Algarve

[mary-j]

Iam seeking advice on behalf of my sister and her husband. They would like to spend a week inPortugal but would prefer not to be in the heart of the tourist areas and they would prefer a smaller intimate resort if possible. They would ideally like to hire a car and go sightseeing rather than spend the day on the beaches. They are not golfers so would not really like to be on one of the resorts surrounded by golf courses. They would consider one of the larger hotels just as long as it was not too busy with not too many children. Sorry, I didn't mean that to sound bad, but he is a school teacher and spends all day with kids so would prefer to be away from them when on holiday. Hope someone can help with some ideas. a few I had came across which look nice are...Vila Joya in Albufeira, Reid's Palace-Madeira and Vila Vita Parc Resort and Spa. Anyone any opinions on any of these. I also saw one which is apparently in a nature reserve called Monte Velho. I could not find much on that one though. Any advice would be most welcome. Cheers!

[cruisinred]

Hi Mary-



I've not yet been to Portugal but I have recently been doing a lot of reading about it....and will hopefully visit somtime soon.



If your sister is not a beach person, the region of ALENTEJO sounds like it might be more her speed. It is just north of the Algrave and is often described as being like Tuscany or Provence before the tourists invaded. There are some charming places to stay and the prices are excellent. I hesitate to post a reference to another website on here but....i-escape.com and wonderfulland.com both have references for some very nice looking places to stay in Alentejo and elsewhere in Portugal.

Message Edited by cruisinred on 02-11-200709:39 AM