Algarve > Algarve Experience

Advantages: A lovely part of Portugal
Disadvantages: None

...this year and found the Algarve area really relaxing and friendly. We stayed in Albufeira which was the largest resort and very popular with the tourists. It had an area known as the strip which to me was very much like Blackpool great to have a quick look around but not very relaxing because it was full of bars and overpriced tacky shops. The old town of Albufeira was a nicer place to visit with its beach front bars and winding streets filled ...
...right the way across the Algarve from east to west, we used this road all the time so that we could take in the scenery, the A22 Motorway running more or less parallel to it was not our idea of relaxation because we get enough of motorway driving at home but just thought that I would mention it for those that would want to know about faster routes. Our first day we headed west and called in at a place called Vilamoura where we found a lovely marina ... Read review

Advantages: sunny!! friendly, relaxed, picturesque
Disadvantages: can be a bit too hot, not much shade, constantly people trying to sell daytrips

...EXPERIENCE----- I went to Lagos for a week with my boyfriend last summer. It was a brilliant experience! You pronounce Lagos as Lagosh. The currency is in Euros. About an hours drive in the bus from Faro airport. Pleasant jouney in the Thomson bus provided. Brief tour involved in this journey as the holiday rep gives details on the area and interesting facts, I still remember that talk to this day. Lagos seems to thrive on tourism as everything ...
...building beside the beach in Lagos (do not go here as it is a waste of money although a pleasant view from the top of the building... otherwise hardly anything to see inside and annoying that you spent so much to get in!) There was a lot of building work going on as we were staying there although we refused to let that dampen our experience (and it also means there will be a lot more built now to enjoy this summer). There are lots of good places ... Read review

Advantages: heaven on earth
Disadvantages: none

I have been visiting Santa Luzia for more than 5 years now and enjoy the village so much that in august of 2006 i purchased a small house in rua Joao antonio chagas ferriera. It is opposite the best little seafood restaurant in the algarve "Alcatruz". The fish in this place is so fresh it is still wriggling and the algarvean speciality of seafood and rice "arroz marisco" is unsurpassed in even the swankiest of restaurants. The new promenade is ...
...out of season. In august santa luzia is very popular with potrtuguese tourists, expect a long wait at any restaurant unless pre-booked. Restaurant O mourao serves a 3 course lunch complete with wine and coffee for just7 euros. There are a couple of late night bars notably meia pippa which boasts live music most weekends and Mundo run by a lovley scottish couple emma and fergus. Ther is an excellent B&B casa da Ria run by Jorge and Tensi Hermann ... Read review

Advantages: Not for the package holiday 18 - 25.
Disadvantages: We have told you about it.........................

We have just been to Tavira, it is our 3rd visit in 5 years. Our first visit was like a breath of fresh air as I had just lost my brother on Christmas Day and my brother-in-law on New Years Day. We had booked to go well before our losses, and flew off with saddened heart. If you require peace, quiet and restfulness then this is the place to go. Catch the little ferry out to the sand split and walk, walk, walk. We have never got to the end of ...
...that sort of invite. Tavira, has a lot to offer, just strolling around visit the Tower of Tavira. This is an old water tower that is being used to view the whole city/town. It uses two mirror lenses which have been installed inside the tower at the top and you have a big screen and a 360 degree view, quiet inspirational all for 3-50 euro. The Tower is next to a wonderful church, greja de Santa Maria with a clock tower and a face on each facet. ... Read review

Advantages: Sun, Wine, Food
Disadvantages: Language barrier, though most people speak enough English

The Algarve is one of my favourite places in the world, and why shouldn't it be? It has everything you're looking for - beautiful beaches, fantastic food and very very good wine!! This year we decided to move away from the resorts and stay at a bed and breakfast called Duas Quintas http://www.algarveguesthouse.com As the bed and breakfast was tucked away in the hills it certainly gave us a chance to see another side of Portugal that we would not ...
...were very experienced walkers were able to give us lots of advice of the best areas to visit. If you are visiting the Algarve I would definately recommend spending at least one day of your holiday doing something different like seeing a traditional village or climbing the hills in Monchqiue. ... Read review