Hi just got back from CVO on Saturday, had a great time, the weather was fantastic. Things i noticed. Not too impressed with the new square lay out, and already noticed that the red tiles for the road are showing signs of usage, especially oil leaks, tyre marks etc, bad idea of colour choice. I also noticed that the road layout is a bit of a worry for pedestrians, and also the "zebra crossings" are of a design that would not be approved by any highway department in this country. Interesting that E.U. regulations only seem to apply to U.K. and this includes persons being able to queue on a kerbside road waiting for ice creams, creppes etc!!.

I thought that generally, trade was quiet especially in the eating establishments as compared to last year we did not have to make any reservations. On a good note, i do'nt think that the prices were different to last year, and the bars that did try to charge high prices e.g. 4 euros a pint of Guiness, you avoided. We found a number of bars charging 2.50 a large beer, and one bar charging 1 euro a bottle. The best food places and well value for money were definately Antonio's, Gale,and O Stop and the chinese buffets were of good value. The beaches as always were tremendous especially the ones down by Sagres on the other side of Portimao. Car hire was no problem and a trip up the mountains was definately well worth it. Overall, nothing really negative apart from the 1 euro.50 on average for a can of pop etc. Happy days only 50 weeks to go

Sounds like you had a great time, glad it all went well for you this year.

We are still out here and we are enjoying the lovely weather still as well as the great restaurants around the area. As you have said the prices seem to be on a par with last year and if you go somewhere more expensive for what you get you just don't go back again..

Had a few meals in Porches and Sagres and Lagoa as well and to be honest give or take a few euros were not that different. We were averaging for a family of four 60-65 Euros and that included two adult meals, two kids (on occassions) four beers and four cokes/lemonades . Just a tip, if any of the kids fancy an adult meal or an adult ids not that hungry, ask for a half portion, the size you get are ample, especially in Gale and Antonios.