Re: where to go in Portugal

snowleopard

snowleopard

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Re: where to go in Portugal

I have been to Vilamoura and Lagos. The former is a modern development, efficient but a bit short on character.

Lagos is an old town, touristy but pleasant. It has a rail connection to Faro right by the marina which can be very convenient. It gets my vote every time.
 
Re: where to go in Portugal

Thanks for the reply Snowleopard - The Forum has done a funny once again, so I have clicked on the Notify Moderator button. Here is a cut and paste of my original post.


SWMBO and I are considering a week in Portugal in October, but are not sure of the best place to go.


We want to be near a marina or harbour where we can potter around, eat on the waterfront, poke around the shops, etc

We are hoping to rent a villa with a private pool.

Main objective is to consider options for the longer term, ie possible retiremement location etc.

All suggestions gratefully received
 
Re: where to go in Portugal

Nick

we are here for the next few weeks based from vilamoura.. like a big port solent .

fly to faro from bournemouth for under 70 euros, no need to book a return. 29 euros best price for last minute.


really nice are , b hot.. give me a call and we'll sort out accomodation if you like, come out sailing ...

ian
 
Re: where to go in Portugal

Thanks Ian. We are thinking about October, and IIRC I believe you will be heading west by then.

Was very interested to read all the updates from tome about your trip - glad you arrived safe and well.

Enjoy the holiday !
 
Re: where to go in Portugal

I've been to Vilamoura for the last few years - in fact am going again next week. It's very modern with lots of restaurants/bars.
I've stayed in hotels and rented Villa's, it's hard to get a villa within 10 min walking distance to the Marina - though we are staying in one next week.
Most of the villa's are near the Golf courses, if you do n't want your own pool then the Four Seasons around the Pinhal course has a good mixture of properties.
Let me know via PM if you want more details
 
Re: where to go in Portugal

We used to holiday on the Algarve a lot, and loved it.

For me, Lagos is the nicest place out of those mentioned - Vilamoura is OK around the marina (though half finished when we were last out there 5 or 6 years ago: proably better now) but surrounded by a surreal golfing hinterland. Nearby resorts of Val do Lobo and Dunas Douradas are upmarket, but no marinas.

Much nicer than either - but a fishing port with no marina - is Tavira, east of Faro. A beautiful old town with thriving fish market and lots of nice beaches nearby - Playa do Barril at Pedras del Rey being one of the best.

Faro itself is an interesting place, but a business and commercial centre with a fascinating Old Town, rather than a tourist destination. There is a Marina there as well, but mostly smallish boats and commercial craft.

I'm told there is now a marina near Albufeira. However both there and nearby Quarteira are resorts with a message, and the message is: beware. Blackpool-on-the-Algarve /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif
 
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