Being centrally located in the Algarve, Casa Norinha is a great base for exploring the whole region and day trips to Lisbon or Seville are highly recommended - particularly in the Winter, when the mild weather is suited to city exploration. Faro airport is about a 40 minute drive.
Paderne, 2km away, is the closest town to the villa. Paderne is a typical, unspoilt Portuguese town with a friendly and welcoming community. There are several good restaurants within and close to the town as well as all the necessaries...
Casa Norinha's rural location makes a car useful, even necessary, for most guests. However, it is very possible to get around the Algarve with bikes, buses, taxis and on foot. We did it several times in our pre-driving licence youth!
Portugal has an integrated transport policy that puts the UK to shame - buses are frequent, wide-ranging, clean and fast. Taxis are a good option for nights out and quite reasonably priced.