Casa das Ameixas | Guest House

Casa das Ameixas is an adults only B&B with just three rooms, set in a recently renovated traditional Algarvian house. It keeps a gentle sense of age and character, with natural materials, clean lines and a thoughtful, restrained redesign.

Life happens outdoors here. The garden shifts with the day: shade at breakfast, sun in the afternoon, and a deep quiet as evening arrives. The saltwater pool faces a generous terrace with little corners for reading, stretching out, or simply being. There is also a lovely outdoor counter set up for guests to prepare something simple, from a proper salad to an easy supper, with everything you need. The shared kitchen and barbecue are for guests to use, and the outside area is wonderfully practical, too: a fridge stocked with drinks, a coffee machine, a hob, a barbecue and plenty of utensils.

Murielle and Viktor are experienced hosts, attentive to what you might need and respectful of your space. Their recommendations are consistently good, and breakfast feels like a small daily ritual, simple, local and delicious. The rooms are comfortable with excellent bathrooms. The King double has its own private terrace. All are bright, with an elegant, calm and understated style.

Above all, Casa das Ameixas is a place to slow down, leave everyday noise behind and breathe under the blue Algarve sky.

Moncarapacho and around

Moncarapacho, in the municipality of Olhão, is a smart choice if you want to mix inland calm with the coast, without staying in overcrowded areas. Nearby is the Ria Formosa, a maze of channels, marshes and salt pans where the tide constantly reshapes the scenery. It is a great base for boat trips and for reaching islands with long, open beaches.

• Olhão (about 9 km): best for a morning at the market, everyday streets and boats out into the Ria Formosa.

• Fuseta (about 6 km): a small fishing town for a beach day and seafood straight from the day’s catch.

• Tavira (about 17 km): made for wandering, following the river, crossing bridges and ending with views towards Ilha de Tavira.