The special event will feature a double round of the European Le Mans Series: the 4 Hours of Algarve and the 4 Hours of Portimão
– September 7, 2023
The special event will feature a double round of the European Le Mans Series, which will be the last two races of the 2023 season: the 4 Hours of Algarve on October 20, and the 4 Hours of Portimão on October 22.
Both four-hour races will take place within less than 48 hours from each other, promising a true spectacle for motorsports fans in the Algarve. The official programme also includes three international series, the Le Mans Cup, the Ligier European Series, as well as the World Final of the Radical World Series.
The ELMS is described by organisers as “the perfect proving ground for any competitor wishing to take on the challenge of the next stage on the endurance ladder, the FIA World Endurance Championship and the pinnacle of the sport, the 24 Hours of Le Mans.”
The municipality will host emblematic guitar performances next to monuments and cultural spaces, as well as outdoor concerts in Carvoeiro’s Main Square and Estômbar’s natural park
– August 31, 2023
It’s almost time for Lagoa’s International Guitar Festival, which will be held between September 9 and October 1 at a variety of venues in the municipality.
In addition to ensuring a quality artistic offer, from both national and international artists, the event promises to include a little bit of everything.
The public will have the opportunity to choose what performance suits them best each weekend, as the event will be presented along with emblematic venues, monuments, and infrastructures of Lagoa.
The Lagoa International Guitar Festival will host a total of eight different performances, all starting at 5.30pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
September 9, 5.30pm – 40 Fingers at Carvoeiro Beach Square (free entry)
40 Fingers is a well-known Italian guitar quartet “well-established on Italy’s music scene through their many individual projects”. The group will present original pieces and covers performed with a “fingerpicking technique and skillfully arranged for four guitars”.
September 10, 5.30pm – Sergio Fabian Lavia & Dilene Ferraz and Quartetto SE.GO.VI.O at Quinta dos Vales, Estômbar (€10)
Guitarist Sergio Fabian Lavia & singer Dilene Ferraz’s music “reflects the cultural richness of Argentina and Brazil, forming a set of experiences shaped by traditional sounds merged with more experimental aspects”. In 2011, the duo received the ”Premium Music Awards” for their significant work as composers and performers of Brazilian and Argentine music.
The SE.GO.VI.O quartet, distinguished by “their great international concert experience, as soloists, chamber musicians and orchestras”, and for their “commitment to teaching” in Italian state schools, will perform a “repertoire with emphasis on the expressive possibilities of each instrument: the timbre impact that comes from the encounter of the plucked strings with the bellows instrument and the wind instruments is the ideal terrain to give life to the biting dance sounds”.
September 16, 5.30pm – Diogo Carlos and Furia-Deiana Duo at Convento de S. José Cultural Centre (€10)
Diogo Carlos, an awarded Portuguese guitarist from London’s Royal Academy of Music, has ample experience playing solo, in duos, trios, quartets and with various ensembles, having performed at the London Guitar Festival, Cadogan Hall and many other emblematic stages.
The FURIA – DEIANA DUO is described as a “versatile and fascinating formation that combines the passionate sound of Fabio Furia’s bandoneon with the virtuosity of Alessandro Deiana’s guitar”.
September 17, 5.30pm – Marko Topchii and Ensemble Copain’s Cabana at Sítio das Fontes Municipal Park, Estômbar (€10)
Marko Topchii, a world-renowned classical guitarist of Ukrainian origin, achieved international recognition through his participation in prestigious guitar competitions across the globe. Marko has secured an impressive total of 55 first prizes in various renowned classical guitar contests. His list of accolades includes triumphs at esteemed events such as the Tokyo International Guitar Competition, Francisco Tarrega (Spain), Michele Pittaluga (Alessandria), two Andres Segovia competitions (Spain), JoAnn Falletta (Buffalo, NY), Maurizio Biasini (San Francisco, CA), and numerous others.
Copains’ Cabana is a musical ensemble “bringing together voices, mandolins, guitar, cuatro, double bass and percussion, around Latin American music”. All members have already had opportunities to perform in concerts in France and abroad, and now they are back together for the pleasure of interpreting this repertoire that is both rhythmic and gentle.
September 23, 5.30pm – Quitó de Sousa Antunes and Luciano & Giusy Pompilio Duo at Estômbar Parish Church (free entry)
Portugal’s revered guitarist, Quitó de Sousa Antunes studied music in Paris under Betho Davezac and has won the first prize of the City of Paris, as well as a gold medal at the National Conservatory of Meudon. He has been ”invited countless times to take part in concerts and festivals both in France, Europe, Morocco, and Quebec”.
Luciano Pompilio, also an esteemed guitarist, took 15 first prizes at guitar competitions, reaching the final rounds in over 25 guitar competitions, and has toured Europe, Asia and America. He is also the Artistic Director of the ”Città di Manfredonia” International Guitar Festival and Season Chamber Music ”In Concerto” in San Giovanni Rotondo.
GIUSY POMPILIO is a “young and passionate Opera Singer and student with strong academic background and multiple participation in public events and concerts. Currently studying to obtain a Bachelor of Music in Opera Singing”.
September 24, 5.30pm – Early Guitar Duo and Invisible Strings at Lagoa Parish Church (free entry)
The EARLY GUITAR DUO is a collaborative venture between Romolo Calandruccio and Antonio Aprile, dedicated exclusively to the study and performance of a 19th-century guitar repertoire on original instruments. These performances are based on in-depth research of the period’s performance practices and of the authors, through original sources.
In the recent years, the Early Guitar Duo has performed in the several Music Conservatories: Ottorino Respighi in Latina, Tchaikosky in Nocera Terinese, and at the Mauro Giuliani Birthplace Museum in Bisceglie.
The project Invisible Strings, created by two internationally renowned musicians – thereminist Thorwald Jørgensen and guitarists Josip Dragnić – has been presented in countries like Germany, Luxembourg, Croatia, Montenegro, and Italy. Theremin is the only instrument that is played without physical contact, producing sound on the basis of electromagnetic waves, using two antennas. It was invented in 1919 but it is still rarely played on the concert stages, so every concert with theremin is a real attraction. The project brings some of the most famous pieces by the great composers like De Falla, Ravel, Villa Lobos, and Piazzolla arranged for theremin and guitar, but also contemporary music pieces originally written for this duo.
These two instruments form together a beautiful and interesting combination of the harmonies played by the guitar on six strings and the melodic line played by theremin.
September 30, 5.30pm – Vladislav Bláha & Tanja Drobysh and Luís Coelho “STRING TALES” at Carlos do Carmo Auditorium (€10)
The Vladislav Bláha and Tanja Drobysh duo presents a repertoire that is both vibrant and diverse, incorporating elements from classical, folk, and jazz genres. Additionally, they present adaptations of folk music from South Moravia (Czech Republic), including modified compositions by the English composer John W. Duarte, as well as traditional melodies from Belarus.
Guitarist Luís Coelho has performed on several national and international stages, collaborating with several fadistas (Fado singers) and with contemporary music and dance projects.
October 1, 5.30pm – Noble at Carlos do Carmo Auditorium (€10)
Noble (Pedro Fidalgo) is one of the most prominent artists in Portugal, having reached “monumental success” with his radio hit “Honey”, which acted as a generic for the soap opera “Amar Depois de Amar”, as well as “Beautiful”, the opening track of the most recent album “Secrets”, a new stage in the artist’s career who aspired to show his gratitude for all those who always supported him during his journey to the top of the national sales charts.
For more information about the event, visit the event website or follow on Facebook.
New cultural association P.O.I.S! retransformed an old grey accessible route, under the motto “Together, let’s make Portimão the coolest city in the world”
– August 23, 2023
A new cultural association in Portimão has breathed new life into the ‘Rota Acessível’ (Accessible Route) on the town’s Rua Direita street by transforming it from an unremarkable grey path to a “kaleidoscope of colours.”
The project, titled ‘A Rua Direita em Festa’ (‘Rua Direita in Celebration’), marks the beginning of the cultural association P.O.I.S! – Palco das Ondas Invisíveis Studio and was conceived by young French artist Charlotte Mohns, known in the artistic world as Caïros, who was assisted by French compatriots Kamille Bobeau and Gaspard Kyriacopoulos.
The new colourful path was created using colours inspired by the spiral logo of the municipality of Portimão, highlighting the “terracotta tonesof the cliffs and rooftops, interwoven with the vibrant blues of the sea and the Algarve sky.”
The artists used paints hardened with polyurethane, ensuring “greater resistance and durability.”
According to Caïros, “the project’s goal, sponsored by the local parish council and with logistical support from the town council, is to brighten up the town’s historic centre, mixing the forms of nature and architecture that make up its essence, making it more attractive for residents, shop owners, and tourists.”
Charlotte Mohns (centre), Kamille Bobeau (right) and Gaspard Kyriacopoulos (left)
“This will be the first phase of something more ambitious, as the idea is to embellish the entire Accessible Route of Portimão, with the collaboration of local artists as well, to invigorate the cultural offer and the economic fabric,” said the artist, who recently painted a mural in Marseille.
The new cultural association was born from the collective vision of architects, artists, merchants, and young people from Portimão and aims to “imbue the city with happiness” through a wide range of initiatives.
Under the motto ‘Together, let’s make Portimão the coolest city in the world!’, the association will voluntarily promote these initiatives with the belief that it can change the town for the better.
According to Portimão council, the Accessible Route which has been given a colourful new life was inaugurated in 2010 and “was a pioneer at the national level and one of the first in Europe.”
It resulted from the municipality’s “commitment to social inclusion by eliminating architectural barriers in the city’s administrative centre.”
With a continuous path of over 5km, unobstructed and properly signposted, the route involved a municipal investment of around €300,000, allowing visitors to easily reach Portimão’s main points (public services, touristattractions, and commercial area).
Article originally published by Michael Bruxo on Portugal Resident.
Since its opening in 1985, the venue has been a major presence on the jazz scene in the region, welcoming famous national and international artists
– August 18, 2023
Manoel’s Jazz Club has an outdoor terrace and a rooftop boasting seaviews Photo: MICHAEL BRUXO/OPEN MEDIA GROUP
Manoel’s Jazz Club, the iconic jazz venue which local musician Manuel Guerreiro opened in Monte Carvoeiro in 1985, officially reopened earlier this summer under the management of French couple Sabrina and Thomas Bourhis.
The special occasion was celebrated with a performance by Carvoeiro’s famous percussionist and singer Beto Kalulu alongside his band featuring Joaquim Brandão (bass), Tomé Rocha (drums) and Marcos Vita (keyboard), as well as a special appearance by Enzo d’Aversa (piano).
Beto Kalulu and pianist Enzo d’Aversa (left) – Photo: INÊS LOPES/OPEN MEDIA GROUP
The jazz club is located below Manoel’s Restaurant and Bar, which is open every day from 5pm onwards, serving dinners and cocktails inside the restaurant, at its outdoor terrace and on its rooftop with a view of the sea.
Sabrina and Thomas are well aware of the deep-seated history of the venue, which for decades welcomed nationally and internationally famous jazz musicians, which is why they have decided to maintain its name and a similar theme.
Founder, the late Manuel Guerreiro Photo: MICHAEL BRUXO/OPEN MEDIA GROUP
Their goal is to offer live music every night at 10pm and welcome a wide range of musicians from several genres, not exclusively jazz.
But how did the couple end up taking over one of the Algarve’s best-known jazz venues?
“We have been holidaying in the Algarve for several years and had been planning to move out of France, even before the pandemic,” said Sabrina and Thomas, adding that they visited several towns in the region until their travels led them to Monte Carvoeiro, on the western hill of Carvoeiro.
The couple have around 25 years of experience in the restaurant industry, having run a beach bar back in France, and decided to bite the bullet and start a new life in Portugal by reviving the iconic venue.
New owners Thomas and Sabrina Bourhis, with Carvoeiro’s famous percussionist and singer Beto Kalulu Photo: MICHAEL BRUXO/OPEN MEDIA GROUP
“Manuel was a true friend”
Beto Kalulu has been playing an important role in Sabrina and Thomas’ new adventure, helping the couple grasp the history of the venue and also acting as a link to the local community of musicians.
He was a very close friend of Manuel Guerreiro, the talented saxophonist who played a pivotal role in the Algarve’s jazz scene by opening Caldeirão, his first jazz club, in Ferragudo in 1975.
“I opened Caldeirão for my friends; I didn’t do it for commercial purposes,” Manuel Guerreiro is quoted as saying in a pamphlet promoting an exhibitionhonouring him at Portimão Museum, which can be visited until September 3.
Monte Carvoeiro Photo: MICHAEL BRUXO/OPEN MEDIA GROUP
Caldeirão stayed open until 1985, when Manuel Guerreiro was invited by Monte Carvoeiro developer Klaus Müller to open a new jazz club at the resort.
Manoel’s Jazz Club became the place to play for jazz musicians, with jam sessions galore and a long list of acclaimed musicians from all over the globe performing at the venue.
Manuel Guerreiro, who passed away in 2005, also played a key role in helping musicians from ‘Aldeia de Almansor’, a multicultural community of artists who lived in makeshift homes at an abandoned half-built hotel site, until they had to abandon the area when construction resumed (to build the Almansor hotel; now Tivoli Carvoeiro).
“Manuel was very important for the local musicians in Carvoeiro. He was the one who booked concerts for us, and many times would give up his cut of the performance fee in order to help us,” Beto Kalulu told us.
It was this very “mentality of collaboration” that was later replicated at Manoel’s Jazz Club, with musicians often turning up to perform simply for the fun of it.
Article originally published by Michael Bruxo on Portugal Resident.
Armação de Pêra’s beachfront restaurant celebrates summer in style
– August 3, 2023
Vila Vita Parc’s beach restaurant Praia Dourada is hosting its anticipated summer event, which will take place this August 8 and 29.
Starting at 9.30pm and until 4am, guests will have the opportunity to ”dance under the stars to top guest DJs”.
The drinks menu will include the Spicy Pineapple made with Curado Tequila, pineapple, apricot, and jalapenos and the Miss Ginger made with Ginraw Cherry Blossom gin, red fruits, and ginger beer.
“The sandy terrace and adjacent beachfront location provide the perfect backdrop for this fantastic event”, states de resort, recommending guests to try the delicious meals that the restaurant will prepare before the beginning of the festivities.
Dishes on the menu will include mussels with chilli, coriander, and coconut milk; giant prawn with black rice and mango; and fresh sushi and poke bowls featuring locally sourced fish.
“Don’t miss out on this amazing event, come and party with Vila Vita Parc and experience the best that Armação de Pêra has to offer!”
The dress code for the event is blue and white and the entrance is free for everyone.
Brunch in Rio offers “a memorable experience for more than just the food”
– July 31, 2023 | Text Beatriz Maio
In a familiar, intimate and comfortable environment, Brunch in Rio offers a memorable experience, not only for the food – which is exceptional – but for its relaxed atmosphere and pleasing décor.
It is a place that was missing in the Algarve and has been much appreciated by locals and foreigners who haven’t stopped coming here since it opened on August 8, 2021, exactly as the owner Ana Prudêncio had envisioned.
The restaurant is remarkable for the diversity of the dishes on the menu and also for its location, all carefully chosen by the founder: “The idea was all mine and so was the name,” she admits.
Just as the name states, this brunch spot is situated close to the Arade River (‘Rio’ in Portuguese), which crosses Ferragudo village.
And there is no lack of tasty options – from typical local dishes such as ‘Tábua Barrosão’, named after the building’s owner, to the traditional Peruvian dish ceviche, Mexican tacos, bao buns, originally from China, or bagels inspired by those of the Polish Jewish communities.
The product suppliers are from all over the country but, as it could not be any other way, the oranges are locally sourced.
“I only want to have nice dishes on the menu; I want food that leaves an impression,” Ana explains, adding that clients can expect a multitude of cuisines – something unusual in other restaurants that normally focus just on one.
The owner also says that “people are not treated as if they were ‘just another client’ but as a family member. The goal is for them to feel as if they’re coming to a friend’s house”.
Some groups will have lunch at the restaurant and then spend the afternoon there, ordering pancakes and waffles or just enjoying cocktails.
This comfortable attitude is a result of small details that make the place feel loving and warm. For instance, ‘Panquecas do João’ (João’s Pancakes) is a dish that Ana invented for her 8-year-old sonduring quarantine, as well as the puff pastry croissants that she used to make at home but never ate at any restaurant.
The menu is a mix of all the dishes that Ana tried in different places, mostly in the Portuguese capital, Lisbon, and flavours that have stuck with her. She also encourages the bartenders and the kitchen staff to come up with their own original ideas for the menu and attend to customers’ special requests, always making room for innovation.
There are also many vegan and vegetarian options, which earned Brunch in Rio the “Best Vegetarian Restaurant” accolade in the area in 2022 and 2023 by the rating platform Restaurant Guru.
Ana wants the customers to feel at home, in a cheerful space decorated with sofas and unique tables she chose.
“I wanted something different so I picked a combination of diverse components, from the lamps that say ‘love’ and in the shape of a heart to the decorative quotes that inspire and make sense to almost everyone,” shed said, pointing out that there is much more to the restaurant than just food.
The wallpaper with plant motifs and green colours, the tables made from restored wooden cable coils, wood features, shades of orange and strong neons create a pleasant environment with nooks that were created specifically to set themselves apart from one another with different tables, allowing customers to choose the one that best matches their vibe.
Although the eclectic food and decoration are already great reasons to visit Brunch in Rio, the attentive teamis another highlight, composed of a group of seven, most of whom have been here since the beginning.
Ana reveals that, when she started, she wasn’t looking for anyone in particular but it was like the right ones came to her through friends who knew that they had restoration experience and were ready to take care of the place.
On the opening day, only Eduardo Leite and Fábio Fonseca were working in the front house with the kitchen helmed by Paula Fernandes, a 60-year-old experienced cook that has known Ana since she was a child because of her grandmother.
When Paula heard that the restaurant was about to open, she offered to help. By the time the opening date was chosen, the team wasn’t fully set and it was a challenge, however, taking this risk has paid off until today.
Brunch in Rio is exactly as Ana imagined, not only because it combines all the types of food that she likes and couldn’t find together before she created the concept, but also for the decoration and the good atmosphere everyone can enjoy, especially locals, as well as many English, German and French visitors.
Silves Medieval Fair returns this August 10 offering visitors unforgettable and mystical experiences
– July 28, 2023 | Photos Silves Municipality
Between August 10 and 20, Silves’ Medieval Fair returns for its 18th edition. Over the course of 11 days, the city once known as Xilb (Silves) is transformed into a Moorish-style city.
A central theme of the fair is “The Mosque, Symbol and Power” which highlights the history of its mosque, built and consecrated as a place of worship and symbol of the Islamicization of a territory that became one of the biggest political and cultural centers of Gharb al-Andalus.
There will be a prayer recitation, and a welcome from the Vizier, and the call to prayer will echofrom the tall minaret through Al-Muezzin.
There will be contagious celebrations accompanied by the sounds of music and the movement of vibrant dances reminiscent of the East.
In the Medieval Fair, the mystical atmosphere beginseach dayat 6pm with the Medieval Parade, in which participants dress in period costumes and parade through Medina and Arrabaldes.
At 8pm and 10.30pm at Al-Mut’amid Square, the rebel Yahyâ Ibn Bakr Ibn Zadlaf faces off against the Umayyad army during the War Games.
And at 10.30pm, Oriental Nights, dazzling music, dance, and fire displays will take place at Silves Castle.
More than a hundred exhibitors, including artisans, confectioners, mystics, and merchants, will be present, offering gastronomy, shows, and historical entertainment.
Volunteers wishing to take part in the fair can do so by registering on the Municipality’s websiteuntil July 31.
Registration is open to people over 16, “with availability, motivation, team spirit and responsibility, who wish to collaborate in different areas, supporting entertainment and shows, participating in parades, among others”, says the Municipality, inviting all those wanting to be part of history to sign-up.
Paddling away in an intimate, friendly and familiar environment, away from the crowds
– July 26, 2023 | Text Beatriz Maio, Photos Xavier Madeira
BrotheRootz Sup Tours was born in January of 2022 and began operating around Easter that year. It was a joint project by three friends who are passionate about the sea and, in particular, the Algarve coast. Having all grown up by the beach, since childhood, all they have always wanted is to spend their days around this environment.
Egas Pedroso, 29 years old, decided to leave behind his life as a dentist to fiercely embark in this business with his cousin, Francisco de Araújo, a 24-year-old who studied Oil and Gas Engineering in Lisbon, both from Carvoeiro. The third member of the team is 29-year-old Caio Carvalho, originally from Itacoatiara, located in Niterói district, in Rio de Janeiro, known for its surf culture. He came to Porto to complete his undergraduate degree in Geography but, as he is also from a beach town, he could not resist the allure of the Algarve for too long and decided to apply all the knowledge he acquired during the course here.
Their shared passion for nature was the fuel they needed to start this adventure. When they met four years ago at Vale de Centeanes beach, this project did not cross their minds. Francisco and Caio were working for different boat tour agencies and Egas used to meet them there. The relationship between the three of them quickly strengthened and, in 2021, when the idea came up, they were confident they could compete with other companies as they had plenty of experience, knowledge and, most important, love for this job.
Francisco explains that the name BrotheRootz refers to “being genuine” which is not only related to their essence, but also with the type of experience they want to provide: “Familiar, friendly, intimate and relaxed.”
Instead of just visiting the coastal hotspots, BrotheRootz Sup Tours provides “a cool day at the beach”.
Carvoeiro’s Praia do Carvalho was the spot chosen for the tours’ departure for those who want to explore the famous cavesunder the expert guidance of the three friends. Each cave tour takes around two hours plus 30 minutes of preparation and allows clients to take a closer look at the Benagil Cave, the most well-known in the region.
Before they arrived, there were no activities on this wild beach, which is one of the reasons why they picked this place: the privilege of being able to avoid the Benagil beach crowd and the dozens of boat trip companies that operate there.
Their clientele are mainly North Americans, followed by Canadians, Germans and British tourists.
Quality is one of their focus as well as being away from the busy area. Another of the company’s policies is to work with small groups so they can all use the boards and avoid pollution and noise. Their main tours are at 7.30am and 9am with a maximum of 10 people, so they can avoid all the hustle and bustle of boats and people on other tours.
As young entrepreneurs and nature lovers, the three friends do not hide their concern for the preservation of the coast, suggesting the creation of legislation to decrease the oversaturation and degradation of the area.
“We want to preserve our coast and for that we have to think long term and not focus on quick profit”, they reflected, explaining that BrotheRootz are “building something solid, step by step, to reap the rewards later on”, which they believe is exactly what sets them apart from other companies.
Bringing innovation to tourism is also a core value of the company and, in their vision, limiting the number of people who can go to Benagil cave daily and raising the prices, as it happens with other attractions around the world, would allow the place to be less crowded and better cared for.
In the Carvoeiro area everyone knows Egas, Francisco and Caio for their kindness, enthusiasm and proximity to locals and tourists alike.
“We have good relations with everyone we come in contact with”, stated Francisco revealing that the group wants to “unite the community” through shared values of “being happy, healthy, financially independent and caring for the region”.
The future is bright and inspiration is not a problem.
“This is just the beginning,” they admitted, sharing first-hand their plans to create a Carvoeiro community focused on local talents and many activities that will include art, music and sports.
Their goal is to bring diversity and youth to Carvoeiro through the BrotheRootz brand, which they want to grow from the sea to land.
Explore the caves of Benagil, the Sagres Fortress, or the Vicentine Coast with the “largest general aviation company in Portugal and one of the largest in Europe”
– July 19, 2023 | Text & Photos Bruno Filipe Pires / Open Media Group
Getting to see the caves of Benagil, the Sagres Fortress, or the Vicentine Coast from an altitude of 1,000 feet (around 300 metres), aboard a small single-engine aircraft, is something you can experience if you visit the Portimão Municipal Aerodrome.
“The correct term is ‘scenic flights’,” explains João Lopes, head of aviation operations in the Algarve for Sevenair, the largest general aviation company in Portugal and one of the largest in Europe. “We also do these scenic flights in Lisbon, from our Cascais base, but here they really are something else.”
“In legal terms, passengers are called ‘task specialists’. We have two different target markets – people between the ages of 30 and 45 who want to go on an adventure, or those looking for a romantic experience such as flying at sunset. We also have many foreign residents who want to get to know the Algarve from a different perspective, sometimes even to take their visiting friends on an adventure,” he explains. “We offer specific routes at set prices. However, flights can also be customised.”
The company began operations in Alvor back in 2002. “It started as a hangar for private planes. Then, we began to invest in aerial advertising. Later, and due to demand, we started doing scenic flights. Skydiving appeared in 2014”, and became their core business. In 2018, the company acquired an Extra 300 XL aerobatics plane, being the only licensed company in Portugal in this field.
“We have allocated a Pilatus Porter for parachuting, a Cessna 152 to rent to pilots who need flight hours or who come to try it out with one of our instructors, and two Cessna 172, which are the planes we use for both the tourist flights and advertising. Our company fleet includes many other planes that we allocate according to our needs,” he explains.
The scenic flights are under the ‘Air Emotions’ banner. “If we consider the people that visit the region, I can easily say that tourist flights are more popular in the low season. Tourists visit the region looking for something different. However, this service isn’t as popular yet as skydiving,” states João Lopes.
So, how does it work? “We accept bookings up to 24 hours in advance or based on availability. It often happens that people will stop by and ask if they can fly right there and then. Sometimes, planes are busy, and the timing doesn’t coincide with people’s availability. But we always have a pilot on base and a second one on call.”
One of them is Pedro Rebelo. At 23 years old and with around 300 flight hours, he started working for the company earlier this year, as soon as he finished his course in Ponte de Sor. Before that, he took the tests for the Portuguese Air Force and even pursued Engineering at university, but the dream of flying spoke louder.
He is the one pushing for this niche market and assures that his schedule is full for the peak summer season. “I want sightseeing to be a big part of my occupation. The experience of a private flight is amazing. I take three people at most, one next to me and two in the back seat. On average, people buy a 30-minute flight, but they end up enjoying it so much that they buy more time. I think one hour is enough,” he reveals. “Flying in the morning is more comfortable as there is always some wind in the afternoon. But we are well acquainted with the landings. During winter, conditions are always a little more unstable, but we explain to people what turbulence is and, when they are sat alongside the pilot, they understand that it really is nothing to worry about.”
The pilot explains that when he lands in Portimão, the wind is usually blowing cross or north-westerly. “We usually take off towards Lagos just over the Ria de Alvor. Or westwards over Portimão, and at 500 feet over the Arade, we can turn towards Sagres or head for Carvoeiro. The farthest we usually go is Albufeira. Flying further east doesn’t happen very often because of the traffic at Faro Airport. But we can also head towards the interior of the Algarve,” he explains.
What if the fear of flying takes over in actual flight? “The aircraft we use is quite powerful for this task. Sometimes I have to reduce its power, otherwise it starts going too fast for the scenic flight. These planes are very safe and are very well maintained, especially because they are also used in our aerial advertising. If something goes wrong, we always have to keep our training in mind,” says Pedro Rebelo.
For the time being, the pilot is not considering moving to an airline, as his passion for this style of aviation is evident. “I am Algarvian, I like living here and I enjoy this kind of aviation. It is all very dynamic. In London, I went for a job interview at Nordica and got the job, but I would have to go and live in Scandinavia. So, I emailed this company, explained my intentions and they offered me this opportunity. I am happy here.”
