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General Information
The peak season is mid-July to end of August when everywhere is very busy. March/April/May are perfect months for sports enthusiasts and the countryside is in full flower.
June is still relatively quiet, warmer and very suitable for small children or the elderly. September/October - pleasant temperature, warm sea and balmy evenings.
November - February - some heavy rain can be expected but otherwise predominantly sunny with daytime temperatures averaging 10-15ºC but dropping to 3-5ºC at night. Frosts are rare. |
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Eaiting out is always a pleasure and there is a good selection of restaurants and bars within a short distance of the villa and of course in Albufeira itself. These range from very reasonably priced Portuguese restaurants specialising in excellent fresh grilled fish, wonderful salads and a wide range of seafood, to medium priced international restaurants and more expensive gourmet restaurants.
Some local specialities to look out for:
*Sardines - the staple dish of the Algarve, served in most restaurants.
*Chicken Piri Piri - Piri Piri is a spicy condiment. It comes in a variety of forms - paste, oil and powder - and is used to give zest to a number of dishes, the most popular being grilled chicken.
*Presunto - similar to Parma Ham. Served in most restaurants often with melon.
*Cataplana - clams, chouriço (sausage), onions, tomatoes and herbs steamed in a copper pot.
Vegetarian meals are available in many restaurants.
Portugal produces very reasonable quality wine. You might like to try some of the following.
*Vinho Verde - "green" wine from northwest Portugal - Casal Garcia, Gatão, Alveleda.
*Vinho Rosé - "Pink" wine - light and refreshing - Lancers, Casal Mendes.
*Vinho Branco (white wine) - BSE, Planalto, Monte Velho, Porto da Ravessa, João Pires, Topazio.
*Vinho Tinto (Red wine) Angelus, Periquita, Porto da Ravessa, Redonda, Reguengos, Colares.
*Sparkling - cheaper than Champagne and very pleasant.
And of course the vast range of Ports. Most, if not all, of the international names are to be found. These include Grahams, Niepoort, Cockburn, Croft, Delaforce, Fonseca, Dow etc. etc. |
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Most supermarkets stock a wide range of international foods as well as local products, and there are two well stocked supermarkets within a few minutes drive of the villa. A mini market is less than 600km away.
*Brandymel - brandy and honey liquor.
*Medronho - local firewater made from the Arbutus "strawberry" tree. |
There is a wide range of international beers available, but the two most popular local lager beers are Sangres and Super-Boc - both very drinkable.
Generally open 09.00 - 19.00 Monday - Saturday,
09.00 - 13.00 on Sunday.
Longer hours in the peak season. |
The Algarve shopping Centre is just a few miles away, food, electrical goods, fashion, restaurants, several food outlets, and a cinema.
09.00 - 21.00 Monday - Saturday.
09.00 - 13.00 on Sunday.
Longer hours in the peak season. |
| Most supermarkets have a good selection including disposable nappies, baby food and toiletries available. |
| Private medical facilities throughout the Algarve are excellent. There are numerous chemists in all main resorts and a notice on the door will indicate which chemist has emergency night/weekend service. More information details in villa. |
| Taxis can be booked from the Sao Rafael Centre, 600 km away. There are also telephones. |
| Euros. Travellers cheques and credit cards are generally accepted. Numerous ATMs (Cashpoint). |
| 220 volts; Plugs are Continental 2-pin. |
| Nationals of the EU (European Union), Australia and New Zealand, require only their passport or Identity Document for a stay of up to 90 days. American and Canadian nationals may stay for a period of 60 days with a valid passport. Other countries are subject to visa controls and it is recommended that you check with the Portuguese Consul in your country. |
| Portugal is a Roman Catholic country and there are numerous churches with regular services. |
| Portugal Information Sites |
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