Memories from the Algarve

We have just returned from a wonderful fortnight in The Algarve. Mr A, DS2 and I flew out on the 19th July, DS1 and DD flew out to join us a week later. WE rented a villa in Sesmarias, just outside Carveiro in the Western Algarve, around an hour's drive from Faro Airport, and have all come back relaxed and ready for anything. It was the perfect antidote to all of our recent stesses and strains.

Here is our villa, cleverly constructed with the three bedrooms on the lower level so they were always lovely and cool.


The view from the terrace.

Monkey knitting going on here. Just the toes left to graft.

This little Italian restaurant was around 200 yards away from our villa, and lovely it was too.

A few sights around Carveiro. This view is from my seat at a fish restaurant where I ate sardines fresh from the charcoal grill - yummy :-)

The main square was very lively at night.

Mr A and I on the front terrace of the villa.

DD - I am very biased of course, but I think she is beautiful :-)

And of course, you wouldn't want a warm beer would you ;)

After a week of doing almost nothing, we went out for the day.

This is Sagres

Slightly out of order, this is Portimao taken from the car, on our way to Sagres.

This pretty little marina was at Sagres too.

Portimao again.

Danger - Brits on the beach!!!!!!!!!!!!

From Sagres on to Cape St Vincente - the most Westerly point of mainland Europe.

Stunning views

Of course there was the opportunity to purchase souvenirs. Nandos anyone?

Or a hot dog?

From the coast to the mountains of Monchique, a pretty little spa town.

This little fellow was growning in the grden of our villa.

Another day out, this time to Silves, an old Moorish town with Cathedral and Castle.

While we were at Silves, the children spent the morning at Slide and Splash!

Sooner them than me!

The Western Algarve really is a lovely holiday destination!

Finally, our favourite restaurant, The Island Cafe, the chef is from Arizona and makes the most delicious salads with fresh citrus dressings. His calimari salad is to die for.

I have never visited Portugal before and I loved it. We will definitely be going back.

Sorry to keep you waiting for the winner of the TDF shawl. I plan to put everyone's names in the "hat" for Wednesday evening and will take them to work. Winner to be drawn by my my colleague and I'll let you know the winner on Thursday!