portugal

AJS33

Dear All

I am able to get some reasonable flights to Faro, but don't know where is a good place to stay, in terms of location and a hotel.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

AJS33

It will be a case of sightseeing in the day, dinner at the hotel, partner likes halfboard and then a couple of drinks and bed.

More emphasis on the sightseeing and getting around to look at stuff

wr1ght

duno if this is your type of thing but its the most fun i have had in portugal http://www.roosterquadtours.com/

its as hardcore as you can handle, just booked to go back in april to do the 2 day tour

berrybabe

I go to alvor every year (about an hour away from Faro airport) it is totally gorgeous, a small fishing village that isn't too built up so still retains it's charm, the people are so friendly, the food is amazing and every year I always say "I'll go somewhere different" but always end up going back, amazing place

topdognero

I've been to the Algarve a few times and stayed at different resorts. Once I discovered Lagos on the western Algarve I haven't been anywhere else. It's more upmarket than Albufeira and very cosmopolitan. The marina is a great place to walk around and Meia Praia beach is wonderful. Stayed at the Tivoli Lagos which is in the old town and I would recommend it.

jcorbygas

I would second Lagos as a place to stay.
Lots of great restaurants, a lovely beach,a marina, and you dont get bored wandering around the little streets looking at the shops and popping into bars.

Lynsey

When are you going??
Out of season it can be quiet apart from major resorts - even Albufeira will be quiet/ish now.
We go Jan/Feb and stay around the Albufeira area (unless we are going east and to venture into Spain) and it's been getting quieter and quieter these last few years. We missed last year and are off in a few weeks to try again.

Lynsey

Starrystarrynight

It's been quite a few years since I worked in the Algarve, but Vilamoura might be another one to consider along with Lagos and Alvor. Albufeira and Praia da Rocha are more built up and lively.
There were loads of tours available, and also water parks if you enjoy them. I loved the trip which went to Cape St Vincent. The sheer cliff faces were stunning. There were also a couple of market tours and jeep safaris. As another poster has mentioned, there were trips to Seville and to Lisbon.
Make sure you try the chicken piri-piri. I'm getting hungry now just thinking about it! And have a drop of the local tipple, Medronho, otherwise known as firewater!
I loved my time in the Algarve. The beaches are so lovely! Hope you enjoy it :-)

a_sav

We stayed in Cascais last summer in Aug it was fab,food, beach weather, tourist office very helpful.Chicken piri-piri was great, so were the pastries & gingina,port I could go on
Checking out the San Martinho area this year..looks a bit built up but thicks the above boxes

Doshwaster

a_sav wrote: »

We stayed in Cascais last summer in Aug it was fab,food, beach weather, tourist office very helpful.Chicken piri-piri was great, so were the pastries & gingina,port I could go on
Checking out the San Martinho area this year..looks a bit built up but thicks the above boxes

I like Cascais (and Estoril next door) too. It feels like a proper old fashioned "seaside" town than a huge modern megaresort and isn't spoilt by too many Brits Abroad types. The train service along the coast to Lisbon is very handy - and extremely cheap.

lagoslife

When are you looking to visit?

I agree that Lagos has a lot to offer year round and Alvor is also lovely, although a bit quieter.

The beauty of the Algarve is that if you hire a car you can explore the whole coastline easily.