Portugal from worst to best in class
Good news for all Algarve lovers. The number of Covid infections in Portugal and certainly here in the Algarve are rapidly declining. The number of active cases has been reduced by more than 50% in a few weeks time and the number of hospitalizations has dropped significantly by hundreds per day. The vaccination program is gaining momentum, now 7% of the population has been vaccinated. In our town São Brás de Alportel, the number of new infections has dropped from 3 per day to 3 per week. There seems to be light at the end of the tunnel!
We are currently still in lockdown. It is expected that a number of measures will be released after Easter. We have not yet been able to read what relaxation these will be. But there is of course a great demand from the population and entrepreneurs to give shops, restaurants, hairdressers and schools more freedom again.
Despite all the current restrictions, spring is here! Nature is happy with all the rain we had the last month. The almond trees are in bloom, the mimosa colors the hills yellow, just a little longer and the flowers give the fields a white, purple and yellow color. After a relatively wet January and February month, the temperatures are rising and the sun will be back soon!
How are we doing?
The last months we walked a lot in the hills and fields around our house. We have discovered new hiking routes that vary from 1 hour to about 2 hours. Els has rediscovered the mountain bike and now explores the area on sporty but relatively easy mountain bike routes. In addition to Bert’s more challenging cycling routes, we could supplement our portfolio with routes for less trained cyclists.
We also enjoy doing some jobs on our property. After the rain there is a weed explosion in the garden which needs to be handled. Meanwhile, all fruit trees have been pruned. We have started painting our gates and some garden furniture, we improved our pool with an extra layer for prevention slippery situations and we are looking to replace a number of sun beds. Els is practicing new jam recipes and vegan sweets for breakfast. Feel free to ask for our latest kumquat / orange jam recipe or even better: come over and taste it!
B&B Casal da Eira and free Covid cancellation policy
After our winter closure, we hope to be able to receive our first Dutch guests of this year in May. Unfortunately people from UK still have to go in quarantine after a visit to the Algarve. But recently the PM (Boris Johnson) promised to relieve some travel restrictions at short notice. Given the declining numbers of Covid infections in the Algarve and the vaccination program in different countries, we think that a summer holiday in the Algarve is not far away for those who crave sun and Portuguese culture and nature.
Given the exceptional situation due to the pandemic, we have adjusted our cancellation conditions. If you like to be sure of a holiday in our B&B in the Algarve, book now. If it turns out that by the time of your holiday the Algarve has code red by your government, you can cancel for free. So, book risk-free and still be sure of the rooms of your preference in our holiday accommodation.
If you like to know more about what to do around our Bed and Breakfast, please consult our website where you can find a lot of information about the area, the sights, the beaches, our home town São Brás de Alportel etc. If you have any questions about the current situation in the Algarve, Covid testing options near the airport Faro, our rooms or like to know more about our walking and cycling holidays, please contact us at info@casaldaeira.nl.
Enjoy spring!
Bert and Els