Friendship Travel

3* Velamar Hotel

The friendly Velamar Hotel is a real find in the little village of Olhos d’Agua, just outside Albufeira. The beach is beautiful, with a fresh water spring bubbling up through the golden sand, while the rising cliffs above are covered in pine trees.

There are several bars and restaurants in the village itself, while the bright lights of Albufeira are just 5 kilometres or a short taxi ride away – alternatively the regular local bus passes the hotel’s front door.

The Velamar offers good 3-star standards with attentive service. The rooms are spotlessly clean, with modern styling and good facilities. A highlight is the rooftop breakfast room which has spectacular sea views – breakfast here is a great way to start the day. You can cool off in the pool, while the beach is a 10-15 minute walk down the hill. Due to the steps and walks in the area, it is not suitable for people with walking difficulties.

Portugal

Albufeira’s white-washed Old Town is well-preserved, with excellent bars and clubs welcoming the town’s visitors after dark. There are umpteen beaches in the area, so in the unlikely event that you tire of ‘ours’ it is easy to explore further afield.

Within 15 minutes walk from the hotel is a great sea front with a range of bars, restaurants and some shops. If you want a wider range of shops and nightclubs, a 10-15 minute Taxi ride to Albufeira is the answer!