· Why would you want to? The Algarve has some excellently stocked supermarkets with everything you can buy at home - one of the (many) reasons we are returning next year for the third year running with three young children. We stay on the west side of the coast near Lagos, but would be surprised if the other parts of the Algarve were any different.

Eliana Green

· The last time I looked, the Algarve was full of shops and markets selling salad stuff, fresh and cooked meats, fish and fruit. It also has a fair number of restaurants. I'd suggest taking some money, and buying your comestibles there. I hate to think what state a lettuce would end up in after several hours in airports, planes, and taxis.

Jon Erskine