Looking forward to returning to Carvoeiro in August. Our last visit was May 2009. Used to holiday there anually, often joined by my father who loved CVO but sadly passed away v unexpectedly last year....so I just couldn't face visiting last year and think our trip this year will be happy/sad if that makes sense.....
Anyway this year our hol is very much on a budget, and like many we really need to watch our pennies. We plan to self cater/BBQ as much as possible. Any tips for cheapest supermarkets/grocery shops & generally getting by on a budget? We are at Monte D so Ali Super/the food market are our nearest places. We're not hiring a car this time but don't mind taking a bus or taxi into Lagoa to stock up a couple of times. Also, if we do eat out a couple of times, what are current recommendations for places offering set menus or reasonably priced food?
Many thanks
Emma

thats the same kind of info that im looking for last time i visited was september 2009

Pingo Doce in Lagoa are cheap for many items and have good fresh food section for fish & meat - great for BBQs. Also good freezer selection on shellfish. When they first opened I was not impressed, but have used them this year and they have got their act together. The shop is clean, well organised and has a good selection, more than can be said for their Algarve Shopping store.

Iam sorry if this is going to upset some people but, Id rather stay at home if I had to come on holiday and watch the pennies or take out a loan to have a break, whats the fun in that. If you cant afford it dont spend it
Great support for local business´s too.

On a budget or not it does not matter, whether you spend £500 or £1000 it is still money for the local economy.
Ignore the " grumpies " and have a good holiday.
You will find value if you look for it and I endorse the opinion of Pinge Doce, buy their own brands , just as good as expensive imports and a hell of a lot cheaper.
Stay in and BBQ if that is what you want to do , its your holiday !!.

EMM wrote:On a budget or not it does not matter, whether you spend £500 or £1000 it is still money for the local economy.
Ignore the " grumpies " and have a good holiday.
You will find value if you look for it and I endorse the opinion of Pinge Doce, buy their own brands , just as good as expensive imports and a hell of a lot cheaper.
Stay in and BBQ if that is what you want to do , its your holiday !!.

Totally agree with you EMM.

What an awful reply by Carveiro1! Agree any money spent is money for the local economy. With 4 young kiddies, to be honest often having a BBQ makes for a far more relaxing holiday than rounding everyone up to go down to eat in town. Means they can stay by the pool til late where they are happy! As friends are coming with us too we are more than happy with each others company in the evenings. It's also the type of holiday I prefer this year while still grieving and after forking out thousands on a new fitted kitchen! Anyway, for those who have advised many thanks for the tips. Hope fellow holiday makers in resort are a bit more friendly!

emilser wrote:What an awful reply by Carveiro1! Agree any money spent is money for the local economy. With 4 young kiddies, to be honest often having a BBQ makes for a far more relaxing holiday than rounding everyone up to go down to eat in town. Means they can stay by the pool til late where they are happy! As friends are coming with us too we are more than happy with each others company in the evenings. It's also the type of holiday I prefer this year while still grieving and after forking out thousands on a new fitted kitchen! Anyway, for those who have advised many thanks for the tips. Hope fellow holiday makers in resort are a bit more friendly!

Hey Emma, we are fortunate enough to visit Carvoeiro several times a year and my kids do exactly what yours do stay in the pool till late...there is nothing wrong with self catering we do it all the time now BBQ, chicken takeaways, Fraser Al Forno etc etc.. I wouldnt like to count how many times we have arrived at a restaurant booked in advance to find no table, to be sat with the next table on top of us and roasting hot throughout the meal....you are not alone in what you choose

Try Jomar in Rua dos Pescadores (opposite the cut through, where the butcher used to be) they do the usual omelettes, salads etc, but also 'proper' main courses, steak portuguese style, turkey with mushroom sauce, calamari and there's a daily special, prices start at 4-5 euros. They cook everything fresh so you may have to wait a little when it's busy, but there are plenty of tables outside to watch the world go by. We've been a few times for lunch and dinner and always enjoyed it, at very reasonable prices.

Totally agree with you EMM.

+1

with 4 young kiddies you are spending more than most in your locality on an annual basis anyway.

bbqs can be varied, picnics to the beach, and takeaways will more than keep everyone happy. as for no car, you can turn a trip on that little train into an day out.

enjoy your holiday.

carvoeiro1 wrote:Iam sorry if this is going to upset some people but, Id rather stay at home if I had to come on holiday and watch the pennies or take out a loan to have a break, whats the fun in that. If you cant afford it dont spend it
Great support for local business´s too.

What a plonker!

God some people are crabbit today!! if people want to come over and have a cheap holiday then thats upto them! Nothing wrong with that, When we come over we wont be watching very penny but we wont be spending lots and lots either. As long as people have a great holiday thats all that matters!!

Truth hurts! Rodney

Its not the 'Truth' just a stupid bigotted opinion by a total moron.
Go jump into the sea where hopefully your 'Loadsamone' gold chains will do us all a favour.
Don't forget to flash your cash for a final PINAAAAAAAA before jumping.
Somehow i suspect every decent person in Carvoeiro can picture you doing a Dell boy leaning on the nearest bar

Hope you have a great holiday Emma.

Pingo Doce, Intermarche, anf the newer Jumbo in Lagoa offer reasonable vfm, if you find yourself heading towards Guia, stop off at the Aldi, some amazing value, especially in the wine department.
Carvoeiro market is sometimes good value for fish, fruit and veg, well worth popping in, but go early.
Crazy Chicken, and Fatacil do great 3 course lunches for 7,50,
Treat yourself to a 50c bottle of piri-piri from most supermarkets, splash it all over the meat and liven up any bbq.
Chuck a few bananas, or think slices of pineapple with a sprinkle of suger on at the end and you have an easy delicious bbq pud.

We had 3 little ones under 4! hard work..we often used to eat in and then as they got a bit older we would take them down to the square so they could have a little play with all the other kids and watch the entertainment in the square...couple of drinks and back to villa, put them in bed, couple of hours adult time and we did that for years!

it was crap and I hated it