Hi

There is a Modelo supermarket on the main road through Albufeira,coming from Sao Rafael it will be on the right hand side of the road in between the old town and the strip.

Basil.

And a Lidl that is even nearer.

Hi Lara,

There's another supermarket, Pingo Doce, on the opposite side of the road from Modelo. As you have a car you could also go to Continente, which is a very large supermarket in Algarve Shopping, near Guia. The quick way is to take the road leading north from the Dolphin Roundabout.

It shouldn't take more than 20 minutes to walk to the Marina, depending on whereabouts in Sao Rafael you are staying. It's quite a long walk for a 6 year old so I suppose it depends on whether he/she can be bribed with the promise of one of the fabulous ice creams from Nosolo Italia.

The Marina is full of boats but hasn't yet got the atmosphere of such places as Vilamoura and Lagos. Less than half the shops are occupied, and most of the apartments are owned by families from Lisbon who only come down occasionally. But there are lots of boat trips available and it's a pleasant place to stroll around.

There are lots of good restaurants in the area - O Museu dos Salgados, Solar das Oliveiras and O Marinheiro are to the west of Sao Rafael, Luau and Castelo do Bispo overlook the Marina. For cheaper options there's O Cantinho dos Italianos at Pera and Sao Martinho at Tavagueira, both your side of Albufeira, and Nosolo Italia at the Marina. The Van Gogh at Boliqueime is also very good. In the Old Town you'll be spoilt for choice as to where to eat, and O Penedo (great views), Casa da Fonte, Atrium (fado nights), Granfinus, Royal Orchid and Anna's are just a few we like.

Hope this gives you an idea and if there's anything else you want to know please ask.

Rosemary

Thanks for your replies, they have all been really helpful. I am so looking forward to it now. I just hope we love this area as much as we did last year. I am sure we will, we loved the different coves so uncommercialised, Portugal has got to be my favourite country, well at least for now anyway!!

I found the drink prices to be the same more or less in all supermarkets.......CHEAP Continente at Algarve Shopping has the best choice though, Modelo pretty good as well.

O Museu dos Salgados, ...now that brings back memories.

Lummie

If you are a spirit drinker, they are almost always cheaper in off license's than in supermarkets.

Theres an unusual off-licence in Guia. Not cheapest but the owner collects cigarette lighters from the world and other strange things so the shop is full of character. Only worth a visit if you are in or near Guia though.

Hi Lara10,

We are going the last week in August to Sao Rafael, can you please give a report when you return
I am worried about getting bitten, also tips on where to eat we have been told Dom diniz is not far from the villa we are staying. Any information will be gratefully recieved