Portugal???

[sparklepants]

Thinking about Portugal for our holiday this year, originally thought about Praia da Rocha but the more I look into it, the more confused i'm getting:confused2 , never been to Portugal before and I'm not sure which is the best resort, as mentioned Praia da Rocha looks nice so does Vilamoura.......

We're both 26, enjoy the beach, shopping, pubs, decent restuarants, things to do during the day, anyone whose been, where would you recommend???:spin:

Mx

[florifan]

we went to the algarve last february, so it was out of season, we stayed in albufreira which was quiet that time of year but looked like it could be a bit blackpool seafront in the summer, depends on whether that is your scene or not, we went to Villamoura on a day trip, very pretty resort with a lovely marina complex and some nice shops and restaurants, we went to the beach at Praia de Rocha which was lovely but don't know about the town itself. lagos is nice with lovely beaches a beautiful promenade and marina and lots of shops and restaurants.

My choice would be Villamoura, but you may find it a bit quiet there unless you hire a car.

[sparklepants]

Thanks floifan,
your reply has helped, Vilamoura does look lovely, i'll look into hotels there.

[meggy]

well, I have been to The Algarve more times that I care to remember. I ave to say the majority of the people are really friendly, the food is good and overall the weather also.

It really does depend on what sort of resort you want.

Albufeira covers a huge region now - there are some very touristy places and some lovely ones too. I stay just off an area called the Strip - I am well away from all the noise but can walk to numerous bars / restaurants and shops within 5 mins. I actually dislike the strip but the area is brilliant for non drivers.

I have not been for some time but I have heard people say Alvor is a nice area.

Vilamoura is very up market - fabulous marina and money to go with it!

Go onto Trip advisor forums - they have some good tips etc:wavey:

[florifan]

when we went last year we stayed at a new hotel called the Alto da Colina just outside Albufreira, the hotel was really good, lovely pool (indoor and outdoor), good bar meals, tennis courts etc bit of a walk to town though but if you intend to hire a car very central . the rooms were really lovely with a kitchenette, balcony double bedroom and lounge are awith a big bathroom, never had such a spacious room in europe before, have a look and see what you think, it was very reasonably priced too

[summertime85]

We stayed just outside Albufreira for a week last July. It was okay but we found there wasn't that much to do. Maybe we were a little far out from the town. The friends we went with have stayed in Vilamoura and said that it is far better.

[Lana]

We stayed in Praia da Luz last year and to be honest we didnt have that great a time (you can read it in my trip report) friends of our stayed in Vilamoura and said it was great. TBH we wouldnt go back though the famous hospitality was err .....non existant. Its only after I came home that other people I spoke to said much the same thing.