for some breathtaking and equally dramatic landscapes. Inland Portugal's hiking trails pass through rolling hills or traverse the mountains up in the north. Of course the Ria Formosa Nature reserve is very well fit for long hikes without any elevation. Definitely worth exploring !
KIDS ENTERTAINEMENT
Casa Flor de Sal has been created with families in mind, turning holidaying with children of any age into something easy in a home away from home. We offer two fenced swimming pools, a fenced natural swimming lake with mini beach, two play areas, combined football and basketball half-court, volley and badminton field, and a covered games area with snooker table, football table, mini play area and relaxing sofas. There is also a petanque pitch.
VISIT THE NEAREST TOWNS
We are located in the heart of unspoiled Eastern Algarve: Olhão, Fuseta and Moncarapacho are all located within a 5 km radius of Casa Flor de Sal. Tavira and Faro are 20 min. away.
Fuseta (3.5 km east) is the closest village to us and can easily be reached by foot or bike using the path in the Natural Park called ECOVIA. This is a small village of 2500 permanent inhabitants living from fishing, shellfish farming and tourism. It has promenades along the lagoon and riverfront, several restaurants and cafés, a market with fresh fish and vegetables and a supermarket.
Olhão (5 km west) is at least 650 years old. It is very Algarvian, very un-touristic and lively. It is a Moorish-looking old town, with a crumbling, charming and faded center and cobbled pedestrian streets full of shops and cafes. These take you to the waterfront with its markets - including the best fish market of the Algarve -, a long row of restaurants and views to the Ria Formosa lagoon. Olhão has several supermarkets and a small shopping center with cinema and health clinic called Algarve Outlet.
And if you don’t know what to do after this, just go to the beach
we have the best