Inside Algarve Magazine – Algarve News

Author: Inside Magazines

How a regional winery in Lagoa embraces tradition to produce great results

Since 2011, Monte de Salicos has produced 20,000 bottles of Red, White and Rosé wine annually, using tried and tested methods

– August 22, 2022

Between Carvoeiro beach and the town of Lagoa, Monte de Salicos (MDS), a 13-hectare property, has been cultivated since the 18th century. It has been in the hands of the Cabrita family for at least five generations and, in 1999, António Cabrita, a local doctor from and now co-owner, planted the first vineyards. Years later, in 2011, the winery was built, stainless steel vats were installed and so began the production of the first wines with the MDS. “Our red grape varieties are Aragonez, Syrah, Touriga Nacional and Cabernet Sauvignon. For the white ones, we have Moscatel Galego, Sauvignon Blanc, Verdelho, Pinot Gris and Viognier”, says Pedro Cabrita, who is also a doctor and co-owner of MDS with his father.

With the sea only about three kilometres away, the vineyard’s exposure to the sea breeze, with clay-limestone soils, provides the ideal conditions both for the development of grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah, and for Portuguese varieties, such as Touriga Nacional. “It’s a soil that has never had any additives, it’s natural to the area and typically Algarvian”, assures Pedro Cabrita, adding that the production is “almost biological, and almost totally non-industrial”. The doctor adds that they “use very few products in the vineyard and it’s a very different production from the industrialised kind you see everywhere. But otherwise it’s a typically regional wine”, from over eight hectares of vines. All the winemaking process is supervised by winemaker Mário Andrade.

Made from the Aragonez, Touriga Nacional, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon grape varieties, the MDS Tinto (which the Quinta describes as “elegant, young and wild”) presents an aroma of ripe red fruits and soft leather. This is a wine with balanced tannins and acidity, which goes well with meat dishes and exotic and spicy foods. On the other hand, perfect for pairing with Mediterranean or traditional Portuguese dishes, the MDS Tinto Touriga Nacional is a blend made from the Syrah grape variety and aged for six months in oak wood. It has aromas of plums, red fruits and a touch of spices.

Meanwhile, the MDS White is ideal for fish and seafood dishes, with a persistent finish of balanced flavours and aromas of tropical fruits. It is made from the Verdelho, Moscatel Galego and Sauvignon Blanc grape varieties. Finally, the MDS Rosé is ideal for a late summer afternoon, to accompany sushi or even a salad. It has red fruit aromas, an excellent minerality and is made from Aragonez and Touriga Nacional.

With time, the winery’s producing capacity increased, and, today, they churn out around 20,000 bottles per year, which can be found in supermarkets as well as restaurants across the region. The estate also has a few awards to its name, displayed in the tasting room. “We have won the gold medal for wines from the Algarve and other medals in regional and national competitions. For the production that we have, with very few wines and after just 10 years in business, we are very proud of what we have already achieved, and we hope to achieve even more,” states Pedro Cabrita.

But MDS’s operations extend beyond wine production. “We sell carob, we have collaborated with the Town Council in various activities such as the Lagoa Wine Experiences, we hold events and wine tastings. The Quinta is pretty much always open,” says the co-owner.

They also provide local accommodation, in a house set very close to the vineyards, with two bedrooms, a private pool and barbecue, available to rent all year round. “We are full for this summer and there is already a lot of people interested in our wine-related activities. I have noticed differences in the tourist profile, with more and more foreigners,” he explains.

As for the future, although MDS has been part of the UNESCO heritage routes in the municipality of Lagoa since 2017, they have no plans to go global. “We want to expand both the winery and our production capacity. Our ambition is not to become a large company. The goal is always to maintain the genuineness that the Quinta has always had,” he points out. But, above all, is the legacy Pedro Cabrita would like to leave behind. “MDS has been in our family for at least five generations. Today it’s me, my father, my wife and my daughter. We are all heavily involved in this project, which I hope will stay in the family.”

Follow Monte de Salicos on Facebook and Instagram.

Text Maria Simiris

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August 22, 2022
Unearthing history: New Archaeological site discovered in the Algarve

New Pestana Golf Course uncovers Archaeological Site that has left experts with several questions

– August 22, 2022

From Left: Francisco Correia, Andreia Avelino, Eduarda Silva (anthropologist), António Cavaco, Ana Pereira, Lara Duque, Sofia Nogueira (anthropologist), João Hasselberg and Catarina Furtado

Construction of a new Pestana golf course between Ferragudo and Lagoa has unearthed a unique archaeological site containing traces of several eras. The works are taking place across a 40-hectare plot of land, but all it took was half a hectare to reveal an array of hidden discoveries.

In layman’s terms, archaeologists have identified 35 structures carved into limestone which are believed to have served as Islamic silos, firstly for the storage of cereals and food, and later as dumps. Also found were Islamic and prehistoric graves and funerary structures from the Middle Neolithic (fourth millennium BC), an era of which not much is known about, and the Chalcolithic (or Copper) Age (third millennium BC).

The works started in October 2021 although archaeologists have known this area could be an archaeological treasure trove since 2008, said Francisco Rosa Correia, manager of the archaeological project and co-director of the archaeological digs, which are in the hands of ERA Arqueologia. In 2010, na archaeological survey established that a 5,500sqm area known as Quinta dos Poços – precisely the location where the 18-hole golf course is being built – had possibly been a temporary Islamic military camp.

These latest archaeological digs have completely thrown that hypothesis out the window, Francisco Correia said. “In March, we cleared the land to try to delineate the area of the archaeological site,” he said, adding that 91 structures were identified and a huge chronological diachrony (evolution of language over time). Archaeologists also found objects in stone and architectural structures which effectively ruled out the military camp theory.

With these latest findings, they now believe that an Islamic town may have been located nearby. “The number of silos (we found) always suggests that possibility,” said the archaeologist, who believes the area may have been an alqueria (small rural community established near cities).

“Historical records show that there was a community that was believed to be located to the south of Lagoa which was never found,” he added. “We do not know how big it may have been, because all these vestiges are concentrated in one area. The truth is that, with all the earthmoving, nothing else special was found,” António Cavaco, head of Carvoeiro Golfe and the golf course’s construction works.

Further studies are needed, but some of the archaeological finds seem to date back to between the 9th and 11th centuries AC, in the midst of the Islamic occupation of the Algarve. Archaeologist Catarina Furtado explained why the silos that have been found are believed to have acted as rubbish dumps later on, as several remains of food such as shellfish and even the skeletal remains of an entire cow were found.

Fragments of simple and glass ceramics, “some produced locally, and others imported, surely,” were also found. “From the Islamic period, we also have five graves which we were able to exhume. Only two contained human remains. The bodies were buried on their sides, according to religious requirements, facing west, with no associated materials,” the archaeologist revealed.

“There is a big question. We are not assuming that this was a living place. But it is possible that one existed nearby. We found a structure with some elements of combustion, which may have been an oven, very rudimentary and for temporary use. But we do not have anything that indicates that there was a domestic occupation here. We can imagine that the community is not very far way,” Furtado added.

Neighbouring communities

A tomb dating back to the Chalcolithic (halfway through the third millennium BC) revealed not only human remains but also tools such as axes, flint blades, limestone and xyst collars and arrowheads, similar to those found in Alcalar in the neighbouring borough of Portimão.

Francisco Correia believes there was a “possible cultural relationship” between the two areas, despite the distance and the “natural border” that the Arade River posed. The archaeologist admitted his surprise with the discoveries “because this seems to be a very old place”.

“We also found three tombs from the Middle Neolithic, which dates back around 5,500 years and which is still mostly unknown. That is where the big surprise is. What we know so far is that, in the Algarve, we have only found burials from this period in caves. Burials dug into rocks, we did not know about,” he said. Catarina Furtado describes the discovery as very impressive. “The Middle Neolithic is, in fact, a little difficult to understand in structural terms. That is why these graves, in particular, caught our attention,” she said.

However, the details of how these graves were constructed are scarce. “We only found the base, but they were surely closed spaces where the bodies were placed. They weren’t exactly buried. In other words, in these Middle Neolithic graves, most of the deceased were transported already in a state of decomposition and placed inside a hollow, empty area, and we know this from the digs. Surely, they had a roof, a covering, but we do not know how it would be,” explained archaeologist Miguel Lago. However, this whole area acted like a cemetery, of tribute to their ancestors; a space where certain communities would take their deceased. Later on, it became an Islamic site. Digs in other areas will help us understand exactly what that Islamic site was, because we have a lot of doubts,” he said.

Golf course welcomes archaeological finds

António Cavaco has revealed that the future golf course’s clubhouse will have a space for a museum where the archaeological finds can be exhibited. “Golf courses always have a theme, and I believe, in this case, it will be archaeology which will motivate golfers to take a story with them to tell,” he said. A video of the archaeological works will also be used to promote the borough, Cavaco added.

He also left a word of advice for other developers who may worry about archaeological finds delaying their plans. “This is an investment of around €6 million. With some planning, we were able to complete the archaeological works while at the same time doing some earthmoving where it was possible. It’s all practically completed apart from Hole 1. After the completion of the final report and the approval of the Algarve culture board, we will complete what is left. Normally, when there are constraints and additional costs, that is not well-received by developers. But we think archaeology is an asset to our project,” he said, adding that the golf course should be completed by the last quarter of 2023.

Text & Photos Bruno Filipe Pires/Open Media Group

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August 22, 2022
The Algarve’s First urban organic mushroom farm

A hard-working couple used their downtime during the pandemic productively to turn a fascinating idea into the Algarve’s first urban organic mushroom farm

– August 22, 2022

Mushrooms produced organically in the basement of a store in Portimão have quickly become all the rage among many of the Algarve’s best restaurants and their chefs.

Gribb, the Russian name for ‘mushroom’ or ‘fungi’, is the Algarve’s first urban organic mushroom farm, having opened in December 2021 near Portimão’s Largo da Mó square, on the busy shopping street Rua das Lojas.

Day’s harvest

Production has increased over the last few months from 10 mushroom species to 14, including household names like shiitake, but mostly types that you will be hard-pressed to find on supermarket shelves in the Algarve, such as lion’s mane or pink oyster.

Cláudia Martins and Ion Volosciuc are both aged 34, vegetarians and try to live a life that is “as sustainable as possible”. They spent six years living in London before they decided to move back to Portimão to pursue this new-found dream – to open their own organic, sustainably-minded mushroom farm.

“I was always fascinated by agriculture, but I never imagined myself doing it,” said Ion, a self-described “high-school dropout” who had worked for nearly 20 years in the hotel and restaurant sectors, mostly in managerial positions. Meanwhile, Cláudia studied optometry and was working in her field in London.

But when Covid-19 broke out and we were all confined to our homes, Ion found himself discovering more and more about the different uses of mycelium – the vegetative body for fungi that produces mushrooms. The seed was planted in their minds and, after months of studying and researching how they could use mycelium to grow their own mushrooms in an urban environment, they decided to bite the bullet and move back to Portimão to follow their new-found dream.

Ion Volosciuc and Cláudia Martins ©Michael Bruxo

“We put all our eggs in the same basket,” Ion told us. “It was kind of a kamikaze move because this isn’t a side job or a hobby for us. It is our job,” Cláudia added. Leaving their old lives behind in London, Ion and Cláudia found a store in Portimão where they could set up their new operation. “There was a lot of studying going into this. We understood the theory and, on paper, it seemed very doable. We created the project, had a business plan, it was well-structured, but we had never actually experimented growing the mushrooms,” Ion said.

However, the risk paid off. Their experiments were successful, and the major change they made to the usual urban mushroom production process worked. “What we are doing is not new, except there is a little catch. While others use wood pellets as their substrate for growing mushrooms, we use wood waste from carpentry companies,” said Ion. “It is basically sawdust free from any kind of chemicals or toxic compounds. For carpenters, it is waste that is usually burnt or thrown out. I have friends in Monchique who work in the industry, and we’re actually doing them a favour by taking it away,” Ion explained.

pleorotus columbinus – Blue oyster

We were taken on a tour of the production process, which includes several steps, such as introducing the mycelium to the substrate (the sawdust) and allowing it to grow throughout a series of different steps until it is finally placed inside a special tent to reach the final stage of growth. After trying the mushrooms for themselves for the first time – “and living to tell the tale”, as they put it – it was time to start contacting local restaurants and hotels. Ion and Cláudia put together a list of the restaurants and hotels that they wanted to work with and decided to go knocking on doors. It did not take long before the mushrooms became a hit among chefs in the Algarve.

“I worked in the hotel sector for nearly 20 years, so I worked very closely with chefs. I know that when there is a very good product on the market, chefs don’t mind paying more or waiting however long it takes to have it, because they like working with quality products. We take pride in what we do, and that makes a difference,” said Ion, adding that word of mouth played a big role in spreading their farm’s name. “It’s just the two of us working here,” Cláudia explains. “We deliver the mushrooms ourselves. We wouldn’t want it any other way. We look after the mushrooms from start, all the way to delivery.”

pleorotus djamor – Pink oyster

Success has been so great that Ion and Cláudia say their current store is already proving too small to meet production needs. “We will eventually move to a bigger space, but even then, we will do things the same way because it is the only way that makes sense to us. We have already been approached by people who wanted to export the mushrooms to France and Denmark, or introduce a more industrialised production method, but we said no,” Ion said. “We always said that if we had to do something for the money, it wouldn’t be done well. In our case, we love what we do, and we do it with care, love and dedication. And that plays a big role in the final result.”

The demanding nature of the job means there is little time for holidays or even a day off. But seeing their project come to life so successfully is what proves to them that they made the right decision. “It’s a very rewarding feeling. It motivates us and proves to us that we cannot give up after coming this far,” said Ion.

So, what lies ahead for Gribb now that it has established itself in the Algarve? “We don’t want to just produce fresh mushrooms,” Ion guaranteed. “Our next step is to create mushroom supplements and then mycelium-based biomaterials and enter the world of mycelium-based alternatives to meat,” he said, adding that the plan is to move forward with these ideas in the next two to three years. “Urban farming is the future. All the spaces that we (humans) have destroyed to build cities can now be used to grow food – and we want to be a part of that.”

Where can you buy the mushrooms?

Gribb’s mushrooms can be ordered directly on their website and picked up at the store. The couple also sell their mushrooms at Vivo Mercado, a weekly organic market held on Wednesdays in Lagos, and at Mercearia Bio store in Portimão. The price of an online order of the daily harvest mix starts at €8.

Visit Gribb‘s website or follow on Instagram and Facebook.

Text by Michael Bruxo

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August 22, 2022
A local shop in Ferragudo honours the best Algarvian flavours

The Origens Shop has been committed to honouring and showcasing the best flavours of the Algarve

– August 22, 2022

Coming from the sea and the mountains, from east to west, the products available at the Origens shop show the best flavours that the Algarve has to offer. This is, precisely, the goal, according to owner Luís Alberto.

“It’s a retrospective and an appreciation of Algarvian flavours. It’s a reflection of our love for the land, regional products and the town’s history. The idea is to promote and highlight Algarve products as opposed to all the others on the market, which are also very good, of course, but are not ours. We are loyal to the region,” says the Ferragudo-native.

Although the shop has been active for over six years, it has only been working with this concept for a year and a half. “Here, we do not usually offer products that the big supermarkets have. Instead, we focus on smaller productions”, such as handicrafts, says the shop owner.

Coming into the shop, you are quickly taken into a typical Algarvian house, with a small display of old regional pieces, like cataplana dishes and crockery, several books of traditional recipes and hand-painted pictures representing the sea that waves so close by. On the counter, there are goat cheeses from Portal dos Queijos, a brand from São Brás de Alportel, and sourdough bread from the Seara Nova de Monchique bakery, with wholemeal, cereals, cracklings, chorizo and anise options.

On the shelves, clients will find jams and preserves of various flavours, like persimmon and avocado, olive oil from Lagar dos Pardieiros and even orange vinegar from the Algarve and pomegranate vinegar. The super-spicy lemon and mango piri-piris are from Portimão, and the honey comes from Melaria do Pé da Cruz, in Monchique. Another highlight is the tinned fish, from brands such as Sabor Real, Fides, Pescaria do Algarve and Nazarena, of shredded cod with chickpeas, sardines, mackerel, tuna, horse mackerel and anchovy fillets, among others. In the fridge, there are olives and carrots from Lagoa and sausages such as black pudding, smoked ham, sausage and bacon, all from Idália de Monchique, as well as yoghurts from Portal dos Queijos.

The sweets area is made up of handmade caramels of various flavours, from the José Palmito brand, the traditional Esquecidos biscuits from Rumo ao Campo and almond cheeses and fig stars from producers in Lagoa. From São Brás de Alportel, come the Uma Arroba products, such as dried fruits, carob flour, energy bars and figos cheios (dried figs stuffed with nuts) from Bengado. But the highlight at Origens are the alcoholic drinks. There’s Faro craft beer and cinnamon, pineapple, pennyroyal, orange, pomegranate and carob liqueurs, from Sabor do Sul and Talurdinha, along with sweet potato, fig and persimmon spirits under this label. Other highlights include melosa (a type of firewater with honey), Silves orange wine and sparkling wines. Among the wines, there are also reds, rosés, whites, vinho verde and port wines, the latter being the only products in the shop that are not produced in the Algarve.

Most of the labels are from the western Algarve, all carefully selected by Luís Alberto, who highlights Paxá, Quinta do Barranco Longo, Dona Niza Wines, Arvad Wines, Cabrita Wines, Quinta dos Santos, Quinta do Francês, Quinta do Barradas, Herdade dos Pimenteis and even the Foral de Portimão from Quinta da Penina, and prices range from just under €14 up to over €30.

In addition to local produce, there are works by artisans Elsa Natal and Aida, who use various materials to create mandalas, guardian angels, dolls and key rings. For the future, and according to the owner, there is no lack of ideas. “We want to have a small area for product tasting, and live music, which will always be Portuguese.”

Follow Origens Shop on Facebook and Instagram.

Text by Maria Simiris

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August 22, 2022
Capela das Artes Hotel created a therapy Centre focusing on stress management

Building smart habits: The Capela das Artes Hotel has created a therapy and treatment Centre focusing on stress management and various pathologies, together with a good diet and healthy sleeping habits

– August 22, 2022

Aptly named Smart Habits, this space opened a few months ago in the old olive press of the well-known Capela das Artes Hotel, in Alcantarilha, now classified as a Monument of Public Interest due to its historical, architectural and cultural character.

Leading this new project are Argentinean doctors Aurelien Jaime Nuñez, who is finishing his speciality in Functional and Micronutritional Medicine, and Silvestre González, a post-graduate in Ayurvedic Medicine, who decided to move to the Algarve to create a pioneering concept. “We wanted to create a facility where anyone who comes into contact with us can have all their health needs met in every way: food, sleep, physical activity, mental and emotional balance,” explains González. His colleague, son of Angel Nuñez Ecchazú, owner of the hotel, adds: “Around 70% of chronic diseases can be prevented, such as diabetes, obesity or migraines. The whole project comes down to this and is not merely a curative approach but, above all, a preventative one.”

After a patient or guest contacts one of the professionals, the first step is to draw up a therapeutic plan, to be developed within the Smart Habits centre, based on the pathologies and needs of each individual. “The idea is to centralise different fields of expertise in the same setting. In traditional medicine, pain is treated with medication; you treat the consequence of something and not the cause of the problem. Here, we get to know the patient, we do not just look at the consequence,” the doctors assure. This is a fully bespoke programme, with a duration that varies according to the pathologies, which may include a series of therapies, treatments and activities, such as different types of yoga or meditation.

Within the ayurvedic therapies, which are very focused on balancing one’s emotions, there are several that, depending on how they are applied, can help with detoxifying the body, for example, as is the case with the Abhyanga treatment. There is also the Marma, which is similar to acupuncture; the Karma Purana, where medicinal oils are applied; the Swedana, which consists of using vapours to expel toxins; the Garshana, which requires exfoliating gloves and is excellent for skin problems; and the Basti, ideal for joint and muscle problems.

To promote overall wellbeing, the centre also offers massage-based Relaxation Therapy. For problems with motor injuries, the most suitable is the Myofascial Therapy and Painful Points, which, according to Nuñez and González, has been the most requested. There is also Reflexology, applied to the feet, Reiki and Chakra Alignment sessions, which can be done using various materials such as stones, metals or bowls. “Our goal is for the patients to be free from pain permanently. We want to find the cause of each pathology and provide everyone with tools to get healthy. Each treatment is suited to different things and has benefits on a physical, emotional and mental level,” says Aurelien Jaime Nuñez.

In the near future, the Capela das Artes Hotel will open the Smart Food restaurant by to the pool, focusing on Ayurvedic food with a modern twist, with a chef with a proven track record in healthy cooking. “The dishes we will serve will really have a therapeutic effect,” says Silvestre González. In the months of September, October and November, the two doctors intend to focus on retreats lasting several days. “In the not-so-distant future, we want to include water therapies, cold baths, a sauna and a Turkish bath. We also want to launch Pilates and aquagym classes, because there is a lot of demand for physical activities, and many people prefer these types of sports to yoga,” they reveal. “And we intend to produce micronutritional olive oil for eating and cosmetic purposes. We will move forward according to demand and the evolution of this project. We have plenty of knowledge to do so,” they conclude.

The schedules of all classes, prices and all details of each treatment can be found on the Instagram page.

Follow Smart Habits on Facebook.

Text by Maria Simiris

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August 22, 2022
The first butterfly garden in the Algarve has opened in Zoomarine

In the Algarve’s first Butterfly Garden, dozens of species can be seen flying over lakes, fish and a tropical botanical garden

– August 22, 2022

Zoomarine has made it a habit of debuting new attractions for visitors every year. The novelty for this season is the opening of the Algarve’s first-ever dedicated butterfly house. The Butterfly Garden is a tropical botanical garden serving as a habitat for hundreds of exotic butterflies from Africa, Asia and America.

The idea came from the park’s founder, Pedro Lavia, who was inspired by a similar project in Benalmádena, Spain. “We wanted to replicate a tropical forest, and everything had to be done with the butterflies in mind to provide the best conditions for them. Besides the vegetation, which is very important for these animals, we had to ensure adequate temperature and humidity levels. That is why it even rains in the garden sometimes,” says Vasco Alves, the person in charge of the butterfly garden.

Before the park reopened for the season, it was important to first understand how each species would take to its new home. “We had to ensure the butterflies would adapt to the environment, that they displayed natural behaviours and that they had what they needed to feed. We tested all these aspects, and it didn’t take long before some of the specimens began laying eggs and reproducing. This showed us we had the conditions for the animals to survive here,” he recalls.

Today, the Butterfly Garden, which is home to almost 400 butterflies, is kept at a temperature of around 28ºC and humidity of 75%. There are 20 different species, both diurnal and nocturnal, with completely different colours, sizes and characteristics.

Vasco Alves highlights some that are easier to distinguish: “The owl butterflies, for example, are probably the biggest and we have several from this group. The emperor and the Morpho achilles are probably the smallest, but they stand out for their colouring. There are also at least five species of long-winged Heliconius, all with different colours. Then we have the Papilio, a genus we have several species of like the emerald, which is green, and the rumanzovia, which is scarlet.” A common trait they all share is that none are endangered, since that would “require other circumstances that would be more difficult to manage”, says Vasco Alves.

When questioned about the fact that none of the butterflies are from Europe, he says that the reason for this is due to the “educational value of this space. The garden’s main purpose is to enchant, but also to take advantage of this to impart knowledge. The idea is for people to return home knowing how important these animals are and what can be done to protect them.

The memories associated with emotion are much stronger than any acquired knowledge,” he assures. Hence the selection of butterflies. “We want this place to stay in people’s memories, so we chose species that are different from what we are used to seeing, to act as ambassadors. Since they don’t even exist in Portugal, we hope they elicit interesting emotions.” According to Mariana Poupado, Zoomarine’s head of communications, visitors to the park so far have been delighted by the new zoological attraction. “It’s such a unique and unexpected place. The feedback could not be better.” The Butterfly Garden also features dozens of plants, a waterfall that helps regulate the temperature and lakes with fish such as carps and cichlids.

Text by Maria Simiris, Photos by Open Media

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August 22, 2022
A New collective art project arises in the Algarve: the Artlink Collective

This summer, the Artlink Collective will showcase the artwork of several artists around the Algarve

– August 22, 2022

Some of life’s more interesting journeys seem to take on their own direction without any planned route in mind. This was the case when four artists made contact around nine months ago and both friendships and appreciation of each other’s work developed. Without denying that selling their own work was an objective, it became clear that they also shared a deeper ambition to help showcase the craft of other talented artists across the Algarve. The Covid lockdown period had limited the opportunities to exhibit and the few that did come along tended to be over in the western side of the region.

When one of the artists visited the wonderful Quinta da Tôr winery, above Loulé, the thought occurred that this would be an interesting place to hold an exhibition. A few months later, during the very first restriction-free week in January, the combination of viewing art with wine tasting was set in motion.

People visited, work was sold and the confidence that they had the organisational skills to take the project forward grew in abundance. An understanding of the importance of branding clearly had an impact, along with the intuitive ability to see how artists can work together and they recognised for the need to present a variety of artistic styles. Reputation can be added to the list of factors because due to the winery’s long-standing association with the Tivoli Marina Vilamoura hotel, another exhibition was held there between the two winery events.

Then one day someone asked about what they called themselves and the realization that they needed their own identity came around. ARTLINK Collective was born. To quote their intro/mission statement “We are a visual arts collective living in and around the centre of the Algarve, who showcase our passion and diversity and give exposure to a full spectrum of styles, that includes painting, photography, sculpture, and digital composition.

Our mission is to provide the opportunity to participate in collective or solo exhibitions and events that we organise ourselves, or in collaboration with other established art collectives and art galleries. By encouraging one-on-one engagements with art lovers, collectors, and potential buyers, we aim to provide the context that gives value to each piece of art work. We embrace the advantages of digital technology and use social media as our premier promotional platforms.”

Moving onto the next phase of the journey, ARTLINK has joined forces with one of the Algarve’s most experienced and respected gallery owners and artists. Aderita Silva manages the renowned Artistic Space Gallery in Vale do Lobo and she also shares the same ambition and longer-term mission. The Details Vale d’el Rei Hotel and Villas in Carvoeiro is another exhibition venue under her control and the opportunity to organise, curate and manage a two-month exhibition during July and August has been handed over to the ARTLINK team. The work of fifteen artists will be on display, divided over two periods to ensure variety and that as many artists can be involved as space allows.

Meet the Artists evenings are scheduled, along with the opening vernissage for each month, the details of which can be seen on Instagram (ARTLINK_collective) along with regular posts during the exhibition and information about the principal members.

Follow Artlink Collective on Instagram or visit their website.

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August 22, 2022
Lagoa’s FATACIL Fair makes a grand return this Friday with daily concerts and horse shows
The long-awaited return of Lagoa’s FATACIL begins this Friday 19th with daily concerts by some of the biggest names in Portuguese music, as well as Equestrian daily shows, entertainment and much more!

– August 19, 2022

The municipality of Lagoa is ready for the return of the Handicraft, Tourism, Agriculture, Commerce and Industry Fair (FATACIL) and has once again invested heavily in the equestrian sector “to attract visitors to the fair”, with organisers promising the “best edition ever”.

FATACIL will take place between August 19 and 28 at the Parque Municipal de Feiras e Exposições de Lagoa, between 6pm and 1am.

Economy minister António Costa Silva will attend the event’s opening ceremony on Friday at 7pm and make a speech at the fairground’s main entrance.

The last edition of FATACIL held in 2019 – the 2020 and 2021 editions were cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic – was hailed by the local council at the time as the best ever in its 40-year history, having attracted over 195,000 people, a 10% increase compared to 2018.

FATACIL, which has established itself as “an internationally-renowned equestrian fair”, will present an extensive programme with a headlining act from Spain with equestrian showman Paco Martos. There will be a daily performance by Polish act La Pattat Stunt Show, as well as displays with several national champions, an Olympic duo, and many more.

Daily concerts by the biggest names in Portuguese music and the Gipsy Kings

FATACIL is renowned for its concerts with some of the biggest names in Portuguese music, and this year is no different: Expensive Soul, João Pedro Pais, Quim Barreiros, Bárbara Bandeira, Resistência, Tony Carreira, and Gipsy Kings from Spain, are the headliners that will take the main stage.

Entertainment in the restaurant area will include DJ sets, fado moments, folkloric groups and popular music, and lots of typical Portuguese food, such as bifanas.

The long list of entertainment is accompanied by dozens of stalls, showcasing businesses from a wide range of sectors as well as craftspeople, who sometimes perform their craft live for visitors to see up close. There will also be plenty of traditional food and drinks to enjoy.

Main stage
- August 19 – Expensive Soul
- August 20 – Gipsy Kings by Diego Baliardo
- August 21 – João Pedro Pais
- August 22 – PROFJAM
- August 23 – Quim Barreiros
- August 24 – Plutónio
- August 25 – Bárbara Bandeira
- August 26 – Resistência
- August 27 – Fernando Daniel
- August 28 – Tony Carreira
Lagoa Stage (Restaurant area)
- August 19
  - 6pm-7pm– Sunset DJ Alexandre Ramos Feat Luís Raposo (sax)
  - 7pm-10pm – Folkloric Ranch from Calvário and Faro
- August 20
  - 6pm-7pm – Sunset DJ Alexandre Ramos Feat Luís Raposo (sax)
  - 7pm-10pm – Brasa Doirada
- August 21
  - 7pm-10pm – Xico Barata
- August 22
  - 7pm-10pm – 5EX Band
- August 23
  - 7pm-10pm – 1001 noites of accordion with accordionist Luís Mira
- August 24
  - 7pm-10pm – Beto Kalulu Band
- August 25
  - 7pm-10pm – Fado with Pedro Viola & Adriana Marques
- August 26
  - 6pm-7pm – Sunset DJ Alexandre Ramos Feat Luís Raposo (sax)
  - 19h00-22h00 – US2
- August 27
  - 6pm-7pm – Sunset DJ Alexandre Ramos Feat Luís Raposo (sax)
  - 7pm-10pm – Ricardo Sousa
- August 28
  - 7pm-10pm – Sounds of Gadanha and Group Cantares Fonte Nova de Estômbar
Equestrian Programme:
- August 20 (Saturday) | 21:20 – Equestrian opening show
- August 21 (Sunday) | 18:00 – Working Equitation – Teaching trial
- August 22 (Monday)
  - 18:00 – Ease of Handling trial
  - 21:30 – Speed trial
- August 23 (Tuesday) | 21:00 – Inauguration of the Fernando Oliveira arena, by Bruno Cavalinhos
- August 24 (Wednesday) | 21:30 – Cavalgarve Equestrian Show, with Paco Martos (Spain) and Portuguese riders
- August 25 (Thursday) | 21:30 – Iberian Night with Spanish Doma Vaquera champion, Rafael Arcos, Portuguese champion of working equestrianism, Miguel da Fonseca and Portuguese Dressage champion, Manuel Veiga
- August 26 (Friday) | 21:00 – Masterclass with the Olympic duo João Torrão and Coralie Baldrey
- August 26 (Saturday):
  - 18:00 – Portuguese Riding Event
  - 21:30 – Cavalgarve Show
- August 28 (Sunday) | 21:30 – Cavalgarve Show
Tickets are already on sale with daily tickets costing 4€, daily family tickets 14€, and the 10-day pass 25€. Children up to 12 years of age (inclusive) do not pay entry upon presentation of the Citizen Card.

Tickets can be purchased at Fnac and Worten, online on BOL, at the Centro Cultural Convento de São José, the Balcão Único (in Lagoa) and at the entrance of the fair.

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August 19, 2022
Taste some Top Wines and Craft Beers with the Algarve no Copo Event
Portimão welcomes Algarve no Copo Wine Event this August 25-28

– August 19, 2022

Portimão is hosting regional producers with their top beverages to promote regional drinks. Held in the city’s 1º de Dezembro garden, “Algarve no Copo” will allow visitors to taste some of the region’s most famed beverages and new creations, including wines, liqueurs, craft beers and juices.

Sponsored by Vinhos do Algarve and the Algarve Tourism Board, the four-day programme includes wine tasting sessions, mixology workshops with regional drinks, and musical entertainment. There will also be a choice of local delicacies to pair with each drink.

The event starts on Thursday (August 25) with a wine tasting session organised by the Algarve’s Wine Commission (CVA), followed by a performance by hip hop, electronics and jazz band Salamandra.

Sommeliere Andressa Noitel, founder of the Piccola Madame brand and wine educator at Eviva Wine School Algarve, will be in charge of the tastings on Friday and Saturday. Musical performances will be by Ferros & Accordeons (Friday and Sunday), the ISMAT university choir (IsmaTuna) and DJ Nuno Silva (both on Saturday).
- August 25
  - 7.30pm – CVA Wine Tasting
  - 9.30pm – Musical performance by Samalandra
- August 26
  - 7.30pm – Wine tasting with Andressa Noitel
  - 9.30pm – Musical performance by Ferros & Accordeons
- August 27
  - 7.30pm – Wine tasting with Andressa Noitel
  - 9.30pm – Musical performance by IsmaTuna
  - 10.30pm – DJ Nuno Silva
- August 28
  - 9.30pm – Musical performance by Ferros & Accordeons
Admission is free.

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August 19, 2022