January in the Algarve - a nice spot to chill.
May 7th, 2008, 12:53 AM
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January in the Algarve - a nice spot to chill.
Thanks for help on my previous questions. Itinerary for Spain, Portugal and Morocco in Dec/Jan 2008 is taking shape nicely - will post a trip report to help others.
We have 3 days in the Algarve (with a hire car) and I've searched all the threads plus guidebooks and am still horribly confused about the best area to stay.
Budget - medium
Like - a sea view, a beach to walk along, local restaurants with seafood dishes. Dislike - crowds of package tourists.
After 3 fairly hectic weeks, we want to spend our 3 days in the Algarve having a bit of a rest and playing a bit of golf - just at cheaper local courses.
We want to have a break from sightseeing, although would like to visit Loule, Sagres and Silves, before we move on to Lisbon, and nearby sights.
I don't think a villa is an option as they seem to be weekly rentals, but would really like some advice on which AREA might suit me. I'm thinking more Western Algarve than Eastern because we're entering and exiting from Faro (on the train). Any advice much appreciated.
We have 3 days in the Algarve (with a hire car) and I've searched all the threads plus guidebooks and am still horribly confused about the best area to stay.
Budget - medium
Like - a sea view, a beach to walk along, local restaurants with seafood dishes. Dislike - crowds of package tourists.
After 3 fairly hectic weeks, we want to spend our 3 days in the Algarve having a bit of a rest and playing a bit of golf - just at cheaper local courses.
We want to have a break from sightseeing, although would like to visit Loule, Sagres and Silves, before we move on to Lisbon, and nearby sights.
I don't think a villa is an option as they seem to be weekly rentals, but would really like some advice on which AREA might suit me. I'm thinking more Western Algarve than Eastern because we're entering and exiting from Faro (on the train). Any advice much appreciated.
May 7th, 2008, 07:37 AM
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Hi, Judy,
I assume your trip will coincide with Christmas/New Years. I have traveled around Portugal during that time (though not in the Algarve) and never found many crowds. In fact, many hotels have much lower prices. And the distances are so short, plus the highway is so good, that I don't think distance from Faro is an issue.
I think Lagos and Tavira both meet your criteria, at least during off-season. I know some people who post here have spent time in Salema, which is the place Rick Steve's guidebooks recomment. I haven't been there, but if you search, you can find opinions here. One person whose opinions I have relied on for other parts of Portugal stayed at:
Salema Accommodations: Pension Mare
Website: http://www.algarve.co.uk/
Price: 65 E per night with private bath & continental breakfast
My own favorite would be the western coast, either Vila Nova de Milfontes, Zambujeira do Mar, or Arrifana. Those places are an easy 2-3 hour drive from Lisbon and are beautiful.
The western coast has little to no high rise development and though it's popular with Portuguese families, there is little foreign tourism there.
LR
I assume your trip will coincide with Christmas/New Years. I have traveled around Portugal during that time (though not in the Algarve) and never found many crowds. In fact, many hotels have much lower prices. And the distances are so short, plus the highway is so good, that I don't think distance from Faro is an issue.
I think Lagos and Tavira both meet your criteria, at least during off-season. I know some people who post here have spent time in Salema, which is the place Rick Steve's guidebooks recomment. I haven't been there, but if you search, you can find opinions here. One person whose opinions I have relied on for other parts of Portugal stayed at:
Salema Accommodations: Pension Mare
Website: http://www.algarve.co.uk/
Price: 65 E per night with private bath & continental breakfast
My own favorite would be the western coast, either Vila Nova de Milfontes, Zambujeira do Mar, or Arrifana. Those places are an easy 2-3 hour drive from Lisbon and are beautiful.
The western coast has little to no high rise development and though it's popular with Portuguese families, there is little foreign tourism there.
LR
May 7th, 2008, 08:13 AM
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There are very few tourists in the Algarve in January, but I would recommend staying at the Orada Aparthotel in Albufeira. It is a five minute drive from the centre of the town and has excellent facilities and will be very quiet. It does not have a sea view, but the huge pool area is as good as. Albufeira is 25 minutes from Faro and is ideally suited for touring the district. Google the hotel and the town to get a better idea of what I mean. I am not sure if there is such a thing as cheap golf in Portugal.
Jun 19th, 2008, 10:05 AM
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Hi there, dont know if this reply is in time or not. Tavira and Lagos are very much the same type of town. There a number of places to stay especially off season. Try Residencial Hotel Por do Sol in Tavira, i think their web site is www.tavirasol.com and another one that is quite good is Casa Vale d'el Rey. It all depends if you want in town or out of town.
Enjoy Portugal...
Enjoy Portugal...
