Hi everyone, Gabi here! 🌸

July in the Algarve means glorious sunshine, blue skies, and temperatures that practically beg you to jump into the water. When our guests want a full day of fun away from the beach, question always pops up: “Gabi, should we go to Slide & Splash or Aquashow?”

Both are world-class water parks, but they have completely different vibes. To help you choose the perfect splashing day for your family or group, here is my ultimate local comparison!

🟢 Slide & Splash (Lagoa) – The Family Classic

Located just a 20-minute drive west of our properties, Slide & Splash is a massive favorite for all generations.

• The Vibe: It feels like a massive, sunny garden. It is famous for its huge, well-manicured grass lawns where you can rent an umbrella or lay down your towel under the trees.
• The Highlights: Rides like the Big Wave (a giant belly-flopping raft ride) and the Black Hole are massive hits. It also has incredible, dedicated splash zones for toddlers and younger children.
• Best For: Families with kids of all ages, people who love to relax on the grass between rides, and those looking for a closer drive from Guia and Albufeira.

🔵 Aquashow Park (Quarteira) – The Adrenaline King

Located about 25 minutes east (easily reached via the A22 highway), Aquashow is the largest water park in Portugal and leans heavily into thrills.

• The Vibe: Massive, high-energy, and theme-park-style. It features a mix of traditional water slides and massive mechanical rides.
• The Highlights: It is home to the famous Water Coaster (a massive roller coaster that ends in a giant splash), the terrifying Free Fall slides, and a gigantic wave pool.
• Best For: Teenagers, adrenaline junkies, older couples, and families looking for massive theme-park scale thrills.

⚖️ Gabi’s Verdict: How to Choose?

• Choose Slide & Splash if: You have younger children, you want a more laid-back day with plenty of shade and green grass to relax on, or you simply want a shorter drive.
• Choose Aquashow if: You have teenagers or adults who live for roller coasters, high-speed drops, and big theme-park environments.

• 💡 Gabi’s Tip: Master the Water Parks in July July is peak season, so lines can get long. To maximize your day, follow my three golden rules:
• Buy online in advance: You will skip the long ticket lines at the entrance and often get a small discount.
• Arrive 15 minutes before opening: Head straight to the biggest rides (like the Water Coaster or Big Wave) in the morning before the park fills up.
• Protect your feet: The pavement gets burning hot under the July sun. Pack water shoes or flip-flops that you can easily wear right up to the slide queues!

After a thrilling day of slides and sun, there is nothing quite like heading back to the peace of your private villa to relax by the pool as the evening cools down.

Which park are you choosing? Let me know if you need help securing your tickets!

Best,

Gabi 💙

Hi everyone, Gabi here! 🌸

When our guests ask me for a day trip that perfectly combines rich Portuguese history, vibrant marina life, and some of the most beautiful cliffs in the world, my answer is always the same: you have to visit Lagos.

Located just a 45-minute drive west of our villas in Albufeira and Guia, Lagos is an absolute gem. Here is my curated 1-day itinerary to help you make the most of this stunning historic city.

🗺️ Morning: The Historic Center & The Age of Discovery

Lagos played a massive role in the Portuguese Age of Discovery, and its old town—hugged by ancient Moorish walls—is filled with stories.

• Walk the Ancient City Walls: Start your morning with a stroll along the well-preserved stone walls and check out the facade of the Governors’ Castle (Castelo dos Governadores).
• Praça Infante Dom Henrique: This is the historic heart of the town. Here you’ll find the Church of Santa Maria and the old Slave Market (Mercado de Escravos), which was the first in Europe and now serves as a deeply moving museum.
• The Golden Church (Igreja de Santo António): Don’t let the simple exterior fool you. Inside, it holds one of the most breathtaking and intricate displays of baroque gilded wood (talha dourada) in all of Portugal. It is a must-see!
• Get Lost in the Pedestrian Streets: Spend the rest of your morning wandering the traditional cobblestone streets, packed with local boutiques, cozy cafes, and vibrant street art.

🍽️ Lunch: Fresh Catch & Sea Flavors

For lunch, your best bet in Lagos is either grilled fish right off the boats or traditional seafood petiscos.

• Where to go: You can choose a hidden tavern in the old town or cross the footbridge to the modern Lagos Marina. Enjoying an Arroz de Marisco (seafood rice) or a perfectly grilled sea bream while watching the yachts sail by is pure bliss.

📸 Afternoon: Ponta da Piedade & Postcard-Perfect Beaches

The afternoon is dedicated to the reason Lagos is world-famous: its dramatic, sea-sculpted golden coastline.

• Ponta da Piedade: This is the crown jewel of Lagos—a headland surrounded by towering yellow limestone cliffs, sea arches, and hidden caves.
  • How to explore: You can walk along the wooden boardwalks on top of the cliffs for jaw-dropping views, or descend the long stone staircase to the water. My favorite option? Hop on a small, traditional fisherman’s boat right there to tour the grottos from inside the water.
• Praia do Camilo: On your way back from Ponta da Piedade, stop at this iconic beach. Access is via a wooden staircase of over 200 steps, but the view from the top and the crystal-clear, emerald water make every single step worth it.
• Praia da Dona Ana: If you prefer a beach with a bit more sand to lay down your towel and take a late afternoon dip, this is the ideal choice. It has been named one of the most beautiful beaches in the world multiple times!

Have a wonderful day exploring Lagos! If you need help arranging a grotto boat tour ahead of time, just drop me a message.

💡 Gabi’s Tip: Parking in the center of Lagos can be tricky during the summer. I always recommend that our guests leave their car at the large, free parking lot near the Lagos Marina and simply walk across the pedestrian drawbridge into the historic center. Also, make sure to wear sturdy shoes—leave the flip-flops for the sand, as the cliff trails can be slippery!

Best,

Olá, daqui é a Gabi! 🌸

Para mim, as férias perfeitas resumem-se a um momento: acordar, agarrar na toalha e sentir a areia nos pés em menos de 10 minutos. Sem trânsito, sem stress de estacionamento, apenas o som das ondas.

Das nossas 13 casas atualmente disponíveis, selecionei as que ficam mesmo à beira-mar. Se quer aproveitar cada segundo de sol, estas são as escolhas ideais:

A Rainha dos 300 Metros: Villa Viola

Esta é a nossa estrela absoluta no que toca a proximidade. Situada a apenas 300 metros da deslumbrante Praia dos Arrifes, consegue-se praticamente sentir o cheiro da maresia no terraço. É perfeita para aquele mergulho matinal antes de toda a gente chegar.

A Dupla da Galé: Villa Gui & Salgados Beach Paradise

Se adora areais extensos e os nossos famosos passadiços de madeira:

Salgados Beach Paradise: A cerca de 600m das famosas dunas dos Salgados. O nome diz tudo, não é?

Villa Gui: Um passeio muito curto (cerca de 400-600m) leva-o diretamente à zona do Manuel Lourenço/Galé.

O Caminho “Secreto”: Villa Costa

Fica a cerca de 700m da Praia da Coelha. É um passeio lindo por um caminho tipicamente algarvio que se abre para uma das enseadas mais charmosas da nossa costa.

Menção Honrosa: Villa Chris

A cerca de 800m de São Rafael, continua a ser um percurso fácil a pé até uma das praias mais fotografadas do mundo.

Dica da Gabi: Como neste momento só nos restam 13 casas no total para esta temporada, estas opções “pé na praia” são sempre as primeiras a esgotar. Se quer esquecer as chaves do carro e andar apenas de chinelos, este é o seu sinal!

Prontos para o primeiro mergulho?

Beijinhos,

Gabi

Hi everyone, Gabi speaking! 👋

Those who know me know that I have a soft spot for Albufeira in May. It’s that beautiful moment before the summer rush, when the sun already feels warm, the days are longer, the beaches are calmer, and the town still has that relaxed Algarve rhythm I love so much.

For me, May is the perfect month to enjoy Albufeira without rushing. You can have a peaceful walk by the sea in the morning, enjoy a lovely lunch on a terrace, visit the old town in the afternoon, and still have time to discover something special happening nearby.

So today I want to share with you a few events taking place in Albufeira this May. If you are staying with us, planning a visit, or simply looking for a different way to enjoy the town, these are my suggestions.

A special local tradition: Procession of Our Lady of Fátima

On 12 May, Albufeira welcomes the Procession of Our Lady of Fátima, connected to the Igreja Matriz de Albufeira.

This is one of those moments that reminds me that Albufeira is not only about beaches, restaurants and summer holidays. It is also about faith, community and tradition.

I always find these local moments very meaningful. Whether you are religious or simply curious about Portuguese culture, it is a beautiful opportunity to see a more authentic side of the town. The kind of side you don’t always find in travel guides, but that stays with you.

Something different: Portuguese Pool Final

From 7 to 17 May, the Espaço Multiusos de Albufeira hosts the Final Stage of the Portuguese Pool Competition.

Now, I know this may not be the first thing people think of when they imagine holidays in Albufeira — and that is exactly why I like mentioning it!

Sometimes the best memories come from doing something unexpected. After a morning at the beach or a walk through the old town, stopping by to watch a competition like this can be a fun and different way to spend part of your day.

And if you enjoy sport, focus, strategy and a bit of friendly competition, this is definitely worth adding to your May plans.

My favourite kind of plan: walking, discovering and protecting

On 23 May, there is an event I really love the sound of: “Trilhos do Tempo — Arrifes 360º Caminhar, Descobrir, Proteger”, at Praia dos Arrifes.

And honestly, Arrifes is one of those places that never disappoints.

The cliffs, the sea, the colours, the light… everything feels peaceful there. It’s the kind of place where I always feel like slowing down, breathing properly and remembering how lucky we are to have this coastline so close to us.

This walk is not just about moving your legs. It is about looking around, discovering the landscape and understanding why we need to protect it. For me, that makes the experience even more special.

If you enjoy nature, photography, coastal views or simply a good walk with fresh sea air, this is a lovely plan for May.

My friendly advice

If you are coming to Albufeira in May, don’t overplan every minute.

Leave space for the small things: a coffee in the old town, a slow walk by the beach, fresh fish for lunch, a sunset you didn’t expect, or one of these local events that makes your stay feel more personal.

May gives you the best of both worlds: good weather and a calmer atmosphere. That is why I always say it is one of the nicest months to really feel Albufeira.

Ready to enjoy Albufeira in May?

Whether you come for the traditions, the nature, the sport, the food, the sea or simply a few days of rest, I hope you enjoy this month as much as I do.

Albufeira has many ways of welcoming you — and in May, it does it with a very special charm.

Warmly,
Gabi

Hi everyone, Gabi speaking! 👋

Those who know me know that, for me, family is sacred. And in my family (and I bet in yours too!), our four-legged friends aren’t just pets , they are full members of the family, with a rightful spot on the sofa and plenty of belly rubs.

Whenever I plan my own getaways, my first thought is always: “How can I leave them behind?”. That tug at the heartstrings is something many of you share with me. That’s why at Gabi Miguel, I made sure that many of our villas are a true home for your furry friends.

Why choose one of my villas for your pet?

I’m often asked: “Gabi, is the house really suitable for my dog?”. My answer is always a big YES, and here’s why:

• Freedom to run (and for me to relax!): I love seeing dogs exploring. That’s why I’ve selected homes with fenced gardens and spacious terraces. At Villa Eulalia, for example, the lawn is so generous that even I feel like running around with them! It’s such a relief to know they are safe while we enjoy the pool.
• No hotel stress: Forget cramped rooms. In our homes, your dog has their own space, can sleep by your side, and maintain their home routines. A calm animal means relaxed owners!
• Unforgettable walks on our doorstep: I absolutely love walking in the Salgados area at sunrise. Taking the dog to feel the sea breeze and explore the natural trails of the Lagoon is, for me, the definition of a perfect morning in the Algarve.

My friendly advice

If you’re thinking of bringing your faithful companion, bring their favorite blanket. The smell of home helps them feel like the “king of the castle” from day one. And don’t worry about water bowls or cool spots; my team and I ensure everything is ready to welcome them with the same care we show you.

Ultimately, I want you to look back at your holiday photos years from now and see that no one was missing from the family picture by the pool.

Ready to pack your bags (and the leash)?

I can’t wait to welcome your whole family!

Warmly (and a treat for your pet),

Gabi