vilamoura

Kdylass

We're planning on flying to Faro in the middle of October, for about 4/5 nights. We're thinking of Vilamoura. Would people recommend this area and if so, is there any recommendations for accommodation? Other suggestions welcomed also. Thanks

Patrick2010

Can recommend https://www.algarve-tourist.com/olhos-de-agua-portugal-algarve.html

Halfway between Albufeira and Vilamoura, 15 minute bus ride to either. Stayed in a lovely airbnb there. Lots of lovely good value restaurants. Vilamoura struck us as a bit built up and aimed at golfers.

newport2

I've been to and stayed in Vilamoura many times, all of them golfing holidays. I would go with the poster above's recommendation and stay somewhere outside it. Vilamoura is a nice place to go for an evening out, walking the marina is lovely. But it's expensive and if it's just a holiday to relax, you'll get much better value - and atmosphere IMO - staying somewhere smaller outside of it.

jamesieliz

to echo what the two posers above have said ;

i've been to Vilamoura a few times for golfilng holidays and the memory i have is visiting the marina each day for the excursions and lovely restaurants. It's a place that will be nice to visit during your holiday but no need to base yourself there.

i've stayed in Albufeira as well and liked it but not sure if that's what you're looking for - maybe not as modern as Vilamoura and used to get younger crowd in summer so don't know if there's much to do there in October.

Olhos-de-Agua is between the two and i've been there before and going again this year.

it's nice and relaxed for families if that's what you're after but it's close to Albufeira if you'd like to visit there day or night.

Not too far from Vilamoura either.

billyhead

Alvor is lovely and suitable for family's.

Peckham

I just back from Vilamoura yesterday. Family holiday with 3 kids under 12. Stayed in a lovely AirBNB a few minutes stroll from the marina. Wasn't too expensive. Drop me a PM if you want the details.

Kdylass

Thank you all for your suggestions. I think we'll give Olhos de Água a try.

happyoutscan

We love Praia da Luz.

Easy hour drive from the airport, Lagos 5 minute drive away for a bit more action if needed.

We usually stay at the Baia da Luz but they only have outdoor pools. I'd suggest having a look at its sister resort the Estrella da Luz. There is a heated indoor pool here but may not suit younger kids if they can't swim. We have stayed in the Mar da Luz which is a couple km's out but that is also stunning.

Couple of great restaurants and a fantastic beach. Will be peaceful but a few about.

89897

For anyone thats flown recently, are face masks still required on the flight? I cant seem to find a recent update to this. Thanks

mikewest

In the last few weeks, almost nobody on flight wearing them including cabin crew. Still required on buses and in taxis in Portugal as well as pharmacies and all medical facilities. Almost nobody wearing masks in Faro airport also, kind of like at home.

89897

Thanks Mike, appreciate that

Marcusm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119418079#Comment_119418079

Ryanair not insisting on them. As of Sunday, Aer Lingus distributing them to passengers who didn’t have them but not chasing those who didn’t keep them up. Portugal continues to mandate masks for public transport and hospital settings. You need them for cabs too but some ignore it.

Marcusm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058255488/vilamoura

What sort of holiday are you looking for? At that time of year the major resorts are still open but will not have many visitors so you might get a great deal on somewhere you could not afford during high season. I’m spending the summer in Vilamoura, I know others who have recently stayed in Pine Cliffs, high end, multiple restaurants and access to a beach which might suit if you want a single location.

89897

Thanks Marcus, appreciate that

angel eyes 2012

Thinking of hiring a car in Vilamoura for a week mid- September. I thought the prices would be through the roof after I researched earlier in the year, but they seem to have reduced - not to pre Covid levels but definitely reasonable enough.

Did anyone recently hire a car in the Algarve and come across more realistic pricing. Grateful for any recommendations. I usually hire small cars; Corsa, Polo etc. with 5 doors.

Marcusm

September is barely a shoulder period in Portugal so car hire companies will be fully stocked with few customers. Prices should be lower as there will be competition. Car stock levels are much lower than normal and customer numbers are higher than 2019 - their best year ever.

I’m just glad we drove down in our own car.

have rented 5 Tim’s in Portugal over last year and have found Guerin (with one exception) to be much easier to deal with. They are also the franchise holder for Enterprise, Alamo and National.

you’ll find that most have 4 brands and that, smaller companies aside, there are really only 3-4 groups of car hire brands, Hertz/Dollar/Thrifty, Avis/Budget and these guys.

just check out on car rentals.com or similar and their own websites. Often very different prices for sale car from different brand in same group.

Stewball

Are covid documents still needed to travel? Ryanair app still asking me to upload documents.

I thought all that is gone.

89897

No nothing is needed. On Ryanair just click upload later and it's fine.

The Davestator

Avoid Rhino Car hire at all costs

angel eyes 2012

Going through Aer Lingus booking online. Do we have to complete Advanced Passenger Information (API) for Faro. Can't recall doing it before for Portugal but it appeared on the website when I was looking to check-in.