Answers to Your Most Frequently Asked Questions

I'm frequently asked questions from booking enquirers. Here are the most frequent, along with my responses:

Q. Where in the Parque da Corcovada complex are your apartments?

A. Block 38 is a central south facing apartment, with a sunny aspect, and access and use of the central pools and gardens. Block 37 is south east facing, with a sunny morning and early afternoon aspect, and is in shade in the later afternoon. Some see this as a benefit during the hottest times in the summer. Block 37 does have superb views across open countryside and out to sea and has access to its own private pools and gardens.

Q. Are the apartments safe and child friendly?

A. We have plenty of families with young children staying in our apartments and have received positive feedback from all of them and many repeat bookings. Please note that both of our apartments are second floor. The balconies have high toughened glass sides and are very safe, but I would always recommend that very young children are supervised.

Q. How secure are your apartments?

A. The central Algarve is a very safe, low crime area. We have never had any incidents of crime at our apartments. Being second floor, the only point of access is through a secure Block entrance locked door and then the double lock front door of the apartment. Parque da Corcovada has CCTV and 24 hour security guard protection. Apartments also have metal electronic security shutters on the balcony doors.

Q. How close to the main facilities and centres of Albufeira is Parque da Corcovada?

A. Parque da Corcovada is next to the iconic Globe roundabout, with surrounding shops, bars, cafes and restaurants. It is 2 minutes walk from the Bull Ring, 5 minutes walk from 'The Strip', 12 minutes walk from the fabulous Ora beach and 25 minutes walk from the Old Town.

Q. How do I get to Old Town Albufeira?

A. The Old Town is a beautiful place to visit, but is surrounded by old style, lower quality apartments. Many therefore choose to stay in Parque da Corcovada because it is the highest quality apartment complex in Albufeira and close to many facilities. Getting to the Old Town is quite easy: the land train from the Strip costs 2 Euros per person and will take you straight to the Old Town, alternatively it is a short taxi ride away, or about a 25 minute walk.

Q. How much is it to hire a cot?

A. Our superb property management team will hire cots out at 18 Euros per week.

Q. Do I need a hire car?

A. This depends on what you want to do during your stay. Most guests do not need a hire car, as they are happy to use the facilities at Parque da Corcovada and explore the wide variety of activities available in Albufeira, which can all be achieved on foot, via the land train, or a short taxi ride. For the more adventurous there are various 'day trips' and short tours which can be booked from Parque da Corcovada reception or nearby tour operators, which will pick up at the complex (e.g. ZooMarine). There are also regular buses running along the coast and a train station from which you can get to Faro, or even to Lisbon. However, if you wish to explore the hinterland or find those amazing private, secluded coves that the Algarve is famous for, you may wish to hire a car.

Q. How much does a hire car cost and who do you recommend?

A. Shop around on the internet. I recommend some based on good service experience and reasonable price, but be aware that the peak season prices in the summer are around double the off season. I would certainly recommend hiring a car for at least a day or two, if you are keen to explore the coast or hinterland hill country. There is a local office of Guerin at Parque da Corcovada and, whilst not the cheapest, you will get a reliable and convenient service. If booking in advance, try Carhire3000 for excellent rates.

Q. Can I arrange airport transfers through you?

A. Yes, our property management team at Divine Home can organise airport transfers. these are private direct transfers and typically cost 35 Euros each way. My experience is that this is a totally reliable and high quality service.