Algarve's Coast of Many Colours & Along the Costa Vicentina

This was one of the most successful holidays that we have done of this type. Combining the two holidays [A Coast of Many Colours and Along the Costa Vicentina] worked well for us and we were able to join the two holidays with a good walk, which completed the Fishermen’s Trail. The second week got progressively harder, with increasing distances of soft sand and dunes to walk through, but fortunately our fitness also improved. We walked in trainers with no big problems though we did have to empty sand out most days. The coastline is beautiful, with great scenery but not too much in the way of hills. We did see just two storks but it was late September. It was nice to be walking against the flow on Costa Vicentina (Fishermen’s Trail); it was quite busy North to South.

All Portuguese beds appear to be hard, and some even harder. Regularly slept on top of the duvet to provide some padding.

Portuguese people are very friendly.

At Casa PraiaMar we had a large modern room with kitchenette. There was a big balcony with a lovely sea view and an airer for drying clothes and swimming gear. The room was very spacious with room to unpack as much as we wished and comfortable furnishings. Breakfast was provided at Hotel Atlantico and was basic but adequate, as was the picnic provided by them.

The room at Hotel Mira Sagres was tiny and only just adequate for our one night. The floor space was small, with nowhere except the floor to put bags. The windows had a small Juliette balcony which opened partly onto a void and a blank wall.

Casas da Pedralva was a lovely quirky village house, with a comfortable bedroom upstairs and bathroom and kitchen/sitting room downstairs. The only thing missing was any outside space.

We had room 10 at Casa Fajara, which is rated as a Premium Room. The room is up at the top of the hotel, next to the massage room, and is mostly very quiet and has a good view. However, we did find it very limited for a three-night stay. Again, luggage had to lie on the floor and there was little storage space to unpack. The only chair doubled as a bedside table which was directly in front of the door. There was a good balcony but it would have been useful to have an airer to dry swimming gear. This was not the friendliest place to stay but we were well looked after by the lovely Lara who seemed to cook all our evening meals as well as working in reception. We added to the walks at this hotel by taking the road/track out of the top of the village, by the museum, past the radio mast to a trig point which gave excellent views in every direction. We just continued in a circle and back to the hotel. Well worth the 5km.

Casa Vicentina was a lovely big room with plenty of space and somewhere to unpack and sort bags. A large outdoor personal space overlooking the landscaped grounds and swimming pool. Airers to dry swimming gear and a fridge. We were made very welcome especially as we had caused some confusion about our arrival time. The evening meal was simple but good, and included a glass of port to finish.

Casa Da Seiceira had a slightly smaller room but it was comfortable. There was personal outside space and drying facilities. Although the owner spoke only a little English, dinner was cooked just for us by her fluent English-speaking daughter, Ana. The meal was lovely traditional Portuguese cuisine, well prepared and served with a smile and plenty of conversation. Breakfast the following morning was also excellent with fresh carrot juice and pancakes as unusual extras. The picnic provided was also the best in two weeks!

Herdade was a very smart outfit, we felt a little grubby and travel worn when we arrived. We were welcomed by the owner with a free beer and the pool was the first heated pool of the holiday - delightful. The room was very good, with fridge and private outside space. The evening meal was served on the terrace; it would have been good to know that beer, water and port were included.

Monte Novo was fairly basic, with the hardest bed of the holiday, which followed one of the longest walks. The room was small and overlooked the carpark.

What can we say about Casa do Adro. A charming, whimsical B&B. Welcomed with fresh juice and lashings of chocolate cake. Antique furniture and surfaces crammed with photos and knick-knacks. Free drinks, snacks and fresh fruit. Unbelievable. We didn't have our own outside space but there is a nice terrace close to the goodies. Breakfast was amazing...

Tres Marias was different again. The room was very modern with polished concrete and decorative mosquito nets. Not really our taste but interesting. There was a small outside area for each room and the pool looked inviting and was heated. The evening meal was good and included a bottle of wine.


Mandy and John, 19 September 2019