Trip To Algarve.

 

 My second trip to Portugal. Decided to take the plunge again and

visit this country where the people are known for their welcoming 

nature. I have such one wonderful Portuguese friend who

asked if I have finally been there. I am glad to be back a second time and

have not looked back and am thankful for the opportunity to meet
very nice people.

I have read that the Portuguese are welcoming and very generous

people. They keep their promises and they feel really bad when they can't.

They are always ready to smile and they are very good joke tellers! Once you

have achieved their trust you are like a family member!

From my short one week visit I would say Portugal is a wonderful destination.

From my conversation with tourists taking their first trip there its 

always, "we will be back again as soon as possible." They just love

Portugal ! They are kind and helpful people. English appears widely

spoken and they make an effort to understand others.

My chosen flyer was easyJet and to date the service has always been
 courteous, professional and on time.

I booked into a self catering apartment hotel at Paraiso de Albufeira,

located at Rua do Municipio, Albufeira. In Albufeira you get exactly what you need.

Sun, really beautiful beaches, good restaurants, and the place is clean and

people warm and friendly. The first Portuguese word you soon learn is

likely to be " obrigado " meaning "thank you." !

I have decided to use original size photos in my travel blog to give visual impact

to create the feel of you being there joining in and to feel the atmosphere ! 

Paraiso de Albufeira Apartment Hotel

So handy ! The City Sight Seeing Hop On & Off Bus stops right outside the hotel complex

Apartment with fully equipped kitchenette

View from room balcony

Wider view of apartment 

Washroom

                                                                                                                                                                                 

Premium Portuguese lager, local strawberries and delightful Portuguese tart

Front entrance to Apartment Hotel

Reception

Hotel complex dining room

Pool area

 For provisions, there is a supermarket in Albufeira shopping centre which is about 10 minutes walk along Rua do Municipio as you exit left from the hotel.
There is an established travel agency outside the hotel complex which makes it very convenient to book your trips. A McDonald is across the road as well as KFC and local restaurants.  There is a patisserie nearby on the ground floor of the Brisa Sol hotel that is a popular place for your hot beverages and a cake/snack. I bought some freshly made local cakes which they happily boxed for me to bring home.

My Ticket Shop Travel Agency afew minutes' walk waay from hotel

If you are a wine or Cliff Richard enthusiast or both, you may be interested in visiting 
Adega do Cantor, a vine yard co owned by Cliff Richard which operates a pick up service at various locations at extra charge. It is situated in very scenic surroundings. An overview of wine production and taster session is offered and will take about an hour. You cannot just turn up but need to book in advance.

Shop nearby hotel 

Continente Modelo supermarket, a national chain,  was such a convenient place for me to get my provisions and they have a good selection of offers to tempt you. Its located about 10 minutes walk from the hotel in the Albufeira Shopping Mall.

Continente Modelo supermarket in this  Albufeira Mall.

Bus journey passing through Albufeira Shopping

I travelled mostly by bus. I bought a rechargeable card for 3 euros and topped it up. A local journey in Albufeira costs only 1 euro with card. I also took an Albufeira sightseeing hop on hop off bus paying 12 euros for a 24 hour ticket. A child ticket is 6 euros. I really got around Albufeira utilising this service.
More details can be found HERE

Pictures taken around Albufeira

Old Town

Bus Terminal Rodoviario where you can take the long distance buses

Bus Terminal Rodoviario

Bus Terminal Rodoviario

Fisherman's Beach, Old Town

Favourite route back to my hotel

As relaxed as you want it to be

At A Flea Market

What's the time ?

Sir Harry's Bar

Isn't it lovely? . . abundant space.

Avenue Liberdade

Algarve  Shopping Centre  is situated on the N 125 about 1 kilometre from Guia.

I took a bus from the main bus  station in Albufeira. 

The ticket counter personnel

can advise you which bus to board for the destination you choose

. They speak fluent English.

You could get a taxi there as the more expensive option from your hotel.

 There will be no problems

getting back at the time of your choosing

 because the taxi rank is just outside the main entrance.

I also learnt that Algarve Shopping runs a free courtesy bus

 from various hotels around Albufeira

at set times and drop you back at certain set times.

Enquire at your hotel reception.

Paraiso de Albufeira Hotel happens to be one of the pick up and drop off points.

It was an enjoyable free trip taking in the scenic surroundings.

Algarve Shopping centre has a Continente Hypermarket as its main anchor tenant,

over 100 shops, a large food court on the first level and a multi screen cinema.

If you have the momento,
 do take in the Algarve, Portugal
on your list
of holiday destinations.
When you do
finally get there
I hope you will
have a 
very enjoyable
and unforgettable
experience !
Adeus !!