just got back from a quick break in albufera, was initially worried as it was so cheap to stay in the vila nova resort,it was quiet as it was out of season, had a studio with pool veiws, spotlessly clean everything we needed, plenty pots pans, kettle toaster, tv was free (most charge you), everything worked great litte base and would go again.

We stayed at this resort from 28 January - 7 February 2012. We had booked a one bedroomed villa. On arrival we were directed to the villa by the receptionist and when we eventually found it I took one look at the very steep open tread staircase leading to the bedroom and that was enough for me! I had a look at the bathroom, came out and commented to my husband that it was very nice when an almighty crash came from inside the bathroom. We went back to have a look and found the small window above the toilet had fallen out and smashed all over the floor. So we started to wend our way back to the reception (it was around 6pm) and all the lights went out in the resort and surrounding area leaving us to feel our way back to reception, which of course was also in darkness. The receptionist was having a panic attack, trying to find out what had happened. She eventually - by the light of her phone - found some candles in a cupboard, lit three and popped them on the counter. When we told her about the window she said housekeeping had not reported it. We said it had been OK when we arrived but fell out while we were checking the facilities. She then gave us a key to another apartment and some candles to light our way there. My husband went to the original apartment to get the cases and I attempted to find the door to the other apartment which was hidden away a bit. I just got to the door when a security guard appeared out of the dark with a flashlight giving me the fright of my life and saying we were not to have this apartment as "something" wasn't working in it. So off we trailed, suitcases in tow -like Wee Willie Winkies, - back through the dark to the reception, where we were given another key to a villa - right next door to where we started! So back we trudged to the new villa with our candles and about ten minutes afterwards all the lights came back on so that was fine. Because of the stairs in the villa I elected to sleep downstairs on one of the mattresses. It was absolutely freezing as the ceilings are very high and I had all my clothes and a fleece on and every spare blanket I could find. An absolutely miserable night. Back to reception first thing in the morning and asked if we could swap for an apartment. They offered convector heaters for the villa but we declined because of the stairs and were given an apartment on the top floor of block 4 overlooking the pool which was lovely. Two very comfortable beds, and everything you could wish for for cooking etc. There was a wee balcony outside the bedroom and a bigger one outside the living area. We got the sun on the balconies from early morning until just before 4 pm. Beds were changed once and towels only when we left them in the bath.

We also asked to check out a two bedroom apartment for a possible future visit and were happily given a key to have a look. These apartments are very nice with a full bathroom and an en suite in the second bathroom. If we return to Vilanova we will request this kind of accommodation.

So after a pretty shaky start (which we can laugh at now but at the time......) we had no complaints whatsoever, and all the staff we encountered were very friendly and helpful.

The pool is large with plenty sunbeds around it and the seagulls definitely have fun in it which would put me off a bit if I wanted to use it. The beach is a good 12-15 minutes walk away down the very aptly named "cardiac hill". It is beautiful when you get there but that hill is not for the fainthearted! Definitely use the supermarket beside the roundabout with sculptures of worms on, good value and ten minutes walk away. The wee train that goes to the old town is fun and we used it several times. Two euros for a single journey and three euros sixty return. You can jump on and off all the three stops all day for the return price. The old town is gorgeous with a fantastic beach and escalators to get you down there. We had never seen escalators used outside before and were loved them.

As has been mentioned before the strip was relatively quiet due to the time of year but that suited us just fine, we were only there for some sun. The evenings did get very cold so if going at this time of the year be prepared and take warm pj's and bedsocks. We only had one very chilly day when we had to wear our coats, despite the locals being wrapped up like parcels every day!

We have just returned from a weeks holiday at Villanova. After reading a few negative reviews we were a little nervous about what we would find, but from the minute we arrived it was brilliant. We were greeted by a very helpful woman who gave us plenty of information and made sure we had all appropriate amenities in our apartment as we were travelling with an 8month old baby. We had a one bedroom apartment on the 4th floor which had absolutely fantastic views. The sunrise in the morning over the sea was a beautiful alarm clock! The room were very clean and spacious, the beds were comfortable, the cot as big, the bathroom was clean and spacious so we didn't see what other people were moaning for. Yes the wallpaper wasnt exactly designer and the bed linen was yellow and flowery but how much time did we spend in the apartment? Not very much. The pool was huge and cleaned every morning, but because we stayed over the new year it wasn't exactly hot enough for swimming. The location was perfect, it's right behind the strip which was great. Not a lot was open with it being out of season but half was and we didn't mind as we went to relax rather than party all night. The train shuttle, is a 1 minute walk at the top of the road and cost 1.50 for a trip into the old town. the old town is definitely worth a few days it's lovely. Beaches were fantastic, restaurants were lovely and prices were around the same everywhere. You could find everything from a 3 course meal for 8.95 or a 5* steak and salad for 7.50. The beach is a 5 minute walk away, and the seaside cafe was a lovely spot for breakfast. Other reviews mentioned that it was a drugs den, I must admit we were asked once despite having a child with us but as soon as we said no they carried on walking, no hassle. But, this happens everywhere I'm afraid in other countries too. Noise wasn't really a problem at night, you could hear the odd villa playing music new years eve but what did we expect on new years. There was definitely plenty to do in winter, but not so much for families. We are already looking to go back in the summer as there was so many excursions to go on in the summer. A tip for self catering at Villanova, don't use the little supermarket at the top of the street, use the big supermarket at the roundabout, a 2 minute walk would save you a fortune. Can't wait to return to Portugal, had a lovely relaxing holiday and cannot wait to experience albufeira in th summer!

This was the best holiday ever. Located on the strip was fantastic just walked everywhere .
Lots of eating places around too , everything local food ,Chinese kebabs,
The bars were rocking especially Matts and labamba when they closed at 4pm we went to kiss club also fab there were guest dj’s most nights . There was no trouble which was good,.
Beach was just down the with lots of water sports.
We went to the water park but we missed the bus so the guys who we used to get from the airport took us there in the mini bus and got us again.
We also went on a boat trip and got nicely burnt ..
The apartments were good and had plenty of room and a very nice pool area.
We didn’t pay a lot for the hotel we used Alpha roomscom and yellowfishtransfers com for the minibus we booked it on line aswell they met us at the airport and were easy to find cos all the lads had yellow polo’s on.
We flew with monarch airlines an had 7 hr delay on the way home ,, nightmare.l.