I didn't expect to find

by Lianne Kelly (Ireland)

I didn't expect to find Portugal

I didn't expect to find heaven on earth in southern Portugal. But in a place called albuferia, it exists. I arrived in May and the temperature was 23 degrees Celsius which is average at this time of year. With sparkling blue waters, golden sands and sunny skies a feeling of magic transcends. All the stresses of this world erode and peace and tranquility envelop. The hotel Monica Isabel is nestled into the large cliffs on the beach. The gem was the beach cafe serving a selection of treats all reasonably priced. Every evening as the sun set, i drank a glass of prosecco €6/per glass accompanied with snacks and felt as if I was in the scene from the film 'Beaches' when Bette Midler looses her fight for life. Fortunately I am alive & kicking. It was my favorite part of the day, just watching the world go about its business. Families packing up after a fun filled day, couples kissing & swimming in the ocean, kids knocking down sandcastles, joggers, surfers, shell collectors, dog walkers & sun worshippers trying to get the last rays of the day. You could see the lights of the old town glimmering in the distance and the smells of glorious local cuisine carried through the breeze. It was if the old town was summoning you to dinner. The old town only a short 10 minute walk along the beach & has an array of bars,restaurant, local crafts, arts, souvenirs shops to satisfy any shopaholic. The old town is charming yet full of life and entertainment to suit every traveller. The fresh seafood is a must in albuferia. Anything with prawns is good. The steak is also excellent. A meal for two will cost approx €50 with a bottle of wine. All restaurants cater for kids and have separate menu at low prices. The reason I wanted to travel to Portugal was to follow my dream - and swim with dolphins. And you can do it at Zoomarine. I bought a dolphin emotion package €250 and spent four glorious hours with the dolphins. The dolphins were amazing we had a water fight, a dance, dorsal fin ride & I even got a sardine kiss, better than most dates I've had. It was worth every penny and the whole experience is captured by film crew but will cost €90 extra, which you cannot go without. This price also included wetsuits, 30 mins information session and park entrance for day. The park itself has water slides, dolphin & bird shows, amusement park, tropical bird paradise, wave pools, man made beaches with private cabanas, log rides, and animal exhibits. There are numerous restaurants and souvenir shops. Tip: you can buy ticket just for park for €30. Get there early and spend full day at park. It was a dream come true. The hotel I stayed in was Hotel Monica beach club which is a 4 star property approximately €40 per night. It is 2km from 2km from albuferia town centre. All inclusive is the best option. Food was plentiful and tasty. The wine was local and beautiful. Staff were pleasant & helpful. I stayed in apartment overlooking beach and it was clean and basic. No frills. But I had the best view. There is shop on site. I will return to heaven on earth someday soon but I wonder if I can find this feeling again elsewhere...???