Today we invite you to visit the Shellfish Festival, taking place in Olhao, in the “Jardim Pescador Olhanense” near the “Ria Formosa”. The huge range of shellfish on offer, cooked in the traditional manner, regional sweets, handicrafts and concerts create a tourist event of the highest quality.
You’ll enjoy it!
The “cubist” town of Olhão is a special landmark on the Algarve tourist route. The typical ways of its people, the town’s exotic architecture, its cuisine and the islands nearby are all good reasons to visit.
Seafood devotees head to the fishing town of Olhão for the Festival do Marisco, for days of fresh cockles, conch, clams, oysters, conquilhas, octopus, squid and cuddle fish. Situated in the southern town in the Algarve region of Portugal, the festival celebrates the town’s history as a seaport and the subsequently delightful local cuisine – for those who love finger-licking good shellfish. Expect stall after stall of hot, grilled, steamed, sautéed and buttery seafood. And plenty of non-fishy smells and sights, too. In addition to the whitewashed walls and flattops of the Moorish architecture, folk dancing and concerts will keep visitors entertained as they eat.
Live music line up:
8 Tony Carreira
9 GNR
10 Beatles Tribute band
11 Rui Veloso
12 Banda Calypso
Opening hours: 7.30 pm – 1.30 am
Price: €8 for adults, children between 7 and 12 years: €3, under 6 years for free.
Algarve Housing rent unique holiday villas in the Algarve, Portugal. Please visit our website for more detailed information regarding the top holiday villas with private pools and gardens.
For the 9th year in a row the Town Hall of Silves will host the Silves Medieval Fair. Silves goes back to the medieval times!
9daysofentertainment are promised and this year the dates have been chosen not to coincide with any other major event in the Algarve. So there is no reason for you to miss out on this epic event.
Get into the mood of the time and hire a costume, wander the streets and alleyway where scenes of medieval times will be recreated. Use the money of the time and barter at the stalls. Eatanddrinktypicaldishesofyearsgoneby.
The Silves Medieval Festival is one of the most popular summer festivals in the Algarve and attracts thousands of visitors each year. This year promises to be amemorableeventwithlotsofstreetentertainmentandanimation.
Tickets can be purchased at the castle or on entering Silves.
€2 – Day Ticket
€3 / €4 Bracelet
Start: 5pm
End: 1 am
Silves
Situated 15 kilometres from the coast and nestling in the valley of the Arade river, the fairy-like town of Silves Portugal is dominated by one of the largest and best preserved castles in southern Portugal – a constant reminder of almost 5 centuries of Moorish rule. This inspiring setting of Silves Portugal is a natural backdrop to a town steeped in history and the prize of successive conquerors. Silves is one of the most beautiful places to visit of the Algarve, Algarve Housing rent unique villas in the area of Silves.
Please visit our website for more information regarding Silves and the unique holiday villas in the area of Silves and the Algarve.
The largest exhibition in Europe about dinosaurs, “O Mundo dos Dinossauros’ is on show this summer at the exhibition center in Portimão, the Portimão Arena. Not only the large-scale exhibition but also the dinosaurs themselves, like the T-Rex, Brachiosaurus and Oviraptor, life-size!!!!
Why takes this event place in Portugal? Not so surprising…. Portugal is in fact very active in identifying and preserving fossil remains of dinosaurs. Portugal is also famous for its many found traces of dinosaurs, such as those on the rocks on the beach of Salema in the Algarve.
A discovery in the world of the dinosaur
The website of the exhibition promises a spectacular journey into the world of the dinosaurs millions years back. First have a look in the cinema to see a short documentary, so you know more about the backgrounds of dinosaurs before you step into the exhibition space. Teeth, bones and even complete skeletons of dinosaurs can be seen in the “Fossil Gallery. The life-size dinosaurs you can discover yourself between the waterfalls, forests and deserts. And do not be surprised when the prehistoric creatures come to life itself: they can move and make sounds. At the end of the trip through the dinosaur era, you can still follow a workshop of paleontology.
Entrance prices and opening hours
This exhibition is on until September 9 th . Open daily from 17:00 to 24:00. A ticket for an adult costs € 7.00. Children under 3 are admitted free, between 3 and 11 years will cost € 5.00. There are also special rates for the cinema and for families and groups.
Of course Carnival in Rio de Janeiro is the most famous and colourful carnival of the world, but if you cannot make it to Rio de Janeiro, carnival in the Algarve can be entertaining too! Especially this year as the weather forecast is looking good, the last many years it has been cold, windy and wet!
The carnival in the Algarve this year will be governed by the EU’s crisis. But in a playful way. Satire always is plentiful during the carnival parades. The largest carnival parade takes place in Loule. And with the 106-year existence, making this one of the oldest Loulé Carnival parades in Portugal. A colorful celebration that a large number of visitors from home and abroad attracts.
Samba dancers and politicians
Except for ‘Angela Merkel’, ‘Nicolas Sarkozy and Portuguese politicians, there are samba dancers and musicians performing in and around the floats. They will be making stirring music by the Av. Jose da Costa Mealha of Loulé. The parades are in the afternoon on 18, 19 and 21 February. Entrance is € 2.00.
Carnival Celebrations in Loule
Apart from watching the carnival parades in the afternoon, you can also join one of the many parties in the evening. On Saturday, February 18 from 22 pm there is the traditional carnival gala at “Palácio do NERA” in Loule. Dress up and join the carnival gala! Monday night, carnival with a DJ. Admission to the carnival gala on Saturday costs € 15,- and Monday you can go in for € 7,-.
More carnival in the Algarve
Many other location in the Algarve, carnival is celebrated, including 19 and 21 February from 14.00 parades in Paderne and Alte. And in the town Odiáxere (near Lagos) there is a carnival parade on the 21st of February.
The traditional fisherman’s village Ferragudo, has Friday and Saturday night carnival party at the Tucabar with live music of various artists of the Algarve.
Saturday 18th of February there is a carnival party at The Santa Eulalia Club, Albufeira with a Brazilian Samba group and various DJ’s, start 23.30 till early mornings!
There are loads more parades and festivities, we just mentioned a few we think is worth to try!
This information is brought to you by Algarve Housing, the villa rental company for better holidays in Portugal. We rent unique holiday villas in the Algarve, from rustic windmills till luxury villas. Please visit our website for more information.
Algarve Housing wish you a Happy Valentine’s day and like to give some ideas for a lovely Valentine’s in the Algarve.
Valentines day, Tuesday 14th of February, some romantic suggestions:
Cafe Ingles – Silves
S. VALENTINES ROMANTIC DINNER
LOVE MENU – FOR 2 PEOPLE
1 STARTER FOR 2 PEOPLE ( MOULES MARINÉRE ), 2 MAIN COURSES TO CHOOSE FROM ( SEABASS FILET WITH CHAMPAGNE AND ASPARAGUS OR PASTA WITH ANCHOVIES AND OYSTER SAUCE), 1 BOTTLE OF HOUSE WINE, 1 CHOCOLATE FONDANT WITH ICE CREAM, STRAWBERRIES, CREAM AND MINT & COFFEE.
PRICE 35 €
BIG LOVE MENU – FOR 2 PEOPLE
2 GLASSES OF CHAMPAGNE, 2 STARTERS ( MOULES MARINÉRE), 2 MAIN COURSES TO CHOSE FROM ( FILET STEAK WITH DRIED FIGS AND MADEIRA WINE, SEABASS FILET WITH CHAMPAGNE AND ASPARAGUS OR PASTA WITH ANCHOVIES AND OYSTER SAUCE), 1 BOTTLE OF WINE JOÃO CLARA, 2 CHOCOLATE FONDANT WITH ICE CREAM, STRAWBERRIES, CREAM AND MINT & COFFEE.
PRICE 65 €
Reservations: 282 442 585
A Lota Restaurant Alvor
All you need is love….A Lota Restaurant, with it’s excellent location down by the harbour in Alvor, is a wonderful choice of restaurant if you are planning an unforgettable night with the one you love on Februarty 14th.
Every attention to detail has been given to the romantic mouthwatering menu which will be available only for this special night.
Download the attachment for details of the menu that takes you from the First Look through to Dating and finishing with the Sweetest Sin !
And if that wasn’t enough, should you opt to enjoy a bottle of Monte Mayor wine with your meal, A Lota restaurant offers you one night of a weekend stay at Hotel Santa Beatriz in Monte Maior, inlcuding a guided visit and wine-tasting at the Adega Mayor
Reserve your table today and enjoy the experience.
For reservations just call: 282 458 444
No Patio Restaurants – Lagos
No Patio Restaurant are planning a feast for Valentine’s Night. Reserve your table now and enjoy a delicious meal full of romance and spice!! A romantic menu with plenty of choice to share with the one you love.
Cupid’s champagne cocktail on arrival
~~~
Love fruit soup
Tomato and roasted pepper soup with pesto croutons
Cupids arrows
Roasted green asparagus with a velvet hollandaise sauce
Pillow talk
Soft scallops pan-fried with smoked bacon
And a pea and mint puree
Main Courses
Between the sheets
Salmon supreme wrapped in filo pastry with Thai spices
presented on a lightly spiced coconut milk sauce
My Valentine
Loin of lamb pan-fried and placed on a bed of snow peas
served with fondant potatoes and a madeira jus
My hearts desire
Supreme of chicken with a smooth creamy sauce with vermouth
and mushrooms, served on rosti potatoes
All main courses are served with a selection of fresh vegetables
Desserts
Dark seduction
Rich chocolate mousse with a
liqueur centre
My heart is yours
shortbread biscuit with
a citrus mascarpone cream filling
Made for sharing
four individual berry desserts made for you
both to share
Coffee or tea
Enjoy a liqueur coffee for just
€4,00 extra
€35,00 per person
Reservations: 282 763 77
Algarve Housing rent luxury villas in the Algarve Portugal. Contact us for any information regarding the above Valentine’s suggestions or any detail for the unique and romantic villas we rent. Let us know about your Valentine’s day suggestions!
Can’t believe it is already January! January in the Algarve means start of the feeling of spring, as the beautiful Almond blossom is starting to come out, which gives some beautiful pictures! Next to the colourful oranges on the trees, and the lambs jumping up and down in the fields, this is always a nice start of the year! We just had a bit of rain, but looking at the forecast, the sun is back in the Algarve! It has been sunny since end of November last year!
Tip for coming weekend: Querenca Sausage Festival 21 and 22 January
The Querença sausage auction in the church square in picturesque village of Querenca, is one of the highlights of the Querença Sausage Festival on the 21st and 22nd of January, continuing a long tradition for this traditional Algarvean village.
The festival is in honor of São Luís, protector of animals, and is considered one of the most important rural gastronomic events held in the region.
The celebrations on Saturday night start with fado in the ballroom of the Casa do Povo de Querença.
But the real meaty action takes place on Sunday, from 11.00am in the Church Square, with the opening of the exhibition ‘Tradições Serranas, a Matança do Porco’ or ‘killing of the pig’.
The exhibition aims to recreate this tradition, ranging from the rearing of the pigs, through to the time the animal is killed, and the various ways the animal is prepared for food. Starting early, the public is encouraged to taste the grilled sausages.
At 15.00pm there is a church service followed by a procession through the streets of the village. Then at 16.30 there will be the auction of sausages in Church Square.
This festival continues a centuries-old tradition and is the flagship festival of its kind in the Algarve and, as such, “is an important tourist attraction at this time of year, highlighting the religious aspects of food,” according to Loulé Câmara.
The roots of this event go back to a time when families used the pig for food throughout the year. It was also a tradition to ask São Luís, patron saint of animals, to keep the pigs in good condition to ensure a supply of food for the household.
In gratitude, families offer the best home-made sausages to the church if the animals have had a good life up until slaughter, the remainder being auctioned. (text: Algarve Daily News)
How is Christmas in the Algarve? The Portuguese tradition is to celebrate with a family dinner on the evening of the 24th, with cod fish (Bacalhau). Not everyone, but most Portuguese will go at midnight to the church, after this presents can be opened, or the following day. Christmas day, the Portuguese have a lunch together. 26th of December, (boxing day), does not excist in Portugal, this is a normal day as every other day, shops open….
Around Christmas, there is much to do regarding entertainment such as concerts, and other type of performences. If you do not want to cook yourself, no problem at all, many restaurants in the Algarve organise Christmas dinners and lunches. Below we give a few options of the things to do with Christmas in the Algarve:
Dining and wining
23-27 Christmas Dinner Carvoeiro
Pimenta Preta Restaurant in Carvoeiro have prepared a mouth-watering Christmas Menu. This 4 course menu, which includes the traditional turkey along with a wonderful mixture of accompaniments is just €39 per person.
Where?
Pimenta Preta, Pestana Palm Garden Resort, Vale de Centeanes, Carvoeiro
Reserve a table: + 351 282 350 200
Price: €39
25 December – Christmas Lunch Almancil
Famous for their wonderful Carvery lunches, Restaurant Vaults in Almancil, has a great Christmas Carvery lunch on Christmas Day.
Where?
Vaults Restaurant, Ave 5 de Outobro, Almancil
Price: € 60
Reserveatable:+351289391883
Festivities and Events
16-12 Christmas Dance show Lagos
The show will consist of several choreographies such as, Classical Ballet, Contemporary Dance, Traditional Dance, Modern Dance, Ballroom Dancing Oriental Dance, Indian Classical Dance and Hip Hop, all of which will be presented by the students from the Lagos Dance Association.
Where?
Cultural Centre, Rua Lançarot e Freitas, No 7, Lagos
Time: 19.00
Price: €5
17-12 Christmas Concert Portimao
With the festive season almost upon us, the festive concerts also begin. Kicking off the season will be the Orquestra of Algarve with a series of Chrismas Concerts. Performing at the Tempo Theatre in Portimão the orquestra will interpret the works of renowned composers.
Where?
TEMPO, municipal Theatre Portimao
Time: 21.30
Price: € 10
22-12 The Sleeping Beauty Loule
The Sleeping Beauty has enchanted audiences for more than 100 years with its brilliant choreography and unforgettable score by Peter I. Tchaikovsky.
Based on a tale by Charles Perrault, Sleeping Beauty, is considered one of the greatest classical ballets of all time. Elegant costumes and magical sets complete this captivating world where true love really does conquer all.
This masterpiece, which has been danced by most dance companies throughout the world, is undoubtedly, one of the most beautiful from the illustrious Russian composer, Tchaikovsky.
Where?
Cine Theatro, Louletano, Ave Jose da costa Mealha, Loule
Time: 21.30
Price: from € 21
Weather
Winters tend to be mild averaging around 15º and this is the season with the most rainfall. The Algarve gets on average 50 days of rainfall all year, most of them between November and February. But very often the sun shines, and it feels like over 20 degrees! Breakfast and lunch can be easily taken outside in a t-shirt, enjoy the beautiful environment of the Algarve during a walk, play tennis or golf, all very nice during the winter in the Algarve.
Accommodation
Algarve Housing rent villas in the Algarve, from rustic windmills till luxury town houses and villas, all with private pools and gardens, located in beautiful areas with nice decorated interiors and exteriors, most set up for outside living to make the most of the nice weather in the Algarve. Please check our Winter Rental section for our recommendations for winter let,
The yearly “Festival da Sardinha Portimão ‘in fishing town Portimao Algarve, is starting again this Friday the 5th of August. Until August 15 there will be lots of fresh, grilled sardines to eat, but also wine and beer, plus you will find Portuguese crafts shops. Portuguese and tourists come to this festival to the “Zona de Portimão ribeirinha ‘with lots of Portuguese music.
Concerts at the Sardine Festival in Portimão
Friday evening starts with a concert with a great artist, Dulce Pontes.(watch video, below) Furthermore every night performances of national celebrities, such as Mickael Carreira on August 12. There is also a stage for local bands. The concerts of the bands starting at 21.30 hours, national celebrities from 22:30.
Fireworks
The sardines festival starts each day at 18.00 and lasts until 24:00. The last night finishes with fireworks.
Sardine Festival Concert Program
Entrance fee costs € 5.00 and children under ten years have free entrance. For further information on entrance fees and the Program on the website of the municipality on the Sardine Festival in Portimão.
The Algarve is well known for sun, sea, beach… but there is more, we have selected a few of the many there is, whether you live here, or on holiday. Have you not booked your holiday yet, please visit our website for some nice holiday villas to rent.We have some nice Special Offers at the moment!
ALGARVE CHEFS WEEK
What: Algarve Chefs Week
When: 14-21 May 2011
Where: Nine participating hotels across the Algarve
The details: Five-star hotels in the Algarve will be giving food lovers the opportunity to sample the best dishes from the region during the Algarve Chefs Week.The menu will cost €30 per person excluding drinks or €40 with wine selection and will only be available between 7.30pm and 10.30pm each day.
One euro of the price of the menu will be donated to a charitable institution in the Algarve.
The initiative will kick-off with a promotional event on May 14 from 7pm at the new platform of Faro International Airport, where the chefs will interact with passengers, giving them the opportunity to taste various delicacies.
Sheraton Pine Cliffs, Longevity Wellness Resort, Hilton Vilamoura, The Lake Spa Resort, Grande Real Sta Eulália, Crowne Plaza Vilamoura, Vila Monte, Tivoli Marina Vilamoura and Tivoli Victoria & The Residences at Victoria are behind the annual event, which aims to show diners the best the Algarve cuisine has to offer. Algarve Chefs Week is hosted by the best chefs in the region, who have greatly contributed to the development and internationalization of Algarve gastronomy. The purpose is to highlight the role of chefs in high level cuisine, how they create a rapport with diners through food and to promote the region as a destination of choice for top quality cuisine.
Algarve Chefs Week is open to hotel guests, holidaymakers and residents.
Price: €30 per person, drinks excluded, to include a €1 donation per person to charity. 50% discount for children aged 3-10
The chefs:
Stephan Kuehlwetter – Hilton Vilamoura
Jan Stechemesser – Longevity Wellness Resort Monchique
Luís Correia – The Lake Resort, Vilamoura
Hugo Rodrigues dos Santos – Vila Monte, Moncarapacho
José Domingos – Crowne Plaza Vilamoura
Fernando Fonseca – Grande Real Santa Eulália, Albufeira
Fabien Martinez – Sheraton Pine Cliffs, Falesia
António Bastos – Tivoli Marina Vilamoura
Chef Brüno – Tivoli Victoria & The Residences at Victoria, Vilamoura
Algarve Painting Exhibition
CARLOS BARAO PAINTING EXHIBITION
What: Carlos Barao Painting Exhibition
When: Until 6 June 2011
Where: Vale do Lobo Art Gallery, open daily from 10:00h to 19:00h
The details: Carlos Barao is renowned for pictorial narratives and expression-fuelled artwork. The “Look” exhibition highlights his latest work.
Golf in the Algarve
VALE DO LOBO – GOLF OPEN FOURSOMES WEEK
What: Golf Open Foursomes Week
When: 15-21 May 2011
Where: Vale do Lobo
The details: Celebrating its 29th anniversary, and promising a week of fun on the resort’s golf courses, with over a hundred entrants including property owners, friends and visitors. Numerous different types of competition are played, including Fourball Betterball Stableford, Foursomes Stableford, Singles Stableford, Greensomes Stableford and the Foursomes Match-play Finals, with prizes also awarded for Nearest to the Pin and Longest Drive.
Any member introducing a guest who has not previously played in the tournament will receive free entry to this year’s event. Meanwhile, their guests may wish to take advantage of the special golf and accommodation package on offer, which includes resort accommodation, car rental, green fees and unlimited golf over the week of the competition, as well as entry to the prize-giving dinner and a host of resort benefits.
ALGARVE INTERNATIONAL FAIR
Location: Show Ground, Lagoa Dates: 4-5 June 2011 Opening times: 11am-7pm Details: Over 170 exhibitors of products and services for the home and garden, plus new car exhibition, arts & crafts marquee, Algarve Dog Show, food & drink, and children’s entertainment including parades, clowns, rides, face painting and much more.
ANGELS THEATRE GROUP
What: Music Hall Revue
When: 4 June 2011 at 7.30 pm
Where: Cine-Teatro, Sao Bras de Alportel
The details: Music hall and variety evening performed by the Angels Theatre Group. Includes music hall songs, barbershop harmonies, female impersonator, Russian dancers, fado and classical guitarist. All proceeds go to the Sao Bras Bombeiros.
Tickets: €12 including a glass of espumante
Algarve Housing rent nice holiday villas in the Algarve, the most Suothern part of Portugal. At the moment we have some nice Special Offers, for 500 euro/week we can offer beautiful holiday villas till the end of June. Please contact us for more information.
Aqua Portimão, a new shopping centre near Portimão, opened its doors. The largest center in western Algarve, with 132 shops, including Primark and H&M, more than 20 restaurants and a Jumbo supermarket. Primark is one of the UK’s top clothing chains and this will be its first store in the Algarve, covering 4,200 square metres and creating 250 jobs.
H&M, also the first shop in the Algarve, a Swedish clothing company, is best known for its fast fashion offerings and will have a 1,980 square metre store at Aqua Portimão.
Other shops are: Stradivarius, Blanco, Bershka, Centroxogo, a Loja do Gato Preto, Massimo Dutti, Pull&Bear, Kiko en Seaside.
The shopping centre has three floors above ground and an underground car park with spaces for 1,800 cars.
Aqua shopping is open 7 days a week, Sunday till Thursday from 10 am till 11 pm and and Friday and Saturday till 00.00!
As March now draws to an end and Easter holidays are just around the corner, we are thrilled to say that the Algarve is set to give visitors a lovely warm welcome! The countryside is flourishing and the bright sunny days are offering nothing less than the perfect setting to enjoying all that the region has to offer. The April events calendar is full of Easter festivals, concerts, sports and gastronomy fairs and it is the ideal time of year for long walks, outdoor activities and family fun on the beach. So if you haven’t booked your holiday villa for Easter yet, Algarve Housing have some nice deals for YOU! Please contact me for more details.
A few events in the Algarve during April/Easter:
Coppelia by the Moscow Ballet
Venue: TEMPO (Municipal Theatre), Portimão on 8th April
Tickets available from TEMPO, Portimão Arena, FNAC, ABEP Agencies, Alvalade, www.blueticket.pt & www.ticketline.pt
Tel. (+351)707 234 234,(+351)707 234 234 (Reservations)
Expomar – Fair of the Sea and Nautical Activities
Venue: Jardim Pescador Olhanense, Olhão from 7th to 10th April
Duke Ellington Orchestra
Ready for some Jazz in the Algarve?
Venue: Portimão Municipal Theatre on 14th April at 21.30
Reservations: (+351) 282 402 475 (+351) 282 402 475 / 961 579 917
Equestrian Tour Vilamoura 2011
Venue: Vilamoura Riding Centre from March 30th to April 24th
Competitions – Tuesday to Sunday from 09.00 to 18.00. Grand Prix events on 3rd, 10th, 17th and 24th April
The 4 Week International Showjumping Event is composed of six competitions qualifying for the FEI ranking.
Algarve Folar (Easter Loaf) Fairs
Paderne 16th & 17th April Barão de São João (near Lagos) on 23rd & 24th April (15.00 to 24.00) 8th Folar challenge in Guia on 24th April (16.00 at the Football Club grounds) – making the biggest Easter loaf you have ever seen!
Festa das Tochas Floridas
Venue: São Brás de Alportel on Easter Sunday, 24th April
9.30 – Opening of the streets to see the carpets of flowers
10.00 – Eucharist at the Parish Church
11.30 – Hallelujah Procession and the Flower Torches
13.00 – Eucharist at the Parish Church
15.00 – Churchyard: Fair of regional confectionery, Cultural afternoon with traditional music groups, Prize giving ceremony for Flower Games, Best Flower Torches and Balconies.
Festa da Mãe Soberana in Loulé
A major religious festival that attracts thousands of faithful followers as well as tourists every year. The festival starts on the 24th April with the Festa Pequena (small feast) and finishes on 8th May with the Festa Grande. The high point of the celebrations is the procession through the city carrying the image of the Sovereign Mother
3rd Portuguese Wine Show
Venue: EMA (Multi-use space), Albufeira from 30th April to 2nd May
Time: 14.30 to 20.00 (to 19.00 on May 2nd)
A perfect opportunity to try some Portuguese wines!
The EMA is in the Caliços area of Albufeira at the junction of Estrada de Caliços and the Avenida dos Descobrimentos.
“Soul of Fado” Concert by Cristina Nóbrega
Venue: TEMPO (Municipal Theatre) Portimão on 23rd April
Spring has arrived early in the Algarve! So Algarvians are enjoying 20 Celsius days, and days of taking walks on the many sandy beaches have returned, a couple of brave souls may even dare a dip in the still chilly waters. Beach bars starting to open up, with some nice live music in the afternoons. Aside from beaches what else is there to do in the Algarve?
Walking! At the moment the orange blossom is full on, and this gorgeous sweet smell is everywhere, plus lots of blooming flowers everywhere, this is the time of the year, to enjoy the beautiful nature of the Algarve!
You don’t like walking?
There are a few nice shopping centers near Guia and near Faro, open 7 days a week, from 9am till 12pm, so you can shop till you drop! Plus there are nice, large cinema’s!
But there is more to do in the Algarve!
The list of things to do in the Algarve is endless. We do a few suggestions.
For a great day out take a boat trip along the coast, enjoy dolphin watching, go on jeep safari or learn to surf. Visit one of the Algarve water parks or enjoy some top pampering at a luxury spa.
The excitement of the World Rally Championship-WRC is back with the classifying stages being held in the Algarve. With a distinguished entry list and its traditional flair and passion, this year’s Vodafone Rally de Portugal looks to be an absolute classic.
The Vodafone Rally of Portugal, the most important motor sport event in Portugal, is already one of the flagship events for the promotion of tourism in the country.
Theatre in the Algarve
When: 25 to 27March
Where: Theatro Lethes, Faro
Price: Price: €12 adults & €7 children and students
More information call +351 910037151
The A Portada Theatre Group is now preparing for their next production, the amusing romantic comedy, “Twelfth Night” by William Shakespeare. Following on from their runaway success in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and “The Real Inspector Hound” these highly talented actors are supported by lavish costumes and professional set design. Rehearsals are now underway and the show promises to both intrigue and entertain the theater lover.
Exhibition in Portimao
When: till 30 April, Turesaday 2pm uintil 6pm, Wednesday to Sunday: 10am until 6pm
Where: Museum Portimao
Price: Free
More information: +351 282405230
Due to popular demand and interest, the exhibition, “Portimão at the beginning of the 20th Century” has been extended for a second time until April 30th. The exhibition promotes some of the key aspects of the evolution of the former “Vila Nova de Portimão” in the first quarter of the 20th century during it’s transition from the Monarchy to the Republic regime, focusing on the most significant changes made during this period.
This information is brought to you by Algarve Housing, we rent special villas in the Algarve. Please contact me for more information.
This year that will see the end of 2010 and the begining of 2011 and will bring to everyone living in the Algarve or who are visiting the Algarve especially for the New Years Eve, a fantastic array of parties, festivity and fireworks.
Algarve Housing give YOU a few options of the many there are….
Albufeira
New Years Eve in Albufeira is always one of the highlight of this city and it has been confirmed that this event is the biggest of it’s kind on a national level.
In partnership with the local Town Hall of Albufeira and SIC TV, the grand final of “Idols” will take place live from the Fishermans Beach. With over 1 million viewers in Portugal, “Idols” is one of the most popular shows on TV and this unforgettable final will make New Years Eve an unforgettable night. At mid-night there will of course be a spectacular display of fireworks and the entertainment will continue on into the early hours with fabulous DJ’s and live music.
New Year in the Algarve
Ferragudo
ClubNau is famous for great food, great music and excellent parties. Join them on NewYearsEve for a fabulous evening of food and fun. The fantastic 5 course meal includes wines, champagne at midnight and an open bar until midnight. The entertainment is by Accrinton Stanley – the Beatles tribute band, and DJ Miguel. Advance reservations …
Portimao, Praia da Rocha and Alvor
Portimão will have a fantastic Fireworks displays as it has 3 sites for the fireworks – along the river front at Portimão, along the beach of Praia da Rocha and the waterfront at Alvor! The night will start with music from different artists and after the fireworks the partying will continue into the early hours in the nightspots of Praia da Rocha and Alvor!
Paderne
From Dec 30th until Jan 2nd the the Parish of Padern will “return” to Medieval Times” The historicial village will revive the times of the middle ages with parades, tournaments, medieval market, musical performances and many other historical moments.
Lagos
Lagos will be celebrating New Year’s Eve with fireworks along the waterfront! So if you are going to be in Lagos don’t miss out on the New Year celebrations…bring your bubbly with you and join in the celebrations on the Avenida dos Descobrimentos. After the fireworks the party will continue in the bars both on the marina and in the town!
Or have your private party in your private holiday villa, Algarve Housing rent luxury villas in the Algarve, please visit our website for more information.
Finally, where ever you decide to party on 31st December 2010 we hope you have a safe time, and enjoyable party and not too bad a hangover on January 1st 2011
December is a month full of festivities, also in Portugal we celebrate Christmas and New Year, why not combine some nice weather and your Holidays in the Algarve?
Algarve Housing rent fantastic villas in the Algarve, and have a few villas left for YOU to enjoy Christmas and New Year in the Algarve. With mild days and cool nights, and very often we get sunshine, and you can even enjoy some sunbathing at the beach. But I have to be honest, it can rain too, and therefor we supplygorgeous villas, with nice wood burning fires to enjoy with a nice glass of Portuguese wine!
Spending Christmas and the New Year in the Algarve is a great way to enjoy the festive season. More and more people choose to spend Christmas away from home. Some want to avoid the fuss, others are looking for a different Christmas experience. The Algarve is an ideal destination as it caters to both traditional and alternative tastes.
Great time to enjoy a few rounds of golf at one of the many golf courses, enjoy one of the many Christmas Fairs, Concerts, Exhibitions, party nights and Christmas shows. The Algarve is foodie paradise, no matter where your are, you never far away from some sort of eating establishment. From the simplest of ‘tascas’ to Michelin starred and everything in between; Indian, Chinese, British, Thai, French and Fusion. Most of our villas located inland where you can find some great restaurants serving hearty algarvian food like Wild boar, Lamb stew and goat kid stew – simmered for hours so that the meat falls of the bone, caldeirada and cataplana – traditional fish stews. Bom Apetit!
And one of the nice villas to book in December…Casa Lavender. A very nice, cozy villa, that has a nice woodburning stove to keep you warm in the cool evenings, and fantastic terrace, south facing to enjoy the sunny days! Have a look, and let me know if you need any more information.
More holiday villas of Algarve Housing you find on our website. Please contact me for more information,
At the moment we have 25 degrees of sunshine, do I have to say more?? But next to that there is still lots to do, see, enjoy… I picked a few things, but if you want to see more, please visit ‘My Algarve’-website.
Another good reason to visit the Algarve in November is the villas to rent are very cheap, check out our website and contact me for good deals!
From Nov 5th until Nov 14th
Fair of Sao Martinho (St. Martin’s)
St. Martin’s Day is commonly known as a celebration of the maturation of the year’s wine, with this day traditionally the first time the new wine can be tasted. It is celebrated eating roast chestnuts. Friends and families, or even whole villages, get together for this Autumn season festival, which are known as magustos.
Once again Portimao continues the tradition by hosting the Fair of São Martinho a tradition since 1662. An open air affair which attracts people of all nationalities. An atmosphere not to be missed where the smell of chestnuts roasting hangs in the air.
Lots of stalls to choose from and a fun park. Portimão will be livened up for 10 days
First day opens at 4pm until mid-night
Every other day from 10am until mid-night
Where: Portimao
Entrance: free
21 November
Jazz Club @ The Museum: I-Tento-Trio
After the Spanisch “fury” in October we whole-heartedly welcome a Trio from the Algarve: In-Tento-Trio. This trio was born in 2005, created by Fernando Pessanha a pianist in cooperation with João Melro on drums and Pedro Reis on bass.This band will play originals, a mixture of Jazz/Rock and Classical music.
This exhibition stems from the initiative taken by the publishers Tugaland to start a process of promoting and republishing part of the discography of the artist Amália Rodrigues. In parallel and following the same path, twelve young Portuguese artists were invited to make their contributions to a project reinterpreting these twelve themes based on key topics from the singer’s repertoire, in order to emphasise the contribution of the work of Amália Rodrigues as a structural influence on our contemporary cultural fabric.
Time: Monday to Friday from 09h00 to 13h00 and 14h00 to 17h00. Closed Saturdays and Sundays
Where: Silves, Misericordia Church
Price: Free
Telephone: 00351 282 440 832/ 282 440 832
When: until 31 January 2011
Rallye Casinos do Algarve Overview
Where:
International Autodromo of Algarve
When:
Nov 13th Super Special –Autódromo Internacional of Algarve
Nov 14th Special competition in Monchique Mountains
Prize giving at Hotel Algarve, Praia da Rocha
World Artistic Roller Skating Championship
Where:
Portimão Arena, Portimão
When: 24 November-4 December
Top skaters are expected from 32 countries – including world leaders such as Italy, Argentina, Spain, the United States and Germany – with the Portimão Arena playing host to over a thousand competitors between the 22nd of November and the 5th of December.
October in the Algarve, means a fair bit of sunshine, so ideal to spent you Holiday in the Algarve. What to do in October in the Algarve? Never a dull moment…..
I give you a few of the many options.
Dance
Michael Jackson Tribute at Vilamoura Casino from 9pm from October the 18th till October 31st.
Exhibitions
Algarve Animals sculptures and paintings by Sylvain Bongard and Tara Esaguy Cohen in Cnvent Sao Jose in Lagoa until October 30th. More info: 00351 282 380 434.
Ten Monumental British Sculptures exhibition at Cerro da Vila Roman Archaeological Cdntre in Vilamoura until December 31st.
Music
New Orleans Jazz at Casa Inglesa restaurant in Portimao every Thursday. Every Saturday at Tivoli Hotel in lagos from 8.30 pm. Call 00351 935 086 365.
Saturday 23 October, Winterblues in Tempo, Teatro Municipal de Portimao
DE VIENA A BUDAPESTE
Orquestra de Câmara Portuguesa More info: 00351 282 402 470 or email:
Sportive Sailing with Algarve Ocean from the Marina Portimao.
October 20 – Bike Ride starting at the Fat Frog in Almancil. Meet here at 5.15 for a 5.30pm start. Fairly challenging.For more details call Paul Beesley on 00351 913226954 or e.mail paul.beesley@sapo.pt or join “Algarve Bike Rides” on Facebook.
Market
Monday 25th October monthly gypsy market in SB de Messines
Carboot sales
Saturday 23rd October, Monte Gordo, Sunday 24th of October, Lagoa and Monchique
«Gnosis» – La Fura Dels Baus (Catalunha, Spain)“Gnosis”: travels and knowledge provide the theme for this grand show by the company La Fura dels Baus, one of the most prestigious in the world that has been seen by audiences totaling 3 million people. With a 31-year history, the Spanish company works in a range of impressive styles.
If you’re in the Algarve at the end of August (28 August), don’t miss the all-night summer party known as Noite Branca or “White Night.” It takes place throughout the city streets, which are all decorated in white, and features live music, international DJs, street entertainers and eye-catching urban art. Entrance is free – just come dressed in white.
Noite Branca or “White Night” first took place in Loulé in 2007, and is based on the White Night concept which started in Paris and is now held in cities all over Europe. Thousands will flock to one of Portugal’s biggest chill-out events, with Loulé’s streets decorated in white, and shops and restaurants staying open late, with special white window displays and discounts to customers wearing white.
The central part of the city will be transformed into a huge “living room” with the colour white being the connecting factor between the different areas, music stages and themed features. There will be live music, international DJs, street entertainers and eye-catching urban art, and you’ll find pianists, saxophonists, jazz bands, jugglers, fire eaters, human statues, clowns, magicians and a host of other entertainers, all dressed in white.
Street entertainment
Entrance is free and all that is expected of you is that you dress in white and enjoy everything that this superb night has to offer. White Night is held on the last Saturday of August – another great event of the Algarve summer.
So do not miss this special night out this Saturday 28 of august!
This post brought by you by Algarve Housing, a villa rental company in the Algarve. Algarve Housing rent holiday villas, form rustic Windmills to luxury villas. Please visit our website, or contact me for more information.
