Just finished two weeks away in Carvoeiro, Portugal in the Algarve with our friends and golfing buddies Jeff and Cheryl Dillon. It was one of the most relaxing holidays we have ever had in a place that exudes "relax and enjoy". Didn't know what to expect. Flew into Lisbon and it is a 2/12 hour drive from the airport. Had a beautiful apartment with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, living room, kitchen and a patio overlooking the square, front and centre to one of Europes best beaches and close to shops, restaurants and somehow our apartment was right across from the liquor store. Played some golf(lots of great courses throughout the Algarve area)relaxed on the beach, went hiking and touring. Toured the caves of Benagil on a Pirate ship. Caves are a must see. Caves and cliffs formed millions of years ago. This is a hiker's paradise where you can literally walk for miles each way on top of cliffs. Water was great-expected colder water but it was warm-very comfortable. Wine very good and by in large cheaper than home. Beer definitely cheaper-Super Bock and Sagres the two top choices. Mixed drinks more expensive than here-buy liquor and mix, beer wine locally. Dinners out very reasonable- Canadian prices by Euro conversion averaging 60-$100 couple with drinks and wine, depending on the venue.Lot's of great bars near the beach and in town where you can spend an afternoon watching soccer or golf. Great music in the square every evening

Top tips for Carveiro:

1)You don't need pants or sweaters in September-temp from high 40 in the day to 25-27 at night

2)Bring lots of sunscreen-more expensive there

3)Bring lots of shorts and tops-ladies can buy inexpensive beach shells everywhere in Carveiro

4)Sandals and good walking shoes-there are a lot of ups and downs through the narrow streets of Carveiro

5)Make sure your rental car has a toll transponder-easier getting through tolls-we rented a VW Sharan van for just under $1,000 Euros for two weeks-gas fill up was 105 Euros and lasted two weeks.Parking everywhere is at a premium and hard to find.

6)A lot of people speak English so don't worry. People are very friendly

7)If you golf, don't bring your own clubs-rent top of the line Taylormade golf clubs and bags from Carveioro Golf for 10 Euro's a day-approx $16-at the course 30-35 Euro's

8)Pestana Golf Resorts features 4 courses-Gramacho,Pinta and Silves-top 3-green fees with cart approximate 70-90 Euros but if you play later afternoon (2:45 -3:45) around 48 euros and you can just get the round in before dark. The golf courses were within a 20 minute drive or less.

9)If you are a spa person, definitely go to the Aqua Zen spa

10)There are world class beaches up and down the coast.The coastal hiking paths can take you there or by car and walking down to them. Sand is coarse with a lot of mixed pebbles, shells. Water shoes are a good idea. Area also known for surfing and wave boarding.

11)Local grocery stores very reasonable.Proscuito  is very inexpensive.4PM -Charcouterie Board with local cheese, meat, olives, baguette, figs and fruit.

12)Don't miss the boardwalk across the top of the cliffs.Just happens to be a bar/restaurant at the end of the boardwalk that you walk down to, right in the cliff.

13)Tipping-here you expect to see 15-20% suggested on your restaurant bill or in some places auto added. In Carveiro, there is no such thing. You have to ask your server to add whatever you are tipping to your bill when you pay by credit card or leave cash. They are elated with 15% and very appreciative but 10% is still a happy moment.

14)Best after dinner or daytime treat,Gelato!

15)You have to ask for your bill in restaurants. Just about every restaurant is a no rush situation-sit-enjoy and tell them when you are ready for the bill.

16)Air Canada flies direct to Lisbon but it is AC Rouge-7 hour flight-worth the upgrade to seats with more legroom.Be at the airport 3 hours ahead of your flight.if your are going, let me know and I will explain why!

regards

Brian