We regularly travel by Monarch to Faro. Vilamoura is close to the airport and has a wide range of golf courses, beautiful beaches and restaurants.
We find the people friendly and everything is convenient. We highly recommend a visit.
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the algarve - it's not just the golf which is amazing, the portugeese people are all so friendly and accomadating they really do appriciate our custom.
the food is what i consider the best anywhere in europe then of corse you have the wine and port teriffic. Then the spectaular beaches and of corse the beautifull climate. 10 years now and still finding something different on each visit. its now home from home with 5 star accommadation which ever resort you choose. Start at the airport and head to the far west for a very different landscape.
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We fly into Faro regularly as we have a second home not actually in Portugal but just over the border in Spain...
We fly into Faro regularly as we have a second home not actually in Portugal but just over the border in Spain at a place could Ayamonte a pretty and vibrant town friendly but still very Spanish. The beaches on this side of the boarder are an extension of the algarve but with large expanses of empty beaches. For long (7kms walks) along near deserted beaches in an area known for its widelife this is truly a place to relax. We have an apartment on the golf course on isla canela and we have the best of both worlds a quiet restful setting on a bird sanctuary but at the same time walking distance to this wonderful beach and to the town. Don't go there if you want nightclubs and tourist attractions this is truly for the stress busting total relax.
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We travel to Faro every March and November. The weather is usually very good.
The hotel Garbe at Armacao De Pera has a unique position right on the beach and can be highly recommended.
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I would reccomend carvoeiro to any one I have lived there and I always go back when I have the opportunity...
I would reccomend carvoeiro to any one I have lived there and I always go back when I have the opportunity good food friendly people english and portugese great weather and suitable for all the family give it a go! you wont be disappointed.
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Travelling with two children I would recommend two days out - one to the west coast where the beaches are amazing and the feeling of open space is unbelievable. The second is to visit the water park Slide & Splash...
Travelling with two children I would recommend two days out - one to the west coast where the beaches are amazing and the feeling of open space is unbelievable. The second is to visit the water park Slide & Splash...Having visited the western Algarve 6 times in past 8 years I feel quite at home here. We don't have our own place as we like to stay at a particularly friendly hotel which often feels like our home abroad. Travelling with two children I would recommend two days out - one to the west coast where the beaches are amazing and the feeling of open space is unbelievable. The second is to visit the water park Slide & Splash off junction 6 of the motorway at Lagoa. 60 euros for a family of 4 it really is excellent value and lots of fun. The park is very clean and pretty easy to find if travelling by hire car.
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My family are regular visitors to the Algarve flying with Monarch - for music lovers of jazz beats and fusion jazz/reggae I strongly suggest a visit To Silves in partciular the Cathedral and Cafe Ingles...
My family are regular visitors to the Algarve flying with Monarch - for music lovers of jazz beats and fusion jazz/reggae I strongly suggest a visit To Silves in partciular the Cathedral and Cafe Ingles- where on each Friday/ Saturday night you can here live Jazz and on Sunday afternoons a fusion jamming beat of reggae and jazz- the cafe offers a good cuisine on either day /night - the crowd well laid back - if you require a table I suggest that you book in advance.
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If your ideal holiday is to get away from the crowds then this is an ideal place. There are very nice restuarants in and around Santa Barbara especially Pedros in Sao Bras where the King prawn Kebabs are out of this world.
We go to Portugal at least twice a year and hire a villa in the hills just outside Santa Barbara De Nexe. If your ideal holiday is to get away from the crowds then this is an ideal place. There are very nice restuarants in and around Santa Barbara especially Pedros in Sao Bras where the King Prawn Kebabs are out of this world.
Within driving distance is Villamora with its manmade marina and a visit is worthwhile. Quateria is also worth a visit especially on a Wednesday when it is market day. Alberfuria is the Blackpool of the Algarve and best avoided.
A visit to Travia and Olhao are something not to be missed. Further afield is Silves and the Monquige Moutains where you can visit the old Monastry.
I hope that if you visit the Algarve you enjoy it as much as we do.
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Easily accessible from Faro is the Western Algarve - very mild in the winter and a visit in January is the perfect way to shorten the winter as the climate is comparible to spring in the UK...
Faro is in the Algarve. Easily accessible from Faro is the Western Algarve - very mild in the winter and a visit in January is the perfect way to shorten the winter as the climate is comparible to spring in the UK - although the evenings can be chilly the days are usually warm and comfortable and most places are open so the normal already good portuguese service gets even better - walking and golf are particularly recommended.
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Both my wife and I are well into our retirment and we go to monte Gordo twice each year we find the flat area easy to walk in and the long flat beach exceptionally attractive.
- Ronald Marshall
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Just got back from hols. A must if going to algarve visit Zoomarine in Guia fantastic day out and not expensive.
- Coulson
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We found an English language newspaper The Portugal News in the Faro airport baggage hall being given by the airport and it was really helpful.
Worth picking up as it wasnt a typical tourist publication but seemed to be written for residents as much as visitors and have a lot about Portugal and the algarve. Very helpful. - Lynne Davis
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The Flights and car Hire went without hitch and Faro airport was a doddle to find your way around.
We stayed at the Porta Nova Hotel in Tavira which suits us because the Hotel is only 6 minutes walk from the centre and Tavira is an authentic Portugese town. The Hotel was 4 star as far as the bedroom (Pool View) was concerned, but 3 star for the Food/Gym/Indoor Pool...etc. were cocerned. The Vila Galle where we stayed last year was a true 4 star Hotel.
There are 3 restaurants I would recommend:
- The O Pateo on the East Bank near the Roman Bridge for authentic dishes with larger than average portions.
- The Alquimia on the East Bank of the River Galio on the Rua Julio Vaz Corte Real is a gem of a place with specialities such as Tagine (Eartenware Pot with a pointed lid) of Lamb or Tuna or Prawns...etc. with a Morrocan influence. We also had the Sea Bass on a Roof Tile stuffed with prawns walnuts and Cous Cous adequately spiced. The staff were keen to explain the dishes in fluent English. Prices ranged from 20 Euros to 30 Euros for 2 people plus a litre of very good house red at 10 euros.
- The A Ver Tavira Restaurant was the most expensive, but is as equally charming as the other 2. The Restaurant has an imposing position above the river on the West Bank next to the castle. The menu ranges from steaks and some authentic Portugese dishes such as Turbot with Rice and King Prawns 15 Euros to Veal steaks...etc. We enjoyed Tavira, but take some warm cloths for the night-time. - David Holland
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For the past 6 years we have enjoyed our retirement touring the Algarve. Excellent for Birdwatching and relaxation.
- Eric Robinson
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Zahara de los Atunes - a typical Spanish fishing village with a large selection of local restaurants.
Fantastic beach and ideally situated for visiting many local attractions including a visit to Tangiers in Africa. - J Lloyd
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I am currently training at Flight Training Europe (Jerez Airport) for my ATPL Flying Licence. Jerez is a great city break destination from my own and other students experiences with relatives visiting I can recommend the Hotel Tryp Jerez for its reasonable prices and convenient location in a city centre square with a taxi rank near the main entrance.
Hotel Jerez and Hotel Sherry Park which are slightly more upmarket also get good reviews. For budget travellers Hotel Nova Centre is in a very good location with rooms from just 40 euros per night. In the city centre I can recommend El Almacen restaurant just off Plaza de Arenal for tapas in a traditional setting and La Piedra near Hipercor supermarket is a good restaurant in the evening (popular with the locals) where you cook meat on a hot plate at the table.
Jerez is great for access to Seville (hourly trains - journey time 1hr) and Cordoba (2hrs) and nearby Arcos de la Frontera (just 30mins away) is a must see spectacular white Andalucian village built along a ridge in the hills. El Puerto (25mins south) is a great place to eat lunch - I can recommend the fish restaurants near the centre or Puerto Sherry beach where there are a few small restaurants with tables outside overlooking the bay of Cadiz (you follow the road beyond the marina).
Cadiz is an interesting city for a day visit (although tricky to park) about 40mins from Jerez with a decent beach though the best beaches are about 30mins further south near Conil de la Frontera. When in Jerez popular attractions are the sherry bodega tours and the white horse shows - all details can be found in the hotels. Thanks - Michael Wigdahl
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This area is on the Costa de la Luz - the coast of lights. A beautiful unspoilt area of Spain.
Jerez is mostly famous for it's sherry and brandy. You can find all the famous names here - Gonzalez-Byass Domecq and Sandermans. Most of the bodegas have tours and it is a must to go. After the tour of the bodega you can see a display of the dancing horses which Spain is famous for. The Andalucian thoroughbreds are trained to perform high precision ballet 'dances' to music.
Cadiz is only 20 mins away. It is one of the oldest city's in Europe. Columbus also sailed from here to the Americas. It is a bustling city with a combination of old and new - the new having the up market shops but a stroll round the old city (which will take about an hour) with it's narrow cobbled streets you get the real feel of Spain. The beaches are very clean with golden sand stretching for miles (much better than the med).
Nearby is also the Donana Natural Park which is a feeding ground for many birds and you may also catch sight of a Lynx.
There is much to do and see in this beautiful area of Spain and if you hire a car (the roads are very good) you can take a drive to the many white villages nearby.
Also look out for the storks that make their nests on top of many buildings. - Jackie
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We have travelled many many places in over 40 years and we wanted to visit somewhere we had never before been. Jerez had just opened up as a destination with Monarch Airlines and we thought we would go for a special weekend break.
It was wonderful, the airport so near to the city centre made arriving and leaving easier than other places. The people were lovely too - the atmosphere was like Britain in the 50s well dressed families going quietly about their daily lives could be seen on every street - not a larger lout to be seen.
Plenty of restaurants and shops to choose from (don't expect 5 star treatment from the one 5 star hotel there - Hotel Jerez - because it's not), instead try the 4 star hotel near by. Ask before you book if there is any horse festivals on - if so go to it - they are great gala type days - we didn't actually see the horses but we soaked up the festival atmosphere in the grounds There was no fee payable - just walk in and enjoy. Everyone gets dressed up in their Sunday best on the Sabbath day and shops mainly close. You will feel underdressed on Sunday if wearing shorts in town. Remember to cover your bare arms up when visiting churches etc. You will feel welcomed where ever you go in Jerez. Remember to sample the wonderful sherry of course. - Ken Edwards
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Been going to the sunny Algarve for many years. Love Vilamoura, very classy with its marina and beautiful beaches.
Fun places are Zoomarine and Slide & Splash, lots of fun for all the family. Places to eat The Mayflower at the marina. Places to stay Old Village & Four Seasons. - Suzanne Carr
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Flew to Jerez to join our daughter & partner for a long weekend who were spending a week in Sanlucar de Barrameda.
Flew to Jerez to join our daughter & partner for a long weekend who were spending a week in Sanlucar de Barrameda.Flew to Jerez to join our daughter & partner for a long weekend who were spending a week in Sanlucar de Barrameda. Fantastic old town and the villa just outside town was FABULOUS (Almenara Villas no 47) with the most amazing unspoilt view of Donana National Park. Also right on the golf course. If you hire a car at the airport one of you get in the queue immediately while the other collects bags. Long wait ahead if you don't. Monarch flights excellent. - C & E Greenfield
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Fly to Jerez. 1 hour drive to Caños de meca the only unspoilt area in Andalucia.
Natural beaches, golf and horse riding. - Kate Gunter
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Faro although small is one of the best run airports I have been to. No waiting hours for baggage and all the stff are friendly just like the rest of the people on the Algarve.
Nest time you are out there try Burgau near Lagos. Its a wonderful little village with friendly locals and some very good restaurants. The beach is very pretty and clean. Its my paradise! - Beverley Peppard
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Having property in the area we used to fly to Gib with Monarch but Jerez is closer for us. A good tip if you want to visit the Gibraltar end of Spain then Jerez is the best airport
, quick to clear baggage and then a fantastic drive down to Gib on a NEW motorway which has retained many original places to stop and eat. So if you miss the Manchester to Gib flightt then use the Manchester to Jerez and enjoy the drive. - Paul Doughty
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I live in the Cadiz province and have travelled via Gibraltar and Jerez. I have recommended your airline to family and friends who agree that it is the best airline into this area.
Your staff are outstanding and caring. Would recommend visitors try the small towns and villages off the Autovia A381. Medina, Alcala, Benelup and Paterna are all steeped in history with wonderful ventas/restaurants and no more than 40 minutes from Jerez or Gibraltar. - Maggie Walker
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A trip to see the horses in Jerez is a must. Also see the wine bodegas Tio Pepe Osbourne
etc. These are good days out for all ages.
Monarch make it possible to see these attractions. - Lynda
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Jerez is full of Andalucian charm as are the historic towns on the Atlantic coast nearby
such as Sanlucar de Barrameda and Cadiz. If you want to experience a sherry town with ancient palaces, churches and convents then Sanlucar de Barrameda is only a short drive from Jerez. - Martin Walsh
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Real Andalucia and the gateway to the fantastic Costa Luz coastline. A little known gem.
Make sure to visit Cadiz whilst there. Visit sherry bodegas flamenco bars and live music venues (Damajuan. Wonderful people) Fantastic airport and Monarch assured service. And all just over 2 hours away. - Tim Bawler
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A very nice place to relax and enjoy this friendly country.
We stay in St Elulia about 15 minutes walk away from the strip. It's a steady walk to the old town, about 40 minutes on the beach or the coast road but we advise to get the little road train back only 4 euros. - Jeff Ellener
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Always have had a brilliant time at Alvor golf and country club.
- Geoff Trew
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Oh what a wonderful place, I wish I was there now in Lagos.
Oh what a wonderful place, I wish I was there now in Lagos (pronounced Lagosh apparently). Fab food, friendly people and beautiful beaches. Would highly recommend. We went to Portmao on the train and enjoyed the trip. Also went to Alvor, Sagres and Praia de Luz by hired car. But dont touch Albufiera with a barge pole unless you like the Brits abroad - happy hour and fish and chips approach! We hated it and the train is miles away so drive there or get a taxi from the station. - Gill Clark
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The Algarve is definitely one of the most beautiful areas of the world. I simply love coming back here and with flights getting more and more reasonable it's starting to become a regular habit.
We stayed at a traditional bed and breakfast called Duas Quintas and it was wonderful. The hosts Les and Mary were so friendly and they really made us feel right at home. I would recommend their accommodation to anyone. Another highlight was most definitely the beaches. Many say that the Algarve has some of the best beaches in the world and I don't see how they could be wrong.
Personally I think the Algarve has the perfect combination of everthing you're looking for in a holiday - food, beaches and sunshine. We will certainly be going back this year. - James Connolly
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We Stayed at Oasis Parque Country Club (between Alvor & Portimao). Absolutely first class.
We Stayed at Oasis Parque Country Club (between Alvor & Portimao). Absolutely first class.We Stayed at Oasis Parque Country Club (between Alvor & Portimao). Absolutely first class - beautiful surroundings, beautiful beaches and friendly. The local population is great for the kids and excellent value for money eating out. Cant wait to return. - Tim Collard
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This was our 18th visit in 12 years. We stay for approx 5 weeks now but in the past up to 9 weeks. We stay at the Oura Hotel in Albufeira.
Now quiet since Style pulled out about 18 months ago. We spend most days down at Inatel but we have toured this lovely area extensively. This time going to Querenca Alte Carvoeiro and Tavira. Lovely villages and towns - I wish that I could show you some photographs. (I took 552 this time!!) Highly recommended friendly people but you must do your part and try a few phrases of the language - always raises a smile!! and the Monarch 7.25am flight to Faro is brilliant!! - Mr & Mrs Coucill
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We are going back to the Algarve this year in August. This will be our 4th time and we always go to a fantastic place called Carvoeiro.
A great little town with friendly people and lots of places to visit close by. Plus the food there is delicious. - Chris Bolton
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Villamoura on the Algarve is an excellent place to relax. It is primarily a golfing resort but you don't need to be a golfer to enjoy it.
It has a large marina with many eateries, shops and bars and also large clean beaches. Make sure you go to the old village during your stay. - Mick
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Portugal is a wonderful country with warm and lovely people. It has superb beaches and climate.
I go every year has we have a timeshare. You can get some good trips out at reasonable prices. We never tire of the same destination near Praia da Rocha. - MARILYN CHERRY
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If you visit the Western side of the Algarve stop off and visit the village of Salema.
It has a lovely beach and some great restaurants, especially the Boia - quaint and quiet. - A Coyne
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We have an apartment in Balaia Golf Village near to Albufeira, it is a little bit of heaven!
Great birdwatching on the Algarve Alvor estuary Pera marshes and of course Ria Formosa. Great golf and superb food everywhere.
We can recommend O Poeta and Johnny Hoopers on the strip. - Eric Everett
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Visit or stay in a Vale de Para near to Gale & Guia.
Visit or stay in a Vale de Para near to Gale & Guia.Visit or stay in a Vale de Para near to Gale & Guia. It has everything, great restaurants, bars and beeches. - Sue Flint
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Want something different? Visit the Eastern Algarve...
Want something different? Visit the Eastern Algarve. Pretty, quaint cheaper than Western Algarve, more friendly and nearer to Spain. - Valerie Else
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