Pretty Portugal (Algarve)

Member Name: jeanjeannie

Product:	Algarve
Date:	21/04/01 (175 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Sun,sea,sand and sleep.

Disadvantages: Restaurants could be cheaper

Vilamoura – The Algarve

This was our second trip to Portugal , a last minute booking as is my habit – explained in another Op under Travel Agents. This one we did book via Teletext through a company called Orchid Travel but it was with some trepidation that we left for the airport. Although we had booked a named hotel so knew where were staying we had to collect our tickets at the airport and you just never know do you? Would they be there? Had we been had? Would we be making our way back down the motorway later that same day – totally disappointed? What do you mean – am I a pessimist? Of course, isn’t everyone?

On arrival at Birmingham airport we parked the car quite easily. We realized when we got back why there was plenty of room – it’s very expensive. Found our way to departures to look for Orchid Travel – and looked, and looked. Nowhere to be seen. Our flight wasn’t on the board and my worse fears began to rise in my chest. We walked over to one of the desks and asked about the flight to Portugal – ‘there isn’t one today’ we were told. Oh hell, where was my rescue remedy – didn’t want to go home – wanted some sun.

To cut a long story short – we were booked in under another airline, we were given our tickets and off we flew to Portugal.On arrival we were met by an Orchid Travel rep and transported to the hotel without delay. They were very good.

The transfer from Faro airport took about 40 minutes and we were intrigued how this big bus wended its way through the narrow streets of the little towns we passed through.

Arriving at our hotel – The Atlantis we were pleased to see that it was virtually on the beach as promised and we had a lovely view over the sea from our balcony. We also had an excellent view over the marina and town and it all looked so pristine. It’s a manmade resort – not everyone
’s cup of tea but, for a weeks rest and relaxation it was ideal.
The hotel was listed as a 5 star – not sure who did the ratings but I would say it was your average 3 star but with the added attraction of a large indoor pool. Not important in the height of summer but this was April and not very warm. I really enjoyed my early morning swim each day – one of the most important parts of a holiday to me.

We could walk miles along the beach; in one direction past the old and very colourful fishing boats to a local fishing village which I think was called Quateira. The old part was run down and looked very poor and the smell emanating from the fish market was enough to make you a veggie. However, up on the main road there were shops and restaurants; a market primarily for tourists where I was chased by an enthusiastic tablecloth seller !! It was a woman unfortunately. I did buy a beautiful cloth eventually for 50% of the asking price. I was happy and I bet the woman was too although she looked as though she had thrown the baby out with the bath water.

In the opposite direction was the marina – a magnet for my husband who has always fancied a motor cruiser. Not quite up to Puerto Buenos but nearly. There were restaurants galore and we spent a couple of afternoons, sitting in the sun with a jug of sangria just watching the world go by returning to the hotel in early evening for a wash and brush up before returning to the marina for dinner. Every meal we had was excellent especially the Chinese and a Portuguese restaurant up a little side street just off the marina which we found on the last evening. Don’t you always do that? I wish I could remember the name could have been Georgio’s – we were made so welcome and the service was excellent. We were given warm brandies after our meal – on the house as it was cold and we will definitely go back some day soon. On the subject of brandy – if you go do
buy the Maceirera – it’s very cheap but delicious. Well, that’s what him indoors says. I prefer a G & T any day.

For the more active there are several golf courses near by and the hotels all supply free transport there and back – more time on the 19th! There are the usual boat trips, fishing, swimming although I did not brave the sea as it shelved rather steeply and that would be a consideration with young children.
Next to our hotel was the Casino and we did not like the thought of the noise that would generate when it closed at some ungodly time in the morning. We need not have worried – we did not hear a thing. No screaming, fighting, nothing. How refreshing.

It is also ideally placed for visits further a field – we did not go as we had been chauffeured around by friends the year before but a trip to the hills is a must – especially when the mimosa and the fruit trees are in full flower. There are numerous historic sites and I would say that Portugal has something for everyone. Not least a very warm welcome from the locals.

Vilamoura was more expensive than Albufeira, where you can have a coffee and brandy for under a £. It’s built with tourists in mind but we found it ideal for the week we were there as everything was so clean and accessible.
Worth a visit.

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