I'm a bit bemused by this one and would like to know your source.
According to the List of Portuguese Public Holidays for 2009, there is no national holiday on this date.
The only annual local holiday I am aware of is the
"Dia do Município e Feriado Municipal celebra-se a 27 de Outubro" or local muncipal holiday - 27th October, 2009.
I have confirmed this on the Council's website here:
http://www.cm-lagos.pt/portal_autarquico/lagos/v_pt-PT/menu_turista/turismo/festas_feiras_romarias/
Anyway, apart from when the council closing down the main Avenida for sports rallies, or as of this morning, for trying accidentally totally gridlock Lagos by allowing the new river front works to accidentally block the road on a busy Friday morning, we are usually in business 24/7, 365 days a year.
There are all sorts of small fairs and bits and pieces year round, but prices do not go up and we are usually fairly laid back.
The busy season usually starts to tail off around the last week in August. There will plenty of beach space for you.
Be aware that you will have at least a 1km walk or a bus trip from the Marina Club to the nearest beach..however, there will be plenty of space.
The building works around the Marina Club are all finished for now, with the exception of the desultory snail-pace interior kitting out of the Encosta da Marina complex on the other side of the roundabout. However, there is very little visible work ongoing at present.
I would warn, however, that despite the current economic crisis, the Council and local developers are still pushing on with various developments. No telling what mischief they are going to get up to until it starts, and you find a dirty great dozer trundling along your road.
Friday, 27 March 2009
Wednesday, 25 March 2009
Lisbon to Vigo
The only daily connecting bus service is one that leaves Lisbon Gare Oriente Bus Station at 09:15 arriving Vigo 17:30.
However, it is possible to do the trip by train:
There is an Alpha-Pendular Express train that leaves Lisbon Gare Oriente at 14:09 arriving at Porto Campanha Station at 16:46. There is a train leaving Porto Campanha Station at 17:55 arriving Vigo at 22:12 Spanish Time.
You can get a the Carris Aeroshuttle bus to Gare Oriente just outside the airport arrivals level. This leaves every 30 minutes between 07:00 and 23:00 and goes directly to the airport for a cost of +- € 3.00
Alternatively, take a taxi to Gare Oriente. Its only 10 minutes away.
You should try to get to the station as earl as possible to get a ticket.
However, it is possible to do the trip by train:
There is an Alpha-Pendular Express train that leaves Lisbon Gare Oriente at 14:09 arriving at Porto Campanha Station at 16:46. There is a train leaving Porto Campanha Station at 17:55 arriving Vigo at 22:12 Spanish Time.
You can get a the Carris Aeroshuttle bus to Gare Oriente just outside the airport arrivals level. This leaves every 30 minutes between 07:00 and 23:00 and goes directly to the airport for a cost of +- € 3.00
Alternatively, take a taxi to Gare Oriente. Its only 10 minutes away.
You should try to get to the station as earl as possible to get a ticket.
Travel from San Sebastian to Lagos
Train travel within Spain and Portugal is quite good, reasonable and useful. However, train links between the two countries are, at present, not good.
Bus Travel, however, is probably the best way to travel between the two countries. It is unlikely that you can get from San Sebastian, Spain to Lagos, Portugal in one day. It can be done driving - a very long day! According to Google Maps the distance is 1,181 km or about 11 hours 13 mins drive.
There are no direct bus services between San Sebastian and Lagos. You will probably need to route via Lisbon.
www.alsa.es have two daily departures from San Sebastian to Lisbon Sete Rios bus station changing in Madrid:
Dept. Arr:
S.SEBASTIAN 00:30 LISBON S.R 17:00 Price: 74,54
S.SEBASTIAN 09:00 LISBON S.R 23:00 Price: 74,54
From Lisbon Sete Rios bus station there are regular bus services to Lagos throughout the day. Price one way around € 17:00 each.
You can find an extract of the timetable here on my blog:
http://barlaventostravelblog.blogspot.com/2009/02/lagos-to-lisbon-buses-rede-expressoseva.html
Bus Travel, however, is probably the best way to travel between the two countries. It is unlikely that you can get from San Sebastian, Spain to Lagos, Portugal in one day. It can be done driving - a very long day! According to Google Maps the distance is 1,181 km or about 11 hours 13 mins drive.
There are no direct bus services between San Sebastian and Lagos. You will probably need to route via Lisbon.
www.alsa.es have two daily departures from San Sebastian to Lisbon Sete Rios bus station changing in Madrid:
Dept. Arr:
S.SEBASTIAN 00:30 LISBON S.R 17:00 Price: 74,54
S.SEBASTIAN 09:00 LISBON S.R 23:00 Price: 74,54
From Lisbon Sete Rios bus station there are regular bus services to Lagos throughout the day. Price one way around € 17:00 each.
You can find an extract of the timetable here on my blog:
http://barlaventostravelblog.blogspot.com/2009/02/lagos-to-lisbon-buses-rede-expressoseva.html
Faro to Huelva, Spain
1) There is no train service between Faro, Faro Airport and Huelva.
2) In summer, there may be a privately operated bus service between Faro and the Costa de Luz/Huelva but at present details are not clear.
See: http://www.transfershuelva.com
3) Depending on what time you are arriving, there are three bus services per day by bus from Faro Bus Station. You would need to take a taxi from Faro Airport to Faro Bus Station. (10 minutes) € 10.00 & bags.
Have a look at the following page on Cubsur's site which will give you more info on the bus times.
See: http://thomasallen.home.sapo.pt/travel/001.htm
One way ticket presently in the order of € 12.00
4) Transfer/Limo Service
This would cost in the order of € 130.00
One company that offers this service is:
See: http://www.low-cost-transfers.com/faro-airport
5) Taxis
Faro Airport 2008/2009 winter guide is quoting between € 113.00 and € 140 for a 4 person cab - Faro Airport to Huelva. Be aware there are likely to be extras.
2) In summer, there may be a privately operated bus service between Faro and the Costa de Luz/Huelva but at present details are not clear.
See: http://www.transfershuelva.com
3) Depending on what time you are arriving, there are three bus services per day by bus from Faro Bus Station. You would need to take a taxi from Faro Airport to Faro Bus Station. (10 minutes) € 10.00 & bags.
Have a look at the following page on Cubsur's site which will give you more info on the bus times.
See: http://thomasallen.home.sapo.pt/travel/001.htm
One way ticket presently in the order of € 12.00
4) Transfer/Limo Service
This would cost in the order of € 130.00
One company that offers this service is:
See: http://www.low-cost-transfers.com/faro-airport
5) Taxis
Faro Airport 2008/2009 winter guide is quoting between € 113.00 and € 140 for a 4 person cab - Faro Airport to Huelva. Be aware there are likely to be extras.
Lisbon Airport to Batalha
There are several daily bus services between Lisbon Sete Rios Bus Station and Batalha operated by the company Rede Expressos.
I have posted copy of the current timetable and prices on ScribD here:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/13626683/lisboabatalha
According to Google Maps, Lisbon Sete Rios Bus Station is 8.4 kms. from Lisbon Airport.
In late afternoon one should allow up to 30 minutes to make the trip from the Airport to Sete Rios Bus Station allowing for traffic.
There are taxis outside Lisbon Airport Arrivals. There may be a bit of a queue depending on the time of day but you should be able to get a cab within 15 minutes.
There are no taxi companies as such. All taxis are either owned by a private individual or a co-operative. There should be no problem getting a receipt. (Ask for a "factura"). However, the taxi drivers may take time to write them out.
Private taxis are usually not licensed to operate outside the greater Lisbon Area. They will take you but if you do not speak Portuguese you are more than likely to be charge a higher price. Prices are difficult to assess. However, according to the online simulator at www.antral.pt (Portuguese Taxi Association), the cost of a taxi for one person from Lisbon Airport to Batalha, (136km according to Google Maps) should be in the order of € 150.00.
A better bet in my opinion would be to book a private transfer.
These are more expensive but probably give you more security.
For example, see
http://www.low-cost-transfers.com/lisbon-airport
I have posted copy of the current timetable and prices on ScribD here:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/13626683/lisboabatalha
According to Google Maps, Lisbon Sete Rios Bus Station is 8.4 kms. from Lisbon Airport.
In late afternoon one should allow up to 30 minutes to make the trip from the Airport to Sete Rios Bus Station allowing for traffic.
There are taxis outside Lisbon Airport Arrivals. There may be a bit of a queue depending on the time of day but you should be able to get a cab within 15 minutes.
There are no taxi companies as such. All taxis are either owned by a private individual or a co-operative. There should be no problem getting a receipt. (Ask for a "factura"). However, the taxi drivers may take time to write them out.
Private taxis are usually not licensed to operate outside the greater Lisbon Area. They will take you but if you do not speak Portuguese you are more than likely to be charge a higher price. Prices are difficult to assess. However, according to the online simulator at www.antral.pt (Portuguese Taxi Association), the cost of a taxi for one person from Lisbon Airport to Batalha, (136km according to Google Maps) should be in the order of € 150.00.
A better bet in my opinion would be to book a private transfer.
These are more expensive but probably give you more security.
For example, see
http://www.low-cost-transfers.com/lisbon-airport
Tuesday, 24 March 2009
Portugal - Tide Tables
The Instituto Hidrográfico do Portugal has online real-time tide-tables for major ports, including Lagos here:
http://www.hidrografico.pt/previsao-mares.php
Make sure you have javascript activated and click on the name of the Port for which tables you require.
Portuguese Lesson:
Preia-mar = High Tide
Baixa-mar = Low Tide
Using the calendar feature above the map you can track back online until 1999.
http://www.hidrografico.pt/previsao-mares.php
Make sure you have javascript activated and click on the name of the Port for which tables you require.
Portuguese Lesson:
Preia-mar = High Tide
Baixa-mar = Low Tide
Using the calendar feature above the map you can track back online until 1999.
Monday, 23 March 2009
Day trip from Albufeira to Lisbon
I assume that you are referring to Clube Praia da Oura, just outside Albufeira.
The nearest train station is at Albufeira/Figueiras which is about 10 kms distant.
You would need to get a taxi to and from the station and given the lateness of the return from Lisbon, you would need to book a cab both ways.
At present the first train leaves Albufeira Station at 7h19 and arrive Lisbon Entrecampos station at 9h56.
The last train leaves Lisbon Entrecampos station at 18h51 arriving Albufeira Station at 21h32.
You should detrain at Lisbon Entrecampos as it is the closest station to the city centre, accesisble via the attached Metro station of the same name.
Site here: http://www.cp.pt
As an alternative, you could try the bus.
Rede Expressos/Eva Transportes have a departure on weekdays from Albufeira Bus Station (4 kms from Praia de Ouro) at 06:55 arriving Lisbon Sete Rios Bus Station at 09:30.
There are return departures from Lisbon Sete Rios Bus Station at 18:30, 19:30 and 20:30.
Site here (in portuguese): http://www.rede-expressos.pt/
The nearest train station is at Albufeira/Figueiras which is about 10 kms distant.
You would need to get a taxi to and from the station and given the lateness of the return from Lisbon, you would need to book a cab both ways.
At present the first train leaves Albufeira Station at 7h19 and arrive Lisbon Entrecampos station at 9h56.
The last train leaves Lisbon Entrecampos station at 18h51 arriving Albufeira Station at 21h32.
You should detrain at Lisbon Entrecampos as it is the closest station to the city centre, accesisble via the attached Metro station of the same name.
Site here: http://www.cp.pt
As an alternative, you could try the bus.
Rede Expressos/Eva Transportes have a departure on weekdays from Albufeira Bus Station (4 kms from Praia de Ouro) at 06:55 arriving Lisbon Sete Rios Bus Station at 09:30.
There are return departures from Lisbon Sete Rios Bus Station at 18:30, 19:30 and 20:30.
Site here (in portuguese): http://www.rede-expressos.pt/
Faro to Lisbon - Evening Public Transport
You are correct.
The last train from Faro to Lisbon leaves at 17:00 hrs.
It may appear early but public transport in the Algarve shutdown early.
Coach Operator http://www.rede-expressos.pt/ have buses leaving from Faro Bus Station for Lisbon Sete Rios Bus Station at 19:00, 19:30 and 20:30.
Transit time is between 3 hours 15 minutes and 4 hours.
Your friend would need to take a taxi between Faro Airport and Faro Bus Station. There is a local bus Nº 16 leaving Faro Airport at 17:40.
The last train from Faro to Lisbon leaves at 17:00 hrs.
It may appear early but public transport in the Algarve shutdown early.
Coach Operator http://www.rede-expressos.pt/ have buses leaving from Faro Bus Station for Lisbon Sete Rios Bus Station at 19:00, 19:30 and 20:30.
Transit time is between 3 hours 15 minutes and 4 hours.
Your friend would need to take a taxi between Faro Airport and Faro Bus Station. There is a local bus Nº 16 leaving Faro Airport at 17:40.
FC Porto vs Manu U??????
You're going for footie, aren't you!!!!!
FC Porto vs Manu U.??????
A Minibus would probably be cheaper but as your average mini-bus will only legally carry 8/9 persons, it may be expensive.
I also do not think it would be worth the risk hiring a 9 seater and trying to get away with 10 on board as the Portuguese Police will be out en-masse in Porto and on the approaches to the city.
Your real problem is that you need to get back to Lisbon by 08:00 on the morning of 16th April.
The nearest train station to the airport is Gare Oriente where there is also a bus station. You would need to take cabs to and from the airport. About 10 minutes. The last train departs for Porto at 21:39 arriving at 00:39.
There is a regional train taking 4 hours that leaves Porto - Campanha at 1h23 and arrive Lisbon - Oriente (10 minutes by cab from the Airport) at 5h42. Problem is you can't buy tickets in advance.
Train timetables here: http://www.cp.pt
www.renex.pt have a bus service leaving Porto at 01:15 and arriving Lisbon - Gare Oriente Bus Station at 06:00. Again you can't buy tickets in advance.
The following transfer company is quoting € 960.00 for the service you require for 10 persons return.
http://www.low-cost-transfers.com/lisbon-airport/index.php?goloc=51&transfer=Porto
The advantage of such a service is that they provide a driver and you don't have to worry about parking, drinking etc.
FC Porto vs Manu U.??????
A Minibus would probably be cheaper but as your average mini-bus will only legally carry 8/9 persons, it may be expensive.
I also do not think it would be worth the risk hiring a 9 seater and trying to get away with 10 on board as the Portuguese Police will be out en-masse in Porto and on the approaches to the city.
Your real problem is that you need to get back to Lisbon by 08:00 on the morning of 16th April.
The nearest train station to the airport is Gare Oriente where there is also a bus station. You would need to take cabs to and from the airport. About 10 minutes. The last train departs for Porto at 21:39 arriving at 00:39.
There is a regional train taking 4 hours that leaves Porto - Campanha at 1h23 and arrive Lisbon - Oriente (10 minutes by cab from the Airport) at 5h42. Problem is you can't buy tickets in advance.
Train timetables here: http://www.cp.pt
www.renex.pt have a bus service leaving Porto at 01:15 and arriving Lisbon - Gare Oriente Bus Station at 06:00. Again you can't buy tickets in advance.
The following transfer company is quoting € 960.00 for the service you require for 10 persons return.
http://www.low-cost-transfers.com/lisbon-airport/index.php?goloc=51&transfer=Porto
The advantage of such a service is that they provide a driver and you don't have to worry about parking, drinking etc.
Where to visit in Spain from Algarve
I was over in Seville a couple of weeks ago by car.
See my report on the drive on my blog here:
http://barlaventostravelblog.blogspot.com/2009/03/lagos-to-seville-again.html
As our Peugeot had just a an encounter with one of the new, rapidly expanding population of, jumping bollards of Lagos, (I was not driving at the time :) and I am sure it has nothing to do with the fact the brother of the Mayor of Lagos owns the local Peugeot dealership), I took a vehicle from Luzcar. They allow their vehicles to go into Spain as far as Seville with no problem at all and at no extra cost.. Tell them when you book you intend going to Spain.
On arrival in Seville, I suggest you park at the underground parking under the Bus Station at Plaza das Armas or at Cristobal Colon. From there on walk or use the TUSSAM bus service.
See my report on the drive on my blog here:
http://barlaventostravelblog.blogspot.com/2009/03/lagos-to-seville-again.html
As our Peugeot had just a an encounter with one of the new, rapidly expanding population of, jumping bollards of Lagos, (I was not driving at the time :) and I am sure it has nothing to do with the fact the brother of the Mayor of Lagos owns the local Peugeot dealership), I took a vehicle from Luzcar. They allow their vehicles to go into Spain as far as Seville with no problem at all and at no extra cost.. Tell them when you book you intend going to Spain.
On arrival in Seville, I suggest you park at the underground parking under the Bus Station at Plaza das Armas or at Cristobal Colon. From there on walk or use the TUSSAM bus service.
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