Krakow Christmas Events

The Polish city of Krakow welcomes thousands of visitors each year.  They have wonderful restaurants and accommodation but most of all they have a great welcome.  You can stay in an excellents hotel or chill out in the privacy your own home from home in a well located self-catering serviced apartment.

Christmas in Krakow

They celebrate Christmas in style.  This time of year there is a theater festival in Krakow.  The the press have in the past welcomed it as  a celebration of Polish theater and a great event that  during the week create a great scene in Krakow.  Its  a week on the stages of the biggest Krakow's theaters, you can see the best Polish performances of over the past years  were performed in theaters across the country.  A number of well known director will be present Monika Strzępka,  an America dir. Mario Biagini, . Krzysztof Warlikowski,  Factory 2 dir. Krystian Lupa and  dir. Jan Klata. Every year in Kraków they  also host workshop where among others, Krzysztof Warlikowski, Jan Klata, Grzegorz Jarzyna and Lupa, who daily tell the audience about their work during open workshops. At the festival there are also artists from abroad,  India, South Africa, Iran and Colombia, presenting the achievements of the theater carried out outside the European cultural circle.
An international jury composed of prominent critics and directors of world theater festivals each year also grants the Divine Comedian statuette for best performance and the director, set designer, composer, actor and actress. The festival has gained media recognition not only of Polish, but also from Europe. Among others, reported on it a prestigious German daily Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung and the Russian Kommersant and Nezavisimaya Gazeta. Organizer: Krakow Festival Office.  There is excellent restaurants and accommodation to be got in Krakow.  They hotel accommodation and magnificence self- catering serviced apartment.

Krakow Christmas Fair for several years are entered in the calendar of events taking place on the Krakow Main Market Square.
It's a tradition, which has a large impact on the development of cultural and economic center. Krakow fairs is  part of a number of similar events  that are held throughout  Europe.
Stuttgart Christmas Fair is more than 300 years great tradition and created a grand scale.  Other shows "Festivity" in Milan is a great event for the whole country.  Other Christmas fairs include  Berlin, Rome and Vienna.     The organizer of the fair is Krakow Merchant Congregation.

Krakow Cribs Competition
Every year, on the first Thursday of December in the morning, around the monument of Adam Mickiewicz crib makers gather to show off their latest works. They are accompanied by crowds gathered Kracovians, locals, tourists and numerous television crews. Applications for the competition are got from the  Museum . Each crib is given a  competition number . For many years, the number entered in the contest works is similar - between 120 and 160, including a large majority of cribs made ​​by children and young people. With the sounds of bugle call ringing out at noon from the tower of St Mary's Church, crib makers colorful procession moving their work to offices Museum - Krzysztofory Palace, to meet with the adjudicators . The meeting is chaired by the Director of the Museum, and the adjudicators consists of art historians, artists, employees of the Historical Museum. The competition is open  to natives of Cracow, participation in it can take regardless of age or place of residence.Each participant may submit a maximum of three cribs into competition. Before the adjudicators  will focus on the assessment of individual work needs to determine whether all comply with the conditions of the competition. If the work does not meet the accepted criteria, unfortunately; even if it was the most beautiful, you can not claim the prize. Organizer: The Historical Museum of Krakow Place: Market Square at the monument of Adam Mickiewicz.  The website www.goholidaylets.com list self-catering accommodation in Krakow for free.

Christmas Events in Lagos Portugal

As with quite a lot of Portuguese towns and villages place like Albufeira and Lagos the local council known as Camara organise the festive events at different times of the year. This town is a tourist resort full of hotels and self-catering accommodation but its also home to a huge local population.  So local activities are part and parcel of every day life here.

Christmas in Portugal

In that context of programming of Christmas  will start at the beginning of the month of December in Lagos. The have named this years program "THE BOY JESUS".  The organising of the event will be executed by  Municipal Librarian Dr Julius Dantas  The activities incorporates a cycle of cinema and a exhibitions on December 10, on an occasion that marks the International Day of Human Rights.

The now famous Christmas Nativity Scene ( Cribe) will be back on display  to open to the public 2015-11-27
Once more José Cortes  the owner and creator of the crib will give all the public opportunity to see the crib as it will be displayed free of charge. This crib has become very famous in Lagos completely designed and built by this Lagos local,  each year he adds new detail.  You can visit from 17 December. The entrance is free.

Lagos prepares to receive the Christmas  on the 2015-11-26 for the festive season of the year. The Mayor of Lagos has prepared, in collaboration with the various cultural collectivities of the county, a collection with various municipal departments in Lagos as a whole, a festive programming special.  Its begins on the 5th of December 2015.

EXPENSIVE SOUL in  Lagos on New Years Eve.

The municipality of Lagos will celebrate  the arrival of the New Year to the sound of one of the best music groups in the country - the Expensive Soul. The gig,  will run in the Infante Square, is free entry and will be followed by an actuating the DJ TobyONE.  Free to the public.
Lagos is an excellent location to send Christmas and New Year. Top class restaurant all open over the holiday period.  Excellent hotels and holiday rentals .  They self-catering apartments and self-catering villas to suit large groups.

Step into 2 wonderful beach side restaurants in Praia da Luz and Lagos

Fortilaza do Luz

Fortilaza do Luz

Fortilaza do Luz is a splendid restaurant situated on a rocky outcrop overlooking the wonderful beach of Praia da Luz. They say they source the best ingredients and prepare everything from scratch.  They source the fish from local market daily.  Which means it was caught locally. They say all vegetables are organic and also sourced locally. Personally nowadays I want to see from where its sourced.  All in all well worth a visit. As is Praia da Luz with its wonderful self-catering apartments and self-catering villas.  Praia da Luz has excellent holiday rentals.  Sunday lunch can be a very special occasion at Fortilaza do Luz.  For 20yrs they have held their famous Jazz Lunches every Sunday from 12pm to 3 pm, which take place from March to November.  Also every Thursday evening they do a dinner dance with various bands providing the music. It is in the centre of the holiday rentals location.  Enjoy!!!

Gaivota Branca ( White Seagull) at Meia Praia, Lagos

Gaivota Branca ( White Seagull) at Meia Praia, Lagos

Another great beach side restaurant is Gaivota Branca ( White Seagull) at Meia Praia, Lagos.  Had notices this place have been refurbished over the last few years. Lately just wondered into it by accident for morning coffee.  Wasn't that busy but on entering we met a  very friendly and welcoming waiter who treated us as if we were his best clients.  Perception is everything and straight away the impression of the hostelry was positive.  Even knowing we weren't eating suggesting  we look at the menu as we might come back again.  I personally like that attitude.  The menu was excellent by the way. It is well located on Meia Praia beautiful decorated the high glass doors off the decking area gives it a touch of luxury.  They are in business since 1968 and the business has been handed down from father to son.  A place well worth a visit not just if your staying in a nearly hotel of self-catering apartment or self-catering villa Lagos, but also in if your in holiday accommodation in Lagos.

Comparing Bus and Train fares in and out of Birmingham

Because I have a commercial interest in Birmingham in England West Midland I at times research certain aspects that might connect to those interests.

Grand Central Birmingham

They are mainly property related.  Have units rented by a serviced apartment company but on our website www.goholidaylets.com we also promote serviced apartments in Birmingham.

With this point of interest I casual researched rail fares and their alternatives in and out of Birmingham.  To my somewhat amusement and curiosity I came across various degrees of difference which I will explain as best I can.  Before doing so I am somewhat suspicious of comparison websites and their credentials to compare.

Ok I searched rail fares London to Birmingham, up popped Goeuro.  Honestly hadnt seen site before but could see straight away fares were in dollars $.  Which is fine but only one Rail Company appeared Virgin.

That s fine as well the cheapest fare on the 30th November to Birmingham was $15.08.

I know London Midlands  and Chiltern also have routes from London to Birmingham albeit from different stations within each city.

But lets stay with Goeuro its not a bad website they also give  the options of bus, car or plane.

National Express to Birmingham same date slightly earlier time price $9.05 which is good.

Carhire was with rentalcar.com and their best deal was $26.76 and they offered a Hyundai i10.  Honestly didnt read about extras and addons.  I am sure they ll be there somewhere.

Next piece of information surprised me.  There was no flights to Birmingham to London they were all to Manchester with either BA or Flybe.

Next site was the Redspottedhanky.  To be fair I think that is a great name for a site, not a keyword in sight.

To my relief yes London Midland were there as was Chiltern Railways.  The later arriving to Moore Street Birmingham a station that has been preserved in the past. I priced a comparison fare London---Birmingham after 9am on 30th £15 so Goeuro win out there.

Ok London Midlands website  London  9.49  Birmingham 12.02  £6.   A little shorter stops in more places I would think.

Hope if your reading this it has put you thinking.

Remember click on www.goholidaylets.com and book a excellent self-catering and serviced apartment in Birmingham and get there on a cheap train.

Side by Side in Birmingam's Southside

Arcadian

Birmingham is a place I know very well.   First started going there on business nearly 10 years ago. My awareness was mostly of the City Centre.   I had been involved in a number of  Buy to Let property developments in the Birmingham City Centre.  Some of these are now self-catering and serviced-apartment businesses.

The area I first got to know was Southside which is now very well established.  Back then it was a huge apartment block on the edge of the  Chinatown/Arcadian. 

It also consisted of the Theatre District, over the years the place has been rebranded as SOUTHSIDE.

It was fascinating to arrive here and watch a multicultural ethnic group go about their daily business.  On top of that a sizeable Gay Community was also existed here.   Which was was interesting, I have always been a live and let live sort of person so the sight of same sex couples holding hands in no way distracted me from my task on hand on any particular day.  Even at 50 + and a life time in Irish Police in Middleton it gave me a self awareness that people are different but everyday we still have to get on with everyday life side by side. Its just happens to be Birmingham at our moment in time.

Southside

But was a vibrant and still is a vibrant community the sense of multi-national cultural is every where.  Weather its the 1,900 seater  Hippodrome Theatre Victorian theatre with modern foyer. Where hosting musicals, ballet, opera and West End shows. Or the Old Rep  Theatre, nearby Staycity serviced apartments, IBIS Hotel, The Glee Club which hosts first class comedy acts from around the world,

The Arcadian car park managed by APCOA is accessed from Bromsgrove Street via Bristol Street or Hurst Street and is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and provides safe and secure parking with over 500 car parking spaces spread over three floors. 

Chinatown Birmingham

The Arcadian car park is the closest car park for the Hippodrome as well as being convenient for access to the Bullring and the Chinese Quarter.  The car park has achieved 'The Park Mark Award' for safer parking presented by the Home Office and cost effective contracts are available for regular users and tailored packages for short or long term parking can be accommodated.

Visit Southside for the most diverse range of entertainment options, for all the family. Eat in one of our fabulous restaurants, drink in any of bars, dance the night away in one of our clubs, be entertained in one of our theatres or visitor attractions. Stay-in-a-nearby-serviced-apartment or hotel.

Catch It Clean It Cook It on in a Holiday Home Lagos Portugal Style

Recent read the Portuguese diet of excessive fish eating been criticized. Have to be honest was some what surprised to see criticism of the type.  But on further reading I could gasp the essence of the report.  It was the Portuguese love of tuna "atum" and other scarce fish species that was been looked at closely.  Yes indeed the Portuguese love their atum but the equally love their frango and porco.

They are a fish crazy nation, to be fair quite alot of their fish is farmed nowadays.  As well their is no waste your Sea Bass is served with head on eyes in and everything on the plate apart from the bones are eaten.
At weekends some very ingenious BBQs are produced on the side of streets and roof tops and the charred smell of sardines cooking hangs in the air as a reminder of healthy eating and goodness.

The Portuguese fishing in many ways Lagos has a full harbour of small fishing boats.  If your staying in a local self-catering holiday accommodation in Patio Do Convento or The Marina Apartments. Take a stroll any time on year at night down the Avenida and you ll see the fishermen with their poles hanging out over the canal wall.   Indeed the benefit of self-catering you can buy fish in the market and cook yourself.  Fish is so much in demand Lidl have a fresh fish counter in their stores in Portugal.

Harbour Fishing

There are many long breakwaters protecting the harbours and marinas these offer good fishing for many species in all sea conditions.

Boats, there are a number of charter boats available, some are excellently run, catering for experienced big game anglers, others are frankly only suitable for people looking for a trip out to sea for a few beers and possibly a few fish. At certain times of the year when the water temperature is high we get a run of Marlin, both Blue and White, there are yearly competitions run from Vilamoura marina and Tavira.

Cliff Fishing

On the weekend you can find people perched on the top of 200ft. Cliffs even on ropes half way down the cliff. They catch a variety of fish including many types of Bream, Bass, Mackerel, Garfish, Mullet etc. Best baits are Sardine, prawns and worms. A piece of fresh Mackerel with the blood oozing out is good for many species. Main problem in this fishing is lifting large fish up the cliff and a variety of lift net is usually employed
Beach fishing, there are miles of beaches that can offer some nice fishing, especially for bass. Bass to near 20lb are reported but more normal is 3 or 4lb.

Game Fishing

We have some of the greatest game fishing in the World off the Algarve coast and offer you the opportunity to experience this with our charter boat skipper who has been very successful in tracking down the various species available off this fabulous coast. Marlin, blue and white, tuna, a wide variety of sharks and much more. See the gallery below for more detail.
When you book a self- catering holiday in Lagos, or a holiday villa in Vilamoura if interested in fish make sure and get local details from the agent or owner.

Chestnuts Roasted on a Portuguese Fire

I can recall in childhood some 54 yrs ago street vendors on the side of the street selling roasted chestnuts.  Have to be honest its a vivid memory but I think it was on a visit to London. Personally my memory is triggered more often than not by smell.  The recollection of a smell of something brings back the image of the scene.  It the case of the roasted chestnuts its more the smell of the coal created the heat that I recall.  In particular I can recall the smoke coming from the roaster.

                                                          The poisonous Horse Chestnut

Horse Chestnut

It was a time we were less environmentally aware and small of smoke was a sign fires were burning and you d be heading home out of the winter cold.  But eating roasted chestnuts on side of the street as Irish was a thing other nationalities done.  We looked on curiously in the cinema or early television with the thought some people would eat anything.

Not that we were short of chestnuts the Irish countryside has been full of Horse Chestnut Trees for unfortunately are poisonous if eaten.  I can remember as a young guy going  the "Big Park" in Waterford city in the South of Ireland and collection what we referred to as Congers.   They normally would have fallen from the majestic Horse Chestnut Trees the Inner nut was protected by a green outer shell which nature allowed to have small barbs or thorns.  Its European Cousin the edible version has somewhat hairy outer jacket.

Anyway the sole purpose of this Big Park expedition was to prepare for a game of conkers.  I was one of those seasonal childhood games.   Must confess was always curious how they started or who was the first in the season and how did the last guy know the time was up.   In fairness you really stood out from the crowd if you carried on a season game whose tome had passed.

Congers was a simple game you used a nail to put a hole in the chestnut.  Then ran a piece of twine or string tied a big knot at one end and you were ready for action.

Cantasha Roster in Lisbon

Lets move forward quite a few years I was sitting in a Irish/Portuguese family home in Lisbon. I was staying a in an magnificent self-catering apartment in the centre of Lisbon booked on www.goholidaylets.com.  I was asked would I stay for dinner and to my surprise we had meat stuffed with chestnuts or in Portuguese  castanhas. I was once again in self-catering accommodation in Lagos for a short stay having golf in Vilamoura.  I called to a Cafe Cisne  to see owner Anna and she produced some wonderful roasted castanhas to have with my coffee.  The were excellent rich wholesome taste far cry from the Hores Chestnut congers of the Big Park In Waterford many years ago. If you have self-catering accommodation in the Algarve make sure you list free with www.goholidaylets.com

Tags. self-catering accommodation, luxury villas Vilamoura, self-catering accommodation Lagos,self-catering apartment in centre of Lisbon, Waterford, London.

Flights in and out of Malaga on a self-catering holiday

Flights in and out of Malaga on a self-catering holiday
Malaga in Spain is a beautiful place to visit and stay on a self-catering holiday in the glorious Costa Del Sol sunshine.

Our website www.goholidaylets.com has some splendid properties listed in the south of Spain  Marbella Cadiz to name a few.
Getting there is not an issue either as a number of large airlines fly daily and weekly.  Norwegian Air from London Gatewick ,,Easy Jet from Stanstead, Monarch out of Lutton,  Ryanair everyday of the week out of Stanstead,  British Airways  out of London Gatewick.

We have listed for your information the Airlines and their Flight Nos that fly in and out weekly
For total information check the websites of the relevant  airlines  Some of the flights are not direct.


6:45 am 8:25 am Norwegian Air International 5580 AGP-LGW
8:00 am 9:40 am Norwegian Air International 5580 AGP-LGW
10:55 am 12:50 pm easyJet 3112 - - - - AGP-STN
11:15 am 1:05 pm easyJet 8602                          AGP-LGW
11:25 am 1:25 pm Monarch 13 - - -          AGP-LTN
11:40 am 1:35 pm easyJet 2404 - - - - AGP-LTN
11:45 am 1:40 pm easyJet 3112 - - -        - AGP-STN
11:45 am 1:50 pm Ryanair 8163                                AGP-STN
12:10 pm 2:05 pm British Airways 2713 - AGP-LGW
1:00 pm 2:55 pm British Airways 2715 - AGP-LGW
2:00 pm 3:50 pm easyJet 8606                             AGP-LGW
2:20 pm 4:05 pm British Airways 8488         - AGP-LCY
3:00 pm 4:40 pm Norwegian Air International 2467- AGP-LGW
3:00 pm 4:55 pm British Airways 2717 - - AGP-LGW
3:35 pm 5:30 pm British Airways 2713     - - AGP-LGW
4:25 pm 6:30 pm Ryanair 8165                              AGP-STN
5:30 pm 7:25 pm easyJet 3112       - - - - AGP-STN
5:50 pm 7:35 pm British Airways 8488           AGP-LCY
6:00 pm 7:50 pm easyJet 8608 - - - - AGP-LGW
6:40 pm 8:35 pm British Airways 2713 -- - AGP-LGW
6:45 pm 8:40 pm easyJet 2404 - -         - AGP-LTN
7:05 pm 9:00 pm easyJet 2404             - - - AGP-LTN
8:05 pm 10:00 pm Monarch 743                    -       AGP-LGW
8:20 pm 10:15 pm British Airways 2715 - - AGP-LGW
9:00 pm 10:50 pm Monarch 743 - - - - AGP-LGW
9:10 pm 11:00 pm easyJet 8610                                AGP-LGW
9:25 pm 11:25 pm Monarch 19                             AGP-LTN

Connecting flights

4h 30m+ Iberia Express via Madrid
4h 30m+ Iberia via Madrid
4h 45m+ Vueling via Barcelona
4h 50m+ Air Europa, Air France via Paris
4h 55m+ Swiss via Geneva
Enjoy your self-catering stay

Buses Travel in the Algarve while on a holiday rental stay

When your on a self-catering holiday in any place if you dont hire a car it is of benefit to know the times of buses and trains. I tell refer pacific to the Algarve today as an example. Lets say you want to get from Faro Airport to your holiday rental accommodation in Lagos. If you arrive in Faro and your travelling to Lagos you have a number of options to get to your accommodation.

1. Get a friend or family to collect you.
2. Hire a car.  Cheap option in the Algarve if you want a self drive.  Try Marina Carhire Lagos.
3 Taxi or chauffeur driven car or bus.  Not a cheap option.
4. Shared shuttle transfer.  Online Resort Hoppa  are the most prominent.  They contract out to Greenbus.    It can be a little slow but cheap and reliable.
5.  Trains runs most days.   Long gaps between times  But cheap and comfortable.  You can get a bus from       airport to EVA bus terminal in Faro. Or a taxi for approx €11.00
6. Finally take a bus from the above bus station direct to Lagos
Lets take the bus option.

Times for Eva Bus is three hours from  Faro to Lagos, times  are as follows:
               
         Faro            8.00am                     9.05am              12.30     14.30
         Albufeira     8.55am
         Armacao     9.20am
 Lagoa         9.35am
 Portimao    9.45am
          Lagos         10.10am                     11.15am          14.40       16.40
A – Albufeira Bus terminal is 1.6km/ 1 mile from the town centre.
B – Portimão has no bus station. The buses stop in Avenida Guanaré, near the Largo do Dique
C – Praia da Rocha stop is at Clube Praia da Rocha
At Goholidaylets our aim is to provide you with different pieces of information that we think will make your holiday more enjoy able. We list self-catering, holiday rental accommodation for you to search, book and enjoy a fabulous holiday. Part of this role is to be available to you for advise on your destination choice and also provide you with interesting information about transport dining out etc.

Check out www.eva-bus.com   Here is some further information for you You would like to travel across the Algarve, know and enjoy the various locations but all options seem too expensive?
Thinking in you, we offer a comprehensive concept and innovative in terms of mobility in the Algarve.
With only one card you can move throughout the region using the vast network of intercity transport, whether EVA Transport or Frota Azul Algarve  
The Tourist Pass is available for use for 3 or 7 days, NO TRAVEL LIMIT.
And all this at a very reasonable price!


Prices Tourist pass 3 days:        29,10€

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

Five of our favourite restaurants in Lagos on a Self catering Holiday

Boats at anchor in Lagos

Portuguese dining is based on valuable good wholesome food.Various fish dishes are available together with an assortment of meats.Port is traditional and all rend to be cook in a slow succulent way. Similarly wines are highly prized and the house wines are hard to pass.

We have chosen the following restaurants as a flavour of what is available as a dining experience during your self catering holiday in Lagos.   We are passionate about the self-catering option, personally despite my love of a huge fry in the morning doesn't sound as good as it did 10 years ago.  I think habits and food desires change.  That's why the self-catering holiday rental suits my style.

O Antonio Praia Porto do Mos

This one that seeing is believing.   Great place to bring family and friends.  Location is over looking the magnificent beach (praia).  As with most Portuguese restaurants they don't get excited if your only calling for a coffee of bottle of water.  As long as you sit and relax and enjoy the surroundings.  The food is certainly worth ordering  I recently had Hake Portuguese style on chips. It was excellent.  One of my companions had a Monkfish kabad which she could finish.

No Patio

No Patio has to be one of our favorite restaurants in Lagos. It ticks all the boxes all at once. An excellent mix of Portuguese and English cuisine coupled with unique ambiance and friendly service. Highly recommended to have No Patio on your list of must try restaurants. If you’re here for a week long self catering holiday it would be wise to book a table beforehand 00351 912 582 636 or 00351 282 763 777. Its located Rua Lançarote de Freitas 46 very our listings at No 2 Mullens and No 3 Nah nah bah. Sunday lunch is worth a visit with traditional roast and seasonal vegetables.

Mullens

Mullens - Is situated at Rua Candido dos Reis 86. It is and does give the appearance of old style Portuguese Taverna. It happens to be one of the oldest in Lagos. An assortment of fish and meat dishes are on the menu. With an excellent wine list comprised of a selection of red and white Portuguese wines. But dinner has been served the restaurant revert once again to a music venue. Local musicians gigs here on regular nights.

Nah Nah Bah

NahNahBah is situated on Travessa do Forno 11 in an area where a few hostels are located. It produces one the best burger money can buy. Coupled with a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, it seems to have got the mix and blend just right. On a self catering trip to Lagos Nah Nah Bah should definitely be on your list of restaurants to visit. When your walking up Travessa do Forno look for the red door. Or why not call 00351 966 207702 or 00351 912 962885 for a reservation

A Forja or Blue Door as its wide known is a great fish restaurant. It certainly serves meat dishes but its popular is gained on the strength of it wholesome fresh fish. It open early this year after being closed for an extended period for total refurbishment. On reopening it was business as usual with the familiar professional homely service men and women.Most English speakers know it as the Blue Door. Yes it is oblivious it has a Blue Door so easily to find.

It is located not far from Praca de Gil Eanes on Rua Ferreiros. In high season expect to queue for a table. If its your first time and you like fish try the Seabrass for less than €10 you wont be disappointed.  House wine is also excellent served in an earthenware carafe.

The website www.goholidaylets.com list some beautiful holiday rental accommodation in the Lagos area.

Self Catering holiday and attractions in Midleton Co Cork Ireland

The Paddocks Holiday Village or Fota Island Resort Lodges  in Midleton Co Cork area  are a great base for a self-catering holiday in East Cork. There are numerous places of natural beauty and attractions to be seen. 

The Jameson Experience is located in Midleton, Co. Cork situated in the Old Cork Distilleries Company distillery just of the Main Street in Midleton.  This distillery operated for 150 years, from 1825 until 1975, when the workers clocked off on a Friday in July, to start work in the new Midleton Distillery the following Monday.  A decision was later made to turn the original distillery into a heritage centre known today as the Jameson Expereince. 

A tour of the Jameson Experience is a journey through the story and making of Irish whiskey.  If for any reason you are in Midleton and have some time to spare this is well worth a visit.  If your having a self-catering holiday here for a few days it is a must see experience. Guided tours are available throughout the year a number of different languages are spoken  and all tours commence with  an audio-visual presentation, retracing the history of whiskey in Ireland.  The tour takes in all aspects of whiskey distilling ending up with the  cooperage make and repairing barrels and the warehouses where the important task of blending takes place. Of course at the end of each  tour volunteers get the chance to take part in a comparison whiskey tasting, learning the differences between Scotch, American and Irish whiskey. 

Once  completed, guests are rewarded with a much coveted Irish Whiskey Taster Certificate, as well as a complimentary glass of Jameson with a mixer of their choice.

The village of  Cloyne is another place of historical significance.  In has a huge connection with George Berkeley 12 March 1685, 14 January 1753, also known as Bishop Berkeley (Bishop of Cloyne), was an Anglo-Irish philosopher whose primary achievement was the advancement of a theory he called "immaterialism" . This theory denies the existence of material substance and instead contends that familiar objects like tables and chairs are only ideas in the minds of perceivers, and as a result cannot exist without being perceived.Berkeley is also known for his critique of abstraction, an important premise in his argument for immaterialism.

Cloyne is a lovely place you can still see the front of old commercial stone building and  stone houses on the side of the street , the  old round tower that was once part of a medieval monastic settlement, thought to have been established by St Colman in 560. The structure is one of only two such towers existing today in County Cork.

 

In recent centuries, the tower underwent renovations after lightening struck, destroying the original conical roof.

All there attractions are within easy reach  the Paddocks Holiday Village andFota Island where 2 and 3 bedroomed houses are available as self-catering accommodation.  See www.goholidaylets.com for further details.

Fota Wildlife Park is a joint project between the Zoological Society of Ireland and University College Cork (UCC), an idea originally conceived in the 1970s by former Director of Dublin Zoo, Dr. Terry Murphy.

The Park was officially opened in 1983 by the then President of Ireland, the late Dr. Patrick Hillery, and has gone from strength to strength since - welcoming record visitor numbers in the years after a significant redevelopment of facilities in 2010 and 2011.  

It has been listed as one of Ireland's Top Ten visitor attractions and is the most popular tourist destination in Cork.

Fota is a non-profit organisation, limited by guarantee, and is also a registered charity. It is completely self-financing, relying entirely on gate receipts and membership fees for its income, and any financial surpluses generated are reinvested in order improve infrastructure and promote the company's core objectives of conservation, education and research.

Fota house is next to Fota Golf Club where this years Irish Open was played and the golf club is part of Fota Resort the location for the self-catering accommodation that can be found on our website www.goholidaylets.com

 

Another place you should put on your itinerary  is Garryvoe Beach is located just off the road from Ladysbridge to Shanagarry in County Cork. It is a mixed pebble beach and a great destination for families. The beach has a public car park, toilet facilities and wheelchair access is provided. 

It is lifeguarded during the bathing season and more information can be found on the notice board located at the beach.

Fota House, Arboretum & Gardens has a wealth of things to see and do. The arboretum has a renowned collection of tender and exotic trees and shrubs from the southern hemisphere. These were discovered and brought back by the intrepid plant hunters of the 18th and 19th centuries. You can also visit the fragrant rose garden and pleasure grounds and the atmospheric Victorian fernery. The delightful and tranquil gardens at Fota were laid out by James Hugh Smith-Barry in the first half of the 19th century and are a must see when visiting this area. Entry to the arboretum is free. 

Guided tours of the house, arboretum and the beautifully restored Victorian walled kitchen garden are available by appointment for a small charge. Self-guided tree trails of the arboretum can be purchased from Fota House from April to September.