Supermarkets without a car

[Robbie]

I think there is a lot of mileage (pardon the pun !!!) in this topic. I always hire a car outside of peak times but have just given up on hiring a car in either July or August as it is just too hot and it does take a little time for the air con to kick in even in the best of cars but much more importantly I drive a lot out of the peak season but I find driving in July/August to be ridiculously stressful. Too many cars on the road, traffic really bad and a huge amount of people on the roads who obviously are driving on the wrong side of the road for the first time. It is like a lucky dip trying to determine what they might do next and I want to go to my "real" home to get away from stress - not to increase it. When you couple that with the silly prices charged for cars during peak season it becomes a no brainer. I sit by the pool sipping a beer and hear all the cars honking their horns below me in the village and smile to myself as the strains of life evaporate away with the fumes of alcohol. And now for the question. How do I get up to Intermarche from Monte Dourado to fill up on these magic potions !!!! I normally take a taxi on the first day and load up in a big way with a couple of weeks of beer (oh sorry I mean provisions !!!) Don't ask the taxi to wait or you will incur a bill of the same value as the shopping. Just get the lady at reception to call one back when finished and enjoy a cool beer in the cafe while you wait. On the other hand I am feeling a bit energetic this year. Can anyone tell me what a pushbike for week would cost ? I am not sure if I can make that hill but willing to give it a try. Maybe I could do the shopping and then retire to the cafe for 4 or 5 beers before the tour de france climb and that way I would probably be fit to carry the bike up the hill on my shoulders !!!!! I wish So any ideas on the bike preferably with a basket - I could be like a male version of the wicked witch of the west

[jb6418]

All great ideas - as some have you had said there is a business opportunity here somewhere

Thanks everyone

[Michael Crane]

I have also asked this question before when friends and family have stayed at our apartment not everyone wants to hire a car or feels confident about driving abroad. I would just ask the local taxi drivers in the square and get a quote of taking and picking you up. There's the Pingo Doce' (sorry about spelling) and the Pão de Açúcar , Lagoa, Intermarché towards Lagoa
Gaynor

I have added these to the map (SEE HERE). Please take a look and tell me if I have located them in the wrong spot!

[laserblazer]

I think you've got the Lagoa ones wrong way round.

[Michael Crane]

I think you've got the Lagoa ones wrong way round.

Think or know? Come on, make your mind up!

[logicbob]

Sorted.

[Michael Crane]

Sorted.

Good man. I forgot you and lazerblazer are 'collaborators'.

[HampshireRich]

I have to admit that I never hire a car - always use taxis - they are more convenient, cheaper if you don't travel too far. Best of all, I won't drink and drive so I can have a beer or two or couple of glasses of wine with dinner and not worry.

[laserblazer]

I think you've got the Lagoa ones wrong way round.

Think or know? Come on, make your mind up!

I was beig tactful, rather than saying "get it right you wally!"

Good man. I forgot you and lazerblazer are 'collaborators'

I hope we don't get tarred and feathered.

[cereza]

They probably have one of those little 3 wheelers with a promotional paint job.
Would take a day to get here from Luz
But to be serious why don,t some of the more enterprising management companies offer a home shop service ??
We have used these when staying in the states and the costs were certainly lesss than a taxi or hire car.
Great for bulk items like drinks, water etc.

Actually they have the latest vehicles and offer an on line service and the quality of their bakery and butchers is first class - its a pity there is nowhere like it in CVO I also know of management companies who already offer a shopping service - maybe it's time for someone to bring CVO into the modern world

[jb6418]

Hi Guys

Just another quick question (we arrive on Monday ) - what are the opening times for the market in Carvoeiro? Mother in law is dead keen on the fresh fruit, veg and fish.

Thanks

James

[parkender]

Think the markets open early morning and shuts at 2pm, the steaks and sausage are highly recommended.

[matoserrao99]

Hi,
we offer a shopping service for all of our clients, we just ask for a shopping list a week before they come on holiday.
We're also happy to run our clients to the local shops on arrival and on cleaning days if they haven't hired a car.
We think its one of the plus points of booking through idependant owners rather than the large companies.
The 3 main supermarket in Lagoa/ Carvoeiro offer a good choice of products at reasonable prices.
Other clients have used local taxis for mid week shopping and all said they found them good value.

Have a great holiday

[Gary/Gaynor]

Hi,
we offer a shopping service for all of our clients, we just ask for a shopping list a week before they come on holiday.
We're also happy to run our clients to the local shops on arrival and on cleaning days if they haven't hired a car.
We think its one of the plus points of booking through idependant owners rather than the large companies.
The 3 main supermarket in Lagoa/ Carvoeiro offer a good choice of products at reasonable prices.
Other clients have used local taxis for mid week shopping and all said they found them good value.

Have a great holiday

that's settled it then, we will use the local taxis in the square to take us shopping once a week. We are out for a month and don't want to added expense of a car that tends to sit in our garage. We don't have a management company look after our apartment as we don't rent so that leaves is to find local transport.
Gaynor

[EMM]

Just a thought, if there are any regulars/residents who do not mind offering a lift when on one of their own shopping trips I am sure those without a car would not mind buying a drink or two in exchange.