Sunny Portugal for our Whitsun Break.
With Portugal (the Algarve) I can even package up breaks for shorter durations. The minimum I would probably suggest would be 4 nights – but it’s definitely a place where you could take a short break, find the sunshine & recharge your batteries.
My family and I stayed for 6 nights; which meant we missed the manic “half-term getaway chaos," and we also got home in time to have a day at home “spare” – so that we could all be ready for the impending Monday morning ‘back to school’ madness!
There is a fast (2-laned ) motorway link right across the Algarve – which means that your transfer on arrival is unlikely to be the prettiest drive that you have ever experienced, but this also means that you will be at your hotel very quickly (and easily) after your flight lands.
We chose the resort of Carvoeiro. This is roughly 40 mins drive from Faro Airport – The old village has kept its character and the white washed houses/restaurants face out across a beautiful bay of sandy beach. Cliffs are each side of the bay; the resort did not disappoint. It seemed to be busy with couples and families. Nightlife is low-key but there are plenty of excellent restaurants to choose from.
Our hotel – a four star – had everything to keep my two sons (and husband!) happy; two swimming pools, tennis courts and an on-site restaurant that offered food which absolutely exceeded all of our expectations – truly excellent.*
Our accommodation was great, but especially good for families. 80 modern ‘Villas’ are dotted throughout well-kept gardens and these each have two bedrooms, three bathrooms and a fully fitted kitchen, lounge and dining area and a balcony and terrace. I was very pleased with the amount of space we had. On holiday I don’t like to hear of families cooped up in one room – this can be a recipe for a disaster.
The other great thing about this apart-hotel was that food was included – this meant a real holiday for me. Our first family holiday on an “all inclusive” meal basis, and I must tell you it worked for us – this particular property serves an a la carte lunchtime and evening menu (only one evening was buffet.)
The combination of the spacious accommodation with the exceptionally good menu really worked for us. We really enjoyed this holiday – mainly pottering around the resort or relaxing by the pool.
I would recommend the Algarve to anyone looking for some sunshine that’s easy!
If you keep things simple, you’ll return home relaxed and refreshed, and even the actual travelling won’t make you tired!
If you wish to know more specifics about where I stayed with my family, give me a call or drop me an email – I’ll be happy to have a quick chat with you about this.