The Algarve has become a popular destination and is widely known Europe's most well kept secret. As the Tourism Board continues to brand the Algarve as an upmarket destination, the demand for villa rentals has increased dramatically. The Algarve is one of the most affordable destinations for villa holiday rentals and this is partly due to the high level of investment in the property market which has led to a number of second homes being left empty for most of the year. With the introduction of a F1 racing circuit and over 30 premier golf courses, the Algarve has a lot more than sea, sun and sand. In fact, many villas are situated on golf resorts and some benefit from the sporting facilities on site which often include tennis courts, archery, bowling, sailing and other resort activities. In order to find your perfect holiday rental there are 5 basic steps to follow which will ensure that you make the most informed choice:
1. Research the area. The Algarve has a vast array of landscapes and activities that vary depending on the location. If you are looking for a quiet retreat, why not consider a Quinta in the Monchique mountains, or a cottage in rural Vila do Bispho? On the other hand, there are beach villas in many of the resort towns such as Albufeira, where you can have access to night life, sandy beaches and other common amenities found in built up holiday destinations.
2. Set a Budget. Villas in the Algarve range from just £200 per week and some fetch as much as £15,000! Decide on how many people will be staying at the villa and work out what the cost per head is. This is an easy way of establishing how much a villa would cost compared to say 2 apartments or 2 hotel rooms. If you are looking for a golf or beach villa, expect to pay up to 50% more as these villas usually incur the owner extra charges such as service charges and resort taxes.
3. Find a reputable Rental Site. There are a number of rental sites, some with thousands of properties from all over the world. Try and find a site that advertises locally and generates its user base in the country you are looking to travel. Portugal has 2 niche holiday rental sites.
4. Ask Questions. To avoid disappointment ask as many questions as possible. You will want to know more about the area. If possible, ask for a full address and look at Google Maps or Google Earth to verify that the description is corresponds with the map location etc. Ensure that the rental price includes cleaning to avoid being subjected to additional charges being deducted from your deposit.
5. Avoid paying via internet 3rd party payment processors or using your debit card. The best way to pay for your rental is via credit card. This is because your issuer will reimburse you for any losses including those that might be a result of fraud or criminal activity. While rental web sites take every precaution to prevent this from happening, it is up to the renter to ensure that every precaution has been made before making a booking.
If you follow these 5 basic steps, hopefully you will find the best rental villa to suit your needs when you visit the Algarve. The Algarve is a lovely place to visit and is probably one of the fastest growing villa rental destinations in the world.
For more information on this article, please visit: http://www.PortugalVillaRenters.com
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