anyone been to portugal?

[eyeore]

me and sis-in-law are heading to portugal in september for a few days break away from the kids and husbands! weve never been to portugal and i was wondering if anyone has any advice for us. i.e. do's and dont's! we are staying in albuferia.

 

[GlendaONeill]

DH and I stayed in Montechoro (Can't remember how to spell it) which just beside Albufeira but it was in 2002. The people were great and our rep was good and gave us advice. The usual don't drink the water, don't go far off the beaten track. The biggest pests there weren't the biting insects but the timeshare hardsellers. We just ignored them and never spoke to them. They were targeting English speakers so if you can manage a few words in any other language do it. Maybe it's much better now I don't know. We had a great time. We went on a couple of excursions too which were great. You saw more of the countryside.
One thing I remember when having a meal is if they leave you a bowl of bread you will more than likely charged for it if you eat any of it. Even if you eat one bite.
Look for where the locals eat too to get a good meal too.
Anyway have a great time!

 

[eyeore]

hey glendaoneill your from n. ireland i see, whereabouts? loved the tip about the bread i will have to keep that in mind! forgot about those pesky timeshare folk also,will avoid them that's for sure.

 

[orlandothebeagle]

I have been and it was very nice, went to albufera for 1 night and had a very nice meal, we went in oct and it was nice, Lynne

 

[Belle68]

We went a few years back, the beaches are fantastic, you will love it.

The only word of warning I would give you is watch out for the timeshare people, they are a nuiscence and seem to be every where and they can turn quiet nasty, as its a few years since we went things may have calmed down a little.

Have a great time

 

[kristieuk]

It's beautiful! Albufeira is pretty popular, but is still a pretty (although much expanded) fishing village, not a purpose built resort. My biggest tip is that the sea is freeeeezing!! But generally, the people are very friendly, food and wine are cheap and plentiful, and it's well worth a trip west down the coast if you can - it's much quieter, beautiful beaches. Oh and Marciera brandy is just divine (and super cheap too!).

There is a shopping mall somewhere along the coast now, can't remember exactly where - if you are interested pm me and I'll check!

 

[GlendaONeill]

Oh yes eyeore I'm living it up in the sprawling metropolis of .........Larne

Where's the craic with you?

 

[eyeore]

glendaoneill i'm from ballymena hey!

 

[GlendaONeill]

Oh yes I know it well! DH went to school there and I frequent it for the shopping. Not Florida I know but better than Larne!