Maria's Almancil Vale do Lobo is a beautiful beach club that captures the essence of Ibiza without the need to travel for hours. The white wood and awnings create a picturesque setting, complemented by nice and smooth music that adds to the overall ambiance.
The beach club offers stunning views of the beach and ocean, providing a fine vibe for relaxation and enjoyment. From here, you can also spot another charming beach club called Izzy's, adding to the appeal of the area.
Our experience at Maria's holds special memories for us. It was one of the first places we visited when house-hunting in the Algarve, and it played a significant role in our decision to live here. The pleasant atmosphere by the ocean truly encapsulates the allure of the Algarve region.
Upon arrival, we received a friendly welcome from four charming hostesses who guided us to our table. This thoughtful gesture of hospitality sets Maria's apart and is something other restaurants could learn from.
Maria's offers several delightful seating options. You can choose to sit on the terrace, closest to the beach, where you'll enjoy fantastic views of the beach and ocean. Alternatively, there's a beautiful rooftop area that provides an excellent vantage point for witnessing breathtaking sunsets from around 8 pm, as informed by the barman.
Now, let's talk about the menu. While the menu advertises two vegetarian options, namely the poke bowl and stuffed aubergine, it's worth mentioning that if you ask, they can provide three more vegetarian dishes. This flexibility is impressive and greatly appreciated. Some of the additional vegetarian options include Vega Cataplana, curry with rice, and Vega pasta.
The prices of the main courses vary depending on your preference. For vegan options, you can expect to pay around 16 euros, while fish dishes range from 19 to 35 euros, and meat dishes range from 16 to 42 euros.
During my visit, I started my lunch with a nice glass of red wine and a fresh sandwich. As for the main courses, I couldn't decide between two options, so I indulged myself and ordered both. The poke bowl was delightfully presented and portioned just right, leaving room for the highlight of my meal: the cataplana. This characteristic Portuguese dish is not commonly available in vegan versions elsewhere, making it a unique treat at Maria's.
Although the DJ arrived during my lunch, the music didn't start until later in the afternoon. While it would have been enjoyable to experience the DJ's performance, it didn't diminish the overall experience at Maria's.
While it may not be considered the absolute best beach club in the Algarve, Maria's Almancil Vale do Lobo is undeniably worth a visit.
Personally visited & reviewed by Peter Cruiming
