Looking foward to visiting Carvoeiro in July 2007, last in the Algarve 17 years ago, stayed in Albufeira, so guess i am looking for a more serene pace this time.
Anyone know the Colina Branca Townhouse development, looks great with terrific views? Any gen on local bars and restaurants not to be missed. Should say i return to the Algarve this time with a wife and two kids, son 12 and daughter 10, so tips to keep them occupied are appreciated.

I'm hardly the world's leading authority on Carvoeiro, especially for youngsters but I will give my thoughts and hope that you will get some more expert advice. Firstly, welcome to the forum There are more bars and restaurants than you can shake a lot of sticks at and they all seem to cater for kids. For some inexplicable reason, the Portuguese seem to like youngsters but I've yet to get the views of a local schoolteacher! But there's loads for tem to do. A smashing beach and plenty to do. Yours are at a difficult age, too young to be allowed to do their own thing but old enough to want some freedom. From what I've read in previous posts, cvo can cater for these requirements.

You are bound to have a great time.

Thanks Laser i

Have a couple of youngsters myself. For little ones if you need a break from the beach ( HA ) , then you have play oasis in ferragudo , you can have lunch and they can play in play area or garden. for all ages you have slide and splash at Estombar or Aqualand ( i think it is called that we call it the big one as thats where the big slide is.) , we prefer slide and splash it has a great kiddie pool and small slides for youngsters as well as the great big scary slides as well. also jacuzzi , and large swimming pool. I dont see my lot from 10 am till 5pm accept when they are hungry !!. They have a lot of life guards and first aiders and I would definately give it a go. You need to get there early to get good space on the grass , but beware they always water the grass just before everyone arrives so dont throw your towel down straight away ( mind you doesnt take long to dry ). Zoo marine is only 20ish minutes away ( depending on how you drive ) , also coaches go from Carvoeiro. This is like a mini sea world , lots of marine animals , Dolphins , seals , etc plus birds of prey and other animals. There are animal shows , and you can also see where animals are looked after as this is a research centre not just a marine park. There is also a small fair and large pools to suit all ages( always take your swimmies everywhere ). The other place which is a favourite is krazy world another 20 is minutes , slightly inland at Algoz , easy to get to , swimminmg pools , crazy golf , shows , snakes , crocs , and tons of other animals , plus kiddie area. if you need any more info or would like other advise PM me and i will give you my e - mail . I also do babysitting and have references !!!!! Hope you have a great holiday next year but most of all for now Merry Christmas and a happy New Year

Thanks for the info WR, much appreciated and extremely useful. Memories of slide and splash coming flooding back, excuse the pun, is it the same one which used to be near the Big One, if so, i was there on my last visit to Portugal, seems a lifetime ago. Do you have any knowledge of the Colina Branca Townhouses, exact location etc, which would be helpful. Oh and i will definitely keep you in mind should we need a babysitter!
Have a fantastic Xmas and New Year too.

When are you going to be there in July Drewster? Following the notification of new Easyjet summer flights, we have just booked 22nd June to 5th August.

Hi Drewster. I'm staying at Colina Branca in March. I did a recce whilst over in September. The houses look good and are close to the town. The hill leading up from the town to the houses is a killer though. At least I thought so....you might be a lot younger and fitter than me and run up it with no trouble.

Looks like the first fortnight Laser

Thanks Terry i had suspected a hill judging by the pictures of the views from the Townhouses featured on the web. Perhaps during your March visit you could recce some bars on the way up the hill , purely for the purposes of getting ones breath back you understand.
Have a great time.

Drewster wrote:Looks like the first fortnight Laser

One of the many advantages of living in Scotland. The school holidays start earlier.