I say this part in jest as this is what I have heard from some acquaintances. We are toying between a coach type of tour in early May in Portugal but then thinking it would be nice instead to escape a Canadian March/April. Albufeira seems to be recommended. Would accept two bases, one week each or more. Can you recommend a couple good bases, in a town or close to that is partially alive and a four star or plus resort, aparthotel with amenities? thanks.
Posted by
Tunbridge Wells
6113 posts
The weather can still be mixed at the end of March, but should hopefully be drier. There are many Canadians in the Tavira/Cabanas area from January through to late March.
Personally, I wouldn’t go to Albufeira if you paid me to go (same for Praia da Rocha), but I like Tavira and the surrounding villages such as Fuseta and Olhao to the east of Faro and Lagos, Alvor and Ferragudo to the west. Vilamoura is a soulless resort built around a marina which I would avoid. Salema, as recommended by RS is dead in the winter compared to other places. The western end of the Algarve is much windier than the Tavira end and the sea much colder.
I would have a week at each end of the Algarve, picked from the list above. Car hire is cheap at that time of year.
I always rent cottages rather than stay in a hotel or resort. Local restaurants are excellent.
Posted by
OP
oakville
182 posts
You are helpful, Jennifer. Need to ask....what do they do for those months?
Posted by
Tunbridge Wells
6113 posts
Walking, hire a bike, take a boat trip, explore other towns and villages, head into the hills to see the wild flowers, go to the cinema (English language films), indoor swimming, food and wine, if near Tavira - have a day trip to Spain and visit the local markets. I go bird watching. My husband enjoys photography. Sun bathing when the weather permits. Take a trip up the west coast from Lagos. Visit churches and historical sites.
What would you do wherever you went? What are your interests?
We always hire a car as public transport is limited, particularly west of Lagos. It’s a bargain in the winter.
There’s a good social scene there, with people often meeting for coffee or wine.
Posted by
OP
oakville
182 posts
It all sounds perfect. The weather then does not hamper a lot of one would normally do. Might you or anyone have heard of the complex O Pomar, walking distance to Cabanas?
Second question ...I enjoy watching nature changing and what seasons bring? Last two weeks March, beginning of April is the landscape brown, anything blooming or growing?
Posted by
Tunbridge Wells
6113 posts
O Pomar is in Conceicao (pronounced Con-say-sow) is at the top of the hill from Cabanas, near the rail station. It’s a large purpose built complex and one of the newer developments, with a communal pool and a good restaurant/bar. They were building more blocks when I was there 2 years ago. A friend lets out their flat there which I have visited, but I haven’t stayed there. The rooms were a good size.
The weather can be mixed in March, so I have headed to the Canary Islands for the past couple of years as the weather is more reliable.
The landscape there is green not brown and there will be masses of spring flowers out if you head into the hills.
If you have more time, many places offer deals for taking a place for 4 weeks, valid until the end of March, where you usually pay for 3 weeks. Prices rocket once you get into April with Easter school holidays.
There are enough good cafes and restaurants in Cabanas to keep you fed and watered and Tavira is only a few minutes away with its market and supermarkets.
Posted by
OP
oakville
182 posts
Landscape being green, not brown...is that the Canary islands or Tavira?
Do you know of Vila Gale Tavira?
Posted by
Tunbridge Wells
6113 posts
Tavira is green and Fuerteventura (Canaries) is brown as it rarely rains. Sorry, I don’t know the place you mention in Tavira.