Advice wanted - holiday in Portugal

[esme]

Last year we went to olhos d'agua in the Algarve and lovely tho it was there wasn't much to see. I want to go somewhere that is family friendly but at the same time isn't overrun by Brits - I have read good things about Lagos but there dsnt seem to be a beach within reasonable distance and Monte Gordo is another consideration. Does anyone have any recommendations? I really liked Crete when we went because the place had a fishing village / harbour with local eateries and various places to wander around. I want somewhere with that relaxed feel, not too tacky, or we may as well head to Blackpool :)

[hazelnunhead]

http://www.verdemar.net/frameset/eng/welcome.htm

I spent a wonderful 10 days here two years ago - a really great holiday ......

[esme]

Thanks :)

[MrsLL2b]

Hazel - I have just started another thread and then seen this. It is exactly the sort of thing I am looking for!!

Am I correct in understanding that you can choose to self cater or the owners can cook for you in the evening? If so, do you remember if baby monitors work from the accommodation to the main house? Are they quite flexible on you eating in sometimes and cooking for your sometimes?

Thank you.

[hazelnunhead]

Yes you can choose to self cater. As we booked late, we ended up getting a room with bathroom which we shared with my daughter. (The other bigger/self catering units were fully booked) We ate every night (except one and regretted it!) at verdemer. The evening meal was lovely and social. Wine provided freely, all the guests gathered around, and a fabulous meal made. My daughter would eat with the children around 6.00pm and adults later. But you could choose if you wanted to eat there or not. It just became quite a lovely part of the holiday, and after the meal we would spill out onto the verandah and chat ....

We didnt use a baby monitor, but I could see the room where my daughter was from the table, but you could ask them this, as there were quite a few families with children of different ages.

They were great people who ran it, did a fab breakfast as well, and we really enjoyed our time there.

We hired a car and would drive down to different beaches daily (about a 10- 15 minute drive if i remember). Go out for most of the morning/early afternoon, and then come back to the pool and lay out there. There was a nice garden, and at night all the children would run around the garden playing, and the adults would sip wine on the verandah.... maravellous! I also have a fabulous place, similar vibe in italy!

[Susan]

Hazelnunhead, whats the Italian place?

Thanks

[hazelnunhead]

Susan I posted the link on the post above .

... Pm me if you don't see it and will pass on to you ...

[MrsLL2b]

Esme - apologies for hijacking your thread!

Hazel - that all sounds ideal. I have been in touch and they do have one of the larger villas available the week we want to go. She also said the monitor should work which is good. We may well end up here! Thank for the advice.

[hazelnunhead]

Mrsll2b ....... You will have to report back if go! I really loved my stay there ......

[MrsLL2b]

Hi Hazel,

sorry to pester you again. We are being really indecisive and umm-ing and aah-ing about where to go on our hols.

We havent yet booked Verdemar as I can't really tell that much about it from the website. I know you said it is 10-15 drive to the beach, but is it near a town or anywhere that you can walk into? I get the impression it is quite rural/remote and I don't want to get there and find we are a bit bored if there is not much to do. We will be pretty limited anyway as our daughter will only be 21 months but I don't want to be too isolated.

Any advice appreciated! Thanks