Algarve - Things to do

Firstly, I should point out that the Algarve is a region about 160 kms East to West and 45 kms North to South. It is therefore not a big region and with the A22 Motorway that runs from the Spanish Border to Lagos, nowhere in the region is less than 90 minutes drive away. (traffic permitting.)

You therefore have a chance to explore the whole region. Note, however, that you will be here at the height of summer - it will be very hot and it will be packed.

I should warn you that Luz will be stuffed full - mainly with my compatriots!

Luz really has become an English/Irish Colony. There are several restaurants there. The webite is not an official website and many restaurants don't see the need for web-marketing.

The beach will also be stuffed full.

For alternative beaches I recommend exploring the following:

From Luz take the exit for Espiche, turn left onto the EN125 and continue about 20kms until you get to the cross roads for Parque da Floresta and Salema. Turn left and left again and take the road down to Salema. It is a pretty little village with a nice beach - but again will be probably busy at that time of year.

Alternatively, carry on another 8kms. to the village of Raposeira. Turn left at the lights and follow the signs for Praia da Ingrina or Zavial. It is a loop road and you can chooses which beach you prefer. In my opinion, Zavial will be the better. Again it will be pretty busy.

However, if you continue past Raposeira and turn ledt at Vila de Bispo towards Aljezur you will come after about 20kms to Carrapateira where again there is a great beach.

This part of the Algarve is full of hidden beaches but I don't have time here to list all of them.

Be aware that Portugal is a gourmet's delight. Great food here - provided you go to the local restaurants!

In Lagos try the Dom Sebastião on Rua 25 Abril and Antonio's at Praia Porto de Mos overlooking the beach. Also, for cheap and cheerful, try Até Qu'enfim behind the Intermarche Supermarket

If you are going to explore or get to hot one day, take a trip up Monchique, the small mountain that dominates the landscape behind Lagos. Great views and Scenery. Stop at the local Spa at Caldas de Monchique for coffee, 5 kms below the village of Monchique.

Carvoeiro is pretty but then so is Salema. Silves will be hot and while maybe worth a visit there is only really the Moorish Castle to see. (Only the structure and walls not a furnished castle.)

I would suggest that Lagos itself would be off more interest as it retains much of its Portuguese Character including city walls, and old buildings. Visit the museum, the old Portuguese Fort, the churches etc.

Have a look at this Wikipedia article for more:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lagos_%28Portugal%29

As regards the "Feira de N. Sra. Da Glória", don't expect anything special - These are not Mexican or Spanish Feast Days. There may be a street parade, a couple of bands and some good food but generally in Portugal these Feiras do pale in comparisom with those of the other Ibero-Cousins.

For the kids look at Dolphn Safaris from Lagos Marina.

Also have a look at Zoomarine about 30kms from Lagos.

See:

http://www.zoomarine.com/

Note that if you are feeling flush you can arrange for about US$250 per person to swim with the Dolphins.

There are also some great waterparks here:

Try:

http://www.slidesplash.com/

for starters.

If things really get boring, take a trip one day to the Eastern Algarve (About 60 to 90 minutes drive.)

Visit:

Estoi - Roman Ruins
Tavira - delightful coastal roman town - retaining its portuguese character.
Castro Marim - Castle

and then nip over the frontier (no border controls) and have Tapas in the town centre of Ayamonte, Spain.

For further info have a look at my blog where you may find interesting nuggets:

http://barlaventostravelblog.blogspot.com/

Just out of interest who are you hiring your car from????

Lagos Shops -

Big Supermarkets - 08:30 / 09:00 thru 20:30 / 22:00
6 days per week. Sunday half day.

Small shops

09:00 to 13:00
15:00 to 19:00

Saturday half day. Closed Sundays.

I think that pretty much addresses most of your questions.

Have a great trip.

Lagos supermarket

Have a look at this page on my blog:

http://barlaventostravelblog.blogspot.com/search?q=Lagos+Supermarkets

If you come of the A22 at exit one (Lagos), continue until you hit the second roundabout and bear left in the direction of the centre. After 200m, you will arrive at another roundabout continue straight on. You will see on your right the newly refurbished Intermarche Supermarket. Turn right at the next Traffic lights and right again and you will see the Supermarket Car Park.

As regards things on have a look at this link:

http://www.visitalgarve.pt/visitalgarve/vEN/NaoPerca/?Data=2008-6-16

Algarve-wide but its not a big region.

Lagos - Supermarkets open on Sundays?

At present, both Pingos are now open on Sunday afternoons until at least 20:00.

Modelos and Intermarche close at 13:00.

The mini-market by the REPSOL garage on the Avenida transmuted last year into an Ecomarche which is open 7 days a week till 20:00 at least.

The kitchens in most restaurants / takeaways close between 21:30 and 22:00.

The exception is the Adega da Marina on the Avenida where the kitchen stays open till at least 01:30.

Algarve Sunday Opening?

Hi!

Bld211 is right!

You are going to be hard pushed though to get to one of the large supermarkets if you are arriving 11ish as by the time you've cleared immigration, got the car etc, it could be precious close to 13:00.

If you clear the airport by 12:15 head for Jumbo in Faro. Instructions on my blog here:

http://barlaventostravelblog.blogspot.com/2007/07/algarve-late-night-arrivals.html

If you do not make it head for Lagos along the motorway. Take the exit for Lagos Este. Follow the exit road for 4km until you come to a roundabout. Turn right and follow the road into Lagos until you come to second roundabout (With Fountain in Shape of a caravel).

Turn left into the center passing the Galp Service Station on your right. Continue straight over the following roundabout - you are then on the main Avenida. About 1 km further on you will find on your right a supermarket called Marrachino. They are open all day Sunday and will at least provide you with your immediate needs.

To getback to PDL continue along the Avenida, up paste the Fire Station and the road will eventually lead after 7 kms to traffic lights where you can turn left to Praia Da Luz

Living in Sagres

Sagres is effectively a small village. It is great in summer and on sunny winter days but it is situated at the end of a small peninsula jutting out into the Atlantic. It has its own micro-climate and as one can see from the terrain very few trees because it is so wind-swept.

There is a health centre there, but the nearest hospital of size is this private one in Lagos or the public one in Portimão. That having been said, from Tavira, one would have to go to Faro/Olhão for a sizeable hospital and many services and large shops

There are a couple of local Alisuper supermarkets in Sagres and a bakery. A Lidl has just opened in Vila de Bispo, which is the district town, 8kms away. Be aware for all dealings with authorities one would have to go generally to Vila de Bispo. There is a Ecomarche at Budens, half way to Sagres but for large items and things like dental care, Lagos would be your nearest.

Algarve - Apolonia Supermarkets

There are reports today via Google Alerts that Apolonia supermarkets in Almancil are to open additional stores between Lagos and Albufeira.

Algarve Late-Night Arrivals Supermarkets

The best bet is the Jumbo hypermarket in Faro.

See this link:

http://www.jumbo.pt/Frontoffice/ContentPages/Store.aspx?StoreId=033

They are open till 24:00.

To get there from the airport do the following:

Get on the main road out of the airport and follow the signs for Faro.

After about 3kms you will see an off-ramp to your right for Faro.

Take it!

Watch for the traffic merging from the left as you enter the N125 dual carriageway.

Continue about 1,5km and you will see on your left the shopping center "Forum Algarve".

You will then immediately come to a roundabout.

Go 270º around the roundabout and take the entrance to the shopping centre.

Park above or underground.

You will find Jumbo there.

On leaving the shopping centre follow the signs for Lisbon which will eventually bring you to the Via de Infante Motorway and follow the signs for Albufeira, Portimão, Lagos.

Lagos. Algarve . Supermarkets - Week-end Opening

Pingos closes at 20:30 on Saturday Evening but is open Sunday till 13:00.

Intermarche closes at 21:00 on Saturday evening but is open Sunday till 13:00.

Modelo is open till 22:00 Saturday evening and is open Sunday till 13:00.

Plus (New german own discounter) is open I think till 21:00 Saturday and is open all day Sunday. They have a butcher and Bakery.