Parque da Corcovada, Albufeira and the Algarve: What's New - An Update for Spring 2013

Returning from my recent 2 week trip to our apartments in Parque da Corcovada I can confirm that the sun has definitely arrived this year on the Algarve. There was plenty of warm sunshine with temperatures regularly in the low to mid 70s and hardly a drop of rain.

So what's new for the coming summer season?

In and around Parque da Corcovada:

The central gardens at Block 38 are really developing nicely and the landscaping by the superb central pools is looking particularly attractive.

The nearby snack restaurant has changed hands, but is still serving good value snacks and chicken dishes at lunchtimes and in the evenings.

There is now a new high class Indian restaurant on the globe roundabout corner of the complex.

May's Bistro, offering a very good value (circa 12 Euro) complete evening menu deal, has also opened.


Nearby restaurants update:

There have been a few changes in the nearby area. Most notably, the da Enzo Italian restaurant and pizzeria has moved to opposite Eduardo's in St Eulalia road, just across from the globe roundabout. These two restaurants are thoroughly recommended, as they are close and convenient to walk to and offer excellent food. Enzo's is authentic Italian, while Eduardo's is simply the best value for money quality food available locally - his 'menu complete' three courses and drink of choice offer at around 12 Euros is great value. I also enjoyed a very decent peppered steak at the Invictus bar bistro (between the bottom of St Eulalia road and The Strip).

Shopping:

All of the main supermarkets remain, you can still get great caked and deli food from the supermarket opposite Eduardos, whilst a further five minute walk to the Intermarche at the bottom of St Eulalia road will reward you with very reasonably priced fruit, veg and meats. The tangerines at 79c a kilo were excellent, whilst the grapes at 2E a kilo were also excellent value. Make sure you buy fresh local bread - a bag of 4 rolls is usually around 60c and a decent 500g loaf will be around 1E - there's nothing like fresh baked bread for breakfast!

For those who couldn't quite pack enough clothes in their airline baggage allowance, or forgot a vital item, why not try the local clothes shops. There are some excellent boutiques with really stylish clothing, whilst the Chinese Shopping outlet opposite the Parque da Corcovada complex sells all the beachwear and associated items you could ever need - all at very decent prices. 

New recommendations:

If you can head a bit further west from the lovely Oura beach, there is a super beach bar on the more secluded neighbouring Aveiros beach cove.

Further afield - visit Alvor:

I concur with those who recommend the Sao Rafael peninsula beaches and lovely coves on the way to Galle from Albufeira, whilst also really enjoying the closer St Eulalia beach.

However, for those who wish to travel further afield my latest tip is to visit the beautiful up market sea front at Alvor (about 25 minutes drive west towards Largos) . The fish restaurants are superb and the vast expanse of beach and superb board walk are fantastic!

Organised excursions:

There is an abundance of organised excursions available from Albufeira and these appear to be getting more competitively priced. Although still out of the main season, so likely to rise for the main summer season, I was surprised to see day trips to Lisbon (about a 2.5 hour coach ride away), including guided city tour, offered for 25E per person!





 

Answers to Your Most Frequently Asked Questions

I'm frequently asked questions from booking enquirers. Here are the most frequent, along with my responses:

Q. Where in the Parque da Corcovada complex are your apartments?

A. Block 38 is a central south facing apartment, with a sunny aspect, and access and use of the central pools and gardens. Block 37 is south east facing, with a sunny morning and early afternoon aspect, and is in shade in the later afternoon. Some see this as a benefit during the hottest times in the summer. Block 37 does have superb views across open countryside and out to sea and has access to its own private pools and gardens.

Q. Are the apartments safe and child friendly?

A. We have plenty of families with young children staying in our apartments and have received positive feedback from all of them and many repeat bookings. Please note that both of our apartments are second floor. The balconies have high toughened glass sides and are very safe, but I would always recommend that very young children are supervised.

Q. How secure are your apartments?

A. The central Algarve is a very safe, low crime area. We have never had any incidents of crime at our apartments. Being second floor, the only point of access is through a secure Block entrance locked door and then the double lock front door of the apartment. Parque da Corcovada has CCTV and 24 hour security guard protection. Apartments also have metal electronic security shutters on the balcony doors.

Q. How close to the main facilities and centres of Albufeira is Parque da Corcovada?

A. Parque da Corcovada is next to the iconic Globe roundabout, with surrounding shops, bars, cafes and restaurants. It is 2 minutes walk from the Bull Ring, 5 minutes walk from 'The Strip', 12 minutes walk from the fabulous Ora beach and 25 minutes walk from the Old Town.

Q. How do I get to Old Town Albufeira?

A. The Old Town is a beautiful place to visit, but is surrounded by old style, lower quality apartments. Many therefore choose to stay in Parque da Corcovada because it is the highest quality apartment complex in Albufeira and close to many facilities. Getting to the Old Town is quite easy: the land train from the Strip costs 2 Euros per person and will take you straight to the Old Town, alternatively it is a short taxi ride away, or about a 25 minute walk.

Q. How much is it to hire a cot?

A. Our superb property management team will hire cots out at 18 Euros per week.

Q. Do I need a hire car?

A. This depends on what you want to do during your stay. Most guests do not need a hire car, as they are happy to use the facilities at Parque da Corcovada and explore the wide variety of activities available in Albufeira, which can all be achieved on foot, via the land train, or a short taxi ride. For the more adventurous there are various 'day trips' and short tours which can be booked from Parque da Corcovada reception or nearby tour operators, which will pick up at the complex (e.g. ZooMarine). There are also regular buses running along the coast and a train station from which you can get to Faro, or even to Lisbon. However, if you wish to explore the hinterland or find those amazing private, secluded coves that the Algarve is famous for, you may wish to hire a car.

Q. How much does a hire car cost and who do you recommend?

A. Shop around on the internet. I recommend some based on good service experience and reasonable price, but be aware that the peak season prices in the summer are around double the off season. I would certainly recommend hiring a car for at least a day or two, if you are keen to explore the coast or hinterland hill country. There is a local office of Guerin at Parque da Corcovada and, whilst not the cheapest, you will get a reliable and convenient service. If booking in advance, try Carhire3000 for excellent rates.

Q. Can I arrange airport transfers through you?

A. Yes, our property management team at Divine Home can organise airport transfers. these are private direct transfers and typically cost 35 Euros each way. My experience is that this is a totally reliable and high quality service.