Prices have gone up here over the past couple of years as a result of the government's austerity budgets, but most things are still cheaper in the shops than in the UK. Wine is still cheap by UK standards as is most fresh food.

The Happy House is indeed now over 10 Euros, I think it was €10.95 last time I heard. The tax on restaurant / bar meals and drinks went up from 13% to 23% last year which put everything up of course.

I am hoping to do things on a budget too Corumuk, when we get there we are going to hit the supermarket and get porridge, yogurts, cheese, milk, bread etc and other essentials (and wine!).

If we are going to the beach or even a day trip with the boys I will make filled rolls for us all and like newkid said, my treat for the day will be to eat out.

We got our fab accomodation for €400 for the week but the flights came to €900 which is where the majority of our spend is!

If you look up Booking.Com you can still get plenty of cheap apartements and you have lots of great value in restaurants and supermarkets if you want to eat and drink on the cheap. Like Ireland prices have gone up from previous years but still great value and better weather.

scallyboo, yes you can do it cheap by s/c during the day and treating yourself out at night. Even at night you can have a cheap 'feast' like Os Compadres 8 euros for their set menu which includes 1/2 litre of wine (or other drink if wanted) and even a coffee is included.

tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g189112-…

Breakfasts can offer a great saving if s/c as even the 3.50 euro ones you need to buy a hot drink (if wanted) and that'll push the price to around 5 euros each. 4 persons and almost 20 euros and you could probably s/c for a full weeks worth of breakfasts for 4 for 20 euros. So yes, you can do it cheap. Take a few sachets of porridge with you and some sunflower oil (decanted into a small bottle) and fried eggs etc.

Filled rolls for the beach, some fruit, crisps etc and another great saving.

I like to pop up to the room after midday for an hour or so, especially if facing the sun and have a sandwich and cold beer.

Porridge! In Portugal!!

Even if you can find it in one of the local shops it will cost a fortune.

corumuk

Have a look at this website. Apart from giving you an idea of menus it has a very handy map and tourist guide. Eating there wont break the bank and its located very near Vilanova (if you book there). Good suggestion in post 5

for Os Compadres, not far from Vilanova and definately worth a visit.

www.thecottage.biz albufeira

OOPS sorry, posting the link again:

http://www.the-cottage.biz/Welcome.html

Thanks for all the tips and advice. Prices do seem to have gone up a bit but that's to be expected and as suggested, good value is still to be had and it shouldn't break the bank.

I still believe if you are happy with the Portuguese products and can stay away from the UK 'brand' names you will still be able to eat and drink a lot cheaper than you can over here.