Praia de Lota Resort Apartments, Manta Rota

The Praia de Lota Resort apartments and hotel have direct access to one of eastern Portugal's most beautiful beaches on the edge of the Ria Formosa Natural Park, an important wetland for migrating birds. It's a popular holiday destination for the Dutch and the area is great for cycling.

The 52 apartments are on 3 floors in an L-shaped building (no lift) within well maintained grounds a short walk from the hotel. They have their own unheated outdoor pool and sun terrace and guests may also use the hotel’s tennis court (lessons available), a 2nd outdoor pool and cycle hire. Other facilities include a pleasant bar, a breakfast restaurant, a small coin operated laundry room and plenty of parking just outside.

The bright and spacious accommodation is simply furnished and this is reflected in the price which, overall, represents very good value for money. All apartments are identical in style and décor and each has a small balcony with table and chairs. Apartments are cleaned 3 times a week, towels changed twice and linen once. Free Wi-Fi. Pets not accepted. A tourist tax of 1€ per person per night (up to a maximum of 7 nights) is payable when staying here.

Max: 2 Bedrooms: 1  Living room has fitted kitchen area with fridge/freezer, hob, mini-oven (on request, no full size oven), microwave and dishwasher. Tv with 2 or 3 English speaking channels. Twin bedroom. Bath/shower/wc. Heating/air conditioning.

Max: 4 Bedrooms: 2  As above plus an extra double bedroom.

Manta Rota

The eastern end of the Algarve is very different to the rest of the region as it's a lot flatter and beaches are backed by sand dunes instead of cliffs. The sea is also a little warmer here too.

Less than 15k from the Spanish border, the small village of Manta Rota (1.5k) is a favourite of the Portuguese who come to enjoy the beautiful beach in summer but it is slowly starting to become a popular long stay winter destination for foreign visitors too. It's a fabulous location, very peaceful with attractive surroundings and is a great place to experience a typical Portuguese holiday as it has none of the commercial trappings found in most resorts. Although a car is needed, for those who enjoy walking the coastline is long and easy to navigate - Praia Verde, Monte Gordo and Praia Cacela Velha are all within walking distance.

13k from Manta Rota, Tavira is, without doubt, one of the Algarve's most beautiful towns. Oozing charm and attracting thousands of visitors year round, its traditional architecture has striking Moorish influences and there are very few big commerical buildings and hotels. There are also no less than 22 churches! Rambling cobbled streets lead past pretty plazas up to the castle and its lovely garden whilst the river runs down below backed by lovely little shops and boutiques as well as many highly rated restaurants.

Other neighbouring places worth a visit include Monte Gordo, a small fishing village that is now a modern resort town complete with stunning beach and promenade backed by palm trees; delightful Cacela Velha with its typical whitewashed houses and a fort on the waterfront; and Castro Marim where there are great panoramic views from its castle remains. You can also take a walk through the Reserva Natural do Sapal - the salt marsh nature reserve, a large area of land between Castro Marim, Monte Gordo and Vila Real de Santo António which is home to vast numbers of different birds, including storks, sandpipers and flamingos as well as over 400 different plants and animals.

Algarve, Portugal

With a year round balmy climate, it's no wonder the Algarve is Portugal's premier holiday destination. It has lots to see and do including many first class beaches and a rich interesting heritage as well as world renowned golf courses. And, even though it is heavily developed in places, away from the coast there are plenty of picturesque towns and villages to explore where daily life has hardly changed and commercialism doesn't exist.

Route planning

For route planning you may wish to visit Google Maps, viamichelin.comor theaa.com.

Hotel directions

With your travel documents you will find an information sheet for each hotel which has been booked for you giving directions together with some further details.