Portimão’s International Racetrack welcomed this year’s second stage of the MotoGP World Championship, which took place between Friday (March 22) and Sunday (March 24)
– March 25, 2024 | Photo Lukasz Swiderek
Organisers of the event reported an audience attendance of more than 200,000 for the Algarvian “roller coaster”.
Jorge Martín (#89) started from the third position, quickly took the lead and did not let the competition have any more chances, winning the race followed by Enea Bastianini (#23, Italy) who came in with a distance of 0.882 seconds.
This weekend’s race saw a turn of events, as Francesco Bagnaia, two-time World Champion who won the Portuguese GP last year and also finished first in this season’s first race in Qatar GP on March 10-12, collided with Marc Marquez with only a few laps left, described by MotoGP itself as “one of the most dramatic incidents for some time”.
Pedro Acosta (#31, Spain) third took the place with 5.362 seconds and Brad Binder (#33, South Africa) fourth, with 11.123 seconds.
Miguel Oliveira, the Portuguese rider, finished in the Top-10 position, in ninth place and 23.929 seconds.
With 60 points, Jorge Martín (Spain) leads the season’s MotoGP standings, followed by Brad Binder (South Africa) with 42 points, Enea Bastianini (Italy) with 39 points, and Francesco Bagnaia (Italy) fourth with 37 points.
Portimão Museum is hosting an exhibition with findings from research carried out over the last few decades, showing finding proofs that the region has been occupied since prehistoric times
– March 25, 2024 | Photos Portimão Museum
The inauguration of the exhibition “Stories That the River Brings Us” aims to show the general public the result of scientific research carried out over the last few decades.
The research has brought together various fragments of the city’s past, revealing many stories about the Arade River.
“Through objects and illustrations of environments, the visitor is taken through the stories of naval activities in a port open to the world”, with stories of “defence and protection of the port”, as well as of the daily riverside life.
Portimão’s Arade River has been an access point to the interior of the Algarve since ancient times due to the excellent natural harbour conditions of its estuary, which led Portimão to grow in close connection with the river, forming part of an extensive network of commercial and cultural exchanges.
Because of its excellent natural harbour conditions, Portimão was possibly called ‘Portus Hanibalis’, ‘Portus Magnus’, or ‘Cilpis’.
Since the Arade River has been silted progressively for some time, navigation has been restricted, requiring extensive dredging to remove considerable amounts of sediment from the riverbed, leading to the discovery of countless traces of the past, indicating that this area has been inhabited since prehistoric times.
These “testimonies from other eras” were collected by members of the Ipsiis Project Association, who have been working with the Portimão Museum carrying out an innovative research project since 2014, entitled “DETDA – Prospecting” with metal detectors in the dredged deposits of the Arade River and the Alvor estuary, with the museum also highlighting the significant involvement and participation of the public in this process.
The exhibition is open to the public as follows:
Until July 31st and from September 1st: on Tuesdays (from 2.30pm to 6pm) and from Wednesdays to Sundays (from 10am to 6pm)
During August: Tuesdays (7:30pm-11pm), Wednesdays to Saturdays (1pm-11pm), and Sundays (3pm-11pm).
The exhibition runs until November 3, 2024, and entry is free.
Portimão’s Zona Ribeirinha will welcome Lota Cool Market between July 24-28
– March 22, 2024 | Photos Lota Cool Market
This year’s event will celebrate the 100th anniversary of Portimão’s city status, taking place near the old fish market known as ‘Lota’ from 6pm to 1am, this year under the motto ‘eCOOLegacy’.
The organising association Teia D’Impulsos says the event will aim to show “where we (Portimão) have come from and where we are going”.
“On the horizon is a cooler, more inclusive and sustainable city,” the association says.
With food trucks and stalls selling local handicrafts and regional treats, the market is close to the old ‘Lota’ and promises a lot to look forward to, including live music from local artists every night.
As part of the Cool Young Vibe initiative, young artists will be able to exhibit and sell their works for free, in exchange for giving a workshop on their craft.
Teia D’Impulsos is already accepting registrations from exhibitors looking to secure their spot at the event, open until June 15.
A celebration of artistic diversity, the Art Exhibition Lagoa features all forms of artistic expression, celebrating “the richness of human creativity” and offering “a showcase for emerging and established artists”.
The exhibition aims to showcase “emerging artists, providing viewers with a new and exciting window into contemporary art”, while also encouraging collaboration between artists from different disciplines as well as collaborations to live events.
By connecting art lovers from around the world and promoting cultural exchange, the Art Exhibition seeks to transcend borders and enrich global art culture.
Focusing on “diversity, collaboration and artistic discovery”, the Art Exhibition brings together two vibrant cultures from Portugal and Spain, aspiring to become “a captivating window for those looking to explore the many facets of contemporary art”.
Visitors can explore the exhibition from 9.30am to 12.30pm and 2.30pm to 5.30pm, Monday through Friday. Entrance is free.
São Marcos da Serra celebrates the event’s 26th edition
– March 21, 2024
In celebration of the coming Easter, São Marcos da Serra, in Silves Municipality, is hosting the Feira do Folar, a traditional celebration of the famous ‘folar’ cakes in all their shapes and flavours, scented with cinnamon and anise, decorated with whole eggs and made from dough leavened with baker’s yeast – a staple for this season..
The celebration brings together various traditional producers of the ‘folar’, as well as other local producers of typical products of the region, which range from sweets, licours, the Algarve’s ‘medronho’ (firewater) and other specialities.
Silves’ São Marcos da Serra, situated in the northern area of the Algarve region, is a parish known for its mountainous characteristics, the production of bread and the typical ‘folar’ – the most traditional Easter cake in Portugal.
Feira do Folar’s programme will include concerts, religious celebrations, choral groups, folk groups, dance performances and street entertainment for the whole family, promoting the Algarve’s inland areas, particularly its popular culture, gastronomy, and handicrafts, as well as the knowledge of local people.
Living in Portugal roadshow demonstrates continued growth from the US market
– March 15, 2024
Living in Portugal Seminars in the USA – Atlanta February 28, 2024
The ever-growing Living in Portugal seminars, organised by Open Media Group, publishers of Inside Carvoeiro and Inside Lagos, were this time held in Austin, Atlanta and Boston and revealed that interest in Portugal is stronger than ever amongst Americans, both for investment and relocation, with over 500 people attending the events.
Over 50% of those attending completed an online survey conducted by the event organisers beforehand, and once asked about their plans for property in Portugal, 28% replied that they intend to buy, with 25% looking to rent and 49% still unsure.
Living in Portugal Seminar in the USA – Boston Seminar, March 2, 2024
Interest from a pure investment perspective was also significant, with more than 10% specifically looking to invest in an investment fund eligible for Golden Visa .
Portugal’s Consul General for Boston, Tiago Araújo, and Bruce Hawker, Open Media Group CEO, at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Boston on Saturday, March 2
Asked when they planned to move to Portugal, 28% replied that they would relocate within two years or less, with 11% planning to move within the next 12 months.
The most popular visa optionfor Portugal was clearly the D7 passive income regime, chosen by 35%, followed by the D8 so-called digital nomad visa selected by 19%.
The survey goes on to reveal data such as age groups, with 52% aged between 45 and 60, 26% over 60 and 20% between 30 and 45.
Living in Portugal Seminar in the USA – Boston Seminar, March 2, 2024
Nearly 40% of those queried are planning to retire to Portugal, followed by 24% who plan to work, and 9% who plan to invest.
As for the most popular regions of Portugal, Lisbon led the way with 27% showing interest, followed by the Algarve with 10%, whilst over 45% were not sure of which part of Portugal they would choose.
“The question of location in Portugal is often a grey area for American buyers,” said organiser Bruce Hawker. “This was our third US roadshow and I have had the chance to interact with hundreds of the people who attend our events.
Living in Portugal Seminars in the USA – Atlanta February 28, 2024
“The fact is that they see Portugal as a tiny country. Many of them have been to Lisbon from where they rent a car and strike to other areas, and they think nothing of the two-and-a-half hours it takes to drive from Lisbon to the Algarve, for instance.”
At last week’s seminars, two discussion panels were held at each session, mediated by Bruce Hawker who was joined on stage by property professionals from the Algarve and Lisbon respectively.
Living in Portugal Seminars in the USA – Atlanta February 28, 2024
For the Algarve session, Bruce was joined by Alda Filipe of Kronos Homes, Jaan-Claire Rodrigues of Quinta do Lago and João Richard Costa of Ombria Resort. Meanwhile, for the Lisbon session he was joined by Sara Allen of the Martinhal Group, representing the Martinhal Residences in Lisbon and the United International School, along with Pascal Gonçalves of Lisbon-based property development company Libertas.
“These panel sessions covered lifestyle aspects of each area, along with information on real estate, and I have no doubt that we whetted the appetite of many people who had not yet considered the Algarve,” said Bruce.
In total, 13 companies from Portugal participated in Open Media’s roadshow, offering real estate opportunities, legal advice, Golden Visa-eligible investments, relocation services, forex solutions, and health insurance.
The Ritz Carlton Boston hotel was one of the venues on the roadshow, along with the Ritz Carlton Atlanta and the W Hotel in Austin
Upcoming international events
The dates have now been announced for Open Media’s next Living in Portugal stateside roadshow taking place in New York, Chicago and Toronto on June 15, 19 and 22, respectively. Plans are also in place for a west coast roadshow taking place in Los Angeles, San Francisco and Seattle in September.
Here in Portugal, Open Media’s next Living in the Algarve events will be taking place in Carvoeiro, Tavira and Lagos in April, May and June, respectively, with further events scheduled for the Autumn.
Living in Portugal US roadshow participating companies:
The event passes through five Algarve municipalities: Lagoa, Lagos, Portimão, Silves, and Vila do Bispo
– March 15, 2024
Photo: CAAL
This year’s edition of Rallye Casinos do Algarve marks a significant milestone as the rally will be held in five Algarve municipalities, a feat not seen since 1996.
Marking the second race of the 2024 Portugal Rally Championship, the headquarters will be once again at the Hotel Algarve Casino in Praia da Rocha, Portimão.
A free practice and qualifying session will take place in Lagoa on March 15 to determine the starting order.
As the rally moves into the western Algarve, two new special stages will be held in Lagos and Barão de S. João in the afternoon. Following that, it will travel to Vila do Bispo, and end with a “super stage” in Lagos at night.
On Saturday, March 16, the rally shifts to Silves, featuring three qualifying stages. An intermediate stop is made at Lagoa’s service park (FATACIL), followed by a regrouping in Silves. The highlight is the 24 km Power Stage, which is expected to determine the champions.
Spectators will be able to watch the action from eight viewing areas, including a “city stage” in Portimão for the final podium ceremony set against the backdrop of the Hotel Algarve Casino.
Fans can stay updated on the latest news from Rallye Casinos do Algarve by following CAAL’s social media channels, official website, and through the Sportity app (password: RCA).
The long-awaited night will feature Portugal’s most celebrated restaurants and chefs, including many from the Algarve
– February 23, 2024
Photo Bruno Filipe Pires/Open Media Group
The Michelin Guide galas have been held in Spanish cities since 2009, with the exception of 2018 when Lisbon hosted the event, and this year will mark the first time ever the event will take place in the Algarve.
The Portuguese-only Michelin gala will take place on February 27, 2024 at NAU Salgados Palace & Congress Centre in Guia, Albufeira.
Algarve chef João Oliveira, who has one Michelin star for his work at Vista in Praia da Rocha, Portimão, and two-Michelin-starred chef Dieter Koschina, from Vila Joya Restaurant in Albufeira, will be coordinating the team, which also features Hans Neuner (Ocean, Porches), José Lopes (Bon Bon, Carvoeiro), Libório Buonocore (Gusto by Heinz Beck, Quinta do Lago), Louis Anjos (Al Sud, Lagos), and Luís Brito (A Ver Tavira).
Photo Bruno Filipe Pires/Open Media Group
The Gala will be streamed live online and hosted by famous Portuguese TV presenters Catarina Furtado and Fernando Alvim, and around 500 people are expected to attend.
On Saturday, January 27, a special event will take place at Loulé’s municipal market as part of the Michelin-related festivities that began a month before the gala. Hosted by Luís Brito, the event will see the chef “creating a dish worthy of a Michelin star” using only the products available at the market.
Under the title “Algarve, the Taste of South Europe”, a promotional campaign was launched centred on three “fundamental elements influencing Algarvian gastronomy: mountains, sea, and estuaries”.
“For us, this is another very important moment that highlights gastronomy in our tourism promotion, not only on a regional but also national and international level,” said André Gomes, president of the Algarve Tourism Board (RTA).
Photo Bruno Filipe Pires/Open Media Group
Gomes also hailed the opportunity to showcase “the quality of our local products but also our infrastructures that make the Algarve a tourist destination of excellence”.
Hosting an event of this magnitude has given the Algarve a boost of “confidence and enthusiasm”, Gomes added, stressing that “it will be a privilege” to host the gala as well as all the culinary experts who will attend it. “We will welcome everyone with our hospitality,” he added.
Portugal received 45 Michelin stars in the Spanish and Portuguese edition of the 2023 Michelin Guide, with all the new Michelin-starred restaurants being located in Lisbon (Encanto, Kabuki Lisboa and Kanazawa) and Porto (Euskalduna Studio and Le Monument).
In the Algarve, Ocean (Porches) and Vila Joya (Albufeira) maintained their two-star status, while Vistas (Vila Nova de Cacela), Vista (Portimão), Bon Bon (Carvoeiro), Gusto by Heinz Beck (Almancil), Al Sud Palmares (Lagos) and A Ver Tavira (Tavira) held onto their one star.
Article originally published by Bruno Filipe Pires on Portugal Resident.
Vila Vita’s Ocean restaurant will welcome Catalan twins Sérgio and Javier Torres for a ‘Five Michelin-starred experience’ on February 28
– February 23, 2024 | Text Alexandra Stilwell
Chef Hans Neuner, Ocean Restaurant, Vila Vita, Algarve
Hans Neuner, chef at the two Michelin-starred Ocean restaurant, invites Catalan twins Sérgio and Javier Torres for an authentic gastronomic feast.
Just one day after celebrating Portugal’s first Michelin Gala in the Algarve, chef Hans Neuner welcomes chefs from the 3-starred restaurant ‘Cocina Hermanos Torres’ from Barcelona for what is set to be one of this season’s most exciting gastronomic collaborations.
The special menu will consist of four snacks and eight dishes, combining the characteristic flavours of each project, bringing influences, ingredients, recipes, and the knowledge of award-winning cooks from the two neighbouring countries to the table.
For this collaboration, Neuner selected some of his favourite dishes from the menus he created over the last two years, which were inspired by the trips he took with his team to discover Portugal’s gastronomic roots.
In 2022, his menu’s theme was the Indian Route, reflecting a journey that began in Portugal, passed through Africa, and culminated in Goa, on the coast of India, while last year, the menu focused on Memories of Brazil.
Dinner costs €275 (+€175 with wine pairing). Reservations can be made at www.restauranteocean.com or +351 282 310 184.
The OAD 2023 Top Restaurants awarded them 43rd place, and Javier and Sérgio Torres occupy 20th place in The Best Chef Awards 2023. They also entered the prestigious La Liste as the first entry, with a shared No. 6.
