Christmas Gifts from the Algarve

Perhaps the best gift of all is simply time spent in the Algarve

Ah, Christmas! The season of goodwill and cheer. The season of trying to find that perfect gift for that special someone….Whether you plan to spend Christmas and New Year in the Algarve or visit during the year, here are some great Algarve gift ideas that we’d be happy to receive anytime.

Has your loved one always had a hankering to take to the skies? For an amazing and exhilarating adrenaline rush Skydive Algarve offers a wide range of gift vouchers, including a tandem skydive - perfect for novice jumpers. Enjoy super views of the beautiful coast from the airplane and even during your jump. Safely harnessed to your instructor you can take in all the beauty that surrounds you!  If water not air is the preferred element, then a winning gift is the Dolphin Emotions programme available at Zoomarine. This year you can get 20% off Zoomarine entrance ticket or dolphin interaction gift vouchers when you purchase online by 8th January - vouchers are valid for 12 months. Zoomarine is the only place in Europe that you can swim in the pool and interact with the dolphins. There’s a briefing and educational session before heading to the pool, where you get to learn some tricks and interact with these amazing creatures. This is a gift that generates memories for a lifetime. (Zoomarine is closed from October to March, however advance booking for the Dolphin Emotions programme is available online and is advised).

Sharing food and drink at Christmas is traditional. Vila Vita Parc, one of the most luxurious resorts in the Algarve, is home to an array of restaurants including two Michelin star Ocean Restaurant and the wonderful, contemporary Japanese restaurant Mizu. The resort is also home to a rather special wine cellar - the Cave dos Vinhos. Built nine metres below the surface with bricks originating from the largest brick factory during the Austro-Hungarian empire, the cellar houses 11.000 bottles of the best wines from Portugal and around the world. Among the stars of the cellar is the Madeira wine, dating from 1850, the 18 litre bottle of 2007, award winning Herdade do Grous wine and a 1997 Château Petrus. What a fabulous gift a private dinner party here would be. Seating up to 12 guests only, this is a spectacular and exclusive setting for a very special occasion. Wine tasting is also available here.

For some expert advice and a very interesting selection of 100% portuguese wines, visit Rolha Wine Bar in Porches. Antonio is both knowledgeable and passionate about wines and will help you select the perfect wine gift. Check out The Natural Meat Co too. This premium retailer for meat and wine also stocks a range of condiments and spices, olive oils and chutney - great stocking fillers!

Of course, if you really want to splash out this Christmas, why not offer the one you love their very own place in the sun? Now is the time to buy property in the Algarve. There are some fabulous deals to be had. Speak with a local real estate agent that offers not just expertise but a personal approach, such as Diamond Properties in Boliqueime or Lisa of LWL Properties in Tavira, experts in East Algarve real estate. OR, if you have a property to sell, let Diamond Properties give you a gift this festive season -  they're offering to sell your property for just 3% commission!

There is no obligation to be extravagant, though….if you plan on hitting the shops and want some value buys, the new Designer Outlet Algarve has brought all your favourite luxury brands to the Algarve, with up to 70% off, all year round! Right next to the Designer Outlet is the new Mar Shopping complex and IKEA. So, there's absolutley no excuse for not finding that perfect gift! For a timeless gift, a piece of art is an excellent gift. ArtCatto gallery in Loulé has works by a broad range of artists and their works adorn not only properties in the Algarve but around the world too.

Always a fabulous treat is some luxury pampering at a beautiful spa. The Spa at Vivenda Miranda offers Neal's Yard Remedies products and treatments - the first overseas outlet to do so. Book yourself or a friend in for some organic, healthy and eco-friendly pampering at this intimate spa that has a eye popping location overlooking the Lagos coastline.

Perhaps the best gift of all is simply time spent in the Algarve. Fresh air to breath, beaches and country trails to walk, sunshine to warm your skin and good food and wine to share with the ones you love.

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