During late May we undertook a trip to Rocha Brava in Portugal. The country was on the UK green list briefly, but a mass of PCR tests were needed to enter and leave.
Portugal was as wonderful as ever. We were very impressed by the resort, which we had not visited before. We had a beautiful casa with a good view over the gardens.
The place was very quiet, but the restaurants round about mostly reopened on the 1st June. The gardens were spectacular, we really liked the sea facing pool which we often had to ourselves.
We found the management very friendly and appreciative of UK visitors after having very little trade for so long.
We spent most of our time along the spectacular coastal walks which could be accessed directly from the Rocha Brava resort.
Covid-19 safety procedures were very good in the resort and out and about, you got the idea that the Portuguese were taking seriously and being very sensible. The rules did not affect us much as masks were also worn in the UK, and we would never have stayed up late enough to notice the curfew in the restaurants.
The trip was trouble free initially, but halfway through the government made the decision to change Portugal back to Amber on the traffic light system. This annoyed the local tourist dependent traders considerably, and we listened to many complaints which we felt were justified.
The airport was busy but not spectacularly, our plane was actually half full as it was only the first return flight of the season by BA from Newcastle.
I would travel again during similar circumstances, we felt very safe and really enjoyed the quietness of the resorts.
