The Algarve without Sir Cliff Richard.

Just back from my first visit to the Algarve, which belied my expectation of tower blocks, cries of “par 4” and Sir Cliff singing Devil Women. We were staying in Praia da Luz, a 50 minute drive from Faro airport and just west of the popular resort of Lagos.
Praia da Luz has a massive family beach and if you wanting something quieter travel towards the pretty and relatively underdeveloped villages of Burgau and Salema, where there are some less populated sandy beaches. Aside from beach life, Praia da Luz is definitely a good place to be, with a nice balance of bars and decent restaurants. OndaLuz is a typical, friendly Portuguese family restaurant, which we visited twice during our stay. Make sure you have some sardine paste, which is offered as a pre starter nibble and order a delicious mixed seafood dish which will be cooked and served in a cataplana (see picture) – cataplana will often included as part of the dish title, for example Monkfish Cataplana. Ondaluz had a decent selection of 2010 whites in half bottles including Prova Regia Arinto 2010 from Lisboa and the poorly named BSE 2010 made by Fonseca. Remember to look at the vintages of whites, particularly in half bottle, because in a different restaurant I was offered a 2008 Vinho Verde. Next time I visit Praia da Luz I will book a place at the small Restaurant Aquario, which is popular with the locals, avoid dining in the food hall atmosphere of The Gallery and dine at one of the four Indian eateries in the town. With the beautiful sunshine, enjoy some of the excellent fruit juices at the cafes and don’t miss out on the high quality of vegetables and fruit in the local shops.
If you want to find out more about Portuguese Wine and Food then get a copy of The Wine and Food Lover’s Guide to Portugal by Charles Metcalfe & Kathryn McWhirter, Amazon £11.37. In the meantime, I’ll be putting the turntable on and listening to Portugal by Sophia from There Are No Goodbyes Album, Flowershop Recordings online. Sorry Sir Cliff.