During the summer we took our first ferry trip to Portugal and enjoyed a Sunday lunch in Villa Real. For me it was a case of deju vu! As soon as I entered the square I knew I had been there before. It turned out some 20 years ago we must have stopped at the square when we visited while staying in Monte Gordo.

The trip across from Spain is very cheap and takes about 10-15 minutes. With such regular ferries its well worth a trip.

We had hoped to take a trip up the river past Costa Esuri but heard that it would be an all day trip. We decided we’d take the evening cruise (90 minutes) thinking it might pass Esuri but unfortunately it set off in the direction of the coast.

It was a beautiful evening and as we returned the boat went past Ayamonte and up to the bridge just at sunset.

So although we didn’t get to see Costa Esuri from the river the the sunset was spectacular and the trip worthwhile.

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One of the things we really like about the location of Costa Esuri is that it is just as easy to eat out in Portugal as it is in Spain. Add to that the fact Portugal is one hour behind Spain and you have the ability to leave home at say 9pm yet still eat at just after 8pm!

Now I’ll admit, my children do not have the most varied of diets – “I don’t like that” “it’s not cooked the way I like it” etc etc. so when we were told about the Mars Bar is Manta Rota Portugal we were interested.

It’s not what you would call a chic restaurant – it doesn’t boast the best location overlooking the coast nor does it have an enormously varied menu BUT we think it is fantastic.

They serve the best Chicken Skewer kebabs I’ve ever tasted and my eldest son just loves their foot long hotdogs!

From the outside it looks like a roadside beach bar but in view of the number of reservations (very difficult to get a table unless you book in advance if arriving after about 8pm) there are clearly plenty of other people who enjoy good food and good value.

I’m sure you won’t be disappointed by the food so I’ll give you directions for you to give it a try next time you’re in Esuri.

Take the motorway into Portugal and take the second exit sign posted to Monte Gordo.

Follow the road to the”T” junction of the 125 where you turn right (away from Monte Gordo).

After a few miles you go straight over a few roundabouts until you see one signposted to Manta Rota (DO NOT TAKE THIS TURN) but continue for further mile or so until you see another sign to Manta Rota where you turn left and follow the road down towards the coast.

The Mars Bar is on the right amongst other shops and restaurants – you should see the sign but it is a little difficult to see as the patio area is set back off the road.

Probably takes about 15 minutes to get there – let me know what you think.

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Two weeks holiday equals total business madness upon return!

I promised myself I’d post stacks of information about our two weeks at Costa Esuri in August but the workload has been relentless.

I decided I must start and do a little each day.

Our apartment is on the ground floor and earlier in the year I decided we should have a gate installed so that we had direct access to the swimming pool area rather than going through the apartment and taking keys with us all of the time. If you have children you also know that it would mean getting up and down every two minutes because they need something indoors.

Without a doubt it has been the best thing we’ve spent money on. The kids can run in and out as much as they like and we don’t have to think about taking out drinks etc etc.

We walked round all of the Manzanas at Marina Esuri and most were being used but typically by only a few people.

I originally thought the pools were rather small but I’ve found out that if they were any larger it is a Spanish regulation that there has to be a lifeguard on duty. That equals increased cost and shorter opening times.

In fact, the pool is plenty big enough and the paddling pool is great for younger children.

A perfect day? Costa Esuri Golf first thing, walk back for a quick swim, lunch then out to one of the beaches until early evening. Return for another swim, barbecue on the patio and a cool beer. Must get rid of this work nonsense!

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