Outdated Algarve Trains Cost Millions To Run Each Year

Outdated trains that service the Algarve are costing the state millions every year to run.

A report by the Portuguese newspaper Expresso has found that the cost of running trains in the Algarve is around five million Euros per year with more than a quarter of this being used to pay for repairs on old carriages and trains.

Although the majority of the trains in use in the Algarve have been upgraded since 2000 most still date back to the 1960s.

Trains in the Algarve now have automatic doors and air conditioning but the Algarve still remains the region where trains come to end their days of service.

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Euro Turmoil Great For More Cash For Pounds

Today the Euro zone is in turmoil as Greece prepares to reject forming a government, however all the political problems have led to the most favourable exchange rate since 2008.

British people exchanging their pounds for Euros will find that their money will go far further than in recent years.

Every £500 that is converted to euros will see people getting an £47.41 for their money this year in comparison to last summer.

The favourable exchange rate combined with cut price accommodation deals, cheaper drinks prices and deals for restaurant meals makes 2012 one of the best times ever for British tourists to visit the Algarve.

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Algarve Chefs Week Returns For 2012

gastronomy in the Algarve

The best cuisine on offer in the Algarve will be highlighted during the second edition of the Algarve Chefs Week campaign.

Algarve Chefs Week will kick off on May 19 in the new terminal area of Faro airport where the chefs taking part in the initiative will be on hand to show users of the airport some of their best dishes.

Eight chefs will be at the airport from 7pm with chances for passengers to taste some dishes, learn cooking techniques and find out more about the Algarve Chefs Week with some chefs being stationed  at the check in area of the airport.

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A is for Atlantic Ocean

"letter a"I thought long and hard about where I would start our a to z on living in the Algarve and wanted it to be totally different to what other people have. But what attracted me most to the Algarve was always the beautiful Atlantic Ocean sat on the beach at Carvoeiro and looking out to the Atlantic Ocean is one of my favourite free pleasures since moving here.

As many of you know the Atlantic Ocean links Portugal with the beautiful Caribbean and is responsible for some of the best beaches in the world. I have enjoyed many trips into the Ocean and I adore swimming so me and pair of goggles are just meant to be together.

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Welcome to My A-Z Of Living In Portugal

"blogging"When we started this blog, which feels like a zillion years ago now (well it was in 2009, three amazing years ago), we started the blog as four ladies that all had something amazing in common. We had all left England to start an amazing life living in the sun – a dream that many have, but it simply can’t make come true, or those who want to make this dream a reality can’t because technicalities get in the way so it never actually happens.

We had each moved to different parts of Europe and met through the Warriorforum.com

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Algarve Cheapest Holiday Destination In Euro zone

typical algarve mealThe survey of prices of essential holiday goods in each country has seen the Algarve leap frog Spain for the first time in two years with the Costa del Sol now being a more expensive destination for 2012.

Tourism bosses across the globe are slashing prices in a bid to tempt travellers to their destinations during these economically uncertain times and the Algarve has come out as one of the best low cost destinations.

The Post Office survey looks at eight key costs that travellers incur while on holiday and prices them up in pounds sterling to give a simple indication to British tourists as to where the best deals can be had.

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A Trip Over the Border


"Ruidera Lagoons"Even though we are fortunate enough to live in a beautiful country, where many people choose to come on holiday, it is nice to get away and experience other places for our holidays when we get the chance. The Algarve is an idyllic coastal region in many ways, and although I love nothing more than to relax on the beach with a good book, it’s nice to visit places that have something different to offer. Last summer, we decided that we were going to drive across the border into Spain, to the Ruidera lagoons in the centre of the country. Having never been to this region of Spain before, I was unsure of what exactly to expect, and when we finally got there after a 6 and a half hour car journey, we were taken aback with the beauty of the area. To be honest I had started to doubt whether we had made the right choice during the drive there, as it seemed as if we had travelled from the beautiful coastal region, through some luscious rural lands and mountainous areas, into a completely dry and arid landscape. Thankfully, upon arrival to the lagoons we were greeted with a completely different scene, which was much like an oasis in the desert.

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Albufeira Is Foreign Resident Capital In Portugal

ALbufeira marina view

Statistics have revealed that the Albufeira municipality is the Portuguese capital for foreign residents with the highest number of foreign residents in Portugal living in the area.

The Algarve has always ben a popular place for foreign people to come on holiday to with many then opting to make a permanent move to the region.

Albufeira has one of the oldest traditions of tourism in the Algarve and boasts several blue flag beaches, a selection of affordable and luxury accommodation as well as many amenities that foreign residents look for.

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New Parking Charges For Barlavento Hospital Users

Hospital Barlavento parking spaces

Patients and visitors to the Barlavento Hospital in Portimão will be charged to park their vehicles at the hospital as part of project that is due to start by the end of 2012.

The plans, which were announced by the Correio da Manhã newspaper, will mean that by the end of the year, anyone leaving their car in the car park at the hospital will be charged for the privilege.

The newspaper has reported that the tender for the contract to run the paid parking scheme at the hospital has now been put out to companies looking to work with the Barlavento hospital to collect the payments from the car park users.

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