0:00:02 > 0:00:04- Hello, and welcome to Getaways. - The show where we go...
0:00:04 > 0:00:06..where you want us to go.
0:00:08 > 0:00:10SHE SCREAMS
0:00:10 > 0:00:13We're on a mission to check out some of your most popular
0:00:13 > 0:00:14holiday destinations.
0:00:21 > 0:00:24You've been sharing your top travel tips, telling us where to go...
0:00:24 > 0:00:26..and what to do when we get there.
0:00:26 > 0:00:27HE LAUGHS
0:00:32 > 0:00:35This week, we've flown to the Algarve in sunny southern Portugal.
0:00:35 > 0:00:40Known for its stunning coastline and 300 days of sunshine a year.
0:00:40 > 0:00:42Over five million tourists arrive here every year.
0:00:42 > 0:00:44So, we're here to find out what makes it
0:00:44 > 0:00:47one of Europe's top holiday destinations.
0:00:48 > 0:00:51Flights to Faro Airport are plentiful and year-round,
0:00:51 > 0:00:54and take about three hours.
0:00:54 > 0:00:57And all the main resorts are within an hour's drive.
0:00:57 > 0:00:59Vogue, what are you looking forward to here in the Algarve?
0:00:59 > 0:01:01Well, I came here as a child for years,
0:01:01 > 0:01:03so I basically want to be a big child again.
0:01:03 > 0:01:05I want to go to water parks, I want to do golf,
0:01:05 > 0:01:07I want to just do loads of fun stuff.
0:01:07 > 0:01:10- What about you?- It's very simple, you know, three things - good food,
0:01:10 > 0:01:13beaches and guaranteed sunshine pretty much all year round.
0:01:13 > 0:01:16And I've just noticed, we're kind of in the way of one of the features.
0:01:16 > 0:01:17That's so true!
0:01:19 > 0:01:20Yes, that's right -
0:01:20 > 0:01:22we've been asking you what your top recommendations are,
0:01:22 > 0:01:26and it seems that the Algarve's best assets are indeed its beaches.
0:01:28 > 0:01:32So, most of your holiday will probably revolve around sun, sea and sand.
0:01:33 > 0:01:35And why wouldn't it? After all,
0:01:35 > 0:01:39the Algarve is famous for its miles and miles of golden, sandy beaches,
0:01:39 > 0:01:42its crystal-clear blue water and its rugged cliffs.
0:01:42 > 0:01:44Hard to beat.
0:01:44 > 0:01:46My first stop is Albufeira,
0:01:46 > 0:01:50one of the top coastal resorts recommended by you, the viewers.
0:01:50 > 0:01:52This is Tunnel Beach,
0:01:52 > 0:01:56so-called because you access it from the town through this tunnel.
0:01:56 > 0:01:59And if you think that's clever, then check this out.
0:01:59 > 0:02:03This lift takes you down 100ft onto the beach from the town.
0:02:03 > 0:02:04But I'm not going to take that.
0:02:04 > 0:02:07I'm taking the escalator.
0:02:07 > 0:02:09The escalator takes you down onto Fisherman's Beach,
0:02:09 > 0:02:12so-called because of the colourful fishing boats that once
0:02:12 > 0:02:14lined the shore. Nowadays,
0:02:14 > 0:02:17it's the holiday-makers who use the beach purely for pleasure.
0:02:20 > 0:02:22Now, there are gorgeous beaches all along the coastline here,
0:02:22 > 0:02:25so if you want somewhere a bit more secluded,
0:02:25 > 0:02:26then you won't have far to go.
0:02:29 > 0:02:31This is the gorgeous Sao Rafael Beach,
0:02:31 > 0:02:34and we're here to check out the rock formations and caves.
0:02:34 > 0:02:37What better way to do that than a bit of stand-up paddleboarding?
0:02:40 > 0:02:42- OK.- You're ready to go.
0:02:42 > 0:02:45'After a quick safety briefing, I head out onto the water.'
0:02:45 > 0:02:47- Good to go.- All right.
0:02:56 > 0:02:59Paddleboarding is a fantastic way to really see and appreciate
0:02:59 > 0:03:01the rock formations.
0:03:01 > 0:03:04And even at high tide, I can get right into these caves.
0:03:04 > 0:03:06It's an amazing experience.
0:03:09 > 0:03:14However, this IS the Atlantic Ocean, and while it's nice and calm today,
0:03:14 > 0:03:17I don't think I'd be just as confident in choppy waters.
0:03:29 > 0:03:32But Albufeira isn't just about the beaches.
0:03:32 > 0:03:35Marty McAllister from Belfast and Martina Doherty from Donegal said
0:03:35 > 0:03:37we should go check out the old town.
0:03:37 > 0:03:38So that's what I'm going to do.
0:03:41 > 0:03:44Albufeira was once a thriving seaport.
0:03:44 > 0:03:45The Romans named it Baltum.
0:03:45 > 0:03:48But later, the Moors changed its name to Al-buhera,
0:03:48 > 0:03:50meaning "castle on the sea".
0:03:50 > 0:03:54And today, Albufeira is considered by many to be the capital of tourism
0:03:54 > 0:03:58in Portugal. This is the hub of the old town, the square,
0:03:58 > 0:04:01and it's surrounded by bars and restaurants and coffee bars.
0:04:01 > 0:04:03Very family-orientated - you come down here at night,
0:04:03 > 0:04:07there's live music happening, you can chill out and have a drink.
0:04:07 > 0:04:08Or just watch the world go by.
0:04:16 > 0:04:18Here's a handy tip - the sightseeing trains.
0:04:18 > 0:04:21They take you past all the sights to see in Albufeira,
0:04:21 > 0:04:23and they run until the end of September.
0:04:23 > 0:04:26And they're especially great if you have kids with you.
0:04:26 > 0:04:27I mean, come on, it's a wee train!
0:04:27 > 0:04:28Boop-boop!
0:04:33 > 0:04:36And of course, there are plenty of restaurants
0:04:36 > 0:04:37here in the old town, too.
0:04:39 > 0:04:42I already know what I'm going to have - the highly recommended local,
0:04:42 > 0:04:46fresh polvo a lagareiro - or octopus, to you and I.
0:04:49 > 0:04:50Obrigado.
0:04:50 > 0:04:52Marie Clynes recommended this place.
0:04:52 > 0:04:54She came here for lunch, said the staff were extremely friendly,
0:04:54 > 0:04:58the food was excellent, and she said the local white wine was a treat.
0:05:00 > 0:05:02Indeed, Marie. Cheers!
0:05:05 > 0:05:08Polvo a lagareiro is beautifully simple.
0:05:08 > 0:05:12The octopus is boiled so it has just the right texture.
0:05:12 > 0:05:15And then it's prepared along with some boiled local potatoes,
0:05:15 > 0:05:17with olive oil, garlic and herbs.
0:05:21 > 0:05:22It's quickly cooked off in the oven,
0:05:22 > 0:05:25and it's finished off with the garlic-infused oil.
0:05:25 > 0:05:27Mmm, lovely!
0:05:30 > 0:05:33- Wow! Obrigado.- Enjoy your meal.
0:05:41 > 0:05:43Lordy, that is incredible.
0:05:43 > 0:05:44That is just delicious.
0:05:47 > 0:05:51There's a huge range of places to stay in the Algarve.
0:05:51 > 0:05:55Here in Albufeira's old town is the recently-renovated Hotel Baltum.
0:05:55 > 0:05:57It's only a short walk to the beaches,
0:05:57 > 0:05:58and while it doesn't have a pool,
0:05:58 > 0:06:01it has a newly-opened roof terrace with a hot tub.
0:06:05 > 0:06:09A good family option is the Aparthotel Alfagar,
0:06:09 > 0:06:10also in Albufeira.
0:06:10 > 0:06:14It has a large outdoor swimming pool with a kids' area and a restaurant,
0:06:14 > 0:06:16and it's only minutes from the beach.
0:06:16 > 0:06:19You can rent a one or two-bedroom apartment.
0:06:19 > 0:06:21They are big and bright, with an open-plan living area,
0:06:21 > 0:06:23and come with a well-equipped kitchen.
0:06:26 > 0:06:30For a little bit of luxury, you could stay at the Conrad Algarve,
0:06:30 > 0:06:32a five-star hotel situated close to
0:06:32 > 0:06:34some of the Algarve's top golf resorts,
0:06:34 > 0:06:37and only 20 minutes from Faro Airport.
0:06:37 > 0:06:41It has indoor and outdoor pools, restaurants and its own spa.
0:06:42 > 0:06:44Rooms are modern and bright and come with a balcony,
0:06:44 > 0:06:48and the bathrooms have their own built-in TV so you can tune in
0:06:48 > 0:06:49while having a soak.
0:06:50 > 0:06:52But if you feel like really splashing out,
0:06:52 > 0:06:56you can book a suite which comes with its own private pool and sauna.
0:06:59 > 0:07:02Known as the golf capital of Europe,
0:07:02 > 0:07:05thousands of visitors come to the Algarve every year for its top-class
0:07:05 > 0:07:09golf courses. A lot of you - and I mean a lot of you -
0:07:09 > 0:07:11have told us that you come to the Algarve just to golf.
0:07:11 > 0:07:16So I'm here at one of the 37 golf courses to brush up on my very
0:07:16 > 0:07:18minimal golf skills.
0:07:18 > 0:07:20So, how often do you play golf?
0:07:20 > 0:07:22I haven't played golf in years.
0:07:22 > 0:07:26'I've come to the Balaia Golf Course, close to Albufeira,
0:07:26 > 0:07:29'which has a golf academy, so it's perfect for a beginner.
0:07:29 > 0:07:33'And taking me out on the green is resort manager Maria.'
0:07:33 > 0:07:35This gives our alignment to the flag.
0:07:35 > 0:07:37Keep your head down.
0:07:37 > 0:07:39Yes! Lovely - lovely swing!
0:07:39 > 0:07:41- OK.- OK.
0:07:43 > 0:07:44- Yes.- Too far...
0:07:45 > 0:07:50- Come on, come on! On the green! - Wow! Yes!
0:07:51 > 0:07:53Let's go, then.
0:07:53 > 0:07:55So, a lot of people have said that
0:07:55 > 0:07:57they come to the Algarve just to golf.
0:07:57 > 0:08:01Indeed, yes. You will reach the majority of the top courses in
0:08:01 > 0:08:03the Algarve within 15 minutes' drive.
0:08:03 > 0:08:07- Yeah.- And courses like ours, for instance, they suit the family,
0:08:07 > 0:08:09the leisure, it's a resort course.
0:08:09 > 0:08:13Fantastic for the kids, for the families, for the elderly people.
0:08:13 > 0:08:16- Yeah.- While the big boys could go into the neighbouring courses,
0:08:16 > 0:08:18like Vilamoura, to play the Masters.
0:08:18 > 0:08:22- Yeah.- I can tell you, in the winter, more than likely in January,
0:08:22 > 0:08:25you would play in short sleeves, easily.
0:08:25 > 0:08:27- Yeah. That's lovely. - Yeah, yeah.
0:08:29 > 0:08:31OK, so what do you think of my shot?
0:08:31 > 0:08:34That's very good. That's very good, that's very good.
0:08:34 > 0:08:36Bravo. Yes.
0:08:36 > 0:08:39If you hole that one, now we're going to make a par.
0:08:39 > 0:08:41OK.
0:08:41 > 0:08:43- Yes, very good.- Yay!
0:08:43 > 0:08:45Your first par in the Algarve. Come on! Let's do it!
0:08:45 > 0:08:47We did good, we did good!
0:08:51 > 0:08:55Check this out. Over 100 hand-carved sand sculptures make up
0:08:55 > 0:08:58the International Sand Sculpture Festival in Pera,
0:08:58 > 0:09:00which runs from March to October every year.
0:09:03 > 0:09:05And this year, the theme is music.
0:09:05 > 0:09:08So, I'm enjoying discovering some musical idols like Bowie,
0:09:08 > 0:09:11Freddie Mercury and Michael Jackson.
0:09:11 > 0:09:13- AS MICHAEL JACKSON:- Check out his glove!
0:09:15 > 0:09:18Around 40,000 tonnes of sand is used to make the sculptures,
0:09:18 > 0:09:21with some of them as high as 12 metres.
0:09:21 > 0:09:23The detail is just great,
0:09:23 > 0:09:25and there are loads of celebrities you'll be able to spot.
0:09:27 > 0:09:30I'm meeting Paulo, one of the sculptors.
0:09:30 > 0:09:32So, Paulo, this isn't so much like a park,
0:09:32 > 0:09:34it's an annual festival of sand sculpture?
0:09:34 > 0:09:37- Yes, yes.- How long has it been going?
0:09:37 > 0:09:39Since 2003.
0:09:39 > 0:09:41Wow! How long do the sculptures actually last?
0:09:41 > 0:09:45Well, the oldest one here, it's about five years.
0:09:45 > 0:09:46Get away, five years?!
0:09:46 > 0:09:48- Yes.- Really?! I mean, the scale of them is impressive,
0:09:48 > 0:09:51you've some really, really, like, massive pieces.
0:09:51 > 0:09:54Is this, like, regular sand, or this kind of special kind of sand?
0:09:54 > 0:09:57No, it's a sand that is normally found in England.
0:09:57 > 0:09:59Oh, OK. Paulo, I was wondering,
0:09:59 > 0:10:02would you maybe have a spare pile of sand lying about,
0:10:02 > 0:10:04be prepared to give me a go at it?
0:10:04 > 0:10:07Well, I have just one mount of sand prepared for you.
0:10:07 > 0:10:10- Oh, really?- Yes.- OK. - You should try it.- Let's go.
0:10:34 > 0:10:38A popular day trip in the Algarve is to the historic town of Loule.
0:10:40 > 0:10:43The focal point is the Moorish-inspired covered market,
0:10:43 > 0:10:45housed in this striking old building.
0:10:45 > 0:10:48And we're heading there for a spot of retail therapy.
0:10:57 > 0:11:00Inside, there's an array of colourful sights and sounds.
0:11:00 > 0:11:03You can get your hands on the local fruit, veg and spices,
0:11:03 > 0:11:08including piri piri peppers, a staple in Portuguese cooking.
0:11:08 > 0:11:10And you can even sample some of the wares before buying.
0:11:10 > 0:11:13Smells delicious, got good nose... Yes.
0:11:17 > 0:11:18That is truly a knockout.
0:11:18 > 0:11:20Have you a bigger glass?!
0:11:20 > 0:11:22THEY LAUGH
0:11:26 > 0:11:29It's open six days a week, but the best time to come
0:11:29 > 0:11:32is for the farmers' market on a Saturday morning.
0:11:37 > 0:11:39THEY SPEAK IN PORTUGUESE
0:11:41 > 0:11:45'The market is also an ideal place for picking up inexpensive souvenirs
0:11:45 > 0:11:47'or trinkets.' Thank you.
0:11:58 > 0:12:02Ooh. These are so, so good over here.
0:12:05 > 0:12:07Obrigada!
0:12:08 > 0:12:11So, what did you buy, Missy? Apart from a massive nectarine.
0:12:11 > 0:12:12Massive nectarine. Got one for you.
0:12:12 > 0:12:15- You did not! - I did. I got an anklet.
0:12:15 > 0:12:17- That's very pretty.- Three euro.
0:12:17 > 0:12:19And a bib for my niece.
0:12:19 > 0:12:20- What did you get? - I didn't get you anything.
0:12:20 > 0:12:23- Thanks.- Unfortunately. I did get some Good Boy sardines.
0:12:23 > 0:12:26And a nice bottle of local wine.
0:12:26 > 0:12:28- Ah.- Doesn't our shopping speak volumes about us?
0:12:28 > 0:12:30THEY LAUGH
0:12:32 > 0:12:34'Loule has a strong tradition in pottery.
0:12:34 > 0:12:37'And if you fancy doing something a bit different and want to learn
0:12:37 > 0:12:39'about local crafts and traditions,
0:12:39 > 0:12:42'then you can take part in creative workshops
0:12:42 > 0:12:43'run by artisans and craftsmen.'
0:12:43 > 0:12:45Oh, Joe, this is going to get messy!
0:12:50 > 0:12:51Ooh!
0:12:51 > 0:12:53- Come on, sir.- Yes!
0:12:53 > 0:12:54Yeah!
0:12:56 > 0:12:58- He's just showing off now. - Yeah.
0:13:00 > 0:13:02- Come on, sir.- Very good.
0:13:02 > 0:13:04You've done this before.
0:13:04 > 0:13:06- OK, so that's what we have to attempt.- No pressure.
0:13:06 > 0:13:08- Yeah, no pressure. Look at that. - OK.
0:13:11 > 0:13:13Ah!
0:13:13 > 0:13:14OK.
0:13:15 > 0:13:18What are you doing? You don't seem to be doing very well.
0:13:18 > 0:13:19Joe, it looks like a pot.
0:13:19 > 0:13:22I seem to have taken to it quite well.
0:13:22 > 0:13:24- I think, you know.- How did you get it like that?!
0:13:24 > 0:13:27- That is not...- Skill. - That didn't happen. Uh-oh.
0:13:32 > 0:13:34OK, I'll start again.
0:13:35 > 0:13:38I can't get the machine to stop.
0:13:38 > 0:13:41I think it's time to add my pattern. I'm quite happy with the shape.
0:13:41 > 0:13:44I like the fact you're going for the more abstract notion of pottery.
0:13:44 > 0:13:47- I like that. - It's moving again off the thing.
0:13:56 > 0:13:58SHE LAUGHS
0:13:58 > 0:14:00You see a lot of those in fields in Ireland, you know.
0:14:01 > 0:14:03How did you do that?
0:14:03 > 0:14:06Well, you know, I had a wee bit of time on my hands because, you know,
0:14:06 > 0:14:10you were working away, so we just take note here, you know.
0:14:10 > 0:14:11What does it say? "Getaways".
0:14:11 > 0:14:14Yeah!
0:14:14 > 0:14:15I mean, I'm not bragging.
0:14:15 > 0:14:18Look, look at my hands compared to yours. And it's on my face.
0:14:18 > 0:14:20Doesn't that say a lot? Doesn't it?
0:14:23 > 0:14:26But if you prefer a getaway closer to home,
0:14:26 > 0:14:29then Joe has been on a short break to County Wicklow.
0:14:35 > 0:14:36The seaside town of Bray in
0:14:36 > 0:14:40County Wicklow is only a short trip by car or DART from Dublin.
0:14:40 > 0:14:42The childhood home of James Joyce,
0:14:42 > 0:14:45it became a holiday hot spot for Dubliners once the railway line
0:14:45 > 0:14:48was extended here in the mid-1800s.
0:14:48 > 0:14:50But Bray is more than just ice cream and chips.
0:14:50 > 0:14:53I'm using it as a base to explore beautiful County Wicklow.
0:14:56 > 0:15:00I'm staying in the Martello Hotel, which is right on Bray's esplanade.
0:15:00 > 0:15:03It has a good terrace restaurant, where you can dine alfresco,
0:15:03 > 0:15:05and a busy bar on the ground floor.
0:15:12 > 0:15:16I'm starting with a trip to the Wicklow Mountains National Park.
0:15:16 > 0:15:19And Glendalough is a perfect place to admire the scenery and pick up
0:15:19 > 0:15:22some knowledge on early Christian Ireland.
0:15:25 > 0:15:27There is a visitor centre where you can gen up on the history of
0:15:27 > 0:15:31Glendalough, but I'm getting a guided tour from George McClafferty,
0:15:31 > 0:15:34who showed Michelle Obama around during her visit.
0:15:35 > 0:15:38So, George, tell me a little bit about the history of this site.
0:15:38 > 0:15:40St Kevin was the man who founded the site,
0:15:40 > 0:15:42and that was back in the sixth century,
0:15:42 > 0:15:44and he came here in the middle of the sixth century
0:15:44 > 0:15:47with a small group of monks. During his lifetime,
0:15:47 > 0:15:52it was quite a well-known monastery, but after he died, it started to
0:15:52 > 0:15:55blossom and it got bigger and bigger and it went through a golden age
0:15:55 > 0:15:57between the tenth and 12th centuries,
0:15:57 > 0:16:00and then it gradually went downhill until the Reformation,
0:16:00 > 0:16:01when it was closed down.
0:16:03 > 0:16:06Before I get to my next destination in the Wicklow Mountains,
0:16:06 > 0:16:09I'm stopping off for lunch at one of the pubs in Ireland that claims
0:16:09 > 0:16:12to be the highest one, Johnnie Fox's.
0:16:12 > 0:16:15Inside, the pub is beautifully quirky.
0:16:15 > 0:16:20If this is a theme pub, then the theme is randomness.
0:16:20 > 0:16:24But it creates a fun atmosphere to enjoy the lovely grub.
0:16:24 > 0:16:25When you come to Johnnie Fox's,
0:16:25 > 0:16:29go for the classic combination of a pint of the black stuff
0:16:29 > 0:16:30and the seafood.
0:16:35 > 0:16:37I mean, you don't have to go for all this, right?
0:16:37 > 0:16:40But you couldn't beat it with a big stick.
0:16:40 > 0:16:42Look at that!
0:16:49 > 0:16:51Powerscourt House was the ancestral home
0:16:51 > 0:16:53of the viscounts of Powerscourt,
0:16:53 > 0:16:56who lived here for nearly eight centuries before it was sold
0:16:56 > 0:16:58to the Slazenger family in the 1960s.
0:17:00 > 0:17:03But now Powerscourt Estate attracts tourists from all around the world,
0:17:03 > 0:17:07who come here to eat, shop and enjoy the magnificent gardens.
0:17:10 > 0:17:13In 2014, National Geographic listed Powerscourt
0:17:13 > 0:17:15as number three in the world's top
0:17:15 > 0:17:17gardens, and you can see why.
0:17:19 > 0:17:21It's an immaculately preserved garden,
0:17:21 > 0:17:25with some interesting features for green-fingered enthusiasts.
0:17:25 > 0:17:27The property has a Japanese garden,
0:17:27 > 0:17:32an 18-hole championship golf course and, my favourite, a pet cemetery.
0:17:34 > 0:17:35But inside the big house,
0:17:35 > 0:17:39it's in the basement where it really gets interesting.
0:17:39 > 0:17:42A significant amount of damage was done to the house in 1974 because of
0:17:42 > 0:17:47a large fire, but what it did do was expose this beautiful brickwork that
0:17:47 > 0:17:48you see. Oh, and I have to show you this.
0:17:48 > 0:17:50This is the Venus de' Medici.
0:17:50 > 0:17:53There are only four of these in the world in marble.
0:17:53 > 0:17:55The other three are in the White House,
0:17:55 > 0:17:57Buckingham Palace and the Vatican.
0:17:58 > 0:18:00And this is the fourth. All right, love?
0:18:03 > 0:18:04TYRES SCREECH
0:18:06 > 0:18:08OK, let me explain.
0:18:08 > 0:18:13This is Stunt Drive Ireland, just outside Avoca in County Wicklow,
0:18:13 > 0:18:17where anyone can learn how to drive like a Hollywood stuntman.
0:18:17 > 0:18:19Yes, even me.
0:18:19 > 0:18:23It's the brainchild of professional stunt driver Brendan Condren.
0:18:23 > 0:18:24Brendan, Stunt Drive Ireland
0:18:24 > 0:18:27basically gives everyone the opportunity to
0:18:27 > 0:18:29be a stuntman for a day.
0:18:29 > 0:18:30That's right, yeah. We do,
0:18:30 > 0:18:33basically what we do here is we do experience days for people that want
0:18:33 > 0:18:35to kind of experience precision driving,
0:18:35 > 0:18:37which is the type of driving that we do on film sets.
0:18:37 > 0:18:40- Yeah.- It's learning all the tricks of the trade, like 180s and
0:18:40 > 0:18:42reverse 180s and high-speed forward slaloms and reverse slaloms.
0:18:42 > 0:18:44And literally anybody can do this?
0:18:44 > 0:18:46Yeah, everybody's welcome.
0:18:46 > 0:18:47You see, right, here's the thing.
0:18:47 > 0:18:49I've never driven in my life.
0:18:49 > 0:18:51I've never been behind the wheel of a car,
0:18:51 > 0:18:54I've no idea how they work. You've got your work cut out for you today.
0:18:54 > 0:18:57- That's no problem.- I have my faith in you, Brendan.
0:19:02 > 0:19:04'Now, if Brendan's worried, he's not showing it.
0:19:04 > 0:19:06'After all, he's worked on big Hollywood movies
0:19:06 > 0:19:09'like A Good Day To Die Hard with Bruce Willis.'
0:19:12 > 0:19:13Oh!
0:19:17 > 0:19:19JOE LAUGHS
0:19:19 > 0:19:20Well, I got one, anyway.
0:19:20 > 0:19:22JOE LAUGHS
0:19:25 > 0:19:26Whoa!
0:19:29 > 0:19:30And stop.
0:19:30 > 0:19:31BRAKES SCREECH
0:19:31 > 0:19:33Sorry about that!
0:19:35 > 0:19:37'I really hope he wasn't attached to that cone.'
0:19:42 > 0:19:44That was rubbish, wasn't it?
0:19:44 > 0:19:47It's not bad for your first time, at all.
0:19:47 > 0:19:48'I want to get this one right.
0:19:48 > 0:19:51'The classic Hollywood 180 degree handbrake turn.
0:19:54 > 0:19:56'Oh, yeah!'
0:19:56 > 0:19:58Thanks, mate, that was brilliant.
0:19:58 > 0:19:59JOE LAUGHS
0:20:00 > 0:20:02You've so got to do this.
0:20:02 > 0:20:05you owe this to yourself, at least for a day.
0:20:05 > 0:20:07You can be a hero - just for one day.
0:20:10 > 0:20:13We're on a getaway to the Algarve region of Portugal.
0:20:13 > 0:20:17'So far, we've been exploring some of the gorgeous beaches.'
0:20:17 > 0:20:19'I've been brushing up on my golf swing,
0:20:19 > 0:20:21'and I've been out in the water,
0:20:21 > 0:20:24'exploring the famous Algarve rock formations.'
0:20:33 > 0:20:37'We're visiting Lagos along what's known as the Algarve's Gold Coast.'
0:20:39 > 0:20:42'Lagos has a long history as a seaport and shipbuilding centre,
0:20:42 > 0:20:46'and the older part of the town is still circled by the Moorish walls
0:20:46 > 0:20:48'that were built in the 16th century.'
0:20:49 > 0:20:53Lagos was home to one of Portugal's most famed residents,
0:20:53 > 0:20:56Henry the Navigator, the Prince of Portugal.
0:20:56 > 0:20:59He was born in 1394 and was an important figure
0:20:59 > 0:21:02in the early days of the Portuguese Empire.
0:21:02 > 0:21:06Henry is regarded of the founder of Portugal's golden age of discovery,
0:21:06 > 0:21:07where ships would set sail
0:21:07 > 0:21:11to explore new lands in the Mediterranean and Africa.
0:21:11 > 0:21:14Henry wanted to find a sea route to circumnavigate Africa,
0:21:14 > 0:21:18and he used Lagos as the launch pad for many of his voyages.
0:21:19 > 0:21:22But there is a darker side to Portugal's age of exploration.
0:21:22 > 0:21:25Here in Lagos, they don't shy away from it.
0:21:28 > 0:21:32Henry was also known as the founder of the Atlantic slave trade,
0:21:32 > 0:21:35and here at the Museum of Slavery, you can learn about how the first
0:21:35 > 0:21:38slave market on European soil was established here in Lagos.
0:21:40 > 0:21:43Back in the 15th century, this was the slave market,
0:21:43 > 0:21:46and this was where that vicious cycle of trade began,
0:21:46 > 0:21:49from Portugal, to Africa, America and back.
0:21:56 > 0:21:59'Also in the old town is the church of St Anthony,
0:21:59 > 0:22:03'which houses a museum with a collection of historical artefacts.
0:22:03 > 0:22:06'But the main attraction is the spectacular baroque interior.'
0:22:09 > 0:22:13'The centrepiece of the church is the grave of Irishman Hugh Beatty,
0:22:13 > 0:22:16'commander of the Faro Regiment in the 17th century,
0:22:16 > 0:22:17'who helped rebuild the church after
0:22:17 > 0:22:20'it was damaged in an earthquake in 1755.'
0:22:23 > 0:22:25He must've been pretty special to be buried here.
0:22:25 > 0:22:27Yeah, it's an important man, right there.
0:22:34 > 0:22:36A lot of you told us
0:22:36 > 0:22:38that we had to come to a water park here in Portugal.
0:22:38 > 0:22:41This is one of the best ones in the Algarve. it's Slide & Splash.
0:22:41 > 0:22:44Now, I know it's meant to be for kids, but I'm sorry,
0:22:44 > 0:22:46this is my best day out - ever!
0:22:50 > 0:22:53Slide & Splash water park is about 30 minutes from Albufeira
0:22:53 > 0:22:56and it's one of the biggest water parks in Europe.
0:22:58 > 0:23:02Adrenaline junkies will love slides with names like Kamikaze,
0:23:02 > 0:23:04Tornado and Corkscrew.
0:23:04 > 0:23:06But for the less confident, or younger ones,
0:23:06 > 0:23:09there are swimming pools and a children's area.
0:23:11 > 0:23:13There's more than a dozen slides here,
0:23:13 > 0:23:17so plenty to keep the whole family entertained, and when I was here,
0:23:17 > 0:23:19there were no queues, so if you have young children,
0:23:19 > 0:23:21this is sure to tire them out.
0:23:25 > 0:23:28And I bumped into Daniel and Stephen from back home.
0:23:28 > 0:23:30So how are you finding the water park?
0:23:30 > 0:23:31Oh, I love it, yeah, loving it.
0:23:31 > 0:23:34The slides and stuff, it's pretty good.
0:23:34 > 0:23:36So what do you recommend for me to do first?
0:23:37 > 0:23:41- Do the big one.- It goes without saying, like.- OK.
0:23:43 > 0:23:44So this is the big one,
0:23:44 > 0:23:47the Big Wave, and I'm slightly terrified but really excited.
0:23:49 > 0:23:51Ahh!
0:23:54 > 0:23:56SHE SCREAMS
0:24:03 > 0:24:07Oh, my God, that was mental! It was so much fun.
0:24:07 > 0:24:08Here we go!
0:24:12 > 0:24:14SHE SCREAMS
0:24:19 > 0:24:21SHE LAUGHS
0:24:24 > 0:24:26I'm back.
0:24:31 > 0:24:35'This place is really popular with holiday makers from back home,
0:24:35 > 0:24:37'like the Gormleys from Sligo.'
0:24:37 > 0:24:39So, guys, what did you think of that one?
0:24:39 > 0:24:41- Good.- Scary, wasn't it?- Scary?
0:24:41 > 0:24:45- Were you not scared?- Very scary. Thought we were going to fall out!
0:24:45 > 0:24:47Was it the best one yet?
0:24:47 > 0:24:49- Yeah.- Really enjoying it. We're enjoying it, though.
0:24:49 > 0:24:52I know, that's what I was saying, I was so happy to be coming here,
0:24:52 > 0:24:54- because it is for adults as well. - Yeah, it is.
0:24:56 > 0:24:58'OK, just one more slide before I go home.'
0:25:09 > 0:25:12Vilamoura is an upmarket resort on the Algarve coast.
0:25:12 > 0:25:15The marina is huge and attracts some luxurious yachts,
0:25:15 > 0:25:18and the waterfront is a popular place for a dander.
0:25:20 > 0:25:23This is also the place to get a boat trip to take you out onto
0:25:23 > 0:25:26the Atlantic, for swimming, fishing or sightseeing.
0:25:29 > 0:25:32'I'm taking one of the tours of the rock formations and caves.'
0:25:35 > 0:25:38So, when I think of the Algarve, I think of landscape like this.
0:25:38 > 0:25:40Nichola Crawford from County Antrim said,
0:25:40 > 0:25:41"You should take a boat trip out
0:25:41 > 0:25:44"and check out those golden-stoned arches."
0:25:44 > 0:25:46And you're right, Nichola. it doesn't disappoint.
0:25:52 > 0:25:56Also taking in the boat trip are John and Cindy from County Cork.
0:25:56 > 0:25:58- How are you enjoying Portugal? - Beautiful, absolutely beautiful.
0:25:58 > 0:26:00It's our first time here, so, yeah, very nice.
0:26:00 > 0:26:02Yeah? What do you think, what have you been doing?
0:26:02 > 0:26:04Have you been doing different things?
0:26:04 > 0:26:07- It's the best thing we've done so far, visit the caves.- Yeah.
0:26:07 > 0:26:10- The scenery is gorgeous. - The scenery is fantastic, yes.
0:26:10 > 0:26:13They focus on a lot of watersports here, and boating and...
0:26:13 > 0:26:16canoeing and... It's fantastic.
0:26:16 > 0:26:20- Have you been doing that, have you? - Not really.- No.
0:26:20 > 0:26:22- This is the closest we've got. - This is as close as we get.
0:26:24 > 0:26:27'On our way back, we're lucky enough to catch sight of some dolphins.
0:26:34 > 0:26:36'Watching them swimming and diving
0:26:36 > 0:26:38'unfazed by the boats and holiday-makers
0:26:38 > 0:26:40'was, for me, the highlight of the whole trip.'
0:26:50 > 0:26:53For many of us, Faro is simply the gateway to the Algarve.
0:26:53 > 0:26:56However, it is the capital of the region, and we're taking a day trip
0:26:56 > 0:27:00here to find out more about this historical city.
0:27:00 > 0:27:03You know, when I think of Faro, I automatically think of the airport,
0:27:03 > 0:27:06but if you take some time to come into the old town, you'll find some
0:27:06 > 0:27:09really interesting history and culture.
0:27:09 > 0:27:12'The central area, where most of the places of interest are,
0:27:12 > 0:27:15'is compact, and everything is within walking distance.'
0:27:19 > 0:27:22'The old town is where you'll find narrow, cobbled streets,
0:27:22 > 0:27:26'well-preserved old buildings and the centrepiece is the Se Cathedral,
0:27:26 > 0:27:29'which dates back to the 13th century.'
0:27:31 > 0:27:33'We're visiting the Igreja do Carmo,
0:27:33 > 0:27:35'which has more than just an interesting facade.'
0:27:39 > 0:27:40Now, never let it be said
0:27:40 > 0:27:43we don't seek out a little slice of the unusual on Getaways.
0:27:43 > 0:27:48This is the Capela dos Ossos, or "the chapel of bones".
0:27:48 > 0:27:51And it's constructed with the remains of the monks
0:27:51 > 0:27:53who were buried in the nearby cemetery.
0:27:55 > 0:27:58'It's thought that the bones came from over 1,200 monks
0:27:58 > 0:28:00'who once served the city
0:28:00 > 0:28:02'and whose remains were exhumed in the 19th century.'
0:28:02 > 0:28:04It's not as eerie as you think.
0:28:04 > 0:28:07In fact, it's really quite beautiful.
0:28:12 > 0:28:14So, Vogue, how did you find the Algarve?
0:28:14 > 0:28:16You know, I've been here about ten times as a child,
0:28:16 > 0:28:20never left Quinta do Lago, and this trip, I just saw so much more.
0:28:20 > 0:28:23There's so much to do, it's really diverse and I absolutely loved it.
0:28:23 > 0:28:25I think this place is ideal for everyone from Ireland,
0:28:25 > 0:28:27because the flights are frequent, they're cheap,
0:28:27 > 0:28:29it's short and you can come here all year round
0:28:29 > 0:28:32and it's great for families. Perfect!