Villa Riccarda Portugal

An artist’s haven, it is easy to feel inspired inside Villa Riccarda! This newly renovated townhouse is located in the city of Portimao, just a short stroll from the bustling historic centre and a quick drive from the beach. Unique, every corner of this villa has been carefully curated by its artist owner, Eric de Bruijn, with his own personal collection adorning the walls. Centrally located, you can walk to restaurants and cafés in the historic city centre, returning to the comfort and privacy of Villa Riccarda as and when you wish; the perfect holiday balance!   
From the moment you arrive, Villa Riccarda truly offers the ‘wow’ factor! The ground floor boasts a combined art studio and living room. Bright, spacious and elegant, this beautiful room offers white walls, polished concrete floors and oversized sofas and armchairs, with antique-style rugs creating intricate patterns underfoot. As you stride into the kitchen, it feels as though you have walked into a gallery, with high ceilings and contemporary furnishings filling the vast space. Fully equipped you will find everything you need to prepare fantastic meals which you can share around the huge dining table. There is one large bedroom on this floor with four beds.
Stairs wind up to the upper floor, where you will find the remaining five bedrooms. Four boast double beds and one offers twin beds and every bedroom has been fitted with mood lighting and Bluetooth headphones, so you can listen to your own music undisturbed! A second kitchen, dining area, television room and two bathrooms complete the upper floor, each designed with the same unique aesthetics as the rest of the villa.
Outside, the fairy-tale continues with outdoor areas on both floors. Downstairs, the outdoor area wraps around the back of the villa with a private swimming pool, outdoor shower, dining tables and outdoor cooking facilities. An oasis in the city, this tranquil space feels similar to a courtyard in Marrakech, with lush plants, cacti and rich pink walls. Upstairs, the spacious roof terrace is adorned with lounge chairs, a dining table, sunbeds and a large American barbecue, so you can sit and dine al-fresco. There are few places more enchanting than Villa Riccarda, with artistic delights at every turn; the perfect base for those looking for something a little different!

A real highlight of Villa Riccarda is its fantastic location, right in the heart of Portimão. This historic port city offers the very best of the Algarve, with terraces, restaurants and bars lining the pretty streets and a welcoming atmosphere ideal for families, couples and friends alike. Portimão is known for its breath-taking beaches, as well as the vibrant nightlife in the city. A little more low-key and relaxed than some of the hectic beach towns, Portimão is perfect for those looking for a little more sophistication and culture, whilst remaining nearby the rugged and energetic Algarve coast.
From the villa itself, you can walk to the harbour, supermarket and shops in the historic centre. In fact, the city beach, Praia da Rocha is only a 15-minute stroll away! This busy beach with its towering rock formations is great for everyone, with plenty of eateries and facilities to keep you comfortable throughout the day! Praia dos Tres Castelos, Praia dos Careanos and Praia de Alvor are some more popular beaches in the area, each as beautiful as the last. Praia dos Careanos is particularly idyllic, perfect for a day in the sand.
Within the city, you can visit the Museu de Portimão, located on the riverfront in a converted 19th-century sardine and mackerel canning factory. You can learn everything about the city’s vibrant past, adding some history into your stay.
For outdoor lovers, a walk along the Arade river is not to be missed, with picturesque views along the entire route. At the very end of the promenade, you will find the Fort of Santa Catarina, which is well worth it with stunning views over the Rocha beach, river and blue azure of the Atlantic!
You can take a boat trip from the harbour, exploring both land and sea. The charming fishing village of Ferragudo is just across the town, characterized by small fishermen’s houses, whitewashed buildings and narrow cobbled streets, making it a photographer’s dream.
Albeit the great food, fantastic wine and pretty cobbled streets are sure to enchant you, it is often the array of shopping that draws visitors to Portimão. The streets are full of shops, so be it window shopping or holiday buying, there is plenty of places to keep you entertained! 

At Excellence Luxury Villas we pride ourselves on going that little bit further for our guests. From private chefs to babysitters we can help you arrange those little extras that make it a truly memorable holiday. Simply fill in the
concierge request form or contact Excellence Luxury Villas Concierge Team who will be happy to help. We can typically help you arrange any of the following:
– Maid service/extra cleaning- Private chef/cook/catering- Welcome hamper/pre-stocked fridge- Local day-trips or tours- Airport transfers- Babysitting/childcare services
Simply fill in the concierge request form or contact Excellence Luxury Villas Concierge Team.
Please note that all extras are subject to availability and must be requested in advance of the holiday (prices on request). Due to some rural/remote locations, not all services will be available at all properties. However, we will always do our best to fulfill your requests!