What's your 'thing'?

 

What's your 'thing' when it comes to holidays.

I think I have finished with the 'bright lights, late nights' holidays, and enjoy a good city break, I do also love a beach holiday but lately have taken to visiting a white village in the mountains of Spain, a quieter, more relaxed holiday.

There are so many amazing places to visit and my love of France ( not Paris)  has never diminished, to be honest there are so many amazing places to visit in this vast country.

There is something about France that keeps me  returning. I am currently looking for flights for later in the year, to where.....I am hoping somewhere exciting.

Are you a height of summer holiday maker or do you like the quieter times on either side of the summer season? Are you a ski fan, or is it winter sunshine that you crave, I love to top up my vitamin D levels.

Do you like a 'foodie tour' when you are away,or like me love to jump on the tourist trains, which usually meander through city streets.

Its the time of year when we are all looking to book a holiday, or have already booked.

What ever your 'thing' is, holidays are  the shut off  that we all need at times, the balm and calm to the hustle and bustle of  everyday life.

If you are looking for holidays at the moment and would like some ideas just get in touch.

lainey.robinson@notjusttravel.com

Faro the debrief

 

So Faro!?, my second visit to Portugal in just over a month. well its taken me a few  days since getting back, to get around to write the debrief.

I stayed at the 3* Faro boutique hotel, this is 2 mins walk from the old city walls, 1-2 mins from some great restaurants, and close to shops! ( always a bonus for me).

I was whisked from the airport by private transfer and the lovely driver, Nell, gave me a mini tour of the city on the way.

The bedroom was comfortable and warm and had the best bathroom, a peek-a boo shower, not sure if its a selling feature but it certainly tickled me.

The reception and bar area were spotlessly clean and had views across the square.

there was a roof top bar and sunbathing area, the bar wasn't open but I got to go and soak up some rays  on Saturday, very peaceful and relaxing.

I wandered around the city visiting the Cathedral and various churches. Also the Bishops palace which was amazing.

There are lots of parks too and the city is very walkable.

Within the old city walls  a lot of the buildings seemed to be derelict, but there did seem to be a huge regeneration programme going on.

I was in the hotel B & B which was also lovely and a good selection.

I then had a host of restaurants and cafes to eat at. I found that compared to eating out a home, I got a lot more for my euro. Saturday evening saw me having oysters down by the Marina and at €1.5 each they were a bargain I thought.

The rose wine was a pleasant surprise, not the pink sugary stuff we get here, but dry rose with  great flavour. I even had some amazing cocktails of which the dry martini I had on Friday  was the cream of the crop.

Shopping was very good as most shops had sales on and I brought home a fabulous handbag ( because obviously  I needed a new one).

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 Before I knew it, it was time to get into my taxi and head back to the airport.

I had a great time and am definitely going back.

I flew with Jet2  form Leeds /Bradford to Faro.

If you are interested in this type of break or any holidays please get in touch.

lainey.robinson@notjusttravel.com

Final day

 

 I was up, dressed and down for breakfast by  7.30 am, I decided to make my last half day count, remembering that it was Sunday I thought that it would be quiet.

How wrong I was. I wandered down to the marina area at about 8.30am and already it was so busy, lots of runners and joggers, lots of families and almost every coffee shop open to serve the Sunday foot traffic.

Even  the quiet area around the hotel was busy with Sunday coffee drinkers. such a lovely atmosphere.

I wandered up through the back streets behind the hotel and spotted a small church

surprisingly for a Sunday it was not open.

Doing a full circuit around the old town I noticed this building

closer inspection of its name made me wonder?????

 

I had to google it...................................and it means compassion!!!???

As usual my love of doors abroad meant that I was constantly on the lookout for different one, however this window grill, above, really stood out, I thought was stunning.

I also found a mini library.

and a single hibiscus in bloom in Jan/ February

However before I knew it I had to get back to the hotel to wait for my transfer to the airport. Nell arrived and whisked me back, she gave me a huge hug when I got out and asked me to return soon to her city.

Four months ago a three night break in Faro seemed like the right amount of time, but now I wish I'd had one more night here. 

I have enjoyed every bit of Faro and cannot wait to go back.