This is a diary of a week spent in the Algarve in Portugal, in early March 2006.

The day we left was a Thursday, and we had to drive the 160 odd miles to Gatwick airport outside London for the flight. Now I always leave plenty of time for my journeys, as I hate being late for anything. So we left at 09.30 for the four hour journey, and that would leave plenty of time to book in at 3 pm for the 5 pm departure.

And then we hit the traffic jam from hell! There had been a major accident in the Swindon area on the way, and the motorway had been shut. So we queued for over one and a half hours before being diverted from the road onto a minor road. To get back on the motorway took another half hour, so we were then two hours behind, just about all the extra time I had allowed. The right foot went down, and we eventually parked up about 30 minutes early.

So off we flew, and I knew that a car would be waiting at Faro airport for me to pick up. I had not planned on the roads being so black, as the Portuguese do not waste money on street lights! Trying to find the hotel at 8.30 in the evening was a nightmare. Eventually I found a friendly taxi driver who told me the right way. 

Friday, day two.

On our second day, I spent most of it trying to get to know the area, so I would not get lost again. We drove several miles around to try and make sure that when we came back to the area, I would recognise the way back. We also went to Albufura about 3 miles away for a look around. A quiet day, but it did get me used to that part of the world. The car by the way was a Renault Scenic diesel. A great car and one I did not want to give back.

Saturday, day three.

We decided to get out a bit more today, and drove to Portamao about 30 km away. It was a lousy wet day, the only one we would have on this holiday. We ended up in a large shopping mall, just to get out of the rain. For lunch we found a place that sold soup. This would be enough as all other meals were in the price. For about 6 euros for the two of us, we had HUGE bowls of soup, bread and coffee. I have never had such a good meal for the price in my life. After that the rain had stopped, so we drove to a nearby coast area for me to take a few photos. The beach was way down, so I had to climb down. I nearly knackered myself getting back up though!

Sunday, day four.

On Sunday we decided to visit the nearby ZooMarine park. This was about 5 miles away and is one of the local ‘must see’ places. It was a bit smaller than I had imagined, but the usual bird and dolphin displays were on, and it is one of the few places that you can swim with dolphins. I did not take that up, but it did make for a very nice day. Afterward we drove back to Albufura and had a wonderful ice cream. Portuguese ice cream has to be tasted to be believed. 

Monday, day five.

One this day, we had decided to make a long drive, and visit Seville in Spain. This is about 250 km away, so a fair drive. The motorway, called the A22 was the quietest that I have ever driven on. Even at 10.30 on a Monday morning, there was hardly any traffic around. So driving at speeds between 120 and 150 kph we made it in about two hours. Before anyone thinks that I am a nutcase at those speeds, remember to take a third of to get to UK mph. Seville is one huge traffic jam and that is it. We were stuck in traffic from the time I drove in to the time I drove out. By some miracle I found a parking space, so we got out for a walk. It is one of the least friendly cities for wheelchairs that I ever experienced, with huge pavements, and no ramps at all. We bought a packet of Paracetamol and came back. Never again, and I would advise anyone thinking of going there to only go on a organised visit.

Tuesday, day six.

On this day, we decided to visit the mountainous region of the Algarve known as the Sierra de Monchique. This was a drive of about a hour or so, and took us to the little town on Monchique. A pretty little town, but that was the stop off before going to Faio in the mountains. This is as high as it gets in this part of Portugal, about the height of Mt Snowdon in Wales. The road wound up and up as if it was never going to stop. But eventually it did, and we got out for some fresh air. And fresh it was as well! Time to take some photos, and then back. After that it was on to Lagos a bit further on and this was our favourite town, with easy access, and a lovely place to visit with its smart shops, and lovely marina.

Wednesday, day seven.

On this day, we were tired out from all the driving around. So it was a late day, and then we just drove to the nearby resort of Villamura about 10 miles away. This is a new purpose built resort for golf and boats, with a new marina. Another place that proved that you can have access for wheelchairs if you want. A very pleasant afternoon was spent here.

Thursday, the last day.

Our flight was not due to leave until 9 pm, and we had the car all day, so we just drove back to Portamao and had a wander around. We did find a place called ‘Praia de Rocha’ which is a pleasant beach front area. We spent a lovely hour or two wandering around a having some of the great Portuguese coffee. And that was it, back home. We arrived in the UK at 11.15 pm, and got the car by 12.30 am. We eventually got home at about 4.00 am, completely knackered out.

I have of course made up an album of photos that can be found here Portugal Photos