After our recent visit from 27th August to 10th September, we are looking at coming out again in May 2007 We have been to CVO for the last three years always the last week August first week September. Weather always been great, restaurants, bars, coffee bars etc still open and busy. Have looked on the FAQ's but can't find any topics related to May time for weather, eating out, (MAYbe the word is a very broad subject for FAQ's!)

I have been told this is a great time to visit for flowering trees, plants etc. Is it as busy as June/July/August? What is the weather generally like?Hope someone can advise

The last few times we have been to Carvoeiro has been like yourself end of August/September - but i have been out in May/June and the weather has always been great hot but not scorching hot as it was this year in August. Bars and restaurants all open. Also it is the season to get fantastic cherries.

Back there in a few weeks.

Julie.

Hi Jojo

With the exception of the odd visit in July, I normally visit CVO late May/early June (uaually one of the weeks includes Whitsun and if for only one week then it would be the half term). as such I have always found the village lively enough and the restaurants busy but not so much so that they no longer give you any time or more personal attention.

One thing I like about going early in the season is that most business owners do make a real effort for you, they know the publicity will be wending it's way back to the UK/German/Scandinavia etc plus up until that point they haven't been sooooooo rushed/pushed or irritated by the thoughtless tourists that they are running out of patience (you also get more freebies as they want/need you to come back several times over your holidays (as there are more covers in CVO at that time of year than diners).

Weather wise it has always been pretty fine and seldom "too" hot, some years there has been the odd overcast day, and the odd shower and in 2004 there was "unexplained" abnormally high temps (the 30's c).

The waterparks/attractions are not so busy that they are unbearable although there is one day that gets pretty busy - something to do with a special childrens holiday which I presume occurs during whitweek.

The downside, unlikely to find entertainment in the Sqaure, the sea is much, much colder than it is when it has been given a summer to warm up over a little. Finally new venues/attractions are still trying to 'get it right' with mixed results.

I hope that is useful.

Maddi

Hi from me, May is nearly always a lovely time to visit, the flowering trees are in full bloom and everything is so lovely and green after the winter rains. As Maddi said most places will welcome you with open arms as they are after the trade. There are a lot of golfers out at this time.

(Hi Maddi, hasn't the weather been horrible !! We drove back from Rousden last night and went through so many floods! Has chucked it down all day today....ugh....oh for the sun in Portugal. Hope you are OK.

Sorry back on topic now

Maddi wrote:
"(you also get more freebies as they want/need you to come back several times over your holidays (as there are more covers in CVO at that time of year than diners"

"Freebies" Maddi? Where and what kind? Except for a glass of Porto at the end of a meal at some restaurants, I can't remember getting any freebies anywhere even in the very low season from January to March. Heini

Nothing too exciting Heini but free icecreams (with the obligatory sparkers) for the kids and leaving the port bottle on the table rather than just giving you a single glass full each.

It is never going to be like Greece and Turkey again - if you want freebies then go to the countries as they experience mass tourism in the first instance - and to be honest now it wains in Greece and Turkey as they get used to the tourist masses - but in Croatia ........... your starter is free, your pudding is free, jugs and jugs of house plonk are free, plus Tzispiro (sp) whatever all free free free.

Sadly I suspect I am coming across as a little mean/tight/grabbing - but probably worth saying that sort of level of freebie especially where it incudes alcohol does attract a handsome tip!!!


Madddi

Hi all,

Thanks for your replies, very helpful. Especially like the sound of bottle of Port left on the table Maddi! we are definitely looking to book somewhere for May2007.

We usually go to CVO the last week August, first week Sept. But that time next year we are headed for Majorca. Going with my sister in law and family. But feel we can't do without a visit to CVO at all! Hence thought we'd try May time