We are fortunate to be positioned close to some of the most outstanding places of historical interest, and other places of convenience, including a rich selection of fabulous restaurants and bars.
Santa Bárbara de Nexe is a village and civil parish in the Portuguese municipality of Faro and a quick 5 minutes drive (3.3km) from our property. You can also take the scenic route on foot from our base, which will take you 25 minutes approximately. The parochial Church of Santa Bárbara de Nexe is constructed over a 12th century chapel. Human settlement in the area of Santa Bárbara de Nexe goes back to the Middle Palaeolithic (around 30.000 years), and the area came to be inhabited by Pre-Roman peoples of the Iberian Peninsula, namely the Cynetes.
Places to eat and drink in Santa Bárbara de Nexe:
Marisqueira Arranca Mariscos & Petiscos - is a high quality seafood restaurant. The lavish and abundant seafood platter is the freshest and most modestly priced we have found anywhere in the Algarve. Along with the seafood platter, the traditional clam and pork rice, and the delectable lobster rice are highly recommended. The food in this small, understated gem of restaurant is served by the lovely Fabio. Open most days for lunch and dinner.
O Bar Bara - is a charming and stylish French tapas restaurant and bar, recently opened in 2023 - run by an extremely friendly and welcoming French couple. Beautifully presented home cooked food from Lyon - and a classy, well-stocked bar. Outdoor, as well as indoor seating, to take in the picturesque views of the village.
Mahalo Restaurant & Bar - is a homely restaurant with an attractive courtyard for al fresco dining, serving a good selection of Portuguese and European food, with generous portions that are reasonably priced. This hidden treasure is owned by an amiable and hospitable couple.
Pastelaria Bom Gosto - a scenically positioned bakery and cafe with indoor and side-walk seating, serving great food and pastries -including baguettes, salads and a plate of the day. The perfect place for a light and easy breakfast or lunch.
Sooner or Later Rock Bar - fantastically quirky pub with great atmosphere - playing classic rock music and with lots of interesting rock memorabilia. Previously owned by the bassist from Iron Maiden. Great place for a drink and a trip down memory lane!
Shops and Convenience stores in Santa Bárbara de Nexe and nearby.
The village has a post office, hair dresser and beauty bar, and a pharmacist, as well as two small supermarkets and a petrol station. We are also an 11 minutes (6.9 km) drive to Mar shopping mall and 9 minutes (6.9 km) drive to Forum Algarve shopping mall, where you can find everything you could possibly need - including a supermarket and a hypermarket that stocks everything from food and clothes, to homeware items.
Places of interest:
Estoi - 10 minutes (6.4 km) drive:
The Palace of Estoi is a rococo building renowned for its gardens and azulejos (blue and white tiled ceramic). The palace was built in the late 19th century and is the finest example of this kind of architecture in the district of Faro. In the centre of the town is the neoclassical Igreja Matriz de Estoi.
Loulé - 15 minutes (11.0 km) drive:
Loulé is an authentic Portuguese market town, and a popular destination for a day trip. Visitors are drawn to Loule, for its characterful historic centre, lively markets and genuine Portuguese atmosphere. With fabulous dining and shopping options - and some beautiful traditional bakeries - Loule is a truly a treasure.
São Brás de Alportel - 17 minutes (13.1 km) drive:
There are plenty of places to see and visit around São Brás De Alportel. Whether you love hiking or cycling, this scenic area is a place of astounding natural beauty, with a selection of stunning national parks. There are also some fantastic dining options.
Olhão - 20 minutes (16.7 km) drive
Olhão is a fishing port and tourist centre. From here you can take the ferry (15-20 minutes journey) to the beautiful islands of Armona, Culatra and Farol Island.
Villamoura - 22 minutes (18.6 km) drive:
Vilamoura is a resort in the Algarve region of southern Portugal. It’s known for its large marina, golf courses and casino, and for the picturesque, long stretch of sandy Vilamoura Beach - with some of this areas best loved bars and venues spaced attractively along the beach front. There’s a plethora of popular high quality international restaurants, pubs and bars positioned around the marina - including some well-known and loved English and Irish pubs. Lively and full of atmosphere every night of the week during peak season - and possibly the most frequented spot for weekend partying.
Tavira - 27 minutes (35.4 km) drive:
Tavira is a small city on Portugal’s Algarve coast. It straddles the Gilão River, which reaches the sea through the inlets and lagoons of Ria Formosa Natural Park. Tavira Island has a long, sandy beach, plus salt pans that attract flamingos, spoonbills and other wading birds. In the center, medieval Tavira Castle has city views. The Santa María do Castelo Church houses the tombs of 7 knights killed by the Moors. Tavira town itself is teeming with International cuisine, local bakeries, and a diverse selection of quaint shops and boutiques.
Albufeira 32 minutes (39.6 km) drive:
Albufeira is a coastal city and former fishing village that’s become a major holiday destination. This beautiful fisherman’s port and town include an abundance of pristine sandy beaches, crystal clear waters - and hidden coves that offer some of most scenic and diverse, red cliff top walking and hiking options. There’s also a busy nightlife strip that’s frequented with the younger crowd - a lively hangout every night of the week - and even busier during the weekends. Albufeira is also a major base for diving, dolphin-watching, boat trips and various other tours.
Festivals - During the summer, The Algarve comes alive with a constant flow of impressive local, as well as Internationally acclaimed festivals, festas, street carnivals, celebrations and parties - most just a stones throw away from us.
Festival Med at the end of June/beginning of July, is one of our favourites. An international world music, performance (including dance and theatre) and cultural event, it takes place across Loulé. It’s spread over several days and nights and features artists from around the globe - with multiple stages in the open areas and plenty to watch, see and do along the winding streets, where international and traditional cuisine and food products are on offer, and talented street musicians and performers work their way around the festival, bringing excitement and cheer. Pubs, bars and restaurants throw open their doors, and food and drink can also be purchased from outside. The atmosphere and energy of this event is electric, as the historic centre of Loulé is transformed into a parade of artistic events and fabulous fusion of cultures.
White Night (every two years), is another acclaimed festival, and one of the most awaited parties of the summer. This impressive and diverse event also takes place in the streets of Loulé, where the whole town is painted white for the occasion - and party revellers wear white to honour the theme of the fiesta. From Live music to DJs, visual arts and street performances, the city centre is transformed into a pulsating throng of joy and entertainment.