It is always nice when on vacation to go for a walk to explore new surroundings and to give yourself a reward at the end of the venture. My husband and I like the village of Olhos de Agua near Albufeira in Portugal very much. On a recent visit, we walked in a different direction from usual and found the most delightful gift shop A Tulipa where we found many unusual gifts for family and friends.
On our way back from the shop, we stopped off at the Caffe Crema Cafetaria for coffee and cake. What a find! The coffee is mellow, the cakes are delicious and the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly. As I say, we only stopped in for coffee and cake but at no time were we made to feel we had to hurry away. The waiting staff spoke good English and German and the restaurant is spotlessly clean.
The choice of cakes, pastries and pies is excellent. There are far too many to choose from than you could imagine. I chose a cream eclair with fruit on the top and my husband went with a couple of the smaller custard tarts. All were lovely.
The Caffe Crema Cafetaria does offer meals as well, including a full English Breakfast. However, although we did visit the place three times during our vacation, we never got past coffee and cake.
If you happen to be in the village of Olhos de Agua, I highly recommend some shopping time at A Tulipa and then a refreshment stop at the Caffe Crema Cafetaria.
Val Penny
adults that included an en-suite bedroom on the ground floor and living accomodation on the ground floor as my mother has mobility problems. (Although in the end only 12 of us were able to attend.) There were few suitable properties available. We chose Corner Farm, Sherburn, Yorkshire, England, although it was necessary to rent the property for a minimum of three nights rather than the two we really needed on a self-catering basis. The cost was almost £1,000 per night plus the catering costs, providing food and drink for our party. We could all have gone to Portugal for a week at 
these costs, but mother wanted to go to Yorkshire.
now scouring pads and the local shop did not sell them). The freezer did not freeze things properly. There was not enough toilet paper. The dining table was tight for twelve people. The seating in the living room was comfortable, but insufficient for our number. These issues were a disappointment. Some of the items that decorate the house are really pretty. These give the house a nice feel and fill the house with fine style. I liked the touch of a filled book-case.
was also surprised to see two double beds in one room! But the cot in one of the double rooms was good quality. It would also have been a kindness to provide bath sheets to guests, instead of the much smaller bath towels.
Val Penny's Hotel and Restaurant Reviews 