Car Hire - Algarve to Spain

I have always used Luzcar. They do not normally charge for taking cars over the border into South Spain.

If you read back on this blog you will find several posts about them.

I have taken their cars to Seville,(indeed the last time was a couple of weeks ago,) and that Southern Region of Andalucia, with no problem.

Their prices may appear a little higher than others but their prices are inclusive, including 2nd driver, except for optionals such as additional personal insurance cover.

Make sure that you tell them you are going over into Spain.

Their site is:

http://www.luzcar.com

Restaurante O Prato Cheio, Lagos

Following my post on November 8th, 2009, I am pleased to advise that the family of Sr. Jõao have reopened the Restaurante O Prato Cheio in Lagos and the quality is as good as ever.

The Restaurant is closed on Tuesdays.

Map here:

http://www.cylex.pt/direcciones/restaurante-prato-cheio-6341608-direcciones.html

Late Night Transport - Porto to Coimbra

See this page on the website of Porto Airport:

http://www.ana.pt/portal/page/portal/ANA/AEROPORTO_PORTO_CNT/?AE_PR=193813&actualmenu=184178&cboui=193813

There are no direct buses from Porto Airport to Coimbra.

There is a Rede Expressos bus from Porto to Coimbra at 00:45 arriving at 02:10.

Have a look at this article on my blog as to how to get from the Airport to the bus station.

http://barlaventostravelblog.blogspot.com/2009/01/bus-from-porto-to-castelo-branco.html

Ryanair - New Flights To and From Faro

Ryanair have today announced the introduction of two new flights from Faro as follows:

Faro to Bournemouth - Begins 31st March 2009 - Operates it appears on Tuesdays and Fridays.
Faro to Bremen - 31st March 2009.- Operates it appears on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

Booking is now open on Ryanair.

Pharmacies/Chemists in the Area of Avda. José Malhoa, Lisbon.

If you turn right outside the IBIS and walk down to the next turning, Avenida Basilio Teles, (Post Office - CTT is on the corner.) Turn Right and continue down to the next street:

Avenida Columbano Bordalo Pinheiro

Cross over and turn right along ths pavement. Half way along you will find (according to listings):

Farmácia Aguiar

Avenida Columbano Bordalo Pinheiro, 98-A/B

1070-066 LISBOA

TEL: 217260934

EMAIL: farmacia.aguiar@clix.pt

There are several good cold medicines on sale in Portugal. However, I would go to the pharmacy and talk to them. I am sure that at least one of the pharmacists will speak english as this area is full of hotels and Intĺ companies.

Ladies Wishing To Play Tennis...!

Ladies Wishing To Play Tennis...!

The Vila Gale Lagos Hotel which is being built down the road from me in Meia Praia, Kagos and due to open in April 2009, will have 3 tennis courts. It will have sea views and will be 50m from the beach and if other Vila Galé Hotels are anything to go by well appointed.

Website here:

http://www.vilagale.pt/pages/hoteis/index.php?lang=2.

Madrid to Lisbon

There is only one train a day from Madrid to Lisbon. One way price is circa Euro 57,50

Please see this recent article on my blog here:

http://barlaventostravelblog.blogspot.com/2008/12/portuguese-railwys-lisbonmadrid-new.html

As regard buses, there are various options:

http://www.alsa.es operates buses services from both Estacion Sur and Avenida Americas in Madrid to Lisbon Sete Rios Bus Station several times daily.

The following is a current extract from the alsa timetable. (Click on the image to enlarge.)




http://www.avanzabus.com also operate the route from Madrid Est Sur with departures as follows:

Dept: MADRID 12:00 Arr: Lisboa 19:30
Dept: MADRID 21:00 Arr: Lisboa 04:30

http://www.anibal.net also operate a route from Madrid to Lisboa Gare Oriente as follows.

Dept: MADRID 22:45 Arr: Lisboa 06:00

Prices are available on the respective sites but you should expect to pay in the order of Euro 45-50 for a one way bus ticket.

Subsidence at Don Ana?

Visited Dona Ana this morning.

The main steps from the car park below the old Golfinho Hotel have collapsed totally. You can only access the restaurants from there.

The only access to the Beach is to walk behind the cafe, up the hill to the right of the Montana Building, along the cliffs and then down by the alternative path from there.

Not for the faint hearted.

As regards Praia Camilo, the old direct route has been blocked. There is now a wooden walkway and a long wooden staircase behind the cafe there, that leads down to the beach.

Again not for the faint hearted.

Advice on Lagos, Algarve in March

It may be warm enough for the beach but don't count on the pool or sea being warm enough for swimming.

For markets have a look at these posts on my blog:

http://barlaventostravelblog.blogspot.com/2008/12/lagos-algarve-markets.html

and

http://barlaventostravelblog.blogspot.com/2008/12/lagos-algarve-portugal-markets.html

As regards culture and history have a look at this article on wikipedia.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lagos,_Portugal

If you are interested in history, a visit to the Fort at Sagres where Prince Henry the Navigator, (Infante Dom Henrique), had his navigation school is a must.

Western or Eastern Algarve?

I suspect that the Lagos area might be of interest to you.

Apart from Tavira, it is one of the only coastal towns in the Algarve to retain its traditional Portuguese Character.

There are two good local beaches - Porto de Mos and Meia Praia, both of which are ideal for kids.

Assuming you have a hire car, the coast west of Lagos is rugged and beautiful with some small villages and great small hidden beaches.

Checkout also Salema.