http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/ Welcome to Been there. Your tips on the places you know - that you love, live in or have just visited - are what make this guide. http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34738 Stay at the Vila Gale de Praia, adults only with a great spa.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34738 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34701 I developed my passion or perhaps obsession with cakes when sailing the Algarve. Apparently there are 365 different types of cake in Portugal and I did my best to try as many as possible.
Broa castelar – Sweet potato cakes
Mini Cenoura – mini carrot cakes
Pastel de Nata A type of egg custard cake with a thin multi layered pastry sprinkled with cinnamon (best if warm)
Carrot cake gateau
Mini almond cup cakes
Mini orange and almond cup cakes
Heavy cake - a very heavy cake(My least favourite)
Lemon swiss roll cake (a sort of heavy cake)
Chocolate cake
Baked crusty fruit bread
Apple strudel pastry
Bolo de aroz (muffin type cake)
There's still a lot of tasting to do upon my return.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34701 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34686 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34686 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34682 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34682 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34680 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34680 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34664 This rustic, traditional Portugese restuarant is the place to be if you want a real taste of the Algarve. Situated just off the main street, the "Green Door" never fails with its sparkling fresh fish, relaxed friendly staff and great prices. The service is excellent and I personally recommend the fish cataplana. Don't go if you want to dine privately because you can end up sharing a bench with other people, but for me this adds to the experience.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34664 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34653 In the little visited Alentejo I would recommend Estremoz Saturday market in its large marble lined main square, where even the kerb stones are made of marble. Here little old ladies sell whatever is fresh in their vegetable garden and from their fruit trees, and their husbands sell their olive oil, olives and honey. Ask "posso provar" can I try in Portuguese and everyone will be willing to offer you a taste. The market is famous for its cheeses and cured meats all hanging on public display ripe for a tasting. After you have shopped try a tiny restaurant near to one of the old town gates, restaurant Azul, where every Saturday the kitchen offers three main meals, usually one fish and two types of pork, sometimes chicken served with plenty of homemade chunky bread, fresh olives, chips and salad. A main meal will cost around five euros without wine, hang your flat cap on the wall and sit down and enjoy!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34653 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34652 The restaurant serves a wonderful "sapateira" (brown crab). Make sure you order the buttered toasted bread onto which you spread the paste that comes inside the crab's shell. Try the amêijoas à Bulhão Pato too. These are some of the best clams in Portugal. And, of course, try the typically Iberian "percebes" (goose barnacles).
Everything is fresh, good quality, and cooked to perfection. It is not touristy at all. Its clients are locals. I know the restaurant isn't open every day of the week, but cannot recall which day it isn't (so call before visiting).]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34652 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34649 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34649 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34642 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34642 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34613 Location and size it may not have, but it makes up for that with huge portions of authentic Portuguese dishes served in beautiful poteens , by friendly and happy staff.
If you love dining with the locals then take this diversion off the tourist routes.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34613 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34594 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34594 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34587 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34587 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34437 Stay at the vila gale de praia, adults only with a great spa.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34437 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33794 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33794 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33208 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33208 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33206 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33206 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/32513 A winding stairway of 183 steps partly cut into a volcanic chimney leads down to a domed volcanic cave where there is a sulphurous lake. It's best to go between 11am and 2pm as sunlight beams through a shaft and casts light in a spectacular way.
It's even wiser to phone ahead as the CO2 levels are closely monitored and the cave closes when levels are dangerous. It's a bit disconcerting to say the least, when you're peering into the boiling mud pool and the alarm sounds!
There is an eeriness and stillness in the subterranean world enhanced by knowing you are 100m below the earth's surface inside a volcano.
A little rowing boat sits at the lake edge, though when I visited, the lake was out of bounds. Bring a torch to explore the darker areas and to admire the numerous stalactites. Finally, bring a packed lunch as the food offered is only a few chocolate bars and drinks from a vending machine. There are a few picnic benches outside to enjoy a well deserved snack and a rest.
If you have the energy, you can walk around the edge of the volcano where there are stunning views into the Caldeira and explore lava tunnels as you continue to hike.
All in all a great work for the thighs and bum!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/32513 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/32355 The auditoreum is a minature Albert Hall and we saw the Madeiran Youth Mandolin Orchestra give a magnificent concert. The whole thing was absolutely charming but one could sit for ages in the empty auditorium and admire the atmosphere and architecture - large numbers of boxes surround the stalls and all the curtains and seats are a sumptuous crimson. Well worth a visit if ever in Funchal - both a musical performance or a play would be a joy.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/32355 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/31889 The speciality of the house is BBQ food – meat, fish and the star of the show as the name of the restaurant insinuates is the chicken (frango being the Portuguese for chicken). The food is delicious, the standard portions are really meant for two, but many a hearty diner seemed to be giving it a go. For the not so hungry, there are half portions.
It’s a pretty simple place full of locals (which is always a good sign). Downstairs you will find a bar filled mostly with local gentlemen at the counter socializing while having their meal and upstairs a simply decorated dining room filled mainly with families and couples.
The service from the waiters is professional, efficient and friendly.
Also worth a mention is the local beer, the refreshingly crisp and fizzy Super bock.
Upon leaving, the smile on your face will not only be from the delicious meal you just ate, but also from the reasonable price you just paid.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/31889