Today we have a day of imposed rest as we are waiting for Lizzy’s vet appointment tomorrow. We had a lie in compared to our early start yesterday. However, we decided we still needed to stretch our legs so we head off to the nearest route to the coast from where we are staying on our fold up bikes with the dogs, hoping to find somewhere for them to get a run off lead. We are right on the eastern edge of Quarteira and we were surrounded by firstly well spaced villas then countryside. The road passes by a small lake surrounded by trees, land locked by the lovely golden beach of Playa do Almargem at the end. Being the Algarve there was a beach bar, but only one which was closed backing onto a horses field full of trees for shade. Lizzy and Lola got a short run before we were then back at the road.
We had been aiming to pick up the wide boardwalk we remembered from our trip to Vilamoura previously. We had to hit the road for a while then when we did pick it up there were lots of other dog walkers out and was not really the place for an off road run. So we decided to head back and make a Sunday breakfast in the van. 5 mile round loop completed.
A leisurely day reading books in the shade. The dogs alternating between roast setting and under the van shade.
We decided to foray out for food late after, 4 mins walk round the corner took us to the lovely Restaurant Monteiro’s, opposite the local school. All the other customers we saw were Portuguese and the food was some of the best we have had in Portugal so far. Gilt Head bream, a new one for us even though they are caught in Cornwall, cooked perfectly. Also a mixed meat kebab with perfectly lean meat served on the hanging skewer which is typical of Portugal. €45 for both of us including bread and olives, two beers and a bottle of wine. The food here has been some of the cheapest in Portugal so far. Even though Vilamoura was not our thing for a holiday, this stop has proven to us that you can’t just write off the whole Algarve. The weather has been great and we have had a really relaxing stay. Although the free electricity in with the 6€ per night to stay has helped as we have been able to have unlimited air-con. So pleased we fitted air-con. Great decision for us and especially the dogs.
In for a Penney 