Hi Alan would be good to hear what you thought of the apartment and the area, we go the terracos da vau in about 8 weeks not that im counting haha just would like to know what there like. dont like the comment about spends though think i need to save a little bit more lol. I knew it wasn't going to be cheap Though . Did you hire a car to get around or use public transport ? is there much in the resort? sorry for the questions just curious.

Thanks Andy.

Hi Andy,
Believe me, you will love your holiday at the Terracos.
Friendliest place I have ever stayed at and I have been doing package holidays since 1983.
the hotel itself is quite small,but it is spotless.We had room 109,a two bed apt.it was big and the balcony was very large and we looked out onto farmland.Sitting with a cold beer watching the geese,birds and cockerels was very relaxing.Would recommend earplugs though as the walls are thin and the cockerels usually start about 5am.
The pool is quite small,but there was a good sized patio area to sit and have a chat with the other guests over a beer.
the hotel bar is also small but in the evenings all the families and couples would get together and mix.
the guys behind the bar,Rui,Pedro and Fernando will make you welcome straight away and they are superb with the kids.
As for Vau itself,there really isnt a lot there but the are a couple of decent restaurants down by the beach.Jacaranda especially,the owner is a mine of information.they will also sell you a pint if you are not eating.1 euro until 6 or 7pm.
Dont bother with the local supermarkets apart from stuff like water,go to the Continente in Praia da Rocha and stock up,only a 5 euro cab ride home.
In the evening we used to walk along the cliff top or beach(depending on the tides)into Praia da Rocha.Not the prettiest town in the world but a good choice of places to eat.
the other side of Vau is Alvor which is really good.Only a 5 minute bus ride away.
We didnt have a car,local busses are very frequent and can get you to many places.
Regarding the cost of living,like you we knew it would be expensive.If you are planning to eat out lunchtime and evening every day it will cost you an arm and a leg.For a few days we bought some fresh rolls,cold meat,beer,fizz etc and took a Tescos cold bag down to the beach and had a picnic.
Also be warned,if you are with Skytours your transfer will be long.On the way out ours took 2 1/2 hours as we had to drop off in Albufeira etc.Yet other people's transfer only took 1 hour.
Aside from that,one of the best holidays i have ever had and i really envy you going there soon.
You will have a great time Andy
All the best
Alan

Thanks for the info Alan much appreciated. If you think of anything else let us know!! 8 weeks tomorrow and im there not that I'm counting though

Thanks again Andy

So glad you enjoyed your stay in Praia do vau,if you have just come back you probably saw our son and the family at the Jacaranda as they are staying at the Jardim do Vau at the moment .They like us love the area.

We probably did see your son and family at the Jacaranda as we popped in there most days after the beach for a pint or a meal.The Gumbo was superb!
I also remember the Jardim Do Vau next door as we used to use the cash point there.A good looking complex.
if your son remembers a family,my youngest son has long hair, playing cricket on Vau beach early evening,that was us!

Andy,
I would recommend getting one of those Thomsons(Tui) top up mastercards instead of travellers cheques.They are accepted in shops,restaurants and cashpoints and you dont pay commission.There is only one cash machine in Praia do Vau,at the Jardim Do Vau complex.As a non guest you are only allowed access from 7am - 7pm.
Luckily,at the Terracos if you have missed the bank they will let you run up a tab at the bar in the evening and are happy to wait for you to settle up the next day.
The music quiz night is worth going to,Rui who does it,is into the same sort of music as us(Iron Maiden,Metallica,Punk etc) and if it hadnt been for the rap songs we would have come first instead of second.
Look out for Pedro at the bar,he is the spitting of Kelly Jones from the Stereophonics!