Please don't put Albufeira in the same class as the Algarve. We first went there many, many years ago when it was a fishing village - I wouldn't go there now for all the tea in China but the rest of Portugal is lovely. You need to choose your area. Parts of Spain are pretty dire too!

One mans meat etc. Plenty of people love Albufeira. A holiday is what you make it, and Albufeira has plenty to do for young and old. I assume you count Vilamoura, Praia da Rocha and Quarteira as the rest of Portugal...

I agree with Algarveaddick re one mans meat etc. My friends really like Albuferia. I've stayed in the old town which I really liked, we went out of season and it was lovely. I've only 'popped through' the new bit and although maybe not my first choice of resort I can see why some people like it. It has plenty going on, lots of shops to poke around in. Lots of bars and restaurants that stay open through 'siesta' time. So if that's what some holidaymakers like then it's ideal for them.

We've also popped into Praia da Rocha and Quarteira and they weren't our cup of tea at all, but our cousin who we met up with there has been a couple of times and it suits her family.

Best thing to do is to research before you go by checking our resort reports you can get a rough idea of what the resort has to offer.

Totally agree Glynis. We normally go to a villa as we like the peacefulness and being independant. But this year with a young one in a pram we chose the Vila Petra just off the Strip. Easy walking to noise, restaurants and nightlife suited us this time around keeping the wee fella entertained. We went early June and it was rather peaceful and quiet most nights so good for us. On the other hand we went to the Old Town a few times at night which we usually enjoy but this time it was far too busy and actually didn't feel safe! Usually we dont like the strip and opt for the Old Town but this time is was the reverse

Depends when you go I think.

Have to say tho' that a car is a must as there are so many places to see and explore and it gives access to the best beaches

Lummie

tried many different places and must admit i was very disapointed with portugal
we stayed in olhos d agua and the place seemed like a morgue in the evenings

I certainly couldn't 't recommend Olhos'Dagua as an evening venue - almost everyone seems to stay in the hotel bar! And of course it is 2 or 3 miles from Albufeira, where there is plenty going on (good and bad) in the evenings.

There seems to be trend towards all-inclusive hotels over that way, meaning of course there is no need to leave the confines of the hotel at all. In which case, why even worry what country you are in as long as it isn't raining!

Just come back from the Algarve and stayed at Falesia, was brilliant. Long stretch of perfect beach and walked into Villamoura via the beach and country road, perfect. Went into Albufeira a couple of times and prefer the old town. You can go off the beaten track by heading off down the side streets or going up the steps by the tunnel and turning right across the cliffs. Have stayed in the new part and outside Albefeira and this time way out at Falesia which had limited night life, but with a bit of exploring we found some lovely restaurants and great walks. A holiday is what you make of it and you have to put some effort into it as well, don't expect it to be all there in front of you, we loved it.

i go on holiday every year and put plenty of effort into it via research and trying different excursions etc etc unfortunatley of the 11 countries i have been to over the past 14 years portugal came a clear last........very disapointing

It would be interesting to view your list and also the reasons for Portugal coming last then us that live here can comment and/or do something about it!

Well I approched the Algarve from a different angle - with low expectations - the holiday was just meant to be a cheapy to get a bit of sun. However we are returning on our fourth visit soon so we obviouly got the bug. I can see the attractions of the likes of Albufeira although its not our cup of tea, but the Algarve is a varied enough destination to satisfy the holiday needs of many different type of holiday maker.

I agree the Algarve is very varied ,you cannot go to one place and then comment about the Algarve in general.We have been going for 14 years and have stopped at various resorts and have now found our ideal place.
What we like most about the Algarve is the people who are always (on the whole) welcoming and friendly and that I think is the reason we have gone back again and again.But it would be a very boring world if we all liked the same thing

Sirspread, your original post suggested you liked lively nightlife, as you found Olhos too quiet, you then went on to tell us how you researched your holidays well. Sorry old bean, the two posts do not add up; had you researched properly e.g. by coming and asking on this forum before you went, rather than joining up afterwards to have a whinge, you could have found out that Olhos was relatively quiet at a stroke.

If that is all you have to moan about, and Portugal comes bottom of an 11 country long list, you must have been to ten other incredible resorts!!!

We are off to the Algarve tomorrow for a week - Vilamoura to be exact. I was last there in 1987 so expect to see some changes, but will report back.

A colleague went to Alubufeira last Christmas and hated every second, we tend to have similar opinions on most things so I'll see. We both use the 'pictures on menus' test to judge a place - lots of piccies - avoid.

to tell the truth i am equally at home in a busy resort with lots of nightclubs etc etc or just chilling out in a peaceful location
unfortunatley olhos simply had no atmosphere whatsoever and i was glad to get home
i also researched it on a few different websites including this one
at the end of the day it all boils down to your own personal taste but give me greece,jamaica,turkey etc etc any day

TURKEY !!!!! in the same breath as beautiful Algarve...no chance.All those leering guys following you about.Give me Albufiera every time

as im a bloke i didnt really find that a problem

All those leering guys following you about

I know, my wife had to chase them away from me!

"tried many different places and must admit i was very disappointed with portugal
we stayed in olhos d agua and the place seemed like a morgue in the evenings" Quote from sirspeard.
I have an apartment in Olhos d Agua and you're right it is very quite. Even in peak season it's not that busy. But that's it's appeal. Everyone who has stayed in our apartment has loved Olhos d Agua, but they knew what it was like afore they went. We go there 5 or 6 times a year. Its also ideal as it's close to Albufeira and Vilamoura. You can get to Albufeira for about 5 euro's in a taxi. I go to Portugal to enjoy the food and meet the Portuguese people. We nearly always eat in Portuguese restaurants, but some times have the odd drink in English bars. Don't we Alagrveaddick?
Perhaps Ladyl would have preferred Vilamoura as its a little bit more up market than the strip.

well you hardly see a portaguese person in the evening they all stay in at nights
the food wasnt great either
no sorry to say there are so many other places even quiet ones with more atmosphere and there own charm olhos didnt have anything to recommend it