The Algarve and Costa de la Luz have always been known as great places to eat fresh fish. Furthermore Iberian cured ham has become an emblem of Spain and the ambassador of the country's cuisine. The Algarve has the whole breadth of restaurants from basic beach bars and fresh fish to haute cuisine and Michelin stars.

Visit the market located in Ayamonte behind one of the two squares (next to the marina) there are delicatessens selling the finest cured hams, freshly caught fish and cheeses. Butchers offer vast selections and fruit and vegetable stalls are loaded with fresh produce. The most impressive aspect of the market is its truly astounding selection of seafood. Huge langoustines are so fresh they are still twitching on their bed of ice alongside infinite varieties of prawn, lobster, crabs and molluscs.

The picturesque old fishing village of Punta del Moral sits just north of Playa Isla Canela, again here you can sample a variety of freshly caught fish. It is worth seeking out this tiny place for a line of excellent understated tapas bars along its main street. Bar Simon, Chiringuito III and El Contrabando are all good for fresh fish, raciones and a wide range of tapas all at great prices.

Ayamonte has a wide variety of good quality restaurants with many options around the main square "Paseo de la Ribera".

Among its restaurants and worth a visit are:

La Casona – an inexpensive restaurant with a terrace

Meson La Vitola – a very good economical restaurant serving high standard fish and meat dishes

Casa Luciano – good for fish

Meson Juan Macias – plenty of chorizio and jamon based dishes

Also consider visiting Merkajamon - a specialist store. Here you will find Spanish hams and sheep and goat cheeses which are impossible to find elsewhere in the area.

For fine Spanish wines and sherries track down El Rincon del Vino in Lusitiania Street.

Within easy reach are also the more populated restaurants of the Algarve. Spend a day down on the beach at Loule between Vale de Lobo and Quinta de Lago and sample lunch or dinner at The Shack - a fabulous, good quality and well priced beach bar with constantly changing menu.

Alternatively try Maragotas in Moncarapacho where Irish chefs prepare innovative seasonal menus. During the summer months outdoor concerts are held on the barbeque terrace overlooking the Colina Verde golf resort in Olhao.

Close by at Vila Monte is a new gourmet retreat run by a Michelin star company. The menu is of Mediterranean influence based on fresh local produce.

The restaurant Quatro Aguas in Tavira has great views over the estuary from its outdoor terrace located at the waterfront where the River Gilao meets the Ria Formosa estuary. Fish and seafood are the specialities.

Slightly further a field is O Limoeiro “the lemon tree” located in Almancil and run by a Scottish couple. It’s well worth a visit.

Also renowned is a small unpretentious restaurant near Loule named Monte de Eira. A real favourite with locals and holidaymakers and worthy of a visit. You need to book ahead for this one. On top of all this our Penthouse is truely wonderful and we know you will enjoy a memorable holiday there and we look forward to welcoming you to our holiday home.