Seasons

Summers in the Algarve are long, hot dry and sunny with wonderful blue skies during the day, beautiful glowing red sunsets in the evening,  and star filled skies at night.  The balcony and terrace at Quinta Sao Jose are perfect places to enjoy and savour these changes as day gradually becomes night. (The property stands in a large garden and orchard with relatively unhindered views).

If you visit the hills and countryside during the day, you will become aware of the wonderful scent of wild rosemary and oregano. Nearer the coast where the dark green umbrellas pines grow naturally, you will notice the discreet aroma of the pine needles.
Along the roadside, you will see fig trees and olive trees laden with fruit, and locals harvesting carobs beans.  In June & July the summer fruiting orange trees in the nearby orchards are laden with fruit which is usually picked in August.  The fruit on some citrus trees ripens between Christmas and February.

The Algarve climate in spring, summer and autumn is perfect for sport and the area is renowned for the plentiful sport and leisure opportunities that it offers. (Click here for Golf/Sport)

For extra relaxation at any time of year, why not take a walk along the Ria Formosa Estuary trails towards Faro. This walk will take you passed small lagoons, salt marshes golden beaches, dunes, small islands and woodland. You will see diverse fauna and flora and are bound to see, and hear the song of many visiting birds. If the tide is out you are also likely to find several locals searching for hermit crabs and other crustaceans that live in the sand.

Loule – This is an historic and interesting Portuguese town with a recently restored covered market area where you will find rows of local stallholders selling fresh fruit and vegetables.  There are several butcher’s shops along the sides of the market, and at the back is very good fish market selling fresh fish and local seasonal shellfish.
The market is surrounded by small cobbled streets ideal for exploring, and you will still find a few small artisan shops and potteries. 

The remains of the walls of town’s Roman castle can still be seen, (surrounded by houses), but it is thought that the castle may be of Arab origin. The Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceicao has an 18th century carved and gilded alter piece and is decorated with 17th century tiles.

Loule tourist information centre is situated near the castle and provides useful information leaflets.  These leaflets will provide you with extra information on the town and its surrounding villages.