Page 471 - Lonely Planet Europe’s Best Trips (Travel Guide)

Eating & Sleeping

secret is out. This buzzing place pulls in the
Zambujeira do Mar 2 crowds – locals, tourists and expats – for its
hearty, top-quality traditional food served in a
4 Herdade do Touril Rural Inn €€ bustling environment at great prices. Plates of
(%937 811 627; www.herdadedotouril.pt; r the day are always reliable, as are the fish dishes.
from €90; is) Four kilometres north of
Zambujeira do Mar is this upmarket quinta
building with rooms and apartments of the Carvoeiro c
fluffy-pillow variety. Some are located within Guesthouse €€
the original building (built in 1826), others 4 O Castelo
are converted farm cottages. The rustic and (%919 729 259; www.ocastelo.net; Rua do
contemporary design of this tranquil place has Casino 59; d without view €65, with view
an African safari-lodge feel – without the lions. €90-110; aW) To the west of the bay, behind
Instead, storks nest in nearby cliffs (note, this the turismo, this standout guesthouse with
area is not safe for children). There’s a seawater a welcoming and justifiably proud owner is PORTUGAL 33 ALENTEjO & ALGARVE BEACHES
pool, a buffet breakfast and free bikes. Good recently renovated and gleamingly well-
taste, good choice. maintained. Rooms are most inviting; some
share a large terrace and sea views (with
sunrises), while one has a private balcony. They
Sagres 8 get all the details right; it’s a stunning outlook
and a lovely, lovely place.
5 A Casínha Portuguese €€
(%917 768 917; www.facebook.com/acasinha.
restaurantesagres; Rua de São Vicente; mains Faro f
€12-18; hdinner Mon, lunch & dinner Tue-Sat) Portuguese, French €€
This cosy terracotta-and-white spot – built on 5 Faz Gostos
the site of the owner’s grandparents’ house – (%289 878 422; www.fazgostos.com; Rua do
serves up some fabulous Portuguese cuisine, Castelo 13; mains €14-20; hlunch & dinner Mon-
including standout barbecued fish, a good Fri, dinner Sat; W) Elegantly housed in the old
variety of cataplanas for two (€34) and arroz de town, this offers high-class French-influenced
polvo (octopus rice). High quality and a pleasant Portuguese cuisine in a spacious, comfortably
atmosphere. handsome dining area. There’s plenty of game,
fish and meat on offer with rich and seductive
4 Pousada sauces, and a few set menus are available.
do Infante Luxury Hotel €€€ CaptionCaptionCaptionCaption
(%218 442 001, 282 620 240; www.pousadas.
pt; Rua Patrão António Faustino; s/d €215/225, Tavira g
superior €260/270; paiWs) This
modern pousada has large rooms in a great 4 Casa Beleza do Sul Apartment €€
setting near the clifftop. Count on green or (%960 060 906; www.casabelezadosul.com;
orange interiors, handsome public areas and Rua Dr Parreira 43; apt €90-120; W) A gorgeous
picture-perfect views from the terraces. A well historic house in central Tavira is showcased
priced, quality pick. to full advantage in this beautiful conversion.
The result is a cute studio and three marvellous
suites of rooms, all different with original
Lagos 9 tiled floors and modern bathrooms. All have a
kitchenette and there are numerous decorative
5 A Forja Portuguese €€ and thoughtful touches that put this well above
(%282 768 588; Rua dos Ferreiros 17; mains the ordinary. Minimum stays apply. Breakfast
€8-15; hnoon-3pm & 6.30-10pm Sun-Fri) The available for an extra charge.

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