The cottages of Casa Arabella are located in the rural countryside of central Algarve.
Nestling amidst citrus and almond groves, car hire is an essential for the full enjoyment of your holiday.
Depending on your requirements, we are usually able to negotiate better hire with our local car hire companies.
We will be happy to help make arrangements on your behalf.
The companies that we normally arrange for our customers, have a record of reliability and reasonable pricing for quality vehicles. They will have your car waiting for you at the airport on arrival. A list of prices is available from us, and there is a request section on our booking confirmation form.
Please see our Travel Guide pages for more details about other car hire choices.
Our map page now provides a fully interactive map from Google, using the simple controls, you can zoom to any part of the region [In fact you can view any part of the world if you would like to play with the system], there is even a satellite view available.
From Faro Airport, it is only about a 35 to 40 minute drive to Casa Arabella, mostly along the superb new roads that have recently been opened. Detailed instructions will be provided with your booking details.
Enough of the trials and tribulations of travel ..... lets take a brief look at the area itself and what it has to offer our visitors.
The cottages are situated in the heart of central Algarve farmland where you will see many well-manicured fruit orchards supplying the region with citrus fruits, almonds and olives to name but a few.
From their position overlooking a broad valley, both cottages have spectacular views of the countryside and beyond to the coast. A common sight in the area is the shepherd tending his flock of sheep and goats and brightly painted mule carts are regularly to be seen as they journey to the local market in São Bartolomeu de Messines.
The peace and tranquillity of Casa Arabella is only a short drive from São Bartolomeu de Messines, the nearest town. Albufeira, 15 minutes drive south, long seen as the tourist centre of the Algarve. Silves to the West, is the ancient capital of the Algarve. Its 12th century Moorish castle and Cathedral sets you on the road to Monchique, famous for its health giving spas, and the highest mountain of the Algarve.
São Bartolomeu de Messines, known locally as simply "Messines", has escaped the ravages of tourism and will give you a fascinating insight into the workings of a true Algarvian town. Bustling with activity in the mornings around the daily market where you can buy fresh picked fruit and vegetables and a wide selection of fish straight from the morning catch. In Messines you will find a good selection of bars, cafés and restaurants serving traditional dishes. The cinema is one of the few that can be found outside the major towns.
In direct contrast to Messines, Albufeira with its famous "Fisherman's Beach" and huge selection of shops and entertainment is within easy reach for a not so quiet night out.
The town bursts with life come the evening, superb bars, restaurants and its many Nightclubs will spoil you for choice. At its heart, Albufeira is still a traditional fishing village and well worth a day spent either soaking up the sun or browsing the shops where the range of goods is amazing, everything from local handicrafts to the latest high fashions, jewellery and so much more.
A short distance from Albufeira is the recently opened "Algarve Shopping" centre, popular with Portuguese and tourists alike for the range of quality shops to be found. Many of the products that you use at home will be found on the well stocked shelves of "Continente", one of the biggest supermarkets in the region providing one-stop shopping for foodstuffs, clothing, drinks and household goods. The centre also has a choice of restaurants and cafés along with a multi screen cinema showing the latest releases (mostly in English with Portuguese sub-titling) and a large Bowling Alley.
Thanks to the new road networks, you can quickly and easily reach any of the regions attractions, beaches, shops, golf courses etc. A road map is usually supplied with your hire car and we have a good selection available to help you find your way around.
The latest weather report for Faro is available on our weather page.
