Almancil is the ideal destination for a family holiday as well as a romantic getaway. You can experience a wonderful time in this picturesque little town. While it is a bit further inland, you will have no problems planning a beach vacation from this lovely region. The golden-yellow sandy beaches of Ancao and its clear blue water are less than three miles away. Almancil offers different residential areas where you can find luxurious holiday rental villas, houses, homes and apartments.
Almancil - Algarve - Portugal
General information on Almancil
Loulé is a municipality and a city in the district of Faro, in the southernmost part of Portugal, also well-known as the former province of Algarve. Every Portuguese municpio (municipality, also called concelho) consists of at least one freguesia. A freguesia is the lowest possible level of governing body in Portugal. Almancil is a freguesia of the municipality of Loulé , with a surface area of 39 square miles and a population of approximately 9,000. Almancil lies about 3 miles inland and 8 miles from the city of Faro and its airport.
Almancil is an important support centre for the two neighbouring top golf and beach resorts of Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo , as well as their numerous facilities. Because of this, you can find many excellent restaurants, cosy bars, and top stores next to its outstanding golf courses and tennis lanes.
Landscape and surrounding area of Almancil
The charming city of Almancil lies hidden between pine trees and more inland walnut, oak, citrus, and avocado trees. The hinterland alternates between orchards and grain fields dotted with small villages and towns that are characterised by their unique white houses. Trekking out here to experience the many different aromas that waft throughout the whole year, such as eucalyptus, pine, lavender, and rock rose, are worth the effort.
In Almancil you can find small streets full of high-class boutiques, interior design shops, and top-quality fish restaurantsall of which are there to help your lazy days turn into even lazier nights. And if youre looking for souvenirs, you have come to the right place. The mini-pottery business is alive, well, and flourishing in Almancil.
Beaches of Almancil
Near Almancil you will find beautiful sand beaches, listed below:
| Praia do Ano: | Long sand beach situated between Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo in an extensively protected dune area. Very suitable for families. |
| Praia do Garro: | Long sand beach between Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo, protected by sand dunes. Here you can stroll endlessly in both directions, either to Faro or Vilamoura. en Vale do Lobo beschermd door de duinen. U kunt hier eindeloos wandelen in beide richtingen naar Faro of Vilamoura. |
| Praia da Quarteira: | Along this long sand beach of several miles lies Quarteira Boulevard. In the Summer you will find it comfortably busy here |
| Praia do Quinta do Lago: > | Beautiful long sand beach protected by dunes. Entrance is via boardwalk that crosses over the nature park of Ria Formosa Lagune. |
| Praia Rocha Baixinha Leste: | Long, flat sand beach situated between Praia da Rocha Baixinha Oeste and Vilamoura Marina. Very well suited for families with small children. |
| Praia Rocha Baixinha Oeste: | Flat sand beach bordering the Praia de Falsia in the direction of Vilamoura. This beach is also very well suited for families with small children. |
| Praia de Vale de Lobo: | Beautiful beach belonging to the Almancil golf and vacation resort with the same name. The resort has been making a considerable effort to protect this natural beauty under the cliffs from sea erosion. |
| Praia da Maina de Vilamoura: | This wide sand beach stretches from the harbour of Vilamoura in the east to the fishing harbour of the neighbouring Quarteira. The flat beach is well-protected by a breakwater, and suitable for children. |
Things to see in Almancil
The most interesting attraction in this region is certainly the church of So Loureno de Matos . This small church sits on a hill close to the Portuguese town of Almancil and is dedicated to the holy Laurentius of Rome. The church was built in the 17th century, and its interior is almost completely covered in azulejos (Iberian glazed tiles).
You can also find a cultural centre that is open to the public, holds many different events, and has various art exhibitions to see and admire.
Things to do in Almancil
On every first and fourth Sunday of the month Almancil holds a market. In addition to this, you can always enjoy a great round of golf in and around Almancil during your vacation on one of the many beautiful and well-groomed courses, including (amongst others) Vale do Lobo and Quinta do Lago. Tennis is also possible, as are go-karting and water sports at the beaches. Dont forget to take a moment to enjoy a cup of coffee on a terrace of one of the many cafs in the area. Then, stick around for a glass of wine or a pint while enjoying a bit of people-watching. Those who still have energy to burn after such a long day can enjoy a lovely dinner in one of the many stylish restaurants, and then go straight to one of the many diverse bars, night clubs, or discos.
Cuisine of Almancil
During your stay in Almancil you will find a large selection of high-quality restaurants, with extensive choice as to different kitchens. In addition to the Portuguese and international restaurants, almost every tourist location in the Algarve will undoubtedly have a pizzeria or Chinese, Greek, or Indian restaurant, although we do recommend you try the aromatic and colourful Portuguese kitchen first.
All restaurants serve meat as well as fish. Fish lovers will find themselves at home in the real fisheries and fish restaurants that are in abundance in the Algarve, which, in addition to greater diversity in choice, also offer a significantly higher quality of food. 
Wine of Algarve
The Algarve has four wine regions: Lagoa, Portimo, Tavira, and Lagos , of which Lagoa is the most important. This region alone produces more than 6 million litres of red, white, and blush wine per year, with the majority being red wine. The red wines are fruity and the white wines are fairly dry, while both have a rather high alcohol content.
Coffee
A meal should always be followed by a cup of coffee. The most widely consumed coffee in the Algarve is the Bica, a small cup of strong espresso. Those who find the Bica too strong can order a Bica Cheia, in which some extra water is added to dilute it.
If you, as a North-European, want to drink a cup of coffee like you are used to at home, you can order a caf com leite (coffee with milk) because it comes closest.
Sports and recreation in Almancil
The Algarve, of course, is famous for its many all year long golf opportunities. Close to Almancil you will find the famous links of Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo. San Lorenzo is said to be one of the most beautiful golf courses, because it lies in the middle of nature. The Vale do Lobo Royal, which makes up a part of the Vale do Lobo Golf Resort, is known to aficionados to be amongst the most difficult golf courses in all of Europe. The links at Quinta do Lago are also lovely.
Tennis can be played on one of the many courts in the area. The Vale do Lobo resort even has its own complete tennis academy with 12 courts, coaches, pro shops, fitness room, sauna, swimming pool, and a bar/restaurant.
Locations in Almancil with holiday villas and holiday apartments
You can rent holiday accommodations in Albufeira, Almancil, Alvor, Armona, Island, Carvoeiro, Dunas Douradas, Luz, Quinta das Salinas, Quinta do Lago, Quinta do Mar, Quinta Jacintina, Quinta Verde, Valverde and Vila Sol.
