The Algarve is synonymous with sunshine, sandy beaches and stunning seascapes, and you'll get all that and more in the laid-back village of Luz. Just a sixteen-minute drive from glitzy Lagos, there are plenty of options when it comes to shopping, dining and nightlife, both in Luz's charming town centre or further afield. But if you'd rather take things at a slower pace, Praia da Luz is about ten minutes on foot – perfect for a spot of sunbathing on the sand and swimming in the Atlantic Ocean.

In between Algarve explorations, relax in style at this breezy townhouse. Wake up in the light-filled main bedroom and pad immediately out to the south-facing balcony to enjoy your cup of coffee in the fresh air. The sparkling sea view is a bonus – we can't think of a better way to start the day than gazing out at the ocean blue. Come evening, tuck into an alfresco Portuguese feast on the sun-dappled patio, enjoying a bottle of wine and good conversation as the sun slowly sinks overhead. Afterwards, unwind in the contemporary living room before bed, taking turns on the telescope to spot glittering stars, planets and constellations – you can even light the wood-burning fire for extra ambience.

Home truths:
*There are steps in this home, so it may not be a good a fit for those with limited mobility
*Guests will have access to the entire house except for the garage, which the owner uses for storage
*The patio table outside might be a bit small for six guests
*This home has a private entrance – upon arrival, guests can check themselves in with a lockbox
*Please respect your neighbours and keep noise to a minimum between 10pm and 8am
*There's one parking spot provided outside this home – we suggest renting a car if you're keen to explore
*If needed, the dining table can double as a laptop-friendly workspace