Christopher Columbus turns up in Portugal's history
How to find The Blue Wave at Cabanas Vehlas
Baked Custard like you've never tasted before!
Let's walk in The Algarve
Newsbytes
Algarve Weather
We are very pleased to announce that Vila Baia in Praia da Luz is opening soon and we are taking bookings now. Independent travelers looking to enjoy some spring sunshine can head for Vila Baia on Portugal's Algarve, which opens this Easter!
This luxury development comprises one, two and three bedroomed apartments sleeping up to six, with prices starting at £350 a week. All apartments have satellite TV, under floor heating, air conditioning, electric shutter system and a fully equipped kitchen complete with microwave, dishwasher and washing machine.
Vila Baia is situated just 200 metres from the sandy beach of Praia da Luz. Visitors to Vila Baia also have access to sister resort Estrela da Luz, ten minutes walk away, which has extensive leisure and beauty facilities, including a heated indoor pool and tennis courts.
Also, we have two new lovely houses to show you. India and Jemima are three bedroom semi-detached villas, beautifully furnished and equipped to an exceptionally high standard. Situated in Luz Parque, they share a large pool and are approximately a 20 minute walk to the beach; there is good availability at the moment, no time to lose!
For those of you looking for a lovely 4 bedroomed villa with a tennis court in the country (but not too far out!), Vivenda Felicia has been extensively renovated and now has air conditioning throughout. Beautifully situated, Felicia is close to Sargacal but is still only 5 minutes drive into Lagos.
Taking a holiday before the school summer holidays? We have special offers at the family friendly Vilabranca, Easter at everybody's favourite in Lagos, the Marina Club, another favourite, Estrela da Luz in Praia da Luz and the beautiful Casa Chrisanda.
Take a look at www.algarve-retreats.co.uk for our full range of villas, apartments and 4/5* hotels in the Algarve.
Algarve Retreats, in association with the Travel and General Insurance Company (TGIC), the people who supply most of the bonding insurance for the travel industry, have now made it possible for you to book and pay for your travel insurance online.
You will find the process very simple and the rates are very competitive, have a look now!
We are very pleased with this new venture and it marks the start of a new approach for us; there will be other similar services coming very soon. Watch this space!
The Voyages of Discovery really get under way with Madeira, Porto Santo and the Azores being colonised by the Portuguese. Trading links with Africa are forged and the long sought after route to the spice-rich Indies is opened. Christopher Columbus turns up too! Read David's next fascinating installment of Portugal's colourful history.
Unless you've ventured west from Burgau towards Boca do Rio and Salema using the coast road, you probably won't have found Cabanas Vehlas. Actually, it's not so much a road - in parts, it degenerates into something that is only fit for 4 wheel drives and rental cars but it's not far so press on because the beach is delightful and there you'll find the Blue Wave Beach Bar where Jackie and Tony enjoyed a very good lunch.
Tigelada is a really special baked custard. It's not hard to make and it's probably got quite a few calories in it but it will be worth it. Chef Peter gives us his recipe for the traditional Portuguese dessert of Tigelada with the tip that it is very good served with last month's recipe of Figs in Port Wine or other fruit.
This month Julie and her team are leading walks to, from or around Aguas Bellas, the Bravura Lake near Odiaxere, Cerro Sao Vicente, Fonte Benemola meeting at Pombal and along the Ribeira Algibre. On Sunday March 16th there is a 2 hour Let's walk with our Dogs through the countryside and cliff tops starting at Figueira with all proceeds going to the Bamboo animal sanctuary in Raposeira. The 14th-16th is Sport Relief weekend and as you've dipped out of that one, get out there, enjoy a fun walk with your dog and raise a bit of money for the Bamboo sanctuary instead! The March walks programme has all the details you need.
The ex Liverpool & Irish legend opens his new John Aldridge Soccer School at Estrela da Luz this Easter. Open to all boys and girls aged 6 - 15.
The new race track at Portimao will be ready for the Portuguese round of the Superbike World Championship on November 2nd 2008 say the Portuguese builders.
