Last Gasp of Summer: Head to an A&K Villa in Portugal or Italy

Portugal and Italy are both still warm and A&K Villas' have a selection of stunning family friendly villas still available. Perfect bases from which to explore the area and with all important heated pools… at a fraction of the normal price.

With over 600 miles of stunning coast and 18 Blue Flag beaches, Portugal is paradise for families. The beaches are perfect for little ones to paddle in the shallows, and thanks to the crashing Atlantic waves that come rolling in, the coast is lined with trendy surf schools for older children. In fact, Portugal's surf capital, Ericeira was recently named one of three World Surfing Reserves.

Away from the coast head to Feira das Vindimas for some Portuguese revelry, street partying and local wines. October celebrates the Grape Harvest in a spectacular fashion and the symbolic crushing of the grapes is just one of the rituals performed here…

Southern Italy, similarly, stays warm well into October with average temperatures of 19 degrees Celsius.

Although food festivals take place all over Italy, for chocolate lovers, this one is not to be missed. Eurochocolate takes place 15th – 24th October in Perugia and celebrates all things chocolate with cookery classes and exhibitions, with plenty of opportunities for indulging…

Alternatively, head to Alba for the annual White Truffle Festival which takes place each weekend in October - the height of white truffle season. Considered to have the best white truffles in the world Italians come from far and wide to take part in the world's largest truffle auction.

After days of beach, festivals, surfing and exploring, relax in an A&K Villa. Take advantage of an in-villa cook one evening to prepare a traditional local feast, some pizza making for the children or even a masseuse for some pure indulgence…
A&K Villas in Portugal with heated pools:

Casa Na Colina. Loule, Algarve
Bedrooms 4, Sleeps 8
£494 per person, per week based on 8 people sharing
Located close to the historic town of Loulé, and set in large landscaped grounds, this rural hideaway is ideal for those wishing to be close to all the attractions of the Algarve whilst enjoying complete peace, tranquillity and privacy.

Villa Castella, Almancil, Algarve
Bedrooms 4, Sleeps 8
£335 per person, per week based on 8 people sharing
This elegant and stylish villa is located in a peaceful 5 acre plot adjacent to the prestigious Vale do Lobo development. Villa Castella is an oasis of tranquillity with well-tended gardens, waterfalls and ponds so close to the beaches and attractions of the central Algarve yet a private world away.

Casa Abelha, Loule, Algarve
Bedrooms 4, Sleeps 8
£254 per person, per week based on 8 people sharing
Casa Abelha has been lovingly renovated by the owners with sweeping views across the surrounding countryside. This villa offers a tranquil outpost in a peaceful country setting, yet close to the historic market town of Loule to enjoy the local cultural scene.

A&K Villas in Italy with heated pools:

Campo al sole, Palaia, Tuscany
Bedrooms 8, Sleeps 14
£488 per person, per week based on 8 sharing
Set within the golden triangle of Florence, Pisa and Siena, yet in a part of Tuscany that remains largely undiscovered and unspoilt, Campo al Sole has been sympathetically restored and transformed into a bespoke, luxury home.

Casa Le Mimose, Perugia, Umbria (pictured above)
Bedrooms 6, Sleeps 12
£206 per person, per week based on 12 sharing
Situated in a beautifully pristine, private nature reserve, surrounded by mountains and lush vegetation, Casa le Mimose is the perfect getaway for a peaceful and relaxing holiday. Sightseeing attractions such as Lake Trasimeno and the ancient city of Perugia are only a stone's throw away.

I Tigli, Perugia, Umbria
Bedrooms 9, Sleeps 10
£270 per person, per week based on 10 sharing
I Tigli is located in beautiful Umbrian countryside, surrounded by woods, olive trees and green valleys. Take a swim in the sublime infinity pool, play a round of golf or simply relax in the private grounds.

La Limonaia, Lucca, Tuscany
Bedrooms 8, Sleeps 16
£300 per person, per week based on 16 sharing
This pair of charming converted farmhouses with beautiful gardens is centrally located to explore the wonders of Tuscany and offers flexible accommodation ideal for a group of friends or a family villa holiday.

For more information please visit www.akvillas.com