Villas inside and out
Where to go - Portugal
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Jasper Kelly Wednesday 13 July 2011 |
Portugal
Portugal is relaxing, possibly a bit too laid back for its own economic good, but is ideal as a location for your villa holiday.
The sun shines most of the time, and the wind blows along the cost but overall, it offers a fairly idyllic climate.
The southern Algarve reaches into the most westerly part of Europe with a pretty wild and impressive landscape. Although the countryside softens as you head back east towards the Spanish border, it is still very impressive with its beaches, rolling hills and mountains.
Albufeira has historically been one of the most popular resorts in the Algarve. It has the sun and the landscape but it has also become too much of a tourist resort. It was once an example of quintessential Portuguese life but has now been overtaken by too many bars, restaurants and night spots.
To understand the Algarve, and to make the most of villa life, you really need to head west and try to put the overcrowded ar eas behind you. This may also mean moving inland and away from the beach but, as long as your villa has a pool, this can be a very good trade-off.
Authentic Portuguese cuisine, which you will still find in the smaller villages, is simple but well worth experiencing. The cataplana, a dish of steamed fish or meat, and caldeirada, a delicious fish stew make the most of their fresh ingredients.
For many, Portugal equates to golf. And, yes, there are numerous superb golf courses. But for those who want to do something more, Portugal has horses. Even if you have never ridden before, this is worth a thought.
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John Hampton 14 July 2011, 12:29PM | |
I have done golfing holidays in Portugal and much prefer the western end of the Algarve. Places like Albufeira are horrible. They are over crowed and full of, dare I say, British and German tourists who seem to have no interest in anything apart from drinking and making a general nuisance of themselves. The further west you go, the more civilised it seems to be. | |
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Brian Peake 14 July 2011, 12:45PM | |
We have stayed a few times near Lagos which is a really nice town and has the ideal mixture of facilities and laid back nature. We think the Algarve is perfect for family holidays and have had no problems getting good villas, although the prices have gone up quite a lot year by year. | |
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Pete Fox 14 July 2011, 01:06PM | |
The trouble with the western part is that there is nothing to do. We went there with some friends and it was dead during the day and even deader at nights. We dont go on holiday to sit around, we go for a good time and that involves having a drink. | |
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