Essential Information

The following information is not intended to put you off but is an honest guide to the way of life in Portugal. As at home, things occasionally go wrong, and while we have only chosen those properties that we feel will provide the perfect holiday accommodation, we cannot guarantee that things that are beyond our control won't happen.

Weather

Weather in the Algarve is generally good throughout the summer, with a low average rainfall. Buildings are designed and furnished to be comfortable in hot temperatures and may not be as well suited to wet or cold periods as houses in northern Europe. Humidity can be a particular problem in countries where temperatures are usually high. In very wet periods, properties may give the appearance of being damp. However, as soon as the weather reverts to normal and houses can be adequately aired, any sign of dampness will quickly disappear.

Building Work & Disturbance

As with any country, building work in Portugal is sporadic and can start anytime. Even properties in well-established developments can be affected if a neighbor suddenly decides to renovate or improve. Likewise, local councils may start road works with little or no notice. We do not control such work and do not always receive advance notice of when it will begin.

However, be aware of any disturbance likely to impair your stay's enjoyment seriously. We will contact you as soon as we know about it. If this happens, you can exercise the options in section 5 of our Terms and Conditions. However, compensation won't be due unless one of our property owners performs the work for your residence. If building work starts during your holiday, which is deemed to seriously impair your enjoyment of the property, we will do our best to move you or try to find solutions to improve your enjoyment.

Security

Be as security conscious while on holiday as you would be at home. Do not leave valuables on view in cars, and always secure the property's doors, shutters, and windows when going out or if you are by the pool. We recommend you not take items of tremendous or sentimental value on holiday.

Mosquitoes & Other Pests

As with all hot countries, insects can be a problem. Using plug-in mosquito repellents in bedrooms and a lotion to protect exposed skin when eating out is advisable. Uncovered food will invariably attract unwanted pests, so store all food in the fridge or airtight containers. Anti-pest powder may solve the problem if it occurs, but prevention is the best cure. Likewise, accessible food is a great temptation for mice and other rodents, so please remember to store provisions carefully.

Cats, Dogs & Other Animals

Stray cats and dogs can occasionally be a problem in some areas. Should either beg for food at your property, however sweet they look, please do not feed them. They may not be strays – just opportunists looking for an extra meal! The following clients may not be as tolerant. Many local families keep dogs or other livestock, which live outdoors and may sometimes be heard making a noise. Properties in rural areas may be located close to farms and smallholdings, so wild animals and farmyard noises are likely.

Water, Electricity & Solar Power

With little or no rain, shortages may result in low water pressure or supplies being cut off for short periods. Please bear with it; the locals are suffering in the same way. The water is safe to drink but may taste different, and we recommend you stick to bottled water for drinking and washing salads, etc. Portuguese plumbing is not as efficient as we are used to and cannot cope with the disposal of nappies. 

If a blockage occurs, the property floor may need to be dug up which will undoubtedly cause disturbance to your holiday. Electricity cuts, especially during and after storms, are not uncommon. Some properties rely on solar power to heat water; if there is insufficient sunlight, hot water shortages may occur. However, there is usually a backup system that should prevent this from happening. Insufficient sunlight may also affect the water temperature of solar-heated pools.

Beaches, Swimming Pools & Safety

Where we advertise the distance to the nearest beach, please remember that access may be difficult for those with limited mobility. No swimming pool is safe for unsupervised children; many properties have bedrooms with direct access to the pool. Pool dimensions, where provided, are only approximate. Swimming pools are generally 1m – 2m deep, without a very shallow end. Therefore, we strongly recommend that upon arrival at your property, you check the position of the shallow and deep ends. Please refrain from diving into the pool at any time. Towels for use by the pool are only provided if stated in the property description and must not be taken to the beach.

Toys, Games & Sports

Where advertised tennis courts, table tennis, snooker, and pool tables are there to provide enjoyment, but please don't expect them to be of championship standard! We recommend taking bats, racquets, and balls with you as these may not be available. Owners and departing guests occasionally leave toys and games for the following clients to enjoy. Still, please exercise caution if you decide to use them, as we cannot be held responsible for any accidents that may occur as a result. Please also be aware that properties near golf courses are at risk of stray golf balls entering the garden!

Damage

We accept that accidents happen, and if you break something, please either replace it or report it to the house manager, who will endeavor to replace it. All breakages should be paid for before vacating the property. Your travel insurance should cover you for accidental damage or breakages while on holiday, but keep all receipts as they will be required for any claims on your return. 

If you cannot obtain an official receipt, a letter from the house manager should suffice. Unreported damage or breakages will result in a deduction from your security deposit,  so you should report anything minor before you depart.

Extras

Pool heating, central heating (electricity for mobile heaters and fuel for open fires or log-burning stoves), and air conditioning are NOT included in the rental price unless otherwise stated. They must be booked and paid for in advance. It should be noted that pools can heat up anywhere between a few days and a week. 

Suppose the property is vacant, or the clients occupying the house immediately before your arrival did not require the pool to be heated. In that case, to ensure that the pool is warm enough for your arrival, it will be necessary to preheat the pool in advance. Therefore, a preheating charge will be made in addition to the cost of maintaining the heat for the duration of your holiday. 

In general, pool heating will heat water between 3 and 8 degrees Centigrade above the average air temperature, and the weather also dramatically affects the pool temperature. Heavy rainfall or freezing nights can seriously reduce the impact of the heating. Pool heating supplements are non-refundable, irrespective of the pool's temperature, as most of the cost is incurred in the first few days. 

Any cancellations will not be possible after the heating is initially switched on. It is not recommended to heat the pool during the hot summer months when heated pools can sometimes turn green with a reaction to the chemicals. This can be rectified, and your house manager should be notified immediately, but we cannot accept responsibility if you opt for pool heating in July or August. Please note that unheated pools will feel relaxed in the early and late seasons.

Equipment

All accommodation is equipped with a fridge or fridge/freezer, cooker, kettle, iron, and ironing board, and sufficient utensils, cutlery, and crockery appropriate to the property's maximum occupancy. Barbecues may be gas or charcoal, fixed or portable. Extras such as washing machines, dishwashers, microwaves, TVs, VCRs, CDs, DVDs, and where they are installed are noted in each property description. Please bring your tapes, CDs, DVDs, and a small supply of washing and dishwasher tablets, where appropriate, as these are not generally provided.

Satellite, Cable TV & Internet Access

Please note that where a property description contains satellite and cable television, where advertised, it does NOT give access to the subscription channels (e.g., Sky, which includes movies, sports, and entertainment). News channels are usually available but may be the only English channels. Some owners have provided 'free to air' channels, which will give access to a limited number of English terrestrial channels; however, since Sky is moving its footprint, these channels may not be available, and owners are trying to offer alternatives, subject to availability. 

We, therefore, cannot guarantee or be held responsible for any specific channels that may or may not be provided. If there is internet access at your chosen property, there may be an access charge in common with many wireless 'open zones.' We cannot be held responsible if the service develops a fault or is unavailable.

Maids, Gardeners & Pool Maintenance

The frequency of maid service is stated in each property description. The maid's duties include general cleaning (but not washing up or personal laundry), sweeping the floors, and cleaning the bathrooms. They will ensure clean bed linen and towels are provided. Please note that maids do not work on Sundays or public holidays and that the frequency of service includes the change over the day. 

Therefore, if maid service is twice per week, the first clean will be on the day of arrival, and you will only see her once more during that week. Maids do not dispose of household rubbish, which should be bagged and taken to one of the many local public bins. Where it is indicated in a property description that a washing machine is not available for the maid's use only or that laundry is by arrangement, it should be possible for you to make a private arrangement with the maid to do personal laundry. 

Swimming pools need regular maintenance to remain sparkling, and the gardens need regular work. The staff will endeavor to be as unobtrusive as possible. Sometimes, essential maintenance or repairs need to be carried out at the property, but your house manager will make any arrangements to complete work with you in advance. You must advise your house manager if you notice anything that needs maintenance during your stay. We will do our best to ensure that anything that needs repair or replacement will be done with minimum disturbance to you and your party.

Arrival & Departure

We will endeavor to have the house thoroughly cleaned and ready for your arrival by the specified time, which is 15:00h unless stated or agreed otherwise, on the day of your arrival and would ask you to vacate by 10:00 on the day of departure. 

It would be appreciated if you strictly adhere to these rules, as cleaning the whole house thoroughly and to your satisfaction is a lot of work for the maid. If, when you arrive, work is continuing, please allow the maid to finish. If you arrive on an early flight, it is sometimes possible for you to leave your luggage at the property from noon onwards and use the pool and terrace if you are permitted access to your property early.

Properties

Each property we feature is individually owned and furnished to the owner's taste. Where we state that a bed is a double, it could mean that there are two single mattresses on a double base made up as a double bed. Cloakrooms consist of a WC and hand basin. Bathrooms have full-size baths, and shower rooms have walk-in showers. The distances quoted on the website are approximate and intended as a guide only.

Cots, High Chairs & Extra Beds

These are not in each property as a matter of course but can be ordered in advance. The cots will be foldable travel types or standard wooden frames, but not necessarily to British safety standards. In either case, cot linen is not supplied. Extra beds may be camp beds or divans and may be provided at additional cost, subject to the property owner's agreement.

Breakage Deposits

We understand that accidents happen, but should you or a party member cause damage to a property or its contents, property owners are reassured that we hold a breakage deposit. This is paid with your final or full payment if less than ten weeks before arrival. Usually, unless stated otherwise on the property description, the amounts are as follows based on the property size: 2 bedrooms – €300; 3 or 4 bedrooms – 500€-€650 and five bedrooms: 600€-800€, six or more bedrooms – 900€-2,000€. Usually, we will request the breakage deposit in euros cash upon arrival or as described in the instructions in the email sent to you. The return of the money is set out below.

Generally, breakage deposits are refunded in full within 24-48 hours after your return, as most clients treat the properties with great care and respect. We will return the breakage deposit by bank transfer to your home/chosen currency, and we require that you supply us with your appropriate bank details.

 The maid will check the property before your arrival to ensure everything is in good order. Should you notice anything amiss, please report it immediately to the house manager. Ensuring you have adequate travel insurance is imperative, as charges incurred for damage can usually be claimed back from your travel insurance provider.

Covid Insurance

Before you book a rental with us, you must take out appropriate Covid-19 insurance. If you search the internet for "Portuguese Covid Travel Insurance," several specific companies offer this. When you book, our standard terms and conditions for rentals apply as covid-related problems and issues are covered by your insurance.