Lagos - Closure of Avenida - Evening - 28/29 August 2010

Just received notification from the Lagos Council that up to 30 000 people are expected to attend a performance by the Catalan Group "Gnosis" on the Avenida in Lagos on the evening of Sunday, 29th August 2010.

"...Uma vez que a organização prevê uma larga adesão de público a este evento, esperando-se mais de 30 mil pessoas na Frente Ribeirinha de Lagos, será desaconselhável a circulação automóvel na Avenida dos Descobrimentos a partir do final dos dias 28 e 29, uma vez que a mesma será encerrada ao trânsito no dia do espectáculo e no dia anterior, para permitir a realização de ensaios e do próprio espectáculo (Dia 28 - entre as 20h e as 23h | Dia 29 – entre as 20h e as 00h30)."

The Council has advised that the Avenida will be closed from 20:00 on both evenings.

I strongly recommend that if anyone is planning to come to Lagos on those nights that they be prepared to walk a considerable distance and park either on the marina side of the river or well up by the Football stadium by Mcdonalds.

Lisbon Airport to Estoril by public transport

The only real route from Estoril from Lisbon Airport by public transport is as follows:


- Aerobus service from outside Lisbon Airport arrivals hall to Cais de Sodre station. First bus leaves at 07:00:

See: http://bit.ly/9b2Ga3

- From Cais de Sodre Station, you would then have to get a train to Estoril which takes about 30 minutes, depending on time of day/week/night.
Estoril is the second last station on the Linha da Cascais suburban railway that runs from Cais de Sodre in downtown Lisbon to the town/suburb Cascais.

Trains run between every 15 minutes to every 30 minutes depending on the day/time of week/day/night.

Trains start at 05:30 and run till 01:30.

Note there are some trains that terminate at Oeiras half way to Estoril. Make sure you get on the one for Estoril.

There are no direct bus services. The alternatives would be airport transfer or taxi.

This company, among others, provides airport transfer services from Lisbon Airport:

http://bit.ly/alg5sn

Self service laundry - Lagos

There used to be one in the centre of Lagos but 'tis now defunct. It has ceased to be! 'it's expired and gone to meet 'its maker! 'it's a stiff! Bereft of life, 'it rests in peace! 'Its metabolic processes are now 'istory! 'it's kicked the bucket, 'it's shuffled off 'is mortal coil, and joined the bleedin' choir invisibile!! 'tis an ex-self service laundry!! (With apologies to Messr's Palin and Cleese)

To the best of my knowlege, there are currently no-self service laundries in Lagos.

Holidays in Portugal away from the Algarve

Well done for wanting to see more of Portugal!

Lagos and the Algarve, although lovely, are not Portugal. In fact, in the days of the Portuguese Monarchy, the Kings held the title of "Reis do Portugal e dos Algarve".

As kristalLisboa says, there are great places along the coast between Lisbon and Porto and even north of Porto. However, do not forget also that there are great places inland worth visiting such as the Serra de Estrela Mountain range, the University city of Coimbra, (combine with Figueira da Foz), and the Douro Valley.
Don't know where you are in Scotland, but Easyjet.com do now operate Edinburgh to Lisbon!

Mariza in Concert - Lagos, Algarve - 21st August 2010 - Pt 2

Mariza, the internationally renowned Portuguese Fado and World Music singer, performed here in Lagos last night. It was wonderful. She sang "Gente da Minha Terra" and "Barco Negro" among others. It was sad that with the typical poor publicity made by the Câmara Municipal de Lagos the Auditorium was not full. A tragedy when a World Class act performs in Lagos!

*********************************************************************************

O concerto de Mariza aqui em Lagos, na noite passada foi maravilhosa. Cantou "Gente da Minha Terra" e "Barco Negro", entre outros. Foi triste que, com a típica má publicidade feita pela Câmara Municipal de Lagos, o auditório não estava cheio. Uma tragédia, quando um ato World Class realiza-se em Lagos!

See/ver: 

http://www.mariza.com/


and/e


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mariza

and/e


http://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mariza

Driving the fastest route from Faro to Madrid

The fastest way from Faro, Algarve, Portugal to Toledo or Madrid is as marked on the following google map:

http://bit.ly/91QV37

Transit Times: 7 hours.

I have driven this route several times. It is toll-free motorway all the way apart from near Madrid. Fuel in Spain is cheaper than in Portugal. The road is also newer and better than the Seville - Cordoba - Madrid route. Speeds of 100/120 km per hour can be maintained on most of the route except around cities.

To summarise:

Faro to Seville - A22/A49
Seville to Merida - A66
Merida to Toledo/Madrid - A5

The A66 runs through some beautiful countryside.

Have a great trip

Mariza in Concert - Lagos, Algarve - 21st August 2010

The world - renowned fado singer Mariza will be in concert in Lagos, Algarve, Portugal next Saturday 21st August, 2010.


The show starts at 22:00 in the Municipal Auditorium of Lagos (Largo Dr. Júdice Cabral).

Tickets cost € 20 and can now be purchased at the Lagos Cultural Centre. Tickets were still available today. Call the box office on (+351) 282 770 450

See: http://bit.ly/bc0CCo


and


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mariza

Famous movie locations - Lisbon

OHMSS was shot partly in Lisbon. The following quote is from:

http://www.movie-locations.com

"The opening sequence, of Bond rescuing Tracy Di Vicenzo (Diana Rigg) from the sea, was shot on on Guincho Beach near Cascais, west of Lisbon, Portugal. Draco’s home, scene of the birthday party, is the Da Vinho Estate at Zambujal, about 20 miles south of Lisbon.

Bond stays at the Palacio Estoril Hotel, Rua Do Parque, Estoril, west of Lisbon."

The Palacio Estoril is to the right of Estoril Station as one crosses the road with the park and casino in front. Catch a train from Lisbon Cais de Sodre Station to Estoril. About 30 minutes travel.

Portas do Sol Vacation Apartment, Alfama, Lisbon

Portas do Sol Apartment is situated close to the the historic and quaint Alfama and Graça districts of Lisbon, Portugal.

It is ideally situated for exploring the area around Castelo São Jorge, (St. George's Castle) and by using the No. 28E tram, ideally situated for exploring the Baixa, the Chiado and the "Bairo Alto" districts.

Situated in an area boasting great views, this apartment sleeps up to 5 people in two bedrooms and a living area. It has full cooking facilities.

An ideal location to get a "real taste" of historic "Portuguese" Lisbon. 

For more info see: http://bit.ly/bp1byE

View from the Balconies

Porto/Faro to Tomar

I would not recommend Faro as an arrival point for Tomar you will spend the best part of the day travelling. If low cost flights are part of the issue, Porto is probably better.

In the event of coming via Faro:

1) Remember one has to get from Faro Airport to either Faro Station or Faro Bus Station. Buses are not that frequent and you may have to taxi it which will cost +- € 10.00+.

Cubsur has the times on his excellent site:

See: http://bit.ly/c2NFqI

I have posted a timetable extract from the Portuguese Railways (CP) Summer 2010 here:

http://scr.bi/9P7XSV

Bear in mind that the winter timetable from late September will probably has less frequencies.

2) Rede Expressos

Current Timetable here: http://scr.bi/cNoxXB

In the event of coming via Porto:

3) Bear in mind you will have to allow 45 minutes at least to get by Metro from Porto Airport to Porto Campanha stattion.

I have posted a timetable extract from the Portuguese Railways (CP) Summer 2010 here:

http://scr.bi/9NLtrW

Bear in mind that the winter timetable from late September will probably has less frequencies.

2) Rede Expressos

There is only one service per day by bus:

Porto: 14:00
Tomar: 17:35

Tomar: 07:00
Porto: 10:55

Reasonable place to eat and drink near Marques de Pombal, Lisboa

Was in that exact area last Sunday and Monday, staying in the Sanaa Capitol! Excellent Hotel by the way.

If you want a restaurant nearby, have a look at

O Cacho Dourado
Rua Eca de Queiroz 5 Lisbon, Portugal
00 351 21-3543671

Come out the bottom entrance of the AC Lisboa. Turn right and cross the road in direction of the Sanaa Capitol. Walk past the Sanaa Capitol, turn left into Rua Eça de Queiroz and on the other side of this short street, (80m) you will see the above mentioned restaurant.

I snacked in there and it seems to be a great typical Lisbon Restaurant. Not many tourists and only 200m from your hotel. Check it out with the concierge on arrival and get his opinion.

I seem to recall that they are closed for holidays from 16th to 30th August 2010.

Website here: http://ocachodourado.com/inicio.php

Vilamoura, Algarve to Sevilla, Spain

As has been written about many times on the web, "There is absolutely no train link between the Algarve Region of Portugal, (including Vilamoura) and Seville, Andalucia, Spain." The only public transport link is a bus service operated by DAMAS/EVA between Lagos, Portimão, Albufeira, Faro, Tavira, VRSA in the Algarve, and Ayamonte, Huelva, Sevilla in Andalucia, Spain. See: http://thomasallen.home.sapo.pt/travel/001.htm By car, the drive time is, as you state, about 2 hours.

Portugal Trip

Being based in Coimbra in the centre of Portugal allows you the opportunity to visit a lot of places central to the History of Portugal. If you do not mind paying motorway tolls, you ideally situated to even visit places like Porto which is only 120km away - an hour's drive! However, if you were to visit Porto with its wonderful historic centre and its Port Wine industry, I would recommend making a day of it and travelling there and back by train. It only takes an hour. Remember, Coimbra itself probably requires a day. It has one of the oldest Universities in Europe and a tradition stretching back to Roman Times. The ruins at Conimbriga may be off interest. Also, think about a day trip to Alcpbaça, Batalha and Obidos. These three centres, although small have been key centres in Portugal's history.

Can anyone recommend things to do or see in the Algarve region (Portugal)?

If you are interested in history, there are the following for starters:

- Sagres and its fort from where Henry the Navigator directed the Portuguese Voyages of exploration in the 15C
- Lagos - Historic walled city and former port.
- Silves - Historic Moorish walled city.
- Loulé - as mentioned above.
- Tavira - Roman Setllement
- Estoi - Remains of Roman Villa
- Castro Marim - Historic Castle
- Inland
- Alcoutim - Old historic border town

Relaxation -

- Algarve Shopping - Guia and Forum Algarve - Faro - Shopping Cinemas with some films in English.
- Zoomarine - Marine Water Park
- Slide and Splash - Water Park

Transport from Faro airport to Islantilla Hotel & Golf Resort

Try these guys:

www.low-cost-transfers.com/faro-airport/

They quote for transfers from Faro Airport to Islantilla on their website. We have used them several times for Lagos - Faro Airport & v.v. and have had no problems.
They are currently quoting € 65.50 for the run for 4 people.

How far is lagos from carvoeiro?

Google Maps: - 41 kms.

There is no easy direct frequent public transport. You would need to get a bus to Lagoa

Timetable here: http://bit.ly/dCuoJq

and then another one to Carvoeiro...

Timetable here: http://bit.ly/cvyb2y

By taxi, prices would start around about € 30.00 each way depending on time of day/night/weekend.

Car Hire - Algarve

The rental of hire cars by the day in the Algarve is very much the preserve of the larger car hire operators. Daily Rent in Lagos is one of the few smaller operators to offer car hire by the day in the Algarve.

€ 60.00 per day for a vehicle, at this high point in the busiest season of the year, does not surprise me given the current strain on the Algarve Car Hire fleet, owing to the lack of fleet lease financing from banks.

Traveling from Spain to Portugal

The cheapest way from Lisbon to Madrid is by long-distance coach. http://bit.ly/cAmESL Vueling.com and Easyjet.com also offer low-cost flights on the route from Lisbon to Madrid.. The only way to get from Seville to Lisbon is by coach. There are no direct low-cost flights nor train. Have a look at the articles on the following page of my blog for information on buses between Seville and Lisbon. http://bit.ly/9gEMAV