Hail cavortingcheetah,
You are quite correct in your observations about the South of Portugal, over-run by those dastardly Brits. I am from Portugal originally, brought up in England, and choose not to visit the Algarve. It is far too like Malaga or Benidorm now...................... full of folk who expect to have fish 'n chips for dinner rather than experience the local cuisine of any country they choose to visit.
You are also spot on with your comment that the place to visit in Portugal is Lisboa and the costal areas surrounding the capital. I was born in Belem, one of the most architecturally and culturally astounding areas of Europe. Cascais and Estoril are where the wealthy Portuguese can be found to holiday. Although beware..... of a weekend, the Avenida Marginal can be crammed with Lisbonites racing to the beaches.
Now Im goin to let you into a little secret here.......if you want to experience some of the best beaches and scenery in Europe, you need to travel across the Ponte de 25 de Abril bridge to the Costa Caparica and beyond. And the most breathtaking beaches ? ..... A small area called Arrabida. Think Sorrento without the inflated prices. Absolutely amazing. But shhhhh, we dont want everyone going there.
Regards
Alex
