Hello to anyone good enough to read this. Either you love Portugal as much as me or you're interested in visiting the country. Either way, I hope my experiences will help you.
I first went to Portugal many years ago and hated it! I went on a package deal, ended up in crummy accommodation in a chavvy spot, my mate was mourning another failed relationship and the country really didn't gel with me. All I recalled was the magnificence of the beach.
Fast forward 20 years and I was desperately trying to find a low priced family holiday for me and my two sons. Thanks to TripAdvisor, I hit upon the Velamar Hotel in Olhos de Agua four years ago and I've been back to the same area 10 times since.
That's unreal for me. I love discovering different places and always vowed never to return to the same resort. But something hooked me, captured my heart and soul. I always warn people, if they follow in my footsteps they may fall in love.... with a country. Oh, and they may also find perfect contentment along with... new Portuguese friends, a passion for Super Bock lager, bags of sunshine, mind-blowing beaches and a laid-back vibe.
This blog is just for fun and pure pleasure for me. I'll be sharing pictures, anecdotes and recommendations.
I can write for England but a picture is worth a thousand words so let's start with some early beach shots. Just in case you didn't believe me. The first and last images shown here were taken in February. Yes, really. The dusk shot of me on the beach was snapped in October.
Top tip and lesson number one, unless you are obsessed with sunbathing, go out of season and get these magnificent beaches to yourself.
