I've been going to Portugal now for the last few years, sometimes spending 1 week, 2 weeks, or even a few months at a time. Last time I was here in March, staying in OLHOS DE AGUA, VILAMOURA or ALBUFERIA, getting to eat out at some amazing restaurants, and trying out local foods. I stayed in 2 or 5 star hotels, chilling on some amazing beaches, and checking out the whole area.

One of the ways to get around in Portugal is in a Tuk-tuk. I love these, as they remind me of Thailand, what a great way to get around!

The old town of Albufeira is perfect for tourists, with lovely beaches and streets. The old town streets are filled with many traditional shops, and locals head there for a quiet meal or a cool drink, day or night. With snack bars, cocktail bars, shops, and street stalls you will find something for everyone. There’s live music in most bars every night, and on the main square, every street is packed. The central square is decorated with trees and colourful shrubs. Albufeira Old Town still retains the essence of the village it once was, with narrow cobbled streets winding up and around the hillsides, and typical single storey houses lining the roadside.

It’s also a great place to go if on a hen or stag do, as there is a very lively strip just off the square where they all go. The bars here are open until around 4am during the summer months, so if in need of a quick get away for a party celebration, a weekend here could be your place.

A restaurant I always go back to time and time again is Casa da Fonte in Albufeira. I just can't stay away, I love it there... and yes, I had to have the King prawns again. I'm just in love with them, they are so big and juicy. Such a great little place with a real buzz to it, the restaurant has a bar area when you first walk in, where you can sit and have a drink. Then there are lots of different rooms that you can eat in. They have a roof top, and a garden out the back - I always ask for the garden, as I think it’s the best place as it’s open air, and you can see them freshly cook the food with their outdoor BBQ grill. They have a few archway rooms also, with beautiful picture tile walls. It is top class, and has great, friendly staff and atmosphere.

OLHOS DE AGUA has some beautiful beaches, here are a few pictures of some of the ones I visited.

You can also walk from Olhos de Agua to Vilamoura, all the way along the beach front. It is a beautiful walk, and takes about 1 and half hours.

It is Portuguese, but also truly cosmopolitan. It is a high end classy place, and around the Marina area is great, with lots shops and restaurants, cafes, and clothes shops, all away from the hectic pace and the stress of the modern world. There are lush yachts which you can hire out, at a cost of course. It is great to wander around in the day time, or even at night. There is something for everyone, with beaches, trendy beach bars, a shopping centre, casinos, cafes, bars, and clubs.

Something Portugal is well known for is it Pastéis de Nata, or Portuguese Custard Tarts. A must try when in Portugal, they just melt in your mouth. If you have ever had one of these you will know what I am talking about!! Heaven. Mouth-watering, especially when fresh out of the oven.

Portugal is a place I am sure I shall be going back to many more times, and I look forward to returning to explore other areas I’ve not yet been to. I've made some great friends while visiting this place, the locals are very friendly, and nothing is too much for them.

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