Lagoon Cottage
Holiday cottage accommodation, 4 bedrooms
Sleeps 9 (6 adults, 3 children).
near Fuzeta, Moncarapacho, Tavira, Olhão
Description (Property Reference: 133) Lagoon Cottage is a gem for birdwatchers and nature lovers. It sits in 36,000 m2 of its own land, including a pine wood behind the house. From the terrace in front of the house and from the roof terrace, you enjoy uninterrupted views out over the lagoon of the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve to the gap between the Ilhas de Tavira and Armona and the sea beyond. You can expect to see hoopoes, bee-eaters and golden oriels in the land around the house, and black-winged stilts, white stork and spoonbills in the lagoon in front of the house. Take in the view, take in the sea breeze, take in the tranquility and bird song around you and you can forget that you ever booked a return flight. Ideal for couples seeking a quiet natural setting or for families with children eager to explore. |
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From: Steven & Steven
Date: July 2010
Just wanted to say thanks again for a lovely stay at Lagoon Cottage. A top spot.
It really was perfect. When we weren't cycling somewhere or walking through the lagoon to the beach, we spent hours on the terrace watching the ever-changing tide go out or come in. The birds and plants were stunning. We hardly spent a minute indoors - we would have slept outside if it weren't for the mosquitos!
In the house book we tried our best at drawing a map showing how to walk across the lagoon to the beach. It is a fabulous spot with, as you probably know, calm and very warm waters relative to the sea. Requires a bit of determination and sea-friendly shoes or sandals for the uninitiated.
We hired cycles from Casa Abilo in Tavira. The were top quality - brand new. CA were a bit relaxed (delivered over an hour late and didn't show up on the collection day, so we had to take them to Tavira ourselves on our last day). But they were good value. We did four longer cycle trips:
1) to Santa Luziaon the Ecovia for lunch,
2) to Cabeca (to walk up to the look-out tower you suggested in the book - one of our highlights of the week; stunning landscape and beautiful views,
3) past Fuzeta on the Ecovia (stunning) then up to Moncarpacho for lunch, and
4) to Barril.
Highly recommend it for anyone staying at Lagoon Cottage, as it is right on the Ecovia.
We also easily used the train station at Livramento for day trips. We went to Vila Real and Ayamonte for lunch, Faro for the day, Olhao for Saturday Market, and Tavira twice.
All in all a perfect spot for non-car users!
The cottage is well appointed and very large.
From: Cathy Brickwood
Date: May 2010
We loved the view of the lagoon and the beaches (at lowest tide it was not to ohard to get to the beach in front of the house) - follow path next to wall.
Walk to Pinheiro great for kids (no traffic) evenjust to get an ice cream (or eat at the great restaurant).
'Skandinavia' restaurant in Fuseta does great seafood risoto (arroz de marisco)
We had a wonderful time at Lagoon Cottage and definitely plan to come back next year so I guess we'll have to book early.
From: Esra
Date: October 2009
We had an absolutely wonderful time at Lagoon Cottage. Everything I'd read on your website and in the guestbook were true. The beaches are beautiful and what a joy to be able to sit on a near-deserted stretch of pale golden sand with no-one else's radio blaring at you.
From: Shook family
Date: September 2009
Great week ! Magical views. Wonderful bird life. Unique experience. Restaurant at 'Pinheiro' excellent. Simple but great quality seafood & fish. Recommended by all the Portuguese we met. Great to explore all the beaches & choose your favourite.
From: Shook Family
Date: September 2009
Great Week ! Magical views ! Wonderful bird life. Unique experience.
Restaurant at Pinheiro excelent. Simple but great quality seafood and fish. Recommended by all the Portuguese we met.
Great to explore all the beaches and chose your favourite.
Fish market at Olhão, something to behold. Go!
Tip - do buy some mosquito candles and cream for here, unless you don't think you are too tasty !
From: Ana Rafael
Date: August 2009
Os 18 dias que passamos no ´Cottage´ foram inesqueciveis, a casa, a ria, as praias, a luz do nasceu e fim do dia.
The 18 days we spent in the cottage were unforgatable: the house, the Ria, the beaches, the sun rise and sunset.
As crianças adoraram os passeios e as conchas. Os adultos redescobriram um 'Algarve' que conheceram na sua infáncia e que pensavam ja ter desaparecido.
The children loved the walks and the shells. The adults rediscovered an Algarve they knew in their childhoods and that they thought had disappeared.
From: Neill & Trina
Date: July 2009
We have had a very enjoyable week at \lagoon Cottage. What a lovely position !
From: David and Denise
Date: June 2009
Lovely cottage, wonderful views, birdwatching a joy. Good location for several beaches, restaurants and shops. JJ's restaurant on the main road is friendly and good value. We would come again.
From: Janet and Barry
Date: June 2009
We had a lovely time at the Lagoon Cottage. Beautiful weather, enjoyed watching the wildlife. The cottage itself has everything in it, home from home. Fuzeta is great if you want to stock up for meat, veg, fish or a bite to eat. Tavira has bigger supermarkets and shops.
| 25 Aug 2010 to 29 Sep 2010 |
GBP 599 |
| 29 Sep 2010 to 1 Nov 2010 |
GBP 499 |
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Notes
Prices are for the property per week, regardless of the number of people (up to the maximum number of people for the property). |
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Facilities
| oven |
YES |
| hob |
YES - gas |
| microwave |
YES |
| fridge/freezer |
YES |
| gas kettle |
YES |
| toaster |
YES |
| coffee machine |
YES |
| expresso maker |
YES |
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| iron |
YES |
| ironing board |
YES |
| wood burning fire |
YES |
| bedroom fans |
YES |
| barbeque |
YES |
| terrestrial TV |
YES |
| washing machine |
YES |
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Further information
What is the accommodation like ?
Lagoon Cottage is a traditional cottage with many antiques features, which has been updated to make a holiday home. It has three small double bedrooms all with built in wardrobes and a fourth bedroom with a small single bed and bunk beds for children. There is a bathroom complete with bath (and stand-in shower), handbasin and WC. There is also a second, more rustic, small shower room with WC. There is a fitted kitchen fully equipped for self-catering. At the centre of the house is a lounge/dining area divided by an open fire place.
What outside spaces and facilities are there ?
The focus of the cottage is the large front terrace which is accessed from the dining room and the kitchen. It features a traditional, built-in seat the length of the house and a barbeque. It is private and gives spectacular, uninterrupted views over the lagoon and to the sea. This is truely a great place to be. There is also a roof terrace, which is accessed via an outside staircase and which makes an exceptional 'viewing' platform of the Ria Formosa, of the countryside and of the pine wood behind. You have - literally - acres of land on which to amble, explore, and in which you can watch and listen to the birds. There is plenty of space to park and to play petanque (boule).
What is it like walking from the property ?
You can do a fair amount of walking within the boundaries of the property. However, venturing outside, you are immediately at the lagoon shore and the Algarve Ecoway - the coastal cycle and walking path. Walking east will take you past some good marsh for bird watching and eventually out onto the waterfront in Pinheiro - where there happens to be an excellent and cheap local seafood restaurant. You can follow the path all the way along the coast into St Luzia, Tavira, and beyond.
Walking west, I would go along the shore if I were you, instead of following the coastal path on its diversion inland, passing the inlet of Arroteia de Baixo and joining the footpath again as it passes an area of salt pans which is excellent for bird watching. The footpath then takes you into Fuzeta and beyond.
For the adventurous, the other option is to strike out south from the shore and walk through the marsh out to the wide expanse of the sandy shore of the lagoon. Not only does this offer excellent opportunities for birdwatching but also for bathing, once you get to the open lagoon. The really adventurous can then carry on and wade across to the islands and the ocean at low tide; though don't forget that you have to come back.
Whichever way you choose, you'll return soaked through by the sun, the salt-laden sea breeze, the dazzingly light and the many impressions of the day.
How close is the nearest beach ?
Pretty near as the crow flies, through the marsh at low tide. Otherwise, Fuzeta, which is a five minute drive away or can be walked to along the coastal footpath.
How close are the nearest food shops ?
The nearest food shops are at Fuzeta and Moncarapacho, a 5 and 10 minute drive away respectively. Bigger markets and supermarkets are available at Tavira and Olhão, both about 15 minutes drive away.
How close are the nearest restaurants ?
There are three local restaurants within 10 minutes walking distance along the shore.
How far is the nearest airport ?
Faro airport is about a 30 drive away.
Do we need to hire a car ?
Yes, you're out in the sticks here. Look at our car hire.
What is there to do ?
This is a place for bird watchers and for people who are happy to be in and explore nature. The interessed and the curious will find plenty to entertain them in the Ria Formosa Natural Park and the local fishing villages. For the bird watchers, the near-by areas of lagoon, salt marsh and salt pans offer excellent opportunites for seeing wading and coastal birds, many of which are rare or unseen in the UK, including: greater flamingo, spoonbill, avocet, black-winged stilt, godwits, curlew, curlew sandpiper, Kentish plover, little egrets, white stork, little tern, Caspian tern, sandwich tern, green shank, grey plover, kingfisher and many more. Other species include: bluethroat, sardinian warbler, Cetti's warbler, fan-tailed warbler, common waxbill, bee-eater, golden oriel, hoopoe, crested tit, little owl, barn owl, red-necked nightjar.
Apart from its birds, the Ria Formosa is a fascinating place for its plant life, marine life, the cycle of its tides and the many uses to whcih it is put by humans. Its all on your door step.
Are children welcome ?
Yes, very. The big outdoors is waiting for them to wear out their energy and curiosity and the 'kids' bedroom is waiting for their dreams at night.
Are pets welcome ?
No, sorry.
Can we smoke in the property ?
No. Smoking outside only. SMOKERS MUST BE VERY VIGILANT IN THE DRY SUMMER MONTHS DUE TO THE HEIGHTENED RISK OF CAUSING FIRE.
On which day(s) can we arrive/leave ?
The change-over day is Wednesday.
Is there a minimum/maximum length of stay ?
The minimum stay is 7 nights, and the maximum 28.
Are there any dangerous/safety features for small children ?
The property is far from the road and is fenced all the way around.
Is there anything else I should know about the property ?
For guests who have stayed here before, Lagoon Cottage is the new name for Cerro da Vela.
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