Well we must admit we struck lucky. Having booked last minute when Portugal came off the quarantine list , we actually managed to get a week in before it went back on again! Then we were lucky with the weather which provided a week of unbroken sunshine combined with light winds that stopped it from being too hot. And last but certainly not least we were extremely lucky to have found (with our customary minimal research) the carefully crafted piece of paradise that John and Denise have created in the Algarve countryside.
Set on a hillside with panoramic views and a private swimming pool this is high end accommodation which would be the envy of many a five star hotel, but with self catering facilities that means you can have exactly what you want when you want it.
And when you don’t want to cook there is an excellent local restaurant 10 minutes drive away (Luis de Prego - which produced some truly excellent octopus) and a whole host more in Tavira , which is 10 minutes further on.
If you want sea and sand there’s also a naturist beach about 20 minutes drive followed by either a walk or a shuttle train ride (open carriages and walking pace speed – ideal for studying the local fauna and flora). Very easy access and plenty of bars and restaurants on the beach with excellent seafood.
And when you are chilling out back at the house, John and Denise are the ideal hosts – they remain firmly in the background but instantly available if you need anything.
A wonderful week in a summer which let’s face it has had more than its’ share of ups and downs…
September 2020
Chris and Yvonne UK
