Won a weeks stay in a Villa in Albufeira Portugal..planning late sept 2010 trip, driving from Lisbon and using the Villa as a base for day trips. Well I am well traveled I have never been to Portugal so need help from those who have. Interests include ceramic and glass fusion art, food, wine and history as well as traveling with a Jewish friend interested in anything Jewish related. Ideas and suggestions are welcome.

There is very little in the way of any of the art forms you mention in the Algarve area. Albufeira is a town that caters to tourists with families and is essentially a place to go to sit on a beach and to eat. There are scores of restaurants offering greasy UK breakfasts with bacon, eggs, sausage etc. It does not sound like your cup of tea. You would be much better off in Lisbon. I know little of substance about Lisbon, I'm afraid.

Michael

You say "won".

How transparent was the competition? Many people in the UK "win" stays in villas in Portugal only to find that the whole thing is an incredible experience in timeshare hardsell and the stay becomes unbearable.

I there, in the south you have lot's to see. In the Algarve region go to Silves a historic town, or to Sagres, were there is a fort from the XV century were a naval school was for sailors back in those days... But there is alot to see. just do a little research on the internet and you will find many things to see.

If you want an over the top meal go to VilaJoya. We were staying at a timeshare in Albufeira and had an early birthday lunch here. Meal is pre fix-the view is over the top. I took pictures of every coarse-they were works of art. It is the only 2 michelin star restaurnat in Portugal. look at their site www.vilajoya.com/restaurant
My husband and I were there for 2 hours. The dinner price was over the top so we went for lunch.
We had a wonderful week enjoying the area-enjoy Chris

Now after your "over the top" Vila Joya experience...go to the fabulous family run, small intimate restaurant in the next town over to the west in Armacao de Pera It is named A Tasca and is located on the small street, on the left side (Rue d. Tresmalhos) that runs away from the fisherman's beach just behind the very newly constructed, wood, beach bar. Here you will have a warm welcome, owners are fluent in English and they serve some of the best food in Portugal....just not so stuffy and formal as Vila Joya.

There are some fabulous seafood restaurants in not too far away Lagos, which is a bit more upmarket than Albufeira. There is some nice walking areas in this part of Portugal - I don't recall much in the way of art and culture apart from wonderful architecture.

When I say won its was a true win offered by a local Portugese Resturant on thier fifth year anniversary. I retired from SABRE/Travelocity after 33yrs of seervice so the air is cheap enough and we are confirmed to go Sept 24 for a week and spend two days on the return in Lisbon.

Hi, Michael20b!

Regarding regional tiles and pottery, you can find a good selection of handmade regional products (for instance: old and new "azulejos") in Casa do Algarve - EN 125, Alqueives Porches, 8400 Lagoa. Telf: 282 352 682.(around 25Km from Albufeira).

I suggest you take a look in this website for tips concerning places of interest in Algarve(Cities, monuments, natural landmarks, beaches, restaurants...) http://www.algarve-portal.com/en/cou...rch&f_cat_id=0

Most of top rated restaurants in Algarve are located near Almancil (close to Quinta to Lago and Vale do Lobo), for instance: Amadeus, Pequeno Mundo,São Gabriel, Willie's, Henrique Leis are among the most reputed along with Vila Joya (in Galé,Albufeira), but you can find best value/good traditional Portuguese restaurants all over the Algarve.

Hope it helps

Have a good stay!

If you can manage it, drive over to Sagres...that's where Henry the Navigator plotted his voyages, and one of the most spectacular sea vistas in the world, lots of good eats, and fun ceramic places to stop on the way...a wonderful day trip...Oh yes, walk along the beach and stop at a restaurant called the "Cataplana"...it's outdoor dining and you will recognize it by the huge copper dish mounted out front. A local speciality.