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Algarve - handy hints please!

10 replies

Rhubarb · 12/09/2002 12:58

After posting about Turkey, we have now booked to the Algarve in Portugal. I just wanted other Mumnetters tips on where to go with dd (2 and a bit), friendly places to eat - we are staying in Albufeira (sp?), places to go, what to avoid and where and anything else people might know about this part of Europe.

Thanks!

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Alley22 · 12/09/2002 13:07

Hi Rhubarb,

I took my son to Albuferia with my parents when he was 4 months old.

It was a little easier as I was breastfeeding so I did not really need to worry about feeding him, however the restaurants are lovely (quiet) the food is cheap but tasty.

Albufeira was very quiet, we were quite a way from the town. Beautiful clifftop walks and lots of space. You will have a lovely time.

Unfortunately my memories of the week are clouded by the fact that he didnt sleep for 4 nights and cried every time we sat down for a meal! and screamed on the plane ALL the way home but that was what he was like as a baby.

We found (went in April-time) a lot of retired people go out there for the Winter, sometimes spending 6-8 months there away from home, so its a lovely quiet family resort.

I will have a look back through my pictures and details to see where we stayed, and I will post again if I find anything that may be of use to you.

When are you planning to go? (Grr with jealousy!)

Alley22 · 12/09/2002 13:14

excuse my spelling

Rhubarb · 12/09/2002 13:41

Thanks Alley, we got a late deal for 13th October. The sites I have been on so far have given me mixed reports, some say the walk to the beach is quite a way and very steep. Others, like you, say the resort is quiet, but some have said they would have preferred a quieter resort! So I'm a bit confused about how it really is. Did you use public transport whilst you were there? I also want to know about car hire and the best places to visit, so any info you could give me would be greatly appreciated. Sorry your little one kept you up most of the holiday, surely your parents helped? Hopefully he is older now and so future holidays will be more peaceful?

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Queenie · 12/09/2002 14:12

Rhubarb, we took dd to the Algarve when she was 6 mths old (April time). We had a good time though weather was variable at that time of year. Watch out for time share sellers unless you want to buy one as I remember we were bugged everytime we left the apartment. The portuguese love children and would offer to hold dd if we were in shops or restaurants whilst we browsed/ate. We stayed in vilamoura which is just down the coast from Albufeira. Have a great time, I'm jealous as haven't had any hols this year and baby 2 due next Friday!!

Alley22 · 12/09/2002 14:14

Hi Rhubarb, Ive been too scared to try again since that experience! I swore I would never travel again until he could sit in his own seat and we could keep him entertained (bribed). He will be two next month and I think we will try to go abroad again with him early next year. Ive just remembered that we went in February not April. sorry, doesnt take a lot to confoose me!

Thinking back the beach was a bit difficult to get to especially with a buggy. We had to carry it as it was quite rocky.. I remember seeing a car hire centre when we stopped for a bite to eat one day but we didnt find out about it as there was no need for us.

Public transport leaves a bit to be desired. The buses are fine, but we went on a coach journey - and it was a double coach, joined in the middle by a circular join thingy, and we were sitting at the back (no seatbelts) so I was sitting with him on my lap, bus driver goes round a sharp bend a bit too quickly and I came off my seat a few inches into the air and landed on my bottom in the ailse. Its funny thinking back, my son was completely unharmed (mothers protective instinct?) but I had a really sore bottom and back for a couple of days, it did hurt... so be careful! if u use them, sit at the front!!!

Yes, my parents did help out (one of us was bouncing him on our lap through the starter, we swapped for main course and then for dessert!) good job there was three of us!

Im still on my own now with him but hes a lot better. I dont think I would have got through the first few months on my own with him if it wasnt for my parents.

All three of us were all sharing accommodation (allbeit two rooms - a front room and a bedroom) but after 4 days of a 4 mnth old screaming baby we all were short with each other and snappy. It was a nightmare.

We spent most of our time in the hotel as we were on a lazy holiday, listening to singers, caberet and dancing etc. we went out for a few meals, but Ill have a look back to see if Ive forgotton anything for you!.

A

Rhubarb · 13/09/2002 22:40

Aww thanks a lot Alley! I hope things have got better for you now! I will certainly watch out for the timeshare touts (or should that be louts) thanks very much - Queenie too! As dd is 2 getting to the beach shouldn't be that much of a problem as she can walk on her own now. We will go on a few coach tours so thanks for the seating tips too! All in all it sounds ok. Last time we took her abroad was to Malta when she was 6 months and it was a nightmare eating out as she would wake up in the middle of our meal and howl the place down! Very embarrassing! So I know how you feel Alley! I'm not saying this time will be any better, but we'll be more prepared and it makes a difference if kids are tolerated doesn't it? You wouldn't get that in this country!

Anyway, more tips appreciated so keep 'em coming!

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helenmh · 16/09/2002 14:49

There is an excellent website www.davesguide.com to the algarve. We printed off the pages and took them with us. We stayed in Albufeira two years ago and this year rented a villa near lagos. It is very child friendly everywhere. Places to go include Lagos- lots of character. The far west of the algarve- Salema, Burgau very nice, Silves and caldas de monique inland. There is a little village called Guia not far from albufeira- On a sat night all the portugese families gather to eat piri-piri Spicy chicken but the waiters will provide just grilled. Alvor is nice. Olos d Agua a nice fishing village near Albufeira. I could go on any specific questions just ask
helen

Rhubarb · 16/09/2002 21:02

Thanks Helen! Did you use the public transport there? What is car hire like? We'd like to get around the Algarve but don't know the best way of going about it. I'll check out that site you mentioned now.

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helenmh · 17/09/2002 14:41

we did hire a car but there certainly seemed to be a good bus service in both albufeira and lagos. I think some towns had a train service too. Taxis were fairly reasonable for shorter distances.
helen

Rhubarb · 17/09/2002 15:28

Thanks for the site, it's brilliant! Now armed with very good tips and advice we should be ok, thanks!

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