Just back from 13 days in my favourite resort. The weather was kind and the restaurants we visited were well up to standard. Despite the resort being quiet, Happy's was busy every night so we booked our 3 visits well in advance. As usual the food was great and Libbe was in fine form. Went on my birthday and he made it a great celebration, thanks Libbe for the birthday cake, much appreciated. Another favourite of ours is Jota Lita and we were not disappointed. John is a great host, food is excellent, portion size generous and they win the award for best value and quality couverts. Casa Algarvia always on our list and again was very good, friendly service as usual. Best food award goes to Ele and Ela's. The quality of the food is always very high and the service excellent. If the restaurant had a Michelin star it would be deserved.

Only downside was the evidence of dog mess on the town and Benagil beaches. It is a shame this is allowed to happen especially as most people walk barefoot and of course children play in the sand, very unsavoury! The information board on the town beach does state that pets are not allowed on the beach but that rule is not enforced and dog owners ignore it. I am sure some dog owners do clean up after their pets but some do not. I know some dogs are strays and that is another issue but it it is very unpleasant when public beaches are blighted in this way.

Rant over, looking forward to our return in February.

We recently discovered Jota Lita ( prefer it to Gale ). within minutes of sitting down the owner was showing me photos of the fish he had caught a few nights before and giving advice on methods and location. It will certainly be one of our out of season favourites along with Vimar.
Trying to convince OH that we should give Ele and Ela another try, we really did have an apalling meal there.
The dogs are only prohibited from the beaches during the bathing season long over but your point is well made regarding selfish owners.

Hi Emm. Yes Jota Lita's is a real gem. You must give Ele and Elas's another chance. We have been numerous times and it has always been the best. You must have been very unlucky. I could not see any date restrictions applying to pets being allowed on the beach, perhaps I missed it.

EMM wrote:
The dogs are only prohibited from the beaches during the bathing season long over but your point is well made regarding selfish owners.

We have seen dogs on nearly all beaches we have visited (usually during the peak periods). On Alvor beach on a Sunday couple of months ago there was as many people on the beach with dogs as there was without dogs. To be fair, if owners clean up after their dogs, then there is no real harm on the dogs having a run around.