Faro, Portugal Next Week

[shivvy]

We are thinking of taking a week in Portugal from 6th Jan and would be flying in to Faro.
Any recommendations on whether to stay there or travel to Albufeira, Lagos etc?
However are those areas likely to be a bit dead at this time of year?
We are interested in good food, culture, a nice hotel and a bit of people watching.
Thanks.

[murraymints]

lisbon would be better for that

[gness]

Shivvy....my first choice is always Tavira.....followed by Lagos......I wasn't as taken with Albufeira the second time I visited....
I have never stayed in Faro but have heard good reports....

Will nudge SunnyD....he remembers the names of good eating places in Tavira......x

[Buenchico]

Quote:
"December and January are the low tourist season for the Algarve, therefore, it is suggested to go to the larger resort towns of Albufeira, Praia da Rocha, Vilamoura or Lagos as the smaller resort may feel very quiet. It is common for many of the bars and restaurants in the smaller resorts to shut during the winter season. Albufeira, Vilamoura and Praia da Rocha have large expat communities while Lagos is a major town with a large permanent population. In our opinion Albufeira is the best choice as it is the larger of the resort towns and there will be more going on."

Source:
http://www.algarve-tourist.com/guides/algarve-for-christmas.html

[shivvy]

Is it worth the 3.5 hour train journey up to Lisbon murraymints if we are only going for a week?
The flight gets in at 5pm so we wouldn't be getting to Lisbon until late. And then similar on the way back.

[shivvy]

gness - I will have a look at Tavira now thanks. Was it this time of year that you were in Portugal?

[shivvy]

Yes, I had been on that website buenchico thanks.
It is more personal experience/recommendations that I am after.

[gness]

I usually go in March/April, Shivvy.......not sure what January would be like.....but I imagine it's still lovely and interesting....

Tavira is pretty much a working town too so although some restaurants may take a winter break I think it'll should still be a nice and not too quiet....
Pausa...my favourite restaurant is open today but then of course they have big New Year celebrations so everything will be buzzing this week....x