A few weeks ago, at the beginning of November, we spent a lovely week with friends in Quinta Do Lago in the Portuguese Algarve. Lisbon is the only other part of Portugal that we have visited and we absolutely loved the city. This time we were staying in the Fairways Four Seasons Resort just twenty minutes drive from Faro Airport. It was longer on the way back because we got lost, but that is a story for another day!
Travelling
We flew with Ryanair at the beginning of November and opted for Fast Track on the way out. It was definitely worth it as the queues were very long. So, we were having our pre-flight Butler’s coffees when we would have been still inching our way to security. But then we were left standing on the tarmac for 20 minutes in the freezing Irish cold at 7.00am. For some reason, they sent us through when the plane was not ready. GRRRR.
QUINTA DO LAGO
I was very taken with the area and the resort. We had a beautiful week with our four friends. The sun blazed down on us and we were blessed with blue skies and temperatures in the 20s.
It was hot enough to lie out in the sun…with sun factor on, of course! Have you read my skin cancer story?
The resort has wonderful facilities, including a heated indoor and outdoor pool, hot tub and gym if you are so inclined. I wasn’t.
We relaxed, went for long walks, ate exceedingly well and definitely drank more than the recommended amount. Ok, I was on my holidays. It is allowed. We also played very competitive games of Rummikub! Look it up…it is addictive.
If you are into walking or cycling then head along to the serene lagoons and salt marshes of Ria Formosa, a natural jewel and one of the most important wetlands in the Iberian Peninsula.
In the pic below, those buildings in the distance are restaurants built on stilts with the most amazing views, accessed by an extensive coastal boardwalk.
SUNSET
One evening. we went down to the beach for pre-dinner drinks to watch the sun set. In Ireland we have another name for drinking on the beach! This was far more sophisticated. We had glasses.
THE PEOPLE
The Portuguese people are extremely friendly. This was obvious in shops, restaurants and even at the airport. You know how security people are often a little gruff. Well, they seldom show any sense of humour anyway. As GG was going through security, he was asked really pleasantly to take off his belt.
Graham: Are my shoes ok? He meant do I need to take them off?
Reply: They are really lovely shoes!!!
We hopped over the border to Spain to spend two days in the beautiful city of Seville…that will be the subject of a separate post in the future.
Holidays with great friends are good fun. And we have been very lucky to have had two holidays in the space of a month. And I had said I was going nowhere this year. Now I am glad we did, as it looks like we are in for a bad winter in every way.
Stay safe and healthy my friends.
Cheers
Hilda xx
I’m glad you had a lovely time Hilda. We were there back when the children were young. A friend loaned us their apartment which backed onto the 18th! Lovely place. I fell in love with Lisbon on our honeymoon and it didn’t disappoint when we returned. Portugal is such a beautiful country. I hope you are recovering and feeling a bit better. Take care.
Deborah X
It looks like you had your timing spot on Hilda. Stay safe through your winter.
Thanks Jan. x
Thanks Deborah. Think I am on the mend. Fingers crossed. xx
Sounds wonderful, Hilda. I have been following the Portuguese weather for a while as we are considering a move there in the near future. I am very pleased to see that the sun is warm enough in November to swim and sunbath.
Happy to hear you had a wonderful time and packed that trip in before ……
Certainly seems to be fabulous on the southern coast. x