Another fantastic visit

[Lamby]

Now sat at my desk at work after another wonderful visit to CVO. Having usually visited in May / June, I did have concerns regarding over crowding as we stayed in July this year. Whilst it was busier, it wasn't too busy. In fact, I enjoyed it as I do like a bit of atmosphere. My wife prefers to eat relatively early so we dined in the village several times at about 19:30. I actually booked two of our favourite eateries prior to traveling and the others we had no problem getting a table for two at the slightly earlier time of 19:30. However, as we were eating the village started to get busy around 20:00 and some restuarants were turning people away as they were full.
We ate at Ma-Ja's, a wonderful dining experience. It it is good, wholesome cooking with wonderful hosts you want Ma-Ja's won't let you down. Three courses with drinks for two was 51.00 Euros and the quality was excellent. We also dined at A Marisqueira, one of our favourites and here, three courses with drinks was 43.00 Euros and the food was lovely. A hugely improved diner was Vimar. We were told this had change hands and it was decent so we tried it and it was very good, and popular. But the best food was easily A Gale. A small restuarant that does like to pack them in with tables a little too close together, but again, as we ate early this was not a problem and the food was excellent. Three courses for two with drinks 53.00 Euros. And finally, on the food topic, Pronto Dos Encontro is well worth a mention. This is the small restuarant up at Aerios Dos Moinhos - NOT Martin's Kulinarium!! A lovely family, mum, dad and four daughters have taken over and they are extremely keen to impress. Their 7.50 Euro per head lunch time special for three courses WITH drinks is fantastic and represents great value for money. We ate here one evening and whilst they don't do the 7.50 special it was still great value. Unfortunately, due to the location, they never seem busy and I can only hope they make a success of it as the premises has changed hands a few times over the years.
The evening entertainment in the square started at 20:00 and varied from a DJ to a cheesy pub singer. But when you consider it is free it was nice to take a seat, order a gin & tonic and watch the various people in the square. All seemed to be enjoying the atmosphere, as they should - they ARE on holiday AND in Carvoeiro!!!! Great to see Brady's back with live music. This is still one of the best venues to relax with a drink and listen to some great acts.
We visited a few of the beautiful beaches, our favourite is Albandeira. It was on the beaches that we really noticed the fact we had traveled a little later in the year, space was sometimes at a premium. But, once you had found your space and made camp, all was good and you could sit back and watch the various shapes and sizes splash around at the waters edge. We also traveled to the west coast but missed David Cameron who was in the area. And of course, we enjoyed the sunshine.
All together, CVO did not let us down. A wonderful experience and our fifth visit in three years.
Whilst I am no Bill Bryson, I hope my comments are of some interest and if you are thinking about visiting Carvoeiro - DO IT!!!

[bruce]

Glad you had another good holiday in Cvo Lamby.
My husband's favourite is A Gale and we also had a nice meal in Ma Jas, they are a lovely couple.

[Mike Banks]

also had a nice meal in Ma Jas, they are a lovely couple.

Definitely agree with you there. We always have a few meals at MaJas

[joeysoap]

Now sat at my desk at work after another wonderful visit to CVO.........
Whilst I am no Bill Bryson, I hope my comments are of some interest and if you are thinking about visiting Carvoeiro - DO IT!!!

great post Lamby, glad you enjoyed your stay.

[Gary/Gaynor]

Good feedback and excellent review. Sorry to have missed you this time around. Gary is out Friday I arrive next Friday with assorted family coming to stay over the next month. A def to Ma'Ja's and will try Vimar as we have heard really good reviews. Maybe next year....Gaynor

[Lamby]

Hi Gaynor. Yes, pity we didn't get together this time. Have a great time when you get out there. Apparently, the guy who now has Vimar used to have the one near Bubbles Bar in Aries Dos Moinhos, I think it used to be called Estella Da Mar when he had it (now Martin's Kulinarium). He has turned Vimar around and it was lovely, he now gives A Rede next door a run for their money! A Rede is also always nice, but a bit pricey and the two waiters need to change their comedy routine!!
One final thing, for the first time in all our visits to CVO we hired two sun beds under the shade on CVO beach. We got there at 10.30 and spent all day there to get our money's worth. Leaving a "marker" while we went for lunch. It was really nice as we got chatty to the couple next to us who had done the same thing. Oh, happy days. Now looking out of the window on a grey Salford day!!!

[Janet O]

Hi Lamby,

It's always great to read your posts. They bring back great memories for me.
Janet O

[HampshireRich]

Oh, happy days. Now looking out of the window on a grey Salford day!!!

Never mind old chap - good memories and a great write up - and just to cheer you up, I'll be there in just a few weeks time to bask in the late summer sun whilst England shivers

[Günni]

, the guy who now has Vimar used to have the one near Bubbles Bar in Aries Dos Moinhos, I think it used to be called Estella Da Mar when he had it (now Martin's Kulinarium). He has turned Vimar around and it was lovely, he now gives A Rede next door a run for their money!

His name ist Joao and his locations were/are
Bistro Algar Seco Parc/
Estrela do Mar/
Vimar