Spectacular waterfront property in Praia da Luz, Villa Sunshine, gives you sea views wherever you go. Located in the recently built development, Reserva da Luz, this sought-after villa can accommodate 11 guests in its five bedrooms and sits in beautifully kept gardens with a large outdoor pool.

This villa impresses from the moment you arrive. The outdoor spaces exude contemporary style, not least around the huge 13m x 7m pool with its magnificent view of the Algarve coast. You’ll find a lengthy sun deck with an array of loungers right beside the step-access pool.

You can also laze on a pair of shaded beds in the gardens or enjoy a meal under the cover of the 10-seater dining area. More casual seating areas are also provided on the terrace, including a pair of 2-seater bar tables. Any children in your group will love the large lawn with its trampoline taking centre stage, as well as the ping pong table in a shaded area near the garage.

Step inside, and the wow factor continues. The front door opens to your seriously sleek kitchen on the left, featuring a breakfast area with seating for 5. There are two Kuppersbuch ovens, a hob, a microwave, two Siemens fridges, a freezer, and a Smeg kettle and toaster. And, if that’s not enough brand action for you, a Nespresso coffee machine too.

To the right of the entrance is your indoor dining area with a table for 10, and the lounge with its Samsung Smart TV, Sonos sound system and ample, comfy seating. Two of the en suite bedrooms are also found on this level. One is a double with en suite shower, smart TV and access to the terrace and pool area; the other with king-size bed, en suite bathroom with tub and shower, a closet area and access to the pool.

Stairs lead you to the lower level, where you have another en suite double with smart TV and access to the gardens, and another bedroom with the same and a second double bed. A fifth bedroom rounds things off, an interior room with a single bed. Your TVs come with satellite channels, Apple TV and Portugal’s own MEO TV, and the villa offers all sorts of other nice-to-haves, from electric blinds and air-conditioning to underfloor heating and pool towels. There’s a 5-day a week maid service too.

Just 5km from the larger city of Lagos, Praia da Luz is a small, upscale resort, welcoming to families and great for those seeking chilled out beach life. Its large beach offers golden sands and clear waters, safe swimming and some water-based activities. There are several beachfront cafés and restaurants in Luz, mostly family-run places offering regional specialities. As well as Lagos, where more facilities can be found, you’ll be less than 30 minutes drive from the beautiful city of Portimão.

Please note that due to the many staircases, both inside and out, that we advise parents to supervise their young children at all times.

Popular but still on the quieter side for an Algarve resort, Praia da Luz is just a short drive from the larger city, Lagos. Its name refers to its large, sandy beach and also the nearby village, which is home to many good restaurants and some notable historical sights. The calm, shallow waters of the Praia da Luz beach make it a safe choice for families, and you will find plenty of bars, restaurants and shops to visit on the palm-lined promenade running along the beachfront.

If the main beach gets too busy for your liking, you can also try the smaller, quieter Prainha beach. Near here, you will find a 17th-century fort that once defended the town from pirates. These days, it’s a restaurant that enjoys a wonderful Atlantic Ocean view. Also notable from a historical point of view are the local church, Church of Nossa Senhora da Luz, the 16th century, and even some Roman ruins. None can compete with Praia da Luz’s famous black rock, Rocha Negra, formed from volcanic lava some 150 million years ago. You will see it to the east of the beach.

You can try a range of water sports in Praia da Luz, including windsurfing, paddleboarding, kayaking and jet-skiing. There is also an 18-hole golf course in the town. For more activities, head into Lagos – about 5km away – which has a popular zoo and another top-rated golf course, Onyria Palmares, considered to be among the best in Europe.

There is also the 4km-long Meia Praia beach and the caves and grottos of the rugged Ponta da Piedade to explore – the golden cliffs, which contrast with the beautiful turquoise sea, make this a photogenic sight.

You will find a pretty marina area in Lagos, too, from where various boat trips depart. This could be for dolphin-watching, deep-sea fishing, or admiring the beauty of the coastline and caves.

Lagos is also a good choice for those interested in exploring the area’s history and boasts an impressive number of historic buildings. Among the city’s attractions are the Mercado dos Escravos, the first slave market in Europe, which now tells the story of the slave trade in Portugal through some thought-provoking exhibits.

A little further, you could also head for the Algarve’s south-westernmost point, Sagres, about 25km west of Praia da Luz. You will find the cliffs and Atlantic views truly spectacular in this corner of Portugal, and the Cabo de São Vincente lighthouse marks an especially dramatic spot – it’s well worth trying to catch the sunset here. The area around Sagres is also popular with surfers but probably not the place for your first attempt as the waves are particularly full-on.

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