https://www.visitalgarve.pt/en/ Archives - Jim Murty’s TravelTravelTravel

Take your pick which date is the busiest and EasyJet, for example, rings July 28, but the best way to destress is to avoid the airport rush by booking out of season.

The budget airline is expecting to fly more than 300,000 customers on nearly 2000 flights across Europe.

With some of our favourites Palma, Faro, Malaga, Nice and Barcelona the most popular destinations this summer.

And the Greek islands and Turkey seeing a spike compared to last year.

Now Malaga, Nice and Barcelona we have all rightly waxed lyrical about in the past.

Faro’s fair

Marine biology: Faro’s answer to the Little Mermaid

But travellers are guilty of treating Palma and Faro as travel through destinations.

In much the same way as visitors to Milan might only see the airport part of Bergamo on account of the Milan-Bergamo airport.

So, and I’m guided by my old amiga Caroline here, bide awhile in Faro and you’ll be beguiled by her charms.

Fly from Glasgow and stay at the 3HB Faro from £2,722 for two.

In the sample middle six days of September, away from that end of July pinch point.

Now we’re reliably informed that you should take a stroll around the marina and harbour.

And take in the street art including Faro’s answer to the Little Mermaid.

While for those who like an old bones chapel and we’ve been sold.

Ever since stepping into the Capuchin Crypt in Rome, then add the Igreja do Carmo to your list.

Prize Palma

Balearics Brits fans, and aren’t we all, are to most men, women and child, in a rush to get out to their resort.

But as we found out in spare time off our first cruise 25 years ago give yourself time to look around the Old Town of Palma.

EasyJet will give you seven days in the first week of November.

Staying at the Playa De Malma, outside the town at the Iberostar Selection Llaut Palma from £1,239 for two.

And enjoy the rooftop restaurant which specialises in Asian-fusion cuisine.

A luxurious spa with saunas, a Turkish bath, a whirlpool and an ice fountain.

And is just 0.4kms from the nearest beach.

Of course you should get out and about in Palma Old Town which will surprise you.

With its upside down boat architecture and a windmill where you wouldn’t expect one.

We perused Palma’s churches, museums and galleries and explored its Moorish past.

And still wanted to come back for Moor and more.

Out of season, deal me in

So you’re welcome to this spotlight on two popular destinations where we often don’t get past our landing spots.

And at a time when we can avoid the airport rush by booking out of season.

Now if like me you don’t know your oyster-catcher from your curlew then you’d better brush up on the birdies in Portugal.

Our feathered friends are everywhere on the Algarve.

Not surprising in a country, Portugull, which has a bird in its name.

And, of course, the birdies would flock to the Algarve where fish is on every dish.

So much so that certain birds have even adapted their physiology to suit.

Spoon fed

As we discovered when we came across the unique spoon-billed ibis on our cycle ride through the Ria Formosa National Park.

Of course, whizzing through the woods is fun but isn’t the best way to appreciate the mouthy ibis.

That would be getting out on the water on a private or group catamaran cruise.

Mazeballs

The Ria Formosa is a 60km maze of canals, islands, marshes and barrier islands.

Known in these parts as Portugal’s Seventh Natural Wonder you can also find yourself beautiful hidden beaches for that picnic.

And unwrap your fishie dishie though watch out for swooping ibises.

Because these ones are easy to spot.

And this from someone who despite living more than half his life by various coasts doesn’t know his curlew from his oystercatcher.

Which inevitably brought scoffs from my own little ornithologist back here.

Speed your way

The speed boat tour lasts 1 to 2 hours and houses seven twitchers.

Optional private hire is available too. Prices start from €25/£22pp.

Our Algarve amigos advise us that the boutique Casa Modesta is the place to stay.

They bill it as a sustainable boutique eco-retreat overlooking the lagoon.

And blending stylish minimalistic luxury and traditional design.

Casa Modesta is just four miles from Olhão city centre and encourages their guests to practise sustainable travel.

Prices: €160/£135 per night based on two adults staying in a room with sea-view.

With all major airlines flying into Faro.

Watch this space

All perfect to brush up on your birdies in Portugal.

And we’re indebted here to trekking site for a spoonbilled heads up on 20 notable resident birds in these parts.

Including the Greater Flamingo, the Western Swamphen, the Redbilled Chough, Little Bustards (steady) and the Stone-Curlew.

Oh, that’s what they look like!

Tag: https://www.visitalgarve.pt/en/

Avoid the airport rush by booking out of season