The Algarve - any tips for where to go?

[Holymoly321]

DH, DS and I are hoping to go on a weeks holiday somewhere warm, relaxing and relatively inexpensive around the end of March, early April this year. Ds will be about 6 months old. We've pretty much done the Greek islands (fabulous) so they're out. Someone mentioned the Algarve to us and I wondered if anyone had tips as to where to go? DH and I love 'green and lush' type areas with lots of pretty beaches but are not into spending every day on the beach - we like a bit of culture vulture sight seeing too. We dont want an 'egg n chips' type resort but we do want there to be decent bars/restaurants etc. We usually go high end self catering and would like somewhere with a pool but had nice beaches nearby. Phew! Is this too tall an order? If not the Algarve, does anyone have any other tips?

have you thought of corfu? or even better sardinia? the latter is very green and lush. the most unspoilt beaches i have ever seen and very cheap flights nowadays. you can drive up into the hills and think you have just discovered the island yourself.

The weather may be pretty unreliable in The Algarve at that time of year. We have been towards the end of March and had some really cold and wet days - not a lot of swimming was done I can remember.

I love the Algarve - as long as you avoid Albufeira. We have had fab weather there at Easter and we love the food. Loads of fresh fish and you get proper veg with every meal. We loved Praia de Luz and Carvoeira.

The Algarve is wonderful - we've just been for a long weekend mid-December and I was sunbathing in my bikini on our roof terrace! We've spent several holidays there - we love the Western Algarve, Lagos in particular, it's a beautiful hippy town with lots of really nice bars and restaurants. Beacbes are phenomenal, I second Praia da Luz but all the west coast beaches like Amado and Carrapateira are breathtaking, and there's nobody, and i mean nobody, on them! March/early April can be a bit unreliable weather wise but you could end up having a scorching week (like we did last month!) It's lovely for the kids, everywhere is very child friendly. There's loads of gorgeous villas available at out of season prices then. Another gorgeous town in Tavira in the east, and you can drive to Spain in less than an hour for a day trip.

We'll be going again in March... if you do decide to go you can CAT me and I'll give you more tips