I saw reference to that, this morning in the Irish press, but they just said it was a town in the Algarve and that a man had died!
Link here in the Irish Times!
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2009/0907/breaking62.htm
This is terrible!
Article here in Portuguese saying that persons speaking Brazilian portuguese were reported in the area.
http://dn.sapo.pt/inicio/portugal/interior.aspx?content_id=1354704&seccao=Sul
It also reports that the first report to the authorities was when an ambulance was called at 03:41 in the morning.
Also (in Portuguese):
http://www.correiomanha.pt/Noticia.aspx?channelid=00000010-0000-0000-0000-000000000010&contentid=4A3CE87D-DA75-4A30-AC11-F411E7857A27
Folks, be very careful in any town in any holiday
destination when out and about at 04:00 a.m., particularly if you are alone.
Monday, 7 September 2009
East Midlands to Faro
Bmibaby www.bmibaby.com operate this route a couple of times a week. However, be careful as Lufthansa are taking over BMI and may sell-off Bmibaby.
Then as you mentioned there is Ruinair.
It is possible that jet2.com may step in. They operate from EMA to Greek and Turkish Destinations. At present, they only operate from Leeds Bradford and Manchester to Faro.
Thomsonfly operate Doncaster - Faro weekly except between November and March. See: http://flights.thomson.co.uk/thomson/en-GB/timetable/findbyroute?departure=DSA&destination=FAO
See this article here:
http://www.thisisleicestershire.co.uk/news/Airline-easyJet-axe-jobs-East-Midlands-Airport/article-1311325-detail/article.html
Then as you mentioned there is Ruinair.
It is possible that jet2.com may step in. They operate from EMA to Greek and Turkish Destinations. At present, they only operate from Leeds Bradford and Manchester to Faro.
Thomsonfly operate Doncaster - Faro weekly except between November and March. See: http://flights.thomson.co.uk/thomson/en-GB/timetable/findbyroute?departure=DSA&destination=FAO
See this article here:
http://www.thisisleicestershire.co.uk/news/Airline-easyJet-axe-jobs-East-Midlands-Airport/article-1311325-detail/article.html
Sunday, 6 September 2009
Travel from Lisbon to Portimao
This depends on which route you wish to take.
By the A2 Motorway toll road/A22 freeway just less than three hours with one stop.
By the coastal route via Marateca, Grandola, Mimosa, Odemira, Odeceixe, Aljezur, Lagos about 4 to 4,5 hours.
By the old IC1 national road/ A22 freeway via Marateca, Grandola, Mimosa, Ourique, Vale Praiaso, Portimão about 4 hours.
By the A2 Motorway toll road/A22 freeway just less than three hours with one stop.
By the coastal route via Marateca, Grandola, Mimosa, Odemira, Odeceixe, Aljezur, Lagos about 4 to 4,5 hours.
By the old IC1 national road/ A22 freeway via Marateca, Grandola, Mimosa, Ourique, Vale Praiaso, Portimão about 4 hours.
Saturday, 5 September 2009
Algarve Weather
There are only two repeat two weather stations in the Algarve.....Faro Airport and Sagres!
For example "Auntie" has a weather report for Lagos but is actually based on readings for Sagres. Sagres and environs, sticking out into the Atlantic has a micro-climate all of its own.....and often bears no relationship to prevailing conditions in Lagos 35 kms away.
Even the Portuguese Met service at www.meteo.pt bases its forecasting on these stations. Given the size of the Algarve there is therefore every chance that forecasts will not be accurate.
For example "Auntie" has a weather report for Lagos but is actually based on readings for Sagres. Sagres and environs, sticking out into the Atlantic has a micro-climate all of its own.....and often bears no relationship to prevailing conditions in Lagos 35 kms away.
Even the Portuguese Met service at www.meteo.pt bases its forecasting on these stations. Given the size of the Algarve there is therefore every chance that forecasts will not be accurate.
Anna AERO article on Ryanair Porto Base
See here:
http://www.anna.aero/2009/09/04/ryanairs-new-portuguese-base-in-porto-serves-22-destinations-five-routes-served-at-least-daily/
My comments:
Of particular note, is the Porto to Faro route.
This is only the second time that an non-Portuguese Airline has been given traffic rights to operate domestic flights within Portugal. The first was a year ago when Easyjet began operating Lisbon to Funchal, Madeira after years of complaints from residents of Maderia about TAP/Air Portugal’s high prices and monopoly on that route.
Although much demanded, no airline has previously operated Porto to Faro. This has meant that it has been faster to get to UK and German airports from Faro than to the north of Portugal. By air, one has had to transit Lisbon on TAP/Air Portugal or take a 7/8 hour train or bus ride between the two regions.
Apart from tourists and families, I suspect that the biggest demand may be from University Students travelling North and South as there is a fairly large University in Faro.
I hope the route succeeds, but reserve my judgement. Two years ago, Ryanair launched services from Spain. The Madrid to Faro route should have been successful but was pulled after 8 months owing to only 48% average loadings.
My opinion, for what it is worth, was that the route was not publicised enough in the local and expat media in the Algarve and the far south-west of Spain around Huelva, showing Madrid as destination for week-end breaks. Many people were not aware of the service till it was too late.
Nor was Madrid Barajas promoted as an airline hub access point with onward access to many more destinations than Lisbon. Finally, the route was initiated as a daily service and then frequencies were reduced. It should have been the other way around.
I hope that the same mistakes will not be made with the Porto route. It needs to be publicised in the local Algarve Portuguese and Expat media. As regards the Algarve portuguese media, this needs to include billboard adverts near Faro Airport, and advertising on local tv/radio as many more locals listen to radio and watch national TV than read papers.
By the way, the Algarve (Faro FAO), still needs the Faro - Madrid route back!
http://www.anna.aero/2009/09/04/ryanairs-new-portuguese-base-in-porto-serves-22-destinations-five-routes-served-at-least-daily/
My comments:
Of particular note, is the Porto to Faro route.
This is only the second time that an non-Portuguese Airline has been given traffic rights to operate domestic flights within Portugal. The first was a year ago when Easyjet began operating Lisbon to Funchal, Madeira after years of complaints from residents of Maderia about TAP/Air Portugal’s high prices and monopoly on that route.
Although much demanded, no airline has previously operated Porto to Faro. This has meant that it has been faster to get to UK and German airports from Faro than to the north of Portugal. By air, one has had to transit Lisbon on TAP/Air Portugal or take a 7/8 hour train or bus ride between the two regions.
Apart from tourists and families, I suspect that the biggest demand may be from University Students travelling North and South as there is a fairly large University in Faro.
I hope the route succeeds, but reserve my judgement. Two years ago, Ryanair launched services from Spain. The Madrid to Faro route should have been successful but was pulled after 8 months owing to only 48% average loadings.
My opinion, for what it is worth, was that the route was not publicised enough in the local and expat media in the Algarve and the far south-west of Spain around Huelva, showing Madrid as destination for week-end breaks. Many people were not aware of the service till it was too late.
Nor was Madrid Barajas promoted as an airline hub access point with onward access to many more destinations than Lisbon. Finally, the route was initiated as a daily service and then frequencies were reduced. It should have been the other way around.
I hope that the same mistakes will not be made with the Porto route. It needs to be publicised in the local Algarve Portuguese and Expat media. As regards the Algarve portuguese media, this needs to include billboard adverts near Faro Airport, and advertising on local tv/radio as many more locals listen to radio and watch national TV than read papers.
By the way, the Algarve (Faro FAO), still needs the Faro - Madrid route back!
Hotels - Halfway between Bordeaux and the Algarve
Depends on your budget!
There is a Formule 1 on the South Side of Valladolid on the old Madrid Road.
In Salamanca, there is an Ibis near the city centre.
Both are in the town and require one to come of the motorway.
The Valladolid one has outside parking while the IBIS in Salamanca has paid underground parking.
http://www.accorhotels.com/gb/hotel-3693-formule-1-valladolid/index.shtml
and
http://www.accorhotels.com/gb/hotel-3672-ibis-salamanca/index.shtml
I did the run Lagos (Algarve), Seville, Salamanca, Valladolid, Bilbao, Bordeaux, Rennes, Carhaix (Britanny), in May this year. My first overnight stop was at the Formule 1 in Valladolid. Its very basic but functional.
Stayed at the Salamanca IBIS a couple of years ago and it was v. respectable. BTW, Salamaca merits a couple of hours wander if you are at all interested in History. Some lovely architecture.
BTW, forgot to mention that it will be cheaper from the point of view of tolls and fuel to run Salamanca, Caceres, Merida, Seville, Huelva, Albufeira. It is motorway all the, apart from about 20km south of Salamanca which is currently being upgraded.
There is a Formule 1 on the South Side of Valladolid on the old Madrid Road.
In Salamanca, there is an Ibis near the city centre.
Both are in the town and require one to come of the motorway.
The Valladolid one has outside parking while the IBIS in Salamanca has paid underground parking.
http://www.accorhotels.com/gb/hotel-3693-formule-1-valladolid/index.shtml
and
http://www.accorhotels.com/gb/hotel-3672-ibis-salamanca/index.shtml
I did the run Lagos (Algarve), Seville, Salamanca, Valladolid, Bilbao, Bordeaux, Rennes, Carhaix (Britanny), in May this year. My first overnight stop was at the Formule 1 in Valladolid. Its very basic but functional.
Stayed at the Salamanca IBIS a couple of years ago and it was v. respectable. BTW, Salamaca merits a couple of hours wander if you are at all interested in History. Some lovely architecture.
BTW, forgot to mention that it will be cheaper from the point of view of tolls and fuel to run Salamanca, Caceres, Merida, Seville, Huelva, Albufeira. It is motorway all the, apart from about 20km south of Salamanca which is currently being upgraded.
Friday, 4 September 2009
Ryanair - Change to Baggage Policy
Ryanair have announced today that they are increasing their minimum checked hold baggage allowance for passengers to 2 bags each weighing 15kg.
However, as always with Ryanair this comes at a cost.......
See:
http://www.ryanair.com/site/EN/news.php?yr=09&month=sep&story=gen-en-040909
However, as always with Ryanair this comes at a cost.......
See:
http://www.ryanair.com/site/EN/news.php?yr=09&month=sep&story=gen-en-040909
Tickets for Autrodromo do Algarve
You are quite right!
Many local web sites here are glossy but in terms of user interaction and useful information presentation they are the pits.
http://autodromoalgarve.com.pt is no exception.
I don't know of any agents who do tickets. There seem to be some indications on the web to the fact that FNAC (Portugal only?), Media Markt and El Corte Ingles may sell tickets for events but its not clear.
I suggest that you email or call this person whose details are shown on the contacts page:
Members & Tickets’ Information
Name: Catarina Azevedo
Email: catarinaazevedo@parkalgar.com
Phone: (+351) 925446084
I would write/call in English. Most folk down here in that type of position speak at least some english.
Many local web sites here are glossy but in terms of user interaction and useful information presentation they are the pits.
http://autodromoalgarve.com.pt is no exception.
I don't know of any agents who do tickets. There seem to be some indications on the web to the fact that FNAC (Portugal only?), Media Markt and El Corte Ingles may sell tickets for events but its not clear.
I suggest that you email or call this person whose details are shown on the contacts page:
Members & Tickets’ Information
Name: Catarina Azevedo
Email: catarinaazevedo@parkalgar.com
Phone: (+351) 925446084
I would write/call in English. Most folk down here in that type of position speak at least some english.
Thursday, 3 September 2009
Granada to Albuferia
The fastest and most direct way from Granada to Albufeira is by bus. There are no direct train services nor flights. Flights would mean Granada to Madrid to Lisbon to Faro and then bus/cab/transfer to Albufeira.
Unfortunately, the most direct daily service operated by alsa.es gets into Vale Paraiso/Ferreiras Bus Station at 02:30 in the night. It is unlikely there would be local buses or taxis to take you the 8kms to Albufeira at that time of night.
Consquently, you best option would be as follows:
1) Alsa.es - Granada to Seville (El Prado)
Dept: Arr:
Granada Seville
03:00 06:40
12:00 14:45
From El Prado Bus Station to Estacion Plaza das Armas I would recommend the C4 Bus in which runs from just after 6 in the morning till 23:30.
2) DAMAS/EVA Bus from Seville Plaza das Armas bus station to Albufeira Bus Station. (Daily)
Dept Arr
Seville Albufeira
07:30 10:00
16:15 19:40
You will have to buy two separate tickets for each sector as they are operated by different companies. Tickets for the Seville to Albufeira service cannot be bought online and can only be purchased in Seville so allow time to buy your ticket.
Unfortunately, the most direct daily service operated by alsa.es gets into Vale Paraiso/Ferreiras Bus Station at 02:30 in the night. It is unlikely there would be local buses or taxis to take you the 8kms to Albufeira at that time of night.
Consquently, you best option would be as follows:
1) Alsa.es - Granada to Seville (El Prado)
Dept: Arr:
Granada Seville
03:00 06:40
12:00 14:45
From El Prado Bus Station to Estacion Plaza das Armas I would recommend the C4 Bus in which runs from just after 6 in the morning till 23:30.
2) DAMAS/EVA Bus from Seville Plaza das Armas bus station to Albufeira Bus Station. (Daily)
Dept Arr
Seville Albufeira
07:30 10:00
16:15 19:40
You will have to buy two separate tickets for each sector as they are operated by different companies. Tickets for the Seville to Albufeira service cannot be bought online and can only be purchased in Seville so allow time to buy your ticket.
Ryanair - New Porto Base
Ryanair's new Porto base opened officially in the presence of the Portuguese Prime Minister, Eng. José Socrates and Michael O'Leary, Chieftain-in-chief of Ryanair!
Parlamentoglobal.pt has a video report here:
http://www.parlamentoglobal.pt/parlamentoglobal/multimedia/video/2009/9/3/030909+socrates+ryanair.htm
Interestingly, O'Leary specifically mentioned in the above interview the possibility of future bases in Faro and possibly Lisbon.
Here is the videonews link from RTP 1, the State Portuguese Channel (Interview with O'Leary in English):
Let's see?
Parlamentoglobal.pt has a video report here:
http://www.parlamentoglobal.pt/parlamentoglobal/multimedia/video/2009/9/3/030909+socrates+ryanair.htm
Interestingly, O'Leary specifically mentioned in the above interview the possibility of future bases in Faro and possibly Lisbon.
Here is the videonews link from RTP 1, the State Portuguese Channel (Interview with O'Leary in English):
Let's see?
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