Inside Algarve Magazine – Algarve News

Author: Inside Magazines

Local Film Production Company wins Big at ART&TUR Film Festival 2021

Film production company Spy Manor Productions wins 5 Awards at the 2021 ART&TUR International Film Festival

– December 7, 2021

The 14th edition of the Art&Tur International Film Festival, held in Aveiro, saw the Carvoeiro-based company bring home five awards with their promotional video Sky Base One, distinguished by the Festival’s international jury, made up of 34 experts from 19 countries.

In the National Competition, the team took 1st prize in Arts & Creativity as well as in the Innovation in Tourism category along with a joint 1st place in Technical Quality.

In the International Competition, they repeated their 1st place in Innovation in Tourism and also took 2nd place for Arts & Creativity.

The project tells the story of a “movie-inspired villa that is currently being built in Carvoeiro, whose design is based on the Millennium Falcon spaceship in Star Wars. The video shows the story of a young girl drawing the spaceship and showing it to her architect father, Alexandre Mendes of Bespoke Architects (also located in Carvoeiro). Then, the father begins to draw the sketches of the villa and the girls drawing becomes a explains the team.

“We are truly thrilled to have received so many awards for our Sky Base One video!” said Vanda Everke, founder of Spy Manor Productions, who also thanked director and editor Daniel James Clarke, Nissan Stern, head of content developer, and creative producer Peter Ogunsalu, “for creating such a unique piece”.

Visit Spy Manor’s website or follow on Instagram

December 7, 2021
Lusitânia Shop pays Tribute to Finest Portuguese Products

Lusitânia Handmade Gift Shop handpicks the finest handmade contemporary pieces from around 40 artists

– December 7, 2021

The Lusitânia Handmade Gift Shop opened its door in Carvoeiro, right before the COVID-19 pandemic cast its shadow over Portugal. After travelling all over the country and Europe, Lagoa-native Tânia Silva wanted to bring to her community a different concept of traditional craftsmanship. “It’s a project dedicated to that which is handmade in the country, in an exclusive way and totally different from industrialised products. We value contemporary craftsmanship through unique and original pieces made by our artisans,” she explains.

Lusitânia’s goal is clear: “To highlight and promote our national craftsmanship”

And so, the shop brings together pieces by around 40 artists from all over the country, of various ages and using different materials and techniques. Although very different, they all have something in common: “These are excellent products, made with soul, dedication and love, all from Portugal”, and which are difficult to find anywhere else.

In Tânia’s own words, the shop’s main goal is crystal clear: “To highlight and promote our national craftsmanship.”

A walk through Portuguese Art, from decorative to practical ceramics, macramé, jewellery, paintings and much more

Walking into Lusitânia is like going on a journey of Portuguese art, ranging from decorative or practical ceramics, original canvases, azulejos (traditional tile work), macramé, tableware, jewellery and unique signature pieces.

Here, you’ll find ceramics from Caldas da Rainha, typical Alentejo chairs, quilts from Serra da Estrela, religious pieces from Fátima, the Barcelos rooster, azulejos from Alcobaça and other works from Pombal, Lisbon and, of course, the Algarve. And Tânia herself handpicks all of this.

“I have a very close relationship with each artist. I visit the studios where they work so they can show me what they have and I choose the pieces that best fit the shop’s concept. Sometimes I’ll even tell them what I want and even sketch out my idea and they do it. That’s why there are a lot of custom pieces as well,” she explains.

This close relationship seems to seep into the community. Just last summer, Tânia saw several artisans come into Lusitânia requesting to have their work sold at the shop as well. But there is one thing that leads to certain elimination: “If I see that an artist doesn’t put love and dedication into their piece, I cannot invest in them because I feel that their goal is simply to sell,” she states.

Coming into Lusitânia Handmande Gift Shop, the first thing you’ll notice is the many colours on the walls and shelves, usually loaded with ceramic sardines, lobsters and swallows.

There are also mandalas, postcards made of different materials, mugs and plenty of decorative china and tableware. Nativity scenes are sold year round, along with fridge pins, paintings using recyclable materials and paintings of seascapes, angels, key rings and books. But the top sellers are the decorative azulejos and soap dishes.

“These are all items that cannot be found anywhere else and that no other shop nearby will have. That’s our concept and it must be respected. I have a little bit of everything and something for everyone,” Tânia says, adding that she makes sure to always tell clients the story behind each piece, the materials used, who made it and where they come from. “This shop is an homage to the Portuguese people and our craftsmanship,” she says.

At her shop, Tânia Silva welcomes painters, designers, sculptors, potters, carpenters and many other artisans. As for the clientele, most are tourists, both foreign and Portuguese, but a lot of residents visit the shop as well.

From Lusitânia to the world

Lusitânia can also ship any piece to anywhere in the country or the world — Tânia has shipped orders to the US, Japan, Canada, Australia and multiple European countries. The latest order, one of the biggest, came from an American company with offices in Lisbon, which commissioned 200 swallows customised with their logo, as gifts to the staff in the Portuguese capital during a company dinner. “They found me on Instagram and made the order. I spoke to the craftsman and I’m going to deliver the pieces in Lisbon myself,” Tânia reveals.

As for the future, she hopes to take Lusitânia Handmade Gift Shop to other towns in the Algarve and beyond. “The goal is to grow and have shops all over the country. The first steps will be here in the Algarve and then elsewhere. I’ll have to do some thorough research as it will be tricky to find places that don’t sell pieces like what I have,” says Tânia. For now, she will be taking a Pottery course to create her own collections.

During winter, Lusitânia Handmade Gift Shop is open Monday to Friday from 10am to 1pm and 3pm to 6pm, and on Saturdays from 10am to 1pm.

Visit Lusitânia Handmade Gift Shop’s website, or follow on Instagram

Text Maria Simiris
Photos Phaze Photography

December 7, 2021
Discover a Unique Art Oasis designed by Artist Eric de Bruijn

Created by Dutch artist Eric de Bruijn, “Ana Ana” is a unique space where art and hospitality come together in multiple forms

– December 7, 2021

Imagine a home where a creative studio, an art gallery, large entertaining spaces, and comfy guest rooms coexist in a peaceful urban setting. This is Ana Ana, Eric de Bruijn’s artistic habitat.

Once an industrial building, now a serene oasis

Located close to the riverfront in Portimão, this 500sqm building was initially set to be a family home and art studio. The vast rooms with tall ceilings were ideal for Eric’s large canvases and the bedrooms sufficient to host his family. But when COVID hit, and a lockdown was imposed, the Dutch painter decided to reinvent the space. What was once an industrial building was lovingly transformed into a serene oasis. This fluid home, in constant change, is a remarkable resting place filled with bright natural light and unique art pieces, curated and designed by the artist, making Ana Ana one of a kind.

A place to immerse yourself in Art

“The house got a lot of tender loving care,” says the soft-spoken Dutchman, who opened the doors of his multipurpose home to give art lovers the chance to stay in what can be seen as a work of art in progress. “It’s still a working studio today, but can be different tomorrow,” he explains. Eric’s assistant, Marta, knows she must expect the unexpected. “Very often, I come in after the weekend, and things have changed, again,” she remarks. “Sometimes, he sells art pieces from the residence’s walls, and we need to replace them.”

Ana Ana is now a comfortable and spacious setting where guests can stay and immerse themselves in art. However, when it is not rented out, Eric lives here. It is where he comes to life, it represents who he is, and that is why he chose its name. “Ana Ana means ‘it’s me’ or ‘that’s who I am’, in Arabic,” he explains.

This space truly reflects Eric’s style, which he describes as balanced, light, inviting but also comfortable, tasteful and honest. “It’s a plural space where you will find art in many forms, from exhibitions to gastronomic events, pop-up concepts or artistic residences; anything can happen.”

Portugal, a place of inspiration for new artists

The Dutch artist, creative director and interior designer moved to the Algarve in 2006, thinking he would only stay for a year. Fifteen years later, he is still here and has no regrets. “What can I say, I love Portugal, and I love the people,” he exclaims. A passion that has led him to work with many local and national artisans to champion their work. On top of producing furniture in the north of Portugal, together with Marta, he is creating a line of furniture and objects to tell Ana Ana’s story.

He is currently also working on four interior design projects in the Algarve and others in Holland, such as a beautiful restaurant that opened last June in Nijmegen. “Hospitality is very important for me,” he insists as he reveals he is also building a small Ana Ana in Lagoa for two people.

Persian-style carpets, rustic furniture and large paintings: the scene is perfectly designed to host warm and friendly gatherings

Born in The Netherlands, where his parents had a hotel, Eric has always been a keen host. After exhibitions, he loves to cook for his guests, “to share beautiful things with interesting people”. This is why the house offers spaces for big gatherings, such as a large dining room and a sitting room with lots of white sofas, Persian-style carpets and a large rustic wooden coffee table, complemented with quirky glass-front cabinets. Another sitting room, with a huge corner sofa and pieces of art lining the walls, is the perfect spot for intimate conversations over a glass of wine or two.

There is also an opportunity to experience Ana Ana in a closer setting

The fully equipped house can be rented year-round. With its five bedrooms and studio, it can sleep up to 12 guests. Designed and curated to make guests feel good, the bedrooms are almost like cocoons. The atmosphere is light and airy with wooden shutters, spacious areas, and comfy furniture with oversized cushions. Polished cement, white floorboards or traditional Algarvian terracotta tiles are the natural materials chosen for the floors.

The villa is split into two separate units — a townhouse and a studio — along with an art gallery. On the townhouse’s ground floor, guests can spread out in an open space which includes the gallery and a kitchen and Eric’s studio (which is available to rent at an extra cost). On the second floor, there are four double bedrooms and one twin bedroom, as well as a fabulous rooftop terrace with a lounge and dining area and a firepit. This ample space is ideal for yoga retreats, which Eric and Marta will soon be organising.

Ana Ana also features an exceptional patio with its own black swimming pool. Surrounded by earthy pink walls lined with cacti, this interior courtyard gives off a mix of Moroccan and Mexican vibes. This unique home is definitely made for photoshoots and has been chosen by several brands such as Zara Home, adding yet another layer of creativity to this artistic habitat.

Visit ANA ANA’s website, or follow Eric de Bruijn on Instagram.

Text Alexandra Stilwell
Photos Luís da Cruz, Antonella Antonucci & Alain de Bruijn

December 7, 2021
Interview with Regional Director of Operations about the Future of Tourism

As a kevy figure in tourism in the Algarve, Jorge Beldade talked about his career and the future of the industry

– December 7, 2021

Jorge Beldade has held the position of regional operations director for the NH Group, acquired in 2016 by Minor Hotels, since 2006, leading the group’s seven Iberian Peninsula resorts, six in the Algarve and one in Marbella.

However, his journey began in 1973, when he finished his degree in Tourism at the Algarve Hotel and Tourism School in Faro. He started his career as a reception trainee at Hotel da Balaia, now Club Med da Balaia, one of the top luxury hotels at the time. “Those with top marks got to choose which hotel we wanted to train at, so that’s what I did. I chose [Balaia] because it was one of the best in the Algarve. You started at the bottom back then, but I began my career already thinking about what I wanted for myself,” Jorge Beldade recalls. Later, he was called upon to manage the Balaia apartments and to run the hotel’s commercial area.

In 2002, he became responsible for four hotels as regional director with the Tivoli chain: Tivoli Lagos Algarve Resort; Tivoli Marina Portimão Algarve Resort; Tivoli Marina Vilamoura Algarve Resort; and, of course, Tivoli Carvoeiro Algarve Resort, along with the flats in Vilamoura, The Residences at Victoria Algarve. With the opening of the Anantara Vilamoura Resort in 2008, four became five, and, in 2018, with the acquisition of the Group by Minor Hotels, which owns around 550 hotels around the world, Jorge Beldade also managed operations for the Anantara Villa Padierna Palace in Marbella.

Tivoli Carvoeiro Algarve Resort Junior Suite Premium Sea View Living Area

With a career spanning over 40 years in the tourism business, Jorge Beldade has experienced his fair share of social and economic crises over the years. The first was right after the 1974 Carnation Revolution: “We were suddenly left without clients and for a few years we had very low occupancy rates, with all the main markets blocked. It was a difficult situation.” Between 1990 and 1991, there was the Gulf War, which he describes as a “troubled period”, and between 2008 and 2014, the recession in Portugal. Despite these difficult periods, Beldade says that none can compare to the economic and social crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, right from the first quarter of 2020.

“This was the biggest challenge of my career. No other crisis was as this big or this difficult to manage. With all the others, we knew what to expect. But this was just constant blows,” he says. “Normally in a crisis, big companies always have other areas in the world where positive results offset the bad. But this was a worldwide shock, which is precisely why the challenge was so massive,” he explains.

In the hotels he manages, including Tivoli Carvoeiro, various strategies have been implemented. The first step was to contain and stop new investments. “We were doing just the essentials and the small necessary maintenances. We were forced to renegotiate contracts, but with very close communication with our approximately 1,500 workers, we managed to get through the most complicated period without losing any of the talent we had. I think part of our group’s success in Portugal was due to that”, adds Jorge Beldade.

Looking back on 2020, he points out that, for most of the time, the hotels were closed. In summer, the high season, average occupancy was around 50%, well below the more than 90% registered on the same period in 2019. As for 2021, hotels opened back up between April and May, and it was a period that the regional director describes of “amazing” occupancy rates.

Tivoli Carvoeiro Algarve Resort Sky Bar

“When the British came, and until June 10, we had fantastic occupancy rates. It was crazy. We went from 10 to 100% and we worked really well.” However, after June 10, when Portugal was excluded from the UK’s green flying list, “there was a big drop in UK tourists. The Portuguese and Spanish started coming, and in June, there was an occupancy rate of around 60%, 50%in July and 88% in August. It was a good month, and, in terms of numbers, this August was close to what we had in 2019,” he says.

As for the strategy used by the group for this past summer, the policy followed “was different from most of the units”, Beldade explains. And it proved to be the right move, since the growth in the average price is well above what they expected, which gives them a positioning advantage in the market for the post-crisis period. “We are moving into 2022 with a price level far above what we had in 2019, which was a very good year. This policy and this strategy give us a big advantage because our starting point for next year is well above most competing hotels and so our prospects for next year are good,” he states.

As an Algarve-native, Jorge Beldade argues that the region should be looked at as a whole rather than with “so much dispersal of authority. If this happened, the Algarve could be a paradise in Europe. There is still time to make it a super-luxury destination”. To achieve this, in his opinion, there needs to be more investment in the inland Algarve, improve access to beaches and create a cultural offer of excellence in the low season.

By: Maria Simiris
Photo: Hélio Ramos

December 7, 2021
Become a Remote Winemaker and Produce your Own Wine in Lagoa

New winemakers are reaping the fruit of their investment at Quinta dos Vales thanks to a unique project

– December 7, 2021

It has been a little over a year since Quinta dos Vales’ exclusive The Winemaker Experience project was officially launched. Since then, 13 wine-loving couples and individuals have embarked on an exceptional adventure, which sees them become winemakers, producing wine to their taste by either renting or buying a plot of vines at the Lagoa winery.

Although the pandemic put many activities on hold, this was yet another example of how technology brought everything closer during the lockdown. Thanks to a young and dynamic team led by Michael Stock — son of Quinta dos Vales owner, Karl Heinz Stock — these new wine-makers were able to stay up to date and participate in the production of their wine remotely. “We send out comprehensive reports every month and are in touch with them every two to three weeks, keeping them involved and emotionally connected with the project,” explains Michael.

Mark and Michael Stock

This regular contact also helps the winemakers make important decisions, such as when to harvest depending on the type of wine they want to make. For example, with the heatwave last July, the build-up of sugar in the grapes accelerated, but the phenolic maturity (the astringency of the skin and seeds) did not, resulting in bitterness. To find the optimum balance, Michael recommends setting a goal for sugar concentration. When this is achieved, they taste the grapes and give the winemakers the chance to decide whether to harvest or wait until the bitterness mellows.

People from around the globe are discovering this exciting new project

For Peter and Brenda Folch, the pandemic meant they still would not be able to be at the vineyard for the 2021 harvest. Based in South Beach, Miami (USA), the pair fell in love with wine when they moved to Argentina in 2004. Since then, they have both become certified US sommeliers and now plan their holidays around wine tasting. “That’s how we discovered The Winemaker Experience,” says Brenda.

Huge fans of Portugal and its wine culture, they did some research and found their dream property at The Vines, Villa-Suites in the middle of the Quinta dos Vales vineyards. They had already purchased a small plot of vines in Mendoza, Argentina, as part of a project similar to The Winemaker Experience, and decided to do the same in the Algarve in August 2020, without ever having visited.

“Michael recommended we first start slow and rent a vineyard, but we decided to go ahead with the 99-year lease. We chose a plot of Touriga Nacional because we thought, in Argentina we have Malbec, so in Portugal, we’re going to go for one of the iconic varieties,” explains Peter. They are hoping to be more involved in the future, “but in the meantime, the experience has been amazing”. They add: “Michael and his team have been sending us information about every step of the process, sending pictures, even videos. We feel like we have actually been there.”

Once a dream, now a reality: Learn how to produce your own wine with the help of professionals from Quinta dos Vales

For local food and wine writer Patrick Stuart, The Winemaker Experience has been hands-on. He is one of the lucky few winemakers to live in the Algarve and have the chance to follow the project in person. Making his own wine is something Patrick had always dreamt of, something which, until now, was beyond his financial reach. For him, “The Winemaker Experience makes it affordable and practical”.

Last May, he bought 180 plants of Alicante Bouschet and since then, together with his daughter and Marta Rosa, Quinta dos Vales’ winemaker, he has been following the process very closely. “At the beginning of August, we did a final maturation test and were already estimating 11,7% of alcohol,” explains Patrick, who is looking to make a fairly low-alcohol wine. “Ideally, I don’t want to go above 12,5%. So, on that Friday, I took the decision, and Marta agreed with me, to harvest on the Monday, as the forecast for the weekend was hot weather.”

They harvested in the dark to avoid having to refrigerate the grapes. “We went at 6am, when it was still dark and finished just as the sun was coming up. The grapes were still really cool, and by 7.30am, we were pressing them.” Patrick was delighted with the quality of the fruit, “We hardly took out any grapes at all, the fruit was absolutely superb, and the grapes were delicious,” he says, confessing it was difficult not to eat them all.

Bottle Blending Workshop

Under Marta’s guidance, Patrick made an interesting last-minute decision. “Some of our vines didn’t bear as much fruit as they should have done. The quality was there, but not the quantity. So, Quinta dos Vales offered to make up the quantity at no extra cost. The wine I always wanted to make from the onset is a Palhete (a light-bodied red), in which a bit of white is added. So, we decided to add 15% of Arinto, which they were harvesting at the same time.”

Patrick’s wine will be bottled in March and be ready for drinking around June. Approximately 250 bottles of it, which he plans to give to friends and colleagues. Having visited wineries all over the world, he thought he knew a little bit about winemaking but admits it has been a huge learning curve. “Every single time, we come away with more knowledge. It’s absolutely fascinating.”

Visit Quinta dos Vales website, or follow on Instagram & Facebook.

Text Alexandra Stilwell
Photos by Hélio Ramos

December 7, 2021
New Art Gallery & Teaching Studio opened by a Local Artist

First Class Art, an Art Gallery by Karen Wride, showcases oil paintings from Nature to Figure studies

– December 6, 2021

Karen Wride fulfils her life-long dream of opening her own art gallery featuring her work alongside her talented daughters, opening her First Class Art Gallery, which is a bright and airy artwork space in Guia featuring eclectic pieces by Karen Wride, from oil paintings depicting scenes from around the Algarve to figure studies from her travels.

Aside from her own work, she also showcases the work of her two daughters, who are artists themselves. Previously, she had used this space to teach others with her popular art classes.

How it all started, with Portugal on the map

Whilst studying Fine Art, Karen soon realised how tough it was to make a living as an artist. She decided to change her degree to the more lucrative sector of Graphic Design and worked in London for many years as a freelance designer before being promoted to creative director and then going on to set up her own design studio.

Ten years ago, she moved to Portugal. On a holiday in Madeira, she met a fellow Welsh artist who had been teaching art classes in the Algarve. Insistent that she wasn’t a teacher, Karen initially turned down the offer to take over his art classes, but she was soon convinced otherwise. Much to her surprise, she came to realise how much she enjoyed sharing her passion with others.

Seven Geishas

The art of Teaching

During her classes, she teaches a maximum of three people at a time to ensure that there is plenty of space and so she can concentrate on developing her students’ skills. Her classes are open to all painting abilities, genre and everyone is free to work at their own pace.

Karen believes that anyone can make art, as she explains: “You have to just build the confidence to do it. We are all born with the same ability, but some are less scared than others.”

Over the years, she has watched students pick up their first paintbrush and then transform into professional artists, even selling their own pieces.

“Nothing gives me more of a rush than when one of my students starts selling their own work.”

Children at the Beach

Lockdowns changed the lives of everyone, making Karen’s life-long dream a reality

Throughout the series of COVID-19 lockdowns, Karen’s classes were forced to close which encouraged her to create more pieces to sell. One piece she created was “depicting the joy of life here in the Algarve”. She donated this work to Hospital Particular in Alvor, with the hope of giving patients something to ponder whilst waiting.

Horse Power

But dealing with galleries and selling on social media became tedious for Karen. In early 2021, she took the plunge to open her own gallery in the same premises as her art classes.

Today, First Class Art presents many of her works, including her signature contemporary, impressionist pieces featuring expressive human form.

Surfers on the West Coast

Card Cheat

Although her favourite medium is oil painting, she loves “the spontaneity of a small pen and wash sketches”, and she explains that she is drawn to the unusual, the ironic and the nostalgic. Her creative flair seems to have ‘brushed off’ on her daughters as well. Lidija, a musician, and Bianca, a tattoo artist, also have their own pieces within the gallery.

Cockermouth

“Painting makes you see the world differently,” Karen says. “People come to realise how many more colours there are in the world and that helps you see the world in more depth.” After inspiring so many students to create pieces they are proud to show others, it is only right that Karen Wride continues to do so herself, now in her own space.

First Class Art is open Monday to Friday from 10am to 2pm.

Visit Karen’s website here: https://www.karenwride.com/

Or Follow on Social: Facebook & Instagram

TEXT ALEX BRENNAN

December 6, 2021
Magic for the whole Family at the Portimão’s Christmas Fair

Two entrepreneurial brothers are elevating the local seafood scene with a brand New Gastrobar based in their former family home

– December 3, 2021

Portimão will become an authentic Christmas Village, with the recreation of several attraction areas inspired by the festive season, crossing the Christmas universe with fantasy moments for the whole family, between December 1 and January 6.

Under the motto “Portimão, a Christmas Dream” (“Portimão, Um Sonho de Natal”), 37 days of pure magic will be provided, with unique experiences in several emblematic places in the city centre, in which the Christmas spirit will especially touch the imagination of the little ones, with emphasis on the Santa’s House, the Ice Rink, the full-size Nativity Scene, the Christmas Train or the colourful and joyful parades, among many other suggestions.

Ice rink, Christmas train, swings and more

Taking over public spaces, and in addition to the usual large Nativity Scene that will once again occupy Largo da Mó, a 200m2 ice rink will work in a tent installed in Praça da República, which can be used every afternoon, after 2pm and until 7pm, opening on weekends between 11am and 7pm, always with free access.

Plenty of daily entertainment will take place in the same tent, with musical moments, illusionism sessions and theatrical scrimmages, which will normally start at 7pm, with special mention for the shows for the school community during the week of December 13-17, starting at 10.30am.

Meanwhile, boys and girls will be able to visit the Santa’s House (Casa do Pai Natal) in Praça Manuel Teixeira Gomes, from 11am to 7pm, where they can also write a letter with their Christmas wishes, which they should place in a special mailbox.

A photographer will be available at the site to capture these magical moments for free, and the photos will be available for picking up soon after at TEMPO – Teatro Municipal de Portimão (Municipal Theater of Portimão).

Next door, the Francisco Bivar garden will become home to the Baloiços do Beijo (Kiss Swing) and the Baloiço do Abraço (Hugs Swing), while at the top of the access stairs to Jardim 1º de Dezembro, in front of the Municipal Theatre of Portimão, there will be a giant bench and three attractions where the families can capture sweet photos.

Finally, the Christmas Train will be the ideal means of transportation to discover all the existing entertainment areas in a fun way and will make several daily trips between Praça da República and Manuel Teixeira Gomes, also with free access.

Santa Claus themed parades

Throughout this period, thematic parades will be a constant on the main streets of Portimão, as will happen on December 4 (Circus “Circo Fantástico”), 8 (Alice in Wonderland), 11 (Clowns Parade), 18 (Ice Princess) and December 24 (Christmas Dream), with lots of live music and characters alluding to children’s imaginary and to the circus universe.

Likewise, Santa Claus and his elves will be constantly present on the main streets of Portimão, with daily parades between 10am and 12.30pm and from 3pm to 5pm.

Between December 1-23, there will be a Christmas Market in Jardim 1º de Dezembro, made up of wooden huts for small craft, new design and gourmet products, all honouring the festive season.

This space will be open from Monday to Friday between 5pm and 8pm, while on weekends and holidays it can be visited from 3pm to 8pm.

Various municipal facilities also prepared a special programme for this time, such as the Manuel Teixeira Gomes Municipal Library, Portimão Pedagogical Farm and Manuel Teixeira Gomes House, with decorative lights in and around three dozen streets throughout the council, including Alvor and Mexilhoeira Grande.

To help with the festive atmosphere, on December 8 and 20, CMTV (a major Portuguese news on channel 8) will broadcast the popular programme “Manhã CM” (CM Morning) live from the tent located in Praça da República, between 9am and 11am, with a presentation by Duarte Siopa and Ágata Rodrigues.

In both broadcasts, the country will discover Portimão’s Christmas Dream, as well as other points of interest, with the presence of several of the municipality’s best known names, with everyone invited to watch the broadcasts live.

All activities in “Portimão, Um Sonho de Natal” are free to enter and will respect the safety regulations in place, namely the use of masks, social distancing and hand sanitation.

The detailed schedule of these 37 days full of magical motifs for children and adults can be found here.

“Alice in Wonderland” and “Panda and the Caricas on the Island”

In addition, there will be two large shows aimed at children and with paid admission, the first of which, scheduled for December 11, City Day, will be the musical “Panda and the Caricas on the Island”, which will take place in Portimão Arena, with performances at 11am and 3pm.

Finally, the theatrical show “Alice in Wonderland”, aimed at people over 3 years old, is scheduled for 4pm on December 18 at TEMPO.

You can purchase tickets for both shows at bol.pt.

Source: Barlavento
Photo: Inês Lopes

December 3, 2021
Winter Brunch makes a Return at Bela Vita Bar & Brasserie

Perfect Sunday Brunch with Parisian Flair and Genuine Traditional Algarve Flavours

– November 24, 2021

Vila Vita has announced the return of the “B2 Brunch” to the Bela Vita Bar & Brasserie, in Porches, known for its “Parisian flair and genuine traditional Algarve flavours”

The “B2 Brunch” at the Bela Vita Brasserie offers a variety of healthy dishes every Sunday from 12.30pm to 4pm.

The menu features dishes such as Croque Madame with Truffle; Taco with Confit Duck; Yoghurt Bread with Mozzarella di Bufala and Dried Tomato; Spinach Salad with Almonds and Pomegranate; Algarve-grown Moules Frites or Tagliolini with Asparagus. All following Vila Vita’s “farm to table” philosophy.

To complement these new dishes, you will still find past favourites, such as Homemade Granola and Yoghurt Bio with honey from São Marcos da Serra or Oat Waffle with Banana, Alcagoitas and Seasonal Fruit, as well as the Power Smoothie and Golden Cappuccino with Turmeric and Ginger.

The price per person is €49 (excluding alcoholic beverages) and €24.50 for children (aged four to 12).

Bookings: 282 310 100

See the Menu here.

Vila Vita Parc Bela Vita Bar & Brasserie

November 24, 2021
“Lagoa Wine Experiences 2021” Hailed a Success

“Lagoa Wine Experiences 2021” held its last session on November 13, with demand strongly outweighing availability

The initiative “Lagoa Wine Experiences 2021” held its last session on November 13, with a special session that celebrated the World Day of Wine Tourism, a date celebrated annually on the 2nd Sunday of November.

“Lagoa Wine Experiences” was hailed a success by the organizers (Lagoa Council). The event was held for the first time this year, opening the doors of local wine estates to wine lovers, making it a great opportunity to get to know local winemakers and enjoy wine tastings in a friendly setting under the sunny Algarve skies.

Six sessions were held throughout the last four months. Each session saw participants being introduced to three winemakers and enjoying wine tastings and lunch.

Strong public interest in the Event

“Public interest in the event was massive with demand strongly outweighing availability,” the council said. A total of 223 people took part in the six sessions.

In a statement to the press, Lagoa Council said it recognizes “the great potential” of the borough’s wine sector as a means of attracting residents and tourists, as well as promoting local wines. The event also helped promote Lagoa’s “wine tourism sector, the hospitality of its hosts and wine properties that can be visited all year round”.

The last session, which was held at Quinta dos Vales, Arvad and Morgado do Quintão on November 13, was attended by representatives from the Algarve Tourism Board (RTA), the Regional Board of Agriculture and Fisheries (DRAPA), the Algarve Wine Commission (CVA) and the Association of Winemaking Municipalities of Portugal (AMPV).

Lagoa Wine Experiences 2021 with good prospects for the future

“I have to highlight the success of Lagoa Wine Experiences and the very positive reviews that the initiative received from partners and participants. I thank everyone who made this possible and those who believed in its success,” said Lagoa Mayor Luís Encarnação, confirming the event’s return in 2022 with “even more surprises”.

Among the participating wine estates were Quinta dos Santos, Única – Adega Cooperativa do Algarve, Morgado do Quintão, Quinta da Palmeirinha, Dona Niza Wines, Arvad Wines, Monte de Salicos and Quinta dos Vales.

Source: Algarve Resident

November 23, 2021