Portugal.

[ummmm]

Has anyone been?

Any recommendations?

[jno]

only to the towns - Oporto, Lisbon, Coimbra. They're all really beautiful. But I can't help with beaches or resorts.

[ummmm]

I'll search them. Thanks :-)

[atalanta]

Keep away from Madeira. It rains all the time, there are no beaches to speak of, and there are swarms of thieves there. I know to my cost.

[malagabob]

Have been going to Albufeira in March for many years, Always had great weather. And last year went in August for first time. Great beaches there and in other resorts along the Algarve coast. Have holidayed all over Spain but have found the Portugese people a lot more friendly.

[bushbaby_de]

We stayed at a development called The Old Village in Villamoura and it was beautiful

[ummmm]

Thanks for the thumbs up Atlanta.

I will google your suggestions bush and mala x

[murraymints]

Have not been for years used to own a villa near Sagres...the further west the least populated and touristy ..in my opinion....west of Lagos..or go up into the hills near Monchique..also nice places on the west Atlantic coast up toward Lisbon..Setabul very nice...

[Zeuhl]

beware atlantic coast if you like warm seas!

in fact, even round to the south it can be a bit chilly

algarve beaches are beautiful though. Watch out for needle fish in the sand!

rented villas a few times around Loule - very nice. But you need a car.

Drive over to Monchique and the mountains beautiful and ability to find quieter areas.

People are lovely. Food is great. Prefer it to mainland Spain for those reasons.

[piggynose]

well i´ve been to porto twice, cuz its a fab place, and once to fatima, which seemed to have drawn me there.(+i´m no religious freak).

[Philtaz]

Agree with Zeuhl, forget days at the beach, it's a non-starter.
Went in may one year and it was fearsomely hot but still far too cold for the sea.

[slinkycat]

Ferragudo is very pretty, and quiet if that's what you are after, and if you want something livelier you can get a water taxi across to Portimao.
Would recommend a trip out on the "pirate" ship, touristy but great fun!
The main square in the village has entertainment on some evenings,and all the locals go with their families.
Also there's a great little travel agency in the village for arranging trips out and about, or at least there was when we went 4 years ago.

[ummmm]

I am going to check all these answers out...so thanks loads x

[mccfluff]

yes i had a great time, albufeira, in feb. we hired a car and went off most days

[ummmm]

Hmmmm.....do you reckon Ginge could cope with hiring a car? That means beer free :-)

I feel my spiteful side coming on :-)

[Smowball]

I went years ago and loved it. the sea was so warm and clear, the beaches were spotless. Think you will love it.