First of all, a glimpse of paradise... this is Olhos de Agua (Aga if spellcheck had its way). The beauty of going there is that it's only about 30 minutes by car from FARO Airport, so here's some tips to make the most of a trip from the UK to gorgeous old Portugal.
1. FLIGHTS: Ryanair, Monarch and Jet2 all go to FARO. I like the www.onthebeach search engine as it offers lots of combinations to find you the cheapest flights. For example, it may suggest flying out from EMA and coming back to Birmingham, with two different airlines. Flight prices vary wildly and if you repeatedly do the same search on your computer you may pay an inflated price. Tip: clear cookies after every search. The best bargains are out of season, flying midweek. I have read that booking six weeks before is the optimum time to get the best price. I am not convinced. My rule of thumb is never to pay much more than £100 per person for a return flight from the UK to FARO. But this budget will be busted in school holidays and high season. Having said that, I have paid as little as £70 return out of season, and know people who have got them for £50.
2. AIRPORT TRANSFERS: If you stick to resorts near FARO, the distance is so short I really recommend a cab. Yes you can book a shuttle bus or just get the bus, but why make it hard on yourself and waste precious holiday time. You're looking at about 60 euros return for a taxi transfer from Faro to your accommodation and vice versa. That's for up to four people. The company I love, because they've NEVER let me down is www.yellowishfishtransfers.com. You can book online but I just drop them an email with my flight details, they send me a voucher and you pay the driver in full when you get there. They are very tech-savvy and send you email reminders. You even get a free gift, usually a small bottle of wine. Good, reliable people always waiting for you in the 'arrivals' , in uniform and with your name displayed on a tablet PC.
3. RESORTS: I have not stayed in all of these places near FARO but know enough to help you make a decision.
Albufeira town: If you like karaoke bars and dancing all night, this is for you. For me, it's a bit too much like Blackpool in the sun, though the old town is nice, as is the beach. It's a bustling resort with plenty to see and do.
Tavira: The Portuguese recommend this as a taste of real Portugal. Less touristy, more authentic.
Olhos de Agua village: My favourite. Small place, no high rise, no nightclubs, amazing beaches, plenty of places to drink and eat out but not at all snobby.
Vilamoura: Golfers love this place. Glamorous marina full of yachts but, for me, it just seems to be full of Irish sports bars and a little soulless. But, as I said, golfers love it.
Quarteira: Bustling town flanked by a huge beach and famous for its markets. However, it hasn't got the all-out party feel of Albufeira nor the small scale paradise of Olhos.
Acoteias: Small suburb with some lovely accommodation and a handful of bars near Falesia beach. You'll find the Sheraton Pine Cliffs here where, I am told, the Beckham family have stayed. Not sure if that is true but it wouldn't surprise me. For many, it is far too quiet but if you want peace this is perfect. You can walk to Olhos in about 25 minutes, five minutes in a cab.
Vale do Lobo: Again, loved by golfers. I have had mixed reports. A friend who went there in September 2015 loved it so much she is rebooking for 2016. Another said the place was far too expensive to eat out, which is not normally a problem in Portugal. You see tourist menus for, typically, 7.50 euros a head, starter, main and dessert!
4. ACCOMMODATION: This is the biggie. Get this wrong and the holiday is ruined. Comparison websites such as Tripadvisor are a vital tool but, if the location is not right for you, the quality of rooms won't help. Anyway, here are my five recommendations:
Self-catering: The Cabrita apartments, Olhos de Agua www.algarvecabrita.com. Great location and reviews.
3-star hotel: The Velamar Sun and Beach Hotel, Olhos de Agua (www.velamar.pt) Superb for the money. You could pay as little as £22 for two people, B&B low season, about £56 per night for two high season. Not for party animals but lovely for an affordable short break.
4-star hotel: Porto Bay Falesia, Olhos de Agua. Excellent hotel in a great location overlooking the Falesia beach. Bags of luxury, indoor as well as outdoor pool, games room, tennis courts. You can snap up a week's B&B here for as little as £450 out of season. Price soars in high season. Though I really rate this hotel and would stay there again it is a little too large to feel personally connected to the place. Have to say, though, the best happy hour drinks ever. Some hotels give you cheap spirits only in happy hour. Not here! www.portobay.com
LAST BUT NOT LEAST: Hotel Falesia, Acoteias - simply the best. This is an adults-only hotel (over-16s) with amazing gardens, food and staff. NOT for people who want party antics but if you want to get away from it all, and don't mind a generally older clientele, you should love chillaxing here. It has an indoor pool and spa, too. The only downside for me is that it is a Thomson Gold hotel which means it has entertainment in the main showbar from May to October. If that's not your bag either, use the pool bar in the evenings or head to a local bar. Simple! www.falesia.com
5. KEEP IT SIMPLE: If you are weary don't over complicate your holiday. Avoid long transfers. Make it as stress-free as possible by choosing great flight times. It is worth paying a bit more to fly out in the morning, say 8am, and the perfect return flight time is 11am. Flying from your closest airport at the best possible times will make your holiday even better. You won't save money by choosing an airport further away and flying at 11pm is a nightmare. On the day you have to go home, you just want to get home. That way you maximise the benefits of you holiday.
6. HOTEL BARGAINS: Shop around. I can't emphasise this enough. Prices vary wildly. Comparison sites like Tripadvisor and Trivago will give you the rates for a hotel or apartment from half a dozen different booking websites. Also check the price against that offered by the hotel. I just bagged a deal by contacting an apartment direct. She knocked 15 per cent off the online price. All I have to do is pay her in cash on arrival. She then avoids paying commission to an agency or credit card. Cash-back websites are also useful but can be deceiving. I found what I thought was a good deal and then tried to gain discount through a cash-back website. It came up at a HIGHER price. Even booking direct through the site offering the best room rate came out higher than a link I found through Trivago. It's a game and you have to play it to win the best deal. Happy bargain hunting!
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