Colina in the Algarve is relaxing for adults and fun for the kids
With three kids it’s all about short flight times and guaranteed sunshine and hoping your brood will hit it off with other kids in the resort allowing you to finally make headway with the novel that’s been sitting on your dresser since Christmas.
Measured against these considerations, Colina Village Resort in Portugal’s beautiful Algarve is ideal. After a ridiculously short flight time (less than two-and-a-half hours) we touched down in glorious sunshine in Faro Airport where the transfer to the resort took less than an hour.
About a kilometre outside the fishing village of Carvoeira, Colina Village is a colourful little enclave of about 75 apartments, set out in one-two and three-storey groupings around well-tended grounds.
Towards the back of the resort is a fine-sized outdoor swimming pool with plenty of sunloungers where a little bar and restaurant (open until midnight) have plenty to offer the traveller who has no desire to stray far from the complex. Good natured staff add to an enjoyable experience and the monkfish rice is, as Darina might say, simply delicious.
Parents can dine on the restaurant terrace while kids play nearby in the bar area which has a pool table, air hockey and some board games.
By day, a baby pool keeps the smallest and biggest happy — tots can wade around while mammy or daddy can feel reasonably relaxed about safety. And in the event of dodgy weather, there is a warmer, indoor swimming pool to splash about in.
For those for whom tennis is an essential part of the summer holidays, there are two courts at the resort, hirable at reception at a cost of €8 per hour, including rackets and balls. A small playground courtside kept the four-year-old occupied while the older two hurled balls and abuse at each other with gusto.
For those who like to venture beyond their apartment complex, it’s easy to do so in Colina on account of a courtesy bus that runs a couple of times a day to nearby Carvoeira where bars and restaurants are plentiful and where a beautiful beach forms the centrepiece. If the courtesy bus times don’t suit, taxi fares are very reasonable — less than €7 one-way from Colina Village.
The resort is self-catering so you will get to know the shops in the area. There’s a mini market on site but the giant Intermarche close to Carvoeira is where you will need to head for the ‘big shop’. They have everything and it’s good quality stuff. If you’re on a budget, Aldi also has a presence, albeit a little further afield.
For those that can’t survive without wifi — I brought my own mobile dongle — reception can sort you out . If you have valuables in tow, rent a key at same reception — €15 for the week and a €25 deposit. With the exception of the weekend, your apartment is cleaned daily. This is a big bonus. A break from the relentlessness of housekeeping is key to a real holiday.
The apartment itself is a good size. The kids had a fine bedroom with a campbed added for the smallie. Myself and himself were on a sofa bed which I was not sorry to wave goodbye to, but otherwise the accommodation was more than adequate.
As return visitors to the Algarve, we had an idea of the best beaches to visit. Vale Centianes boasts 400m of golden sand, backing onto those beautiful sandstone cliffs so synonymous with the region. An unfortunate apartment development on the approach is left behind as you proceed down the boardwalk where the aptly named O Stop restaurant lures you in, not just for the spectacular view but for mighty fine food.
We walked to Vale Centianes from Colina Village but I wouldn’t necessarily advise it with small kids — the roads are pretty busy with few footpaths. At any rate, if you’ve a car, it will take no time at all and likewise for a taxi.
You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to beaches. The unique Carvalho, nicknamed ‘Smugglers Cove’ is accessed via a downward tunnel following steps carved from the rock. Nearby is Praia de Marinha, a small cove beach accessed via wide steps from the clifftop. The view from the clifftop carpark is spectacular.
We spent a glorious afternoon on Praia de Marinha and had brought a picnic given that the beach bar was closed. I wouldn’t recommend it for swimming though. The drop off when you enter the water is pretty severe and the waves tend to pick you up and buff you about. Even with a lifeguard present I didn’t want the kids in the water.
At the end of the day, my kids weren’t too bothered about swimming in the sea. They had plenty of friends to keep them entertained around the pool which made life easier for the adults. My impression of Colina Village is of a resort particularly suitable for young families or maybe older couples looking for a nice bit of sunshine at a location that’s easily accessible from Irish airports. If you fancy seeing a bit more of the Algarve — which I highly recommend — car hire is a good idea. But if you are looking for minimum fuss and a chance to just kick back and relax, Colina Village offers the opportunity to do just that.
In our opinion Colina Village Resort has everything you need for a perfect holiday. A lady comes to the house most days to tidy up your mess.
The houses are lovely colours: red and yellow and orange, with really pretty flowers. The swimming pool is very cold and really cools you down.
There were lots of children our age and we made lots of friends. Also, Slide and Splash is pretty close by and has awesome rides. Our favourite was the Black Hole because it’s so dark and scarey. Our little brother Cormac (4) loved the Tornado ride which he went on with Dad.
He thinks it’s called the Twirlyum. Our favourite restaurant was O Stop on Vale Centianes beach because you can play and eat at pretty much the same time while the adults get some peace. They need to get a kids’ menu though.
Catherine travelled to Albufeira, Algarve in Portugal with Sunway staying 7 nights in the 3* Colina Village Apartments, on a self-catering basis.
Holidays to the 3* Colina Village apartments start from €699 per person for two adults and €2,076 for two adults and two children staying in a one-bedroom apartment. Holidays include flights, seven-nights hotel on a self-catering basis, transfers, 20kg baggage and services of a Sunway representative. Price is per person and subject to availability.
Call Sunway on 01 231 1800 or visit www.Sunway.ie.
Must do: Slide and splash, Carvoeira; Adults: €27 Kids: €19 (ages 5-10), free up to age four. A fantastic family fun day.
Bring lashings of suncream. Book your own taxi.
If you book one via Slide and Splash, transport is €7 a head.
Booking our own, we travelled both directions for €24. Opens at 10am and closing time varies with season.
