Cova do Coração

Santa Catarina da Fonte do Bispo, Tavira, Algarve
Self-catering
+44 (0)7903 864357
Visit owner's website

Per night
€200 - €500
Per week
€1400 - €3950

8 beds

Bedroom

4 bedrooms

Sleeps

Sleeps 8

Children welcome
Pets welcome
Babies welcome

Inland Algarve, away from the crowds – this gorgeous house with pool and gardens is a haven for families and friends

Per night
€200 - €500
Per week
€1400 - €3950

Visit the owner's site and book direct with them. No fees or fuss from us.

What part does Sawday’s play?

Use our quick form to drop the owner a line asking anything you need to know.

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€200 - €500 per night

€1400 - €3950 per week

The Experience

It’s hard to believe part of this light and colourful home was once a donkey shelter. Now it’s filled with treasures from Goa, rugs from Morocco and artisan crafts from Portugal. There’s always something lovely to catch the eye: patterned tiled floors, stone sinks, exposed walls and wooden beams. Elegant bedrooms in soothing neutral tones open onto the gardens.

A wood-burner pumps out heat for off-season stays, but when the weather warms you’ll be outdoors – swaying in the hammock, floating in the saltwater pool or hiking along scenic trails. Olive, orange and oak trees cast dappled shade, and a path winds up to the yoga shala, where owner Giselle hosts yoga retreats and private sessions.

Drive to Santa Catarina (under 10 minutes) for restaurants or to pick up pastéis de nata from the bakery. Cooking is a joy in the striking kitchen or out on the barbecue, and a private chef can be arranged (must be booked well in advance). Later, gather around the firepit and stargaze.

Cova do Coração - Gallery

We think you'll love

  • The serene feeling you have while you're here, inside and out
  • Enjoying nine hectares of land with views to the hills above and the river winding through the valley below
  • Tucking into your welcome hamper filled with local produce, including honey from a neighbour, fresh eggs and cheeses
Cova do Coração - Gallery

You should know

  • Two bedrooms are en suite, the other two share a bathroom
  • There are very few steps in the house (one bedroom is step-free), but quite a lot out in the garden
  • Owner Giselle lives in the other side of the house part of the year – if she's around you can knock on her door if you need her, but otherwise she'll leave you completely to your own devices

Essentials

  • EV charger
  • Self check-in
  • Swimming pool
  • Hot tub
  • Garden
  • Open fire / woodburner
  • Breakfast included
  • Breakfast available
  • Meals available
  • Vegetarian meals
  • Oven
  • Parking on premises
  • Free parking nearby
  • Accessible by public transport
  • WiFi
  • Television
  • Central heating
  • Limited mobility
  • Wheelchair access
  • Mobile reception
  • Hob
  • Barbecue
  • Paid parking nearby
  • Air conditioning
  • Relaxation areas
  • Washing machine
  • Tennis court
  • Microwave oven
  • No smoking
  • Credit cards
  • Working farm
  • Owner has pets
  • Electricity included
  • Dishwasher
  • Pets welcome

Family friendly

  • Baby monitor
  • Books and toys
  • Children welcome
  • Babies welcome
  • Stair gates
  • High chair
  • Fire guard
  • Cot available

Nearby

  • Pub/bar within 3 miles
  • Restaurant within 3 miles
  • Shop within 3 miles

Activities

  • Bikes available
  • Food courses
  • Kayaking
  • Other courses
  • Sailing
  • Surfing
  • Wild swimming

Pricing

Nightly price
from €200
Weekly price
from €1400
Damage deposit
€200
1 House for 8
From €2008 beds4 bedrooms

Information

Booking information

Check in
4pm
Check out
10am
Other details
Minimum stay: 3 nights.
Closed
Never.
No smoking
Smoking not permitted anywhere in the property.

Reviews

This is a truly special house, full of love and care. The decor and details from India, England and Portugal make every corner a delight to explore, inviting curiosity as you wander through the rooms. The surrounding grounds and outdoor spaces are a little paradise of serenity, nestled in deep nature. The welcome is warm, making you feel at home in this quiet corner of Portugal – still quite untouched.
Inspected Alessia Sawday's Inspector

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Location

The neighbourhood

You're half an hour from the coast and the same from Faro airport. Santa Catarina has four restaurants, a bakery, a coffee shop and a lovely square with a church. It is also known for its traditional tile production. Olhão, Tavira and São Brás can all be reached in about 20 minutes.

Local points of interest from Tamar Ferguson

  • Tavira is only 15 minutes away - fabulous Roman Tower with independent shops and restaurants.
  • Take the ferry across to the islands for a few euros - spend the day on an almost empty sandy beach.
  • Visit Olhão with its renowned fish market - you need to arrive early to buy the freshest of produce.
  • Take home some lovely organic honey thanks to our neighbouring farmer who has her own bees.
  • You have walks from the door - enjoy the location with heart-stopping views!
  • Enjoy a yoga class on the Shala or book a spoiling massage.