We got back early Sunday morning and left behind a very hot and sunny Algarve

We were staying in Lagos in a private apartment overlooking the marina which gave us a beautiful view. We'd hired a car with Travel Rent via Economy cars and the pick up went without a hitch. We left €50 deposit for the 1/2 tank of petrol in lieu of CC deposit.

It was late when we arrived and managed to find our way to the rendezvous point (Pingo Dolce Supermarket) without any hitches or us loosing our way. The apartment was lovely and as I have said had a fantastic view.

As we were late we went to the Marina complex and visited a bar there for a few hours Some tiddly Brits came in and bought us a bottle of wine as they 'thought' my husband was a gangster Needless to say we were a bit tiddly ourselves by 2pm so on Sunday we just mooched around Lagos town and had a meal in the Ageda Da Marina restaurant of beef steak and got caught up in the Portugal V Holland match on the big screen. This was fun actually, as there were a couple of oldish Portuguese blokes sitting behind us, banging the table with some black plastic dolls face (with red hat :shrug) He was so excited that the dolls hat kept falling off and he would go scrambling under all the tables to find it. When we came out we could hardly cross the street for the cars head to tail, blowing their horns and hanging out of the windows. This went on until about midnight and we could see and hear them from the balcony. All good fun though.

Monday 26th we drove up to Caldas de Monchique and had one of the delicious sausage in the bread rolls. These are spiced sausage cooked in a bread dough and baked in the clay oven. Cheap as well at just over €1.

We then drove to Carrapateira and along the stony path to view the fantastic scenery of the rocks and beaches.

Tuesday 27th We drove to Alte which was lovely and walked along to view the Fontes. Nice little village - worth a trip. We then called into Albuferia old town which wasn't bad with lots of stalls and bars etc.

Wednesday 28th Drove to Pats Tavira!! Had a ride on the chooch train €4 each which takes you round the salt flats and up to the church. We then called into Cabanas with its small beach and water taxi's to the other beaches. On the way back we tried to call in Praia da Rocha to view the out crop of rocks but couldn't get parked. We weren't keen on it there so we didn't bother going back.

Thursday 29th. Hubby drank too much Vodka last night so we decided to just go to a beach. We went to Burgau which is lovely. Very very steep though. You can drive your car however all the way down to the beach to save yourself the trek back up the narrow steep streets.

Friday 30th. Went up to Monchique but not really a lot there but the drive up through the hills was lovely. We then drove to Foia which is the highest point - was a little hazy but we got a good view. (Up there in the little knick knack shop was a bloke wearing hubbies T shirt from Matalan which gave us a laugh )

From Fioa we drove to Selema and had lunch and a few hours on the beach - another nice spot. From here we drove to Cabo de San Vincente which is the home of the lighthouse. Called into Beleche beach for a look - lovely beach but lots of steep steps. Brilliant view though with the setting sun.

Saturday 1st. Went to Ferragudo which is a small fishing village we weren't that impressed so went to Carvoeiro beach for lunch. Again a steep resort and there was drain whiff near the beach. Had an hour or two on the beach then headed back to watch the England match.

Sunday 2nd Headed up to Odeceixe Village which was lovely with all the bunting out. Had a brilliant lunch there of Rabbit and Rice stew. Delicious. We went to the nearby beach (which was down steep steps ) but had brilliant big roller waves. Yee har.

Monday 3rd. Was a beach mooch day. We eventually settled on Zavial. Went into Lagos on the evening for a few drinks. Called in the Only Fools and Horses pub but to be honest I found the staff a bit surly. Then we went into an Indian restaurant but the waiter messed up our order so we left.

Tuesday 4th. Went to the Barragem de Bravura reservoir - Nice drive. Then to Selema for lunch and our few hours of rest and relaxation.

Wednesday 5th. Drove from Odelouca through the valley and lovely countryside to Alferce - nice view. Stopped for lunch at a lovely roadside restaurant and had a lovely meal. Then onto Amado Beach but was really windy that day so felt like we were being attacked by pins.

Thursday 6th. Went for a mooch around Alvor then to Martinhal beach for lunch. Beautiful beach but still windy so we didn't stop. We ended up back at Selema beach but it was just as bad there for wind.

On the evening we went into Lagos to get our ciggie stash. Called in the tabacs but they were going to charge 5% commission for Credit Card transaction. We'd seen a sign in Alvor saying 0% commission so give them a miss.

Friday 7th. Off we went back to Alvor in search of the 0% commission ciggies. They didn't have enough of my Silk Cut so my hubby got his baccie and we found a shop with 3% commission - so shop around!! Walked down to the harbour here which was lovely. Saw the fishermen sat gutting the fish. After this we drove to Burgau again for a couple of hours - beautiful day - no wind - very hot!!

Saturday 8th. Last day We just drove down to the local beach (our first time) Meia Praia large sweep of sand. Plenty of room for all. Nice Beach. Then after shower and change of clothes we set off for the airport at 5pm

The driving wasn't too bad although we did laugh at the sometimes tight use of tarmac - just enough laid to get your, and the opposite directions, 4 wheels on.

The double traffic light system also took some getting used to as one set would be on stop and with no incoming road or anything and the next set green....We did dither a few times not knowing whether to stop or not or if they were there for when the traffic was heavy. Also watch out for zebra crossings which are always before and after roundabouts. Can catch you out if your not careful.

We had a lovely time even though we did a lot of driving but we tried to see as much as possible. Were going back in September and hopefully will find some other nice things to see which we have missed out on. So any suggestions grately received.