Meet the team!
Meet the team! Operating since 2003 and being locally based, AB Villa Rentals is proud of the knowledge and personal service it offers those looking for exclusive holiday rentals in Portugal. But as a pocket-sized setup, we also rely on a number of special people, who make it all come together behind the scenes. From the […]
The Azores tea culture
It all started with Catherine of Braganza! While it’s fairly common knowledge that the Western world has China to thank for the original cultivation of this tannic brew, it’s far less known that it was the Portuguese and in particular, princess Catherine of Braganza in the 17th Century who inspired its popularity with the British […]
The history of golf in the Algarve!
The Algarve currently hosts 39 golf courses The Algarve, Portugal’s southern-most region, is primarily known as one of the world’s top golfing destinations. It’s almost hard to imagine what it was like before the sport took over this 165km stretch of coast. With its year-round mild climate and 39 verdant courses (18 and 9 holes) […]
The best 5 things to do in Lisbon!
The best 5 things to do in Lisbon! What you (surely) don’t want to miss on your trip to Lisbon, as recommended by Pats Madeira – author, cultural tour guide and the founder of “Lisbon with Pats”, which offers private tours of Lisbon tailored to the visitor’s interests and preferences. Pats is an expert on […]
The rebirth of a Portuguese tradition – canned fish!
The rebirth of a Portuguese tradition – canned fish! A can full of deliciousness! Summer in Portugal may be synonymous with sardines, but did you know that the country has a long tradition and love affair with canned fish? Basically, if you can catch if off Portugal’s coast, then it can be tinned: from sardines […]
Portugal’s national sandwiches!
Portugal’s national sandwiches! Ex-London chef David Eyre, thinks that Portugal’s national sandwiches are the perfect villa holiday poolside snack! This is how to recreate them… “I think that there is nothing more evocative than the smell and the taste of food, and as I spent my childhood in colonial Mozambique, I have had a life-long […]
How to travel to Portugal from your armchair!
Whilst your holiday plans may have been postponed, there is no reason why you can’t visit Portugal without leaving home and from the comfort of your armchair right now. A book description, a certain film scenery or tasting a wine from a particular region, all have the power to transport you somewhere else in a […]
Why now is a great time to plan your next family vacation in Portugal!
Covid-19 & current worldwide travel restrictions If you’ve just had to cancel a trip due to the threat of coronavirus and the unprecedented worldwide travel bans taking place since the start of spring 2020, you’re no doubt pretty disappointed! The lockdown most governments have imposed maybe well be for our wellbeing, but living in this […]
An Alentejo folly!
The small Alentejo town of Estremoz, is a day trip away from your Comporta villa holiday worth taking! Howards Folly Winery has been around for a couple of years, but then we decided to build a restaurant too… How late is on time in Portugal? One of the challenges of being an Expat in Portugal, […]
Sea, sun & sunsets on the Lisbon Coast!
Sea, sun & sunsets on the Lisbon Coast! The Lisbon Coast is blessed with excellent sandy beaches ideal for both families or water sports enthusiasts, located only a short distance away from our holiday villas and city centre apartment rentals. And whilst the Atlantic is somewhat colder than the Mediterranean, this also ensures that they […]