April Visit to CVO

[tricky]

We have just had a beautiful 10 days in Carvoeiro. we went to, (in no particular order or preference)


Shops

Aldi.. much cheaper than intermarche and with good selection. However empty and several portuguese friends of ours said they wouldn't use it but would give their custom to the portuguese supermakets instead.

The Bom Dia supermarket on the 'out' road looked to be getting ready to re-open.

Restaurants:

Al Tasquina in Lagoa, as good if not better than last time
Vila Medici, very good
Velo Nuvo, Ferragudo, excellent as always
Canieros beach for lunch... what can i say?
Ramirez in Guia (chicken piri piri) the best
Vila Nova for fantastic fish. The chef there cooks it better than anywhere we know
Chicken Piri Piri takeaway on 'in' road very reasonably priced as always.

Trips

Cabanas nr Tavira, lovely day out and several other fishing villages along with way. We watched people collecting masses of clams and mussels, and if it hadn't been such a hot day would've brought some back ourselves.

Beaches

Benagil, (my favourite) has the warmest sea.
Ferragudo

Bars

Mainly the cocktail garden and Grand Central Cafe

Well that's cheered me up

[ceh]

Seeing this post has reminded me that I want to try some of the restaurants in Lagoa when we're in cvo over May bank hoilday weekend plus Cabanas sound like a good idea for a trip out so thanks for the feedback.

[destroyer]

We're just back too, after six glorious sunshine filled days. We've been to Carvoeiro most months of the year, but not in April before. We were certainly very lucky with the weather but also with the beaches, which seemed pleasantly uncrowded, particularly Centianes, and even the town beach. Also drove over to Gale near Albufeira which is a favourite of ours. From about 2.00pm onwards, in 25 degree heat, there couldn't have been more than 40 people on the whole long stretch.
In town we ate at Vimar on Sunday and really enjoyed both the food and the music (thanks to a recommendation on this site). They really are nice people there. We couldn't not visit Jota Lita and John was on good form, and with a very pleasant new waitress. Not sure if she might have been John's daughter, but didn't like to ask. Two visits to O Stop to catch the magnificent sunsets. I think I'd agree with other posters that the food here is not spectacular (though quite acceptable), but the view would take some beating. Finally, had a rather indifferent and expensive dinner in Alvor - should have stayed on home turf. Piri piri lunch at Valdemar in Silves has to be up there with the best. Very rustic but so tasty and incredible value. We'd wanted to try A Rampa in Foia but it was closed when we got there.
Used the Carvoeiro Bar, which we've always liked but only had one there as there was a hugely gobby Englishman at the bar effing and jeffing at the top of his voice. We moved next door to the Grand Cafe - far more pleasant, Oddly enough, the same bloke was at the Carvoeiro Bar the following night as we walked by, still shouting. The sort of regular you really don't want I'd say.
Called in at the Roundup, which is a place I know divides opinion. We don't usually go in there in high season, but it was busy but not rammed and there was a good singer/guitarist on and we had a pleasant time. I just think Will is such a life affirming sort of a chap - every time I see him he just makes me smile. Resplendent in top hat and clogs, both in gold. I don't think I could carry it off but it was an outfit that seemed to suit him.
All in all a really good break - I honestly would find it difficult to put my finger on why we love Carvoeiro so much. It isn't all that smart, and there are more picturesque places, but there is something that just keeps drawing us back.
Holiday ended on a slightly sour note when we walked into town yesterday morning. Two English couples sitting in the square at the bar nearest the beach on the right as you look out to sea (I should know the name). Passing comments in loud voices about having to watch "sweaty people" while they were having a drink, and how much nicer it was when people "knew their place". The worst of them was an aeroplane blonde who I imagine couldn't sweat if she tried, her face being so dried out by the sun. All of them talking in that strangulated way which some people believe implies class. Not to me, I'm afraid. Money maybe, but not class. Just as unpleasant in their way as the bloke in Carvoeiro Bar.
Anyway, we cheered ouselves up as we were leaving by getting in to the wrong hire car and wondering why the seats had been moved. Fiat really ought to look into their key fobs opening more than one car!

[laserblazer]

Oddly enough, the same bloke was at the Carvoeiro Bar the following night as we walked by, still shouting

They aren't about to ban Pato, he spends a lot of money there.

[smudger]

Bar in the square nearest the beach, on the right looking out to sea.......Martin's Grill?

[EMM]

" No shirt, No shoes, NO SERVICE !!!

[destroyer]

Smudger - yes, I think it would be Martin's.

EMM - the particular people being singled out were wearing both shirt and shoes. They just looked hot. They weren't seeking any service either, just sitting on the wall by the beach.

[EMM]

IS this a record ??

In less than a hour this morning we watched 5 cars attempt to drive the wrong way around the square.
One got almost half way round despite oncoming cars flashing lights and sounding horns and onlookers waving arms etc.
Great entertainment but could result in a serious accident one day. Where have they left their brains ??

[Jaylay]

IS this a record ??

In less than a hour this morning we watched 5 cars attempt to drive the wrong way around the square.
One got almost half way round despite oncoming cars flashing lights and sounding horns and onlookers waving arms etc.
Great entertainment but could result in a serious accident one day. Where have they left their brains ??

They are on Holiday

[cumbria sue]

[quote][/quote] Where have they left their brains ??



in the freezer at Iceland