Lagos Portugal a haven of quality Self-catering holiday accommodation

If you haven't paid a visit to Lagos in Portuguese in Western Algarve is a great place to visit. It has it all climate, good food, friendly safe environment.  The Algarvians are totally depending on tourism in one shape or another for their livelihood.  As are the owners of holiday rental accommodation.  They rent their self-catering properties to visiting guests.  Give them the luxury of having a wonderful property in this wonderful location.
Everything is a 100% the Carma in Lagos run the town in a very astute and professional manner.  Because visits have being coming here for many years every service required for a successful holiday is provide.  Carhire, bike hire,boat hire, boat trips particularly to the Grottos, coffee shops of all shapes and sizes and indeed quite a few nationalities. Restaurants Thai, Chinese, Indian, Japanese, Portuguese, Italian, English, Irish, German, French,  and Ukraine.
Out door sports golf, water sports galore, horse riding, motor sport track, off road, fishing beach, and deep sea, tennis. A wide range of inner sports activities.

Experiencing of joys of Lagos on the Western end of the Algarve in  Portugal.    There is no doubt southern  European countries like Spain and Portugal is only are great place to live.   But a holiday here be in a hotel or the now very popular self-catering holiday option  has a lot going for it.  Today we are looking at Lagos  which is first and foremost a residential town for 10s of thousand of Portuguese and expats and secondly a very popular holiday resort.   Part of its holiday attraction is its geographical position, on one side the splendid resort of Alvor, and on the other the renowned resort of Praia de Luz.
Because of its size Lagos has a greater selection of restaurants having said that both Alvor and Praia do Luz have some excellent restaurants.   Alvor certainly has more Irish pubs last count  I think there were four.   If you stole through Alvor  in the summer months you will hear the Irish visitors accents coupled with other Europeans.  Where as in Praia do Luz visitors from England and Scotland are most of the accents to be heard.  On the other hand there is a complete mix of accents.  Of course England and Scotland some Irish.  But also German coming and going and the French have arrived in numbers. Nowadays in can see the odd Belgium accent.  Lagos as a substantial town can accommodate the increase in populations.   The large numbers of hotel and self-catering holiday rental accommodation can ensure a comfortable place to stay.
Lagos is a fantastic town  that can certainly be enjoyed by all age groups. It is full of historical interest with it's origins dating as far back as 2000 years BC when it was known as Lacobriga. Lagos has always had a seafaring connection, originally visited by Phoenicians and Carthaginians and then, during the 15th century, was the base for the 'voyages of the Discoveries' instigated by Henry the Navigator when trade between Africa and Portugal brought a great deal of wealth into the town.

The older part of Lagos is still circled by the city walls that were constructed during the 16th century when it was the residence of the governors of the Algarve and the fort, Ponta da Bandeira, by Batata beach is part of the 17th century fortifications that were added to protect the town. Behind it (on the opposite side of the road) is the Porta de São Gonçalo (St.Gonçalo’s gate) with a watchtower on either side and just to the right of this is the Governors' Castle (of Arab construction).

Lagos Restaurants get positive reviews On Michelin Guide

In order to provide you with the accurate information.  We become virtual tourists from time to time on your behalf. Some of the information we can be verified first hand by eating in that restaurant (if its pricey just check menu) or driving, walking or visiting that location.
But more often than not its virtual information we have compiled for your information. This means we check it out as much as possible. In relation to weather or transport times we will list where we have found the information.  Same goes for airline or transfers companys dates times always refer to their websites. 

As sources we use various websites to glean information. Most of these sites like ourselves have a commercial agenda. We at www.goholidaylets.com and we promote self-catering holiday accommodation. Tripadvisor are in the same business so they will get that message out there as well.  Check out our blog on www.goholidaylets.com for more information http://www.goholidaylets.com/Blogs/eating-by-michelin-guide-in-lagos/15406http://www.goholidaylets.com/Blogs/eating-by-michelin-guide-in-lagos/15406

One of Praia da Luz finest restaurant

 Fortaleza da Luz is one of Praia da Luz's on the sunny Algarve finest restaurant.

It is located on rocky outcrop overlooking this once quiet fishing village. Nowadays a sought after location for self_catering holiday makers.  Ideal location for wedding or other events

The Midleton Farmers Market

Midleton Farmers Market 

Nowadays most people are conscious of what they eat. Where it is sourced how far it travelled to get to your table are all factors consumers consider. In Ireland a number of excellent Farmers Markets have established themselves in various locations around the country. One, in particular, is Midleton Farmers Market. It has an array of food stall set up by local artisan food makers and growers. The very famous from Darina Allen is an Irish chef, food writer, TV personality and founder of Ballymaloe Cookery School in Shanagarry, County Cork, Ireland. Equally famous Ballymaloe Cookery has a stall providing some superb local produce. There also is Frank Hederman supplying excellent cured fish. His company for the weekend farmers markets in Cobh and Midleton. The smokehouse also produces freshly smoked fish and our kitchen produces a range of simple own-recipe smoked fish pâtés, salads and fishcakes.

Willie Scanlon of Ballycotton fame is also there with his excellent potatoes. Because Ballycotton is a coastal location potatoes can be produced in the sandy soil very early in the year.

Many people now holiday in Midleton either at the Park Hotel or the numerous self-catering accommodation in and around this East Cork location.

So if you are staying in Midleton the Farmers Market on Saturday morning is a must. If enjoying a self-catering break in either area make sure either market is on your must visit list.

In relation to Farmers Market a number of concepts and version have sprung up.

Original farmers’ market

This is a producer market with an organic ethos at its heart. It is an organic-based market, with growers and meat producers. There is a strong bias towards health food. These markets tend to live a long time and invoke loyal shoppers. Middleton one of the first is an excellent example. It is Ireland’s possibly finest example and one of the oldest in the country. It is long-established and has a steady flow of regular shoppers.

Lunchtime trade market

This type of market works in office areas, city centre urban environments, and trading estates. Our lunchtime markets fill a gap with an unusual mix of multicultural food experiences which would not normally be available to the hungry lunchtime worker.

Event market

Event markets add to the culture and heritage of a local area and have proved extremely popular. These markets are tourist-biased. They are based in traditional tourist hubs. They attract huge volumes of people, being a concept both familiar and attractive to continental tourists.

In East Cork Midleton Cobh and Youghal have their own versions of Event Markets during the summer months. If your staying self-catering at the Paddocks Holiday Village or Fota House enjoy any of these event markets

Shopping in the Portimao

By chance you find yourself on a self catering holiday in Portimao Lagos area of the Algarve there are a few great shopping locations.
Great value to be had combined with the latest fashions.  In particular shoes for all ages and styles can had a bargain prices.
Here are a few of a self catering holiday experience.
Portimão Retail Park

A fire in September 2012 destroyed the Retail Park. Only time will tell if it will be rebuilt   This was a huge loss to location area.  When open had some great outlets.

Portimão Retail Centre

Portimão Retail Centre is just off the roundabout where the Avenida V6 meets the EN125 (opposite MaxMat DIY store). The shops on the Retail Centre are open daily from 10.00 to 22.00 and Maxmat is open 08.00 to 21.00 Monday to Saturday; 09.00 to 20.00 Sundays and holidays.
There is a plenty of parking and again, easy access to all the shops for disabled shoppers. The shops include Casa(things for the home - china-ware, kitchen gadgets, decorative items, candles etc), C & A (clothing and accessories for all the family), Page One (fashion), Worten (Electrical), Sportzone (sports equipment/clothing), Brinka (toy shop),Opticália (opticians, sunglasses), Mini Preço supermarket, a phone shop and a self service cafe

Aqua Portimão Shopping CentreThe newest shopping centre, Aqua Portimão, opened in April 2011. It is near to the Portimão Retail Centre just off the roundabout where the V6 meets the EN125 and easily spotted by it's landmark orange tower. It has a vast selection of shops including H&M and Primark which are new in the Algarve but very familiar to our UK visitors! It has 2 floors of shops, plenty of parking with both underground and ground level car parks, and a third floor with a wide choice of restaurants. From 7.30pm each evening the restaurant area has a variety of entertainment to accompany the diners and at weekends a programme of children's activities takes place during the day.Aqua Portimão includes a large Jumbo supermarket which has it's own electrical / photographic outlet, Box, and it's Health and Well-being shop.

The IRISH PUB Experience is a phenomenon

The IRISH PUB Experience in self catering Algarve is a great experience.  They are some great Irish pubs there such as The Black Stove in Alvor. Typically Irish friendly staff great atmosphere. During day sport coverage given preference over music. They even have their own self-catering accommodation.  Marina Bar in Lagos it has very much a  nautical theme but they run it in an Irish fashion loads of sport  good food and drink albeit that Derry can be uniquely cranky at times.Its also has a great sun set.  No better place to watch sport on TV big screens good sound system.  Near holiday rental and self catering accommodation.

Jacks in Praia da Luz is more English themed and can be a very relaxing place to sit and chat with friends.   Friendly staff  great location to watch a match they don't play music during important matches. Chances are you ll meet John Aldridge there from time to time.   He is not renting a holiday he has his own villa in Praia da Luz

If you live in Ireland you take the Irish pub scene some what for granted. Though the phenomenon of the Irish pub maybe in decline the overall concept is very much alive.  Yes it is a phenomenon because the good ones and impressive and extraordinary.  The bad ones are simply awful.

Irish Pub

For me their uniqueness and their attention to comfort and detail in the goal to attract entertain and retain clientele.  Many get make overs every few years where the old sometimes change from Art Deco to Modernist not always a fan of these makes because sometimes atmosphere is lost.  But the majority have food drink and good food in common.

Have to say the English put experience can be particularly  attractive.  On the downside they have lost a certain uniqueness.   The huge pub chains like Wetherspoons, Yeats Tobys and others just give the feeling of being copied.  Watch out Ireland Wetherspoons are there to stay.  On the other hand these large pub chains certainly give value for money and bring completion to the market.

But here I have to put my verbal foot down  the idea of a slot machine in a pub sitting clumsily in a corner adds nothing to the culture or atmosphere or enjoyment.  English pubs have them but glaring colour techno lights and pinging bells sound do nothing to create and atmosphere.

But in the interest of fairness I must mention the Wetherspoons Breakfast.   Its excellent and the efficient way they serve it is second to none.  I have being eating them for a few years and always very impressed.  In centre city Birmingham could purchase a breakfast for £2.69 how good is that for value.

Here is what they have to offer.  

Oats, blueberries, smoothies, bagels – there are healthy options galore on our morning menu.

The Wetherspoon traditional breakfast continues to be a number-one seller, at pubs across the UK and in the Republic of Ireland, with 200,000 breakfasts being served every week.

We like our breakfast served with a steaming cup of freshly-ground Lavazza coffee. Selling over 50 million cups of coffee a year, our staff are carefully trained to deliver you the perfect cuppa. Lavazza is Italy’s favourite coffee, and is Rainforest Alliance certified. We even offer free refills until 2pm.*

Offering quality ingredients and great value for money, it is little wonder that the award-winning dish is such a popular choice. For the most important meal of the day, we only use the highest-quality ingredients. 

However, if a combination of free-range British eggs, award-winning Lincolnshire sausages, bacon, tomato, hash browns, Heinz beans and poppy seed bloomer toast is not to your taste, there are plenty of other options available for breakfast at your local.

For a nutritional, healthy and filling breakfast, our MOMA! Porridge, now made with no gluten, offers a tasty alternative start to your day.  

Now guys just get rid of the slot machines. Goholidaylets has some excellent self-catering accommodation nearby.

Relax in a Cork 5 Star self catering holiday home

Kinsale to the west of Cork city in the south of Ireland  is very much sought after location for holiday or short break.

But Midleton to the east of Cork City is a rising star with the Cork tourism industry.

Midleton home to the Jameson |Distillery has an array of 4 star and 5 Star self catering accommodion

Image below is that of Castlemartyr Resort established in a grandiose  17th century country manor