Vilamoura July 2010

[Stellafella]

We have just stayed at the VilaSol Golf Complex in Vilamoura in the Algarve and it blew me away ! Set in 150 Hectares of beautiful surroundings including three Golf Courses, this complex boasted lakes and rivers and our very own Garden Chalet set amongst squawking frogs (Portuguese frogs don't croak) Lots of wildlife and fish made it amazing.

[Stellafella]

You have to pay for Quality like this !

[Stellafella]

The recession has taken its toll and the complex was only half full, I would hate to have to service the overheads of a business like this !

[Stellafella]

This was our first visit to the Algarve and we loved it. The Portuguese are fab too !!!

[NigelWaring]

... The Portuguese are fab too !!!

I'd definitely second that, worked with many of them, great people. The Portuguese are Britain's oldest ally.

Not far from where you stayed is the castle of Prince Henry, it houses the remains of his navigation school. He was called Henry the Navigator by the British but he never actually sailed on any of the expeditions that he sponsored, he tried but he suffered from acute sea sickness and Quells hadn't yet been invented.

[oviya]

looks interesting.

[babs]

Looks great - I have lots of photos of Vilamoura marina somewhere!

[Stellafella]

Looks great - I have lots of photos of Vilamoura marina somewhere!

Where in Cyprus did you go ? (Hope it was Paphos)

[babs]

Yes it was Paphos ~ well Kato Paphos, the touristy bit actually. We were just off the main bar street but our apartment was very quiet. Basic self catering with a lovely pool and a very cheap late deal! http://www.sofianna.com/

Daughter wanted to visit archaeological sites and there were several a short walk / bus ride away so it was very convenient but far too hot!

[Stellafella]

Yes it was Paphos ~ well Kato Paphos, the touristy bit actually. We were just off the main bar street but our apartment was very quiet. Basic self catering with a lovely pool and a very cheap late deal! http://www.sofianna.com/

Daughter wanted to visit archaeological sites and there were several a short walk / bus ride away so it was very convenient but far too hot!

It would be too hot for me in July, never been there this time of the year, we stay further north near the Tombs of The Kings.

[babs]

We took the bus up to The Tombs of The Kings. Fantastic archaeological site. We were amazed that you can just roam around the ancient ruins. It was really strange to see modern hotels and apartment blocks right next to the tombs. I just hope they haven't built on top of other archaeological gems!

[Stellafella]

Although we stay in that area as it is convenient, we do not particularly like it. We prefer the small villages such as Tala, Peyia and Kouklia, which is were we tend to hang out !

[babs]

We didn't particularly like the area or Kato Paphos. Both were far too commercialised and Anglicised but very convenient. Given the choice and the money, I'd go for somewhere in or near one of the villages and hire a car. Oh and I'd go out of season!

[Stellafella]

May, September and October are great times to go. We are back in Cyprus in October for a lengthy stay but having visited Portugal for the first time , we will be returning there soon and the flight times are shorter !

I have been in Cyprus in November and it was cooler but still very sunny !