Casa da Lila

It goes without saying that the Algarve in southern Portugal is amazingly beautiful – azure skies, the finest sandy beaches, impressive rocky coasts and charming fishing villages. But if you're looking for a real Portuguese experience, you'll find it in the quiet hinterland – for example in Silves, where you’ll find the Casa da Lila, located in the historic old town on a lively street where mainly locals live. What initially appears to be a small, typical Portuguese townhouse quickly reveals itself to be a true architectural wonder, with breathtaking views over the city and its surrounding hills. Behind the unassuming façade of the traditional 1950s home awaits a contemporary structure with three levels and beautiful open floor plans, all with large windows facing the garden. Choose from a bedroom with bath and garden access in the semi-basement, an open-plan living room with fireplace and kitchen plus sleeping accommodation on the first floor, and a gorgeous bedroom with direct access to the lounge terrace at the very top. With sofa and outdoor kitchen! The Dutch-Brazilian hosts have paid particular attention to the interior, using special elements from renowned designers and vintage-style furniture. And wow: the handmade Portuguese tiles on the floors and walls look fantastic! No wonder this home received the "Award for Excellence in Design" in 2020. Relax on a lounger on the sun deck or in the small pool. Casa da Lila is perfect for couples or small groups of up to six people who want to explore the Algarve during the day and enjoy the sunset with a glass of wine on the terrace in the evening. The vacation of your dreams!

WHAT WE LIKE MOST:

• The bright white, clear architecture of the house; you can tell that a lot of love went into its design.
• The magnificent views over the whole city; if the weather is good, you can see as far as Fóia, west of Monchique, the highest mountain in the Algarve.
• Casa da Lila’s artistic ambience isn’t only a result of the designer pieces and the architecture, there are also beautiful works of art on the walls.
• Both the interior and the exterior were built with exclusively Portuguese materials.
• Thanks to the open staircases, there’s a new perspective around every corner.
• The almond blossoms in the spring, which transforms Silves and the whole Algarve into a white sea of flowers.
• The on-site manager takes touching care of the guests.
• Take a bath in the free-standing bathtub on the top floor: pure relaxation!
• Watch the sunset on the terrace.
• The authentic Portuguese flair in the charming old town street.

GOOD TO KNOW:

• You can cool down in the pool or under one of the two outdoor showers on the three terraces.
• The technology standard in the whole house is top: WiFi, Internet-TV, surround sound soundbar, air conditioning and heated floors in the winter.
• The kitchen on the ground floor is well equipped.
• Good coffee is always available, with an easy-to-use Nespresso coffee machine.
• Some excellent restaurants, such as the Marisqueria Rui, one of the best fish restaurants in the Algarve, are within walking distance.
• There is a daily market in Silves, with many local delicacies; there are also lots of small stores and cozy bars and cafés.
• The next beach is about 15 minutes away by car.
• Absolutely worth seeing: the medieval Castello made of red sandstone and the neighboring gothic cathedral, perched on a hill above the city and testifying to the importance of the former Moorish capital.
• The town hosts a medieval festival every August, with performances by knights, jugglers and artisans, as well as dancing and music.
• The minimum stay in Casa da Lila is four nights; in July and August and over Christmas and New Year, seven nights.