we are going on a cruise from lisbon oct.5 <BR>would like to spend 5/6 days in the algarve, my husband would like to go to a quant town <BR>stay in a nice smal hotel and soak up the local flavor.any suggestions for hotels, day <BR>trips restaurants etc. would be apriciated. <BR>thanks hilde

In October you will not find many tourists and of course not the crowds of August. Only scandinavian expatriates fill up some of the touristic places still open by that time. The Algarve coast is beautiful anytime but specially with that special fall charm. I would say among the cities I would choose Lagos or Tavira ( much quieter ). Among the beaches you have lots of options to choose from small coves to extremely long beaches. Secluded coves around Carvoeiro, Sagres or Lagos. Fantastic long beaches around Alvor or Eastern Algarve, da Rocha ( touristy ). Beautiful and cozy small town and views in Cacelha Velha, close to Tavira, also a couple of nice restaurants there to eat out ). Try Cataplana, it is the most typical dish of Algarve coast, it is served everywhere but make sure it is a good place. I would also reccommend Dom Sebastiao in Lagos for its ambient and food. Another tip is the boat trip to the caves, some of them really amazing, they depart from Armaçao de Pera. Usually are fishermen who make these trips. And to finish a couple of stunning rocky places that summarize the best of the beauty of Algarve coast: Algar Seco ( close to Carvoeiro, preferred ) and Ponta da Piedade ( close to Lagos ).

We have been to Portugal many times. Spent last January on the Algarve. I like the Posada at Sagres very much, and not too pricy. A wonderful view of the sea, and a quaint little town to explore (they rent bikes at the posada) with wonderful rooms, balconies to look at the most amazing scenery. Try it.

I vote Lagos. Absolutely beautiful there. I was a student when I visited, so my friend and I stayed in the home of a lady we met at the train station. Therefore, I'm no help w/respect to hotels. Have a wonderful time, though!!

what is the weather like in the Algarve in October? does anyone have experience renting a house/apt in Portugal? we will be two families traveling together with a couple small children

The weather probably will be changing everytime during your stay there. It may be rainy, sunny, hot, windy and cool. You will see a very quiet Algarve, pretty much different from what you would see going there in July/August, and I am sure you will love it on the whole. You can get really good prices in October almost everywhere.