Lay My Hat

Hi there
I have had a request from guests that are booked in with us from early January and it goes as follows:

'I have another question which you may be able to answer. We are planning to spend 6 more weeks in Portugal and will be going from Madeira to the Algarve for a couple of weeks before we head north again to see other parts of Portugal. Is there any particular area in the Algarve that is less touristy but still a small town with restaurants, etc.? Of course, at this time of year, we are not too interested in the beach although it is nice to have a view!'

I'm not that well informed on the Algarve etc and would appreciate any tips and info to pass on to my guests.
Many thanks!

Silves is quite picturesque - narrow cobbled streets winding up towards a castle. It has some restaurants, & is about 20-30 minutes from the sea..

In January the Algarve's very quiet so I think I would suggest they stay in one of the "real" towns rather than a tourist resort. From there they can explore.

for example...?

Faro, Hotel Eva on the marina http://hotel-eva-faro.h-rez.com/index.htm

Tavira, The historic Pousada http://www.pousadas.pt/historic-hotels- ... /home.aspx

Loule the Loule Jardim - only 3 star but on a pretty square & v good reviews http://www.loulejardimhotel.com/pt/defa ... &idmenu=24

Hope that helps. Am sure others will be along with more ideas.

Beautiful hstoric Sintra and Cascais are year round destinations. It is, of course, less touristy this time of year, but everything is open and the temperatures are around 15 degrees on a sunny day

Thanks for these recommendations.
I have passed them on to my guests and it has made a world of difference to their plans.