Jill

I'll be travelling to the Algarve next year - March/April/May time period. Do you have any suggestions for (1)town to use as a home base and (2)associated accommodation in that town? Doesn't matter the town - just want a smaller place that has a Portuguese flavour - not a big city like Faro. Will use this as a home base for travel to Seville and other day trip excursions. Thanks...

Tom

On the east side of the Algarve, you can't beat Tavira. Its a beautiful, small town near the coast. We stayed at the Hotel Princessa with a view of the river from a small terrace. I highly recommend the hotel. If you're off to the west, try Lagos. Although a bit bigger, with a sophisticated harbor and pedestrian areas, Lagos is worth a visit and makes a great base for Sagres and other destinations.

Jill

Thanks Tom! What did you pay (US$) per night or week for accommodation at this hotel? Sounds like a great recommendation. Did you travel to Seville or to the Gib from here? Any recommendations for side trips from Tavira?

Tabatha

Good for you! What a beautiful corner of the globe! I lived in Portimao for 2 months when I was 19. Quiet, serene and a beach that will take your breath away! Not to mention some of the juiciest and largest prawns known to man! If you don't spend a night there, at least plan a day's outing!

Tom

Jill -- The Princessa was only $25 U.S. a night, a real bargain by any standard considering the full bath, great view, and breakfast. Keep in mind, though, that we were traveling on the off season (December '97). But I can't imagine that the price swings are that significant. We never ventured to Spain, but did wander along the Spanish/Portugese border, visiting several small towns with wondeful ruins. I forget the names right now, but I kept a journal if you're interested.