What Shade of Blue are You?

Visiting the western Algarve has become a habit that we are unable to break! I've lost count of the precise number of times that we have stayed in the pretty village of Alvor, it must be at least fifteen, perhaps as many as twenty! Our favourite time of year to visit is October, although we have been in Spring and Summer too. Late summer in Alvor is less crowded, you can always get a table in your favourite restaurant and the beach is empty! The weather can be a little unpredictable but the moody skies and crashing waves are all part of the appeal. I am a keen photographer and the light is perfect at this time of year. The sunsets at Cape St Vincent can be quite spectacular, although somewhat unpredictable too!

This time we stayed at the Pestana South Beach Hotel. It has a quirky Miami Beach vibe to it and is decorated in a bright nautical themed way, including lots of surf boards and seaside artefacts. The staff are young and vibrant and there’s a laid-back feel to the whole place. It’s not for everyone, but we loved it. You are welcomed at check-in with a shaken Gin and Tonic, a treat after your flight and transfer.

We stayed in a Deluxe Ocean View Room with a balcony (not all rooms here have balconies). The hotel is so close to the beach that you are virtually on the sand! Breakfast at the hotel is informal and buffet style, where you help yourself from the bright orange fridge and pour your own Prosecco from the bar. Snacks and light meals are available at the bar and there is a seafood beach restaurant too. Things are done a little differently here, everything is understated and there is none of the stuffiness that you sometimes get in 4/5* hotels. We always stay on a B&B basis as the village has so many fabulous places to eat. A particular favourite of ours is The Adega, its quite old fashioned but the food and service are excellent. We also like El Torro, a tiny restaurant fashioned from the front room of a house with only a handful of tables inside. Look past the decor and focus on the food, it’s incredible, their steak is the best we have eaten. You must book here, it’s very popular!

Over the years we must have done virtually every excursion on offer, albeit usually by self-drive hire car. Everything from the Chapel of the Bones in Faro to the spa town of Monchique, where on a clear day you can see the coast for miles. Silves Castle, Cliff Richard’s Vineyard and Zoomarine (where you can even swim with dolphins) have all kept us amused. We have travelled to Lisbon and the Atlantic Coast and even across into Spain. It’s so easy to get around and there is always something to see, although Spain is an hour ahead of Portugal, so you need to change your watch as you go across the border. There are several waterparks on the Algarve with Slide and Splash being closest to the resort; it’s a fun day out if you have children. The annual sand sculpture festival is also popular at Armacao do Pera, a short drive away. At nearby Lagos, there is a small zoo, which is a pleasant distraction when the sun gets too hot. You will also find the race circuit here; home of the Historic Grand Prix and Motor GP. If you like motorsports, be sure to visit when these are taking place.

Walking is a popular pastime here and there are several marked routes along the cliffs and across the lagoon boardwalks. You will also see a lot of people walking the length of the beach and running, particularly at this time of year. In nearby Praia da Rocha you can even cycle along the beach if you want to. There are several boat trips and kayak adventures, although these are probably best done earlier in the summer when the sea is calmer. Water sports are available in the high summer months.

The cost of living here is a little less than in the UK and in restaurants your money buys you fine quality food for a lot less. There is a good network of taxis for getting around and these are inexpensive and reliable. The resort has grown over the years that we have been visiting and yet still retains a fishing village charm and atmosphere. The locals are reserved, yet friendly and English is widely spoken. There are some late-night bars and restaurants with live music, there is certainly enough to keep you entertained.

I've suggested this resort to a number of friends and customers over the years and everyone seems to enjoy themselves, many return for a second or third visit. It really does seem to offer something for everyone, and I don't imagine this will be our last visit!