Perks & benefits
SMARTA+
Smarta+ is our exclusive direct booking rewards programme.
Unlock vouchers and discounts at a carefully selected network of local partners across East Algarve, available only when you book directly with Smartavillas.
Enjoy exclusive discounts at our partner restaurants around the Algarve.
From relaxed bars to waterfront dining, our restaurant partners give Smarta+ guests access to a selection of hand-picked places to eat and enjoy, because a great meal is part of the holiday, not just an extra expense.
Discounted surf lessons, boat trips, guided tours, and more, the best of the Algarve at better prices.
Our activity partners give Smarta+ guests exclusive rates so you can explore more, spend less, and come home with better memories.
A growing network of trusted local businesses offering Smarta+ guests deals on every day and one-off services.
Local markets and artisan shops, within our local partner network makes every day of your stay in the Algarve a little more comfortable, and a little more affordable.
Spa treatments, yoga, massage, pilates, and other wellness experiences, at partner rates reserved for Smarta+ guests.
Sometimes a holiday is about slowing right down. Our wellness partners offer Smarta+ guests discounted access to treatments and sessions, so you can properly switch off and recharge.
Arrive to a fridge stocked with goodies
Food Packs
Pre-order a food pack for your Algarve holiday rental, with fresh essentials and welcome provisions delivered to your property before you arrive, so your holiday starts the moment you walk through the door.
Our food packs are prepared and delivered to your property ahead of your arrival, so you can settle in straight away, and we’ll take care of it.
All products subject to availability.
From Airport to Your Front Door
Airport Transfers
Private airport transfers from your arrival airport to the East Algarve, in a comfortable and reliable way, bookable directly with your holiday rental.
After a long journey, the last thing anyone wants is to queue for a taxi or work out bus connections with a pile of luggage. We can arrange a private transfer with a driver who monitors your flight in real time and will be there waiting regardless of delays.
If you are arriving late at night, your driver will also have your property keys and will help you get settled in on arrival. It is a small thing that makes a real difference at the end of a long travel day.
The same seamless service gets you back to the airport at the end of your stay. Book with our team when you reserve your property, or get in touch ahead of arrival.
A private chef experience, in your own villa
Private Chef
Book a private chef for your Algarve holiday rental, freshly prepared meals using local ingredients, served at your property for groups, families, and special occasions.
There are evenings that call for something more special than a restaurant, and that’s where a private chef service comes in.
We work with talented local chefs who bring the flavours of the Algarve directly to your table, using the finest seasonal and regional ingredients.
David Pinheiro
+351 915 271 017
davidluispinheiro@gmail.com
davidluispinheiro@gmail.com
Mark Wilson
+351 933 831 227
markwilson98@hotmail.com
markwilson98@hotmail.com
Sara Lopes
+351 965 731 516
chefsaralopes@gmail.com
chefsaralopes@gmail.com
Explore at your own pace
Car Rentals
Car rental in the Algarve through our trusted partners with vehicles available to pick-up in Faro Airport.
No airport queues, no shuttle buses, no wasted time. Just the freedom to explore the coast, the hills, and the villages of the Algarve at whatever pace suits you.
Flexible Check-in
Flying early? Why not check-in early too? Early check-in is subject to availability, please ask for details.
Bag Drops
Arriving early? No problem! Drop your bags with us and start to enjoy your holidays, even if your property isn't ready yet.
Late Arrivals
Arriving late? Enjoy the freedom to arrive at your own pace - our secure key safes make late check-in hassle-free.
Late check-out
Need a little more time? Enjoy a later check-out to make the most of every moment of your stay. Subject to availability, please ask for details.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is Smarta+ and how do I get access to it?
Smarta+ is SmartaVillas’ own rewards programme, when you book directly with us, you automatically unlock vouchers and discounts at a handpicked network of local partners across the Algarve.
We built Smarta+ because we wanted our guests to feel the difference of booking directly – not just in price, but in experience. When you arrive at your property, you’ll find your Smarta+ vouchers waiting alongside your welcome information.
No app to download, no points to collect. Just real discounts at restaurants, activity providers, wellness services, and local businesses we’ve personally vetted. It’s our way of saying thank you for choosing to book with us rather than through a third-party platform.
Do I get Smarta+ benefits if I book through Airbnb or Booking.com?
No, Smarta+ is exclusively available to guests who book directly through our channel at Smartavillas.com.
We know that platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com feel familiar and convenient, and we list there too. But when you book directly with us, you cut out the middleman, which means we can offer you something those platforms simply can’t: access to Smarta+ and everything that comes with it. If you’ve already found us on a third-party site, just come directly to Smartavillas.com to complete your booking and make sure your benefits are included.
We built Smarta+ because we wanted our guests to feel the difference of booking directly, not just in price, but in experience. When you confirm your booking, you’ll receive your Smarta+ vouchers and a list of our Smarta+ partners to book your fantastic experiences.
No app to download, and no points to collect. Just real discounts at restaurants, activity providers, wellness services, and local businesses we’ve personally vetted. It’s our way of saying thank you for choosing to book with us rather than through a third-party platform!
How does the SmartaVillas food pack work, and when do I need to order?
You choose your pack, we deliver it to your property before you arrive.
We know that the first few hours after a long journey can be a bit of a blur, especially when you’re travelling with family. The last thing anyone wants is to be hunting for a supermarket before they’ve even unpacked.
That’s why we created our food packs: so you can walk into your Smartavillas property and find exactly what you need already there. Add a pack when you book, or contact us up to 48 hours before arrival and we’ll sort everything out.
How long does the transfer take to get from Faro Airport?
Travel times vary depending on your destination in the Eastern Algarve, but you can expect a drive of between 15 and 45 minutes from Faro Airport.
Cabanas de Tavira: around 45 minutes
Tavira: around 40 minutes
Castro Marim: around 50 minutes
Cacela: around 45 minutes
Moncarapacho: around 20 minutes
Fuseta: around 25 minutes
It’s a straightforward journey along the highway (A22), and our drivers know the route well, wherever in the Eastern Algarve you’re headed.
When you book a Smartavillas transfer, your driver monitors your flight in real time, so if you’re delayed, they’ll already know, and they’ll still be there when you land. You’ll find a familiar, friendly face at arrivals and be at your property before you know it.
Can Smartavillas arrange a transfer for a large group or a lot of luggage?
Absolutely, we can arrange larger vehicles or multiple cars for bigger groups, including families travelling with lots of luggage or equipment.
Just tell us how many people are travelling and give us a rough idea of what you’re bringing, pushchairs, surfboards, golf bags, and we’ll make sure the right vehicle is waiting.
We’d always rather sort this out in advance than have anyone standing in the car park at Faro working out what to do. Reach out when you book your property and we’ll handle the logistics.
Do I really need to rent a car for my holidays in East Algarve?
Not necessarily for towns itself because you can easily walk in the centre, but a car opens up the entire eastern Algarve, and most of our guests are glad they had one.
Tavira’s old town, the riverside, and the ferry to Ilha de Tavira are all very walkable. But if you want to reach quieter beaches like Manta Rota or Cacela Velha, explore the hills of the Serra do Caldeirão, or simply have the freedom to go wherever the day takes you, a car makes the whole experience significantly better.
Our partners drop the vehicle directly to your property, so there’s no airport queue involved. It’s the most relaxed way to pick up a hire car we’ve found.