About São Rafael

São Rafael is a development of 262 privately owned apartments and villas, 3 kilometres west of Albufeira and 30 minutes drive from Faro airport (40 km). The development is close to the new Albufeira marina. Many properties have sea views and all are within a few minutes' walk of two of the best sandy beaches in the Algarve — Praia de Arrife and Praia Grande.

The buildings are built in Portuguese style with white walls and terracotta tiled roofs and none are more than three storeys high. The development has been constructed in three phases. Phase 1 consists of a mix of 212 studio apartments (T0) and three styles of two-bedroom apartments (T2). Phase 2 consists of 26 villas with private pools and Phase 3 has 24 1- and 2-bedroom apartments.

The development is well landscaped with trees and gardens containing a wide variety of shrubs and flowers.

The property owners come from many nations, but the majority are from the Portugal and the United Kingdom. Some of the properties are available for holiday rental; others are used only for holidays by the owners, their family and friends; and there are a few permanent residents.

The development is self-managed by the property owners through the ACSR [Associação de Condóminos de São Rafael ].

Some History of São Rafael

A stone to commemorate the opening of São Rafael was laid in 1973 but various factors delayed the actual beginning of construction until 1984. (This stone can now be seen as you arrive at São Rafael, behind the public telephones).

The entire complex (with 360 apartments and villas) was originally due to be completed by early 1989. Later this date was changed to "the mid 1990's". If fact, it was never completed as originally planned! There are many reason why this did not happen, such as the recession in Europe in the early 1990's and changes to Portuguese law. But a few amenities were built: a swimming pool, a children's pool, tennis courts, a games area and a mini-market. And also, next to the swimming pool, a restaurant, bar and snack bar

Phase 3 of the development was finally finished in 2002!