Dunas Do Alvor Apartments

We have just returned from a week at the Dunas do Alvor apartment complex (9th-16th October) in Alvor, Algarve. We have been more than pleased with both the quality of our accommodation and the ambience of the surrounding area.
Our apartment consisted of a spacious one bedroom unit, with standard sized bathroom and large living area (which includes the kitchen, dining and television area). On the whole the apartment was well provisioned including all cutlery and plates that one might need. It did not, however, include a microwave or conventional oven but as there are many great restaurants within walking distance this didn’t prove a problem. The complex itself features all the standard amenities, such as several bars and restaurants, a large swimming pool and another smaller children’s pool. The local beach is a short walk and is great for swimming and general enjoyment. The reception area sports a coin operated internet terminal, but you can also use cheap local dial-up from ISP’s such as Clix. Bear in mind that the hotel charges around €0.30/minute for the phone calls though!
Alvor town itself has the usual compliment of restaurants, both Portuguese and foreign. Of the restaurants we ate at in town were Tasca Morais (a fairly traditional Portuguese affair), and Restaurante China Garden which as it’s name suggests is a Cantonese establishment. Both restaurants exceeded our high expectations with China Garden beating (hands down) any Chinese outside of China. The staff and service at both restaurants was great and all staff spoke impeccable English. Gil Morais at Tasca Morais collects and frames foreign bank notes so if you have anything obscure bring it along.
The village of Alvor is fairly centrally located, allowing for relatively short travel to Portimão, Monchique and Sagres (the furthest west town Portugal). Irrespective of whether you want to hit the shops at Algarve Shopping or head west to catch some waves at the surfers beach at Cabo San Vincente, Alvor is the perfect destination for you.
By far the highlight of our trip was the time spent at a small local establishment called Marco’s. Run by Mark and Jackie, and located on the Dunas do Alvor complex, it’s an English-style bar and restaurant which serves the best steaks we’ve had in the world. If you ask for medium-rare you get medium-rare and not medium-well as you would get in England. The rest of the menu is prepared with just as much care and attention. Mark, a chef of nearly 30 years’ experience, takes immense pride in his work and this is reflected in the high quality of the dishes they serve. The other chefs and bar staff share this professionalism and that also is reflected in the quality of their work. The drinks prices are equivalent to other local establishments and their house beers and wines are most enjoyable.
Overall, our trip to Dunas do Alvor was entirely enjoyable.