Author: Inside Magazines

  • Travel directory: Lagos

    Travel directory: Lagos

    Designed as a special handy guide outlining the best way to get from A to Z in the Algarve and further afield. We have tried to make it as reader-friendly as possible with direct telephone numbers and website addresses

    FLIGHTS OUT OF FARO

    Faro International Airport is situated a few kilometres outside the Algarve’s capital city and about 90km from Lagos. For general flight information telephone 289 800 800/1 or 289 800 617 for arrivals and departures or visit www.ana.pt. The lost and found office can be contacted on 289 800 714. Several airlines operate -direct scheduled flights from Faro to destinations around Europe, and the US and Canada.

    COACH SERVICES

    The Algarve is well served by a number of coach and bus companies with offices and terminals in most major towns. There are daily connections along the coast and further inland. There are regular services to numerous major destinations. All local travel agents sell tickets and can provide a full schedule.

    RAIL SERVICES

    The Portuguese public railway system operates a regional service along the Algarve coast between Vila Real de Santo António in the east and Lagos in the west. There are several trains daily and reservations are not required. There are connections at Tunes for inter-regional and mainline routes north to Lisbon (includes Alfa Pendular express service), Porto, and Braga and reservations can be pre-booked. www.cp.pt

    Services and information

    PHONES

    In the Algarve there are three phone areas with separate prefixes — 281 (east), 289 (central) and 282 (west) — and the prefix must be dialled whether calling from within or outside the area. To call the UK dial 0044 (the international code) then omit the 0 area prefix for the number you are dialling. For Ireland dial 00353 followed by number. To call Portuguese numbers from a non-Portuguese phone, dial 00351 beforehand. For directory inquiries dial 118.

    EMERGENCIES – AMBULANCE OR FIRE SEVICE

    Tel: 112

    LAGOS FIRE BRIGADE

    Tel: 282 770 790

    HOSPITALS

    Faro +351 289 891 100
    Lagos +351 282 770 100
    Portimão +351 282 450 300

    LAGOS HEALTHCARE CENTRE

    Tel: +351 282 780 000

    LAGOS COUNCIL VET

    Open Wednesdays from
    2pm to 6pm.
    Tel: +351 282 771 700

    LAGOS CITY HALL

    Tel: 282 780 900

    LAGOS CIVIL PROTECTION

    Tel: 282 768 008

    WATER AND SEWAGE

    Tel: 939 329 930

    FARO AIRPORT

    General Information
    Tel: 289 800 800

    Flight information
    Tel: 289 800 801

    BRITISH VICE CONSULATE

    Portimão
    Tel: 282 490 750

    TAXIS GENERAL

    Tel: 282 460 610

    LAGOS TOURIST OFFICE

    Tel: 282 763 031

    CHEMISTS

    Chemists are open from 9am to 7pm and closed for lunch between 1pm and 2pm on weekdays and on Saturday mornings. Outside of normal opening hours, local chemists work on a rotor providing 24h service. Details of the chemist open each day are posted in the windows of all other chemists.

    LACOBRIGENSE

    Lagos
    Rua Prof Joaquim
    Alberto Taquelim
    Tel: 282 762 901

    SILVA

    LAGOS
    Rua 25 de Abril, 9
    Tel: 282 762 859

    TELO

    LAGOS
    Rua Henrique Correia
    da Silva, 1
    Tel: 282 760 556

    NEVES

    LAGOS
    Rua da Porta Pequena, 3/5
    Tel: 282 769 966

    RIBEIRO LOPES

    LAGOS
    Rua Garrett, 22
    Tel: 282 762 830

    PRAIA DA LUZ

    LUZ
    Rua Helena Nascimento
    Batista
    Tel: 282 789 793

    BANKS

    Open Monday to Friday 8.30am until 3pm. Cash advances are available on most credit cards and there are ATM machines outside major banks and in many large supermarkets and some petrol stations.

    POST OFFICE

    Open Monday to Friday until around 6pm.

  • Restaurant Guide: Lagos Area

    Restaurant Guide: Lagos Area

    Inside Restaurant Guide

    Price guide for an average three-course meal for two including wine

    €    up to €50
    €€    €50 – €70
    €€€    €70 – €90
    €€€€    €90 – €110
    €€€€€    over €110

    Opening status and hours were verified at the time of print. We recommend calling the restaurants before visiting.

    ABIGAIL’S CAFÉ €€
    LAGOS

    Owned by the couple behind Nah Nah Bah, this trendy vegetarian hotspot is the place to go for something healthy and indulgent. Using local and national products, the inventive flavour combinations will tickle your taste buds with smoothies, juices, açaí bowls, pastries, and coffee. They also host brunch with live music and have several Portuguese wines, craft beers, and refreshing cocktails.

    Open every day from 9am to 4pm | Tel: 966 932 269

    ALMA LUSA €€
    PORTO DE MÓS

    Specialising in a wide variety of regional products, with a focus on Mediterranean gastronomy, Alma Lusa prepares dishes with the best products. Reinventing typical dishes such as codfish confit with mashed chickpeas, poached egg and roasted pork sausage or salmon with cockle risotto, the menu also features matured cuts of meat such as T-Bone steaks or a Tomahawk for two. Their wine cellar has some of the best national labels, and the staff is happy to lend some expert advice on the best pairings.

    Open Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner | Tel: 924 714 439

    A PETISQUEIRA €/€€
    LAGOS

    Located in the centre of Lagos and boasting elegant and clean décor, A Petisqueira offers an impressive menu based on local and national high-quality products. From tapas to main courses, guests can enjoy traditional Portuguese food with a modern touch, along with some international dishes, all expertly cooked. Established over 10 years, A Petisqueira is already a reference in Lagos regarding the wide range of selected Portuguese wines available, offering the best pairing for your food, as well as delicious desserts. Booking is recommended in high season.

    Open Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner | Tel: 282 037 406

    BUTEO KITCHEN & BAR €
    LAGOS

    Serving traditional Portuguese flavours with a modern twist, this restaurant is located on the main street in Lago’s centre. The menu features culinary delights such as slow-cooked Iberian pork, piri-piri chicken, codfish fritters. Be sure to try out their Sangria as well.

    Open Tuesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner | Tel: 914 282 356

    DELHI DARBAR €
    LAGOS

    This family-owned Indian restaurant makes everything fresh and from scratch, and the chefs specialise in local and regional Indian flavours and techniques. The elegant and warm décor is complemented by several artworks adorning the walls, while the comprehensive menu features a wide variety of flavour-packed dishes, such as Chana Masala, Butter Chicken, the Delhi Darbar Tandoori, and a lovely Prawn Biryani, to name just a few. The restaurant also provides takeaway.

    Open daily for lunch and dinner | Tel: 282 762 249

    GAIVOTA BRANCA €€
    LAGOS / MEIA PRAIA

    This popular beach restaurant enjoys an idyllic location with great views over the sand dunes and Lagos Bay, with a reputation for its fresh fish and shellfish. The wide-ranging menu offers something for everyone. There is a pleasant family atmosphere, and the service is friendly and personal.

    Open from 10am until late | Tel: 282 761 466

    GORILLA LAGOS €
    LAGOS

    Tucked away in Lagos centre, on Travessa dos Tanoeiros, Gorilla Lagos is an Asian Fusion restaurant offering exciting flavours, ranging from Dumplings to Ramen and Pad Thai to steamed Bao Buns. The menu features locally sourced meat and offers many vegan and vegetarian options. The food is complemented by signature cocktails and a range of flavoursome hand-selected natural wines. The well-arranged desserts are not to be missed.

    Open every day from 6pm. Closed from late-December to mid-January | Tel: 915 956 357

    MAR RESTAURANTE & BAR €
    LAGOS

    With one of the most stunning views in Lagos, overlooking the city’s bay, this restaurant offers an array of Portuguese-inspired dishes, from simple snacks such as hamburgers and salads to freshly cooked fish and meat dishes. Perfect for a laidback lunch or dinner with a view, its inviting outdoor terrace is a great spot for a refreshing drink at any time of the day.

    Open every day from 10am to 10pm | Tel: 282 788 006

    MARINA BAR PUB & KITCHEN €
    LAGOS

    Located in the quieter area of Lagos Marina, this bar is a must for sports lovers who will enjoy the live broadcasts whilst indulging in the wide array of beers and snacks available, or more substantial meals. Boasting a large outdoor area with great views to the marina, the Marina Bar specialities include traditional Portuguese steak, BBQ ribs and full Irish breakfast.

    Open every day from 12.30pm | Tel: 282 789 701

    MAR D’ESTÓRIAS €/€€
    LAGOS

    A special place dedicated to traditional Portuguese recipes, with a particular focus on those from the Algarve, the bistro at Mar d’Estórias offers regional dishes using local products to ensure quality and authentic flavours. On the first floor and the terrace, you can indulge in dishes full of stories whilst on the ground floor, you can select some products from the grocery store to prepare Portuguese dishes at home.

    Open Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner. Tel: 282 792 165

    MOSTO WINE SHOP & BAR €€
    LAGOS

    A modern and alluring space in Lagos offering a unique experience. Dedicated to the craft of wine, at Mosto, guests can taste some rare wines by the glass, learn about indigenous grapes, share pairings and even meet with wine producers. Their extensive wine list is complemented with local dishes perfectly paired, and you can look around the walls lined with bottles to take home or as a souvenir. The shop also has a VIP membership with benefits such as a calendar of special events and early access to new wines and tastings.

    Open from 3pm to 11.30pm; closed Sunday | Tel: 282 769 527

    NAH NAH BAH €
    LAGOS/LUZ

    With a tropical inspiration, Nah Nah Bah showcases fresh and healthy produce in a bold culinary fusion. Featured in The Guardian as a top burger spot in Portugal, this lively restaurant serves up a series of flavour-packed burgers with unique names, including vegan and gluten-free options. Now in two locations, the menu also has pasta dishes, tacos, salads and much more.

    Lagos: Open every day from 5pm to 10pm | Tel: 966 237 171
    Luz: Temporarily closed | Tel: 910 189 366

    O PERCEVE €€€
    LAGOS

    Named after the Portuguese word for goose barnacles, this restaurant and seafood shop prides itself on its stunning platters of seafood alongside an impressive wine list. Serving only the freshest seafood and quality meat, the menu specialties include arroz de lagosta (lobster rice stew), traditional cataplana and lobster curry, among other delicacies. They have a classic desserts menu, including the Portuguese Dom Rodrigo, and also serve daily specials.

    Open Tuesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner | Tel: 936 174 644

    PIE LAGOS €
    LAGOS

    Located in the town centre, the PIE Lagos has a unique and laidback atmosphere, serving up craft beer, cocktails, and, of course, custom-made pies. Besides the classics (steak and onion; creamy chicken; and fish), along with a vegetarian and vegan option, guests can pick the ingredients themselves and make their own pies. There is also a variety of bar snacks, such as hot wings or Scotch Egg.

    Open everyday from 12.30pm (5pm on Sunday) Tel: 964 780 708

    PUERTO ESCONDIDO €
    LAGOS

    Hidden away in Praia da Luz, this new restaurant promises authentic Mexican flavours with a Portuguese twist. With the freshest ingredients and homemade corn tortillas, the menu features tacos, nachos, ceviches and more traditional Mexican dishes, along with smoothies and açai bowls and natural juices. There are also vegetarian options and tasty desserts.

    Open every day for lunch and dinner | Tel: 282 098 541

    PUERTO ESCONDIDO €
    LAGOS

    Hidden away in Praia da Luz, this new restaurant promises authentic Mexican flavours with a Portuguese twist. With the freshest ingredients and homemade corn tortillas, the menu features tacos, nachos, ceviches and more traditional Mexican dishes, along with smoothies and açai bowls and natural juices. There are also vegetarian options and tasty desserts.

    Open every day for lunch and dinner | Tel: 282 098 541

    RESTAURANTE ATALAIA €
    LAGOS

    Atalaia is a favourite amongst locals thanks to its wide range of traditional Portuguese dishes at accessible prices. The restaurant is known for its grilled fresh fish, especially the grilled sea bass and many steak options, washed down with reasonably priced wine. It is usually very busy, especially during lunchtime, so booking is recommended.

    Open every day for lunch and dinner | Tel: 282 789 503 / 927 130 757

    SOUTHWEST BISTRO €
    LAGOS

    A unique culinary experience on the second floor of Lagos Marina, this restaurant brings together delicious food and fun moments. Winner of the Best Spirit Award at Rota do Petisco 2023, the menu offers everything from burgers and fresh seafood to gyozas as well as refreshing drinks, to be enjoyed as you soak in their stunning views.

    Open every day from 12pm | Tel: 927 373 613

    TABERNA DA MÓ €€
    LAGOS

    Located in the heart of Lagos, Taberna da Mó is the latest venture presented by the husband-and-wife team responsible for A Petisqueira. With a clean and fresh decór, Taberna da Mó offers a real experience of home-cooked Portuguese food in a cool and casual atmosphere. As expected, the restaurant also has a very good wine list, complemented with spirits and cocktails. 

    Open Monday to Saturday from 12.20pm | Tel: 282 799 445

    ALLORO RESTAURANT €€
    PRAIA DA LUZ

    Located in the Baía da Luz resort, this Italian restaurant leaves a lasting impression on those who have had the pleasure of savouring its dishes. From the tables, you can observe the magic happening in the open kitchen and choose a wine from the extensive wine cellar. The restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating, where you can enjoy authentic Italian cuisine and a great atmosphere.

    Open Wednesday to Monday for dinner | Tel: 282 790 886

    AS DUNAS €€/€€€
    SAGRES

    Located at the Martinhal Resort in Sagres, As Dunas is a laidback restaurant that offers a wide choice of traditional Algarvean food at its best. There’s plenty of seafood and fresh fish to choose from — at accessible prices — and in a stunning location, amidst the sand dunes of Martinhal Beach. With its cool deck and contemporary look, this is the perfect restaurant for a relaxed summer lunch.

    Open Wednesday to Monday for dinner | Tel: 282 790 886

    ENDLESS SUMMER BEACH BAR & PIZZA €
    PRAIA DA LUZ

    Serving light snacks, hearty salads and tasty burgers such as the Crispy Cheeseburger with fried onion or the Veggie burger made with Portobello mushroom, soy sauce and homemade guacamole, this beachside bar is great to enjoy the coming warmer months. They also serve delicious pizzas (and you can even create your own) and homemade, sugar-free ice cream made entirely from fruit.

    Open every day from 9am | Tel: 282 098 201

    KELLY’S €
    PRAIA DA LUZ

    Bustling with life, Kelly’s is a staple in Praia da Luz for sports lovers. Serving delicious bar food such as smash burgers, wings, ribs, and much more, this is the perfect place to have a pint and a snack whilst watching your team play on the massive screens. Available for private parties.

    Open everyday from 12pm (10am on weekends) | Tel: 282 096 929

    LATITUDE WINE & TAPAS €/€€
    PRAIA DA LUZ

    Boasting a stunning wine cellar and serving mouth-watering and regionally inspired tapas, Latitude has signature cocktails, artisan craft beers and fine national wines. The extensive tapas menu, prepared with locally sourced produce, is ideal for sharing with family and friends, such as fresh tuna tartar and octopus salad or roasted chorizo with pepperoni piquillo peppers. Just 100m from the Luz seafront, the restaurant exudes a trendy, nautical theme furnished with stunning, upcycled pieces, and they host a popular Sunday Bottomless Brunch.

    Open every day from 12pm | Tel: 282 782 115

    LAZULI BAR €
    PRAIA DA LUZ

    Offering a wide range of tasty snacks and light meals, from hamburgers and baguettes to the classic English breakfast, Lazuli Bar enjoys a privileged location right in front of the beautiful Praia da Luz beach. Opened for over 25 years, Lazuli’s outdoor deck is the perfect place for a late breakfast or evening drink, whilst inside the large screen TV will please all sports fans.

    Open every day from 8.30am | Tel: 282 789 816

    OLLIE’S €
    PRAIA DA LUZ

    Perfect for an after-work drink with friends, Ollie’s quickly became a popular meeting point in Luz. With a friendly atmosphere, courtesy of owner Ollie, the bar serves a huge range of cocktails — the expresso martini is not to be missed —, wine by the glass, beers, and gins, as well as a few tapas to line the stomach in-between drinks.

    Open Thursday to Tuesday from 5pm til late | Tel: 918 326 326

    PARAÍSO €
    PRAIA DA LUZ

    Opened in 1965, family-run restaurant Paraíso is located on the sandy beach of Praia da Luz. With a large indoor terrace with sliding windows and a retractable roof, this popular beach restaurant and bar offers stunning views to the tranquil Luz bay. Serving traditional Portuguese food — from tender meat to the freshest seafood — as well as vegetarian dishes and homemade pizzas cooked by the restaurant’s experienced pizza bakers, Paraíso has something for everyone. In the summer, there is also a lounge, where clients can enjoy food and drinks in the comfort of their sunbeds.

    Open all day, every day | Tel: 282 788 246

    PAULO’S €
    PRAIA DA LUZ

    A traditional Portuguese restaurant owned by Paulo and his family, who boast more than 20 years of experience in the business. With air conditioning on the inside and a lovely outside terrace, specialties include the traditional cataplana, fresh monkfish and octopus dishes, as well as great meat dishes, from black pork and Portuguese-style steak to grilled Black Angus sirloin. The homemade desserts are a must and a children’s menu is also available. Reservations are essential.

    Open Monday to Saturday for dinner | Tel: 282 792 355

    SAFFRON INDIAN RESTAURANT €
    PRAIA DA LUZ / LAGOS

    Offering traditional homemade Indian food, Saffron and its sister restaurant have been established in Praia da Luz and Lagos, respectively, for over 25 years. Having received a certificate of excellence from travel review website Tripadvisor consecutively since 2015, both restaurants serve generous portions and their menu includes special tandoori, balti and karahi dishes. The Lagos restaurant is located in the city centre, boasting friendly staff and a great family atmosphere, as well as commodities such as free Wi-Fi. Take-away service is available. Credit cards accepted.

    Open every day for lunch and dinner | Praia da Luz: 282 768 825 / Lagos: 282 768 083

    PIZZA REAL €
    PRAIA DA LUZ

    Boasting freshly baked pizza, this restaurant has something for everyone. From the BBQ chicken and the ever-popular Meat Lover or an American Hot with pepperoni, green chillies, red onions, and green peppers, Pizza Real also serves delicious curries with different levels of spiciness, just tell the chef how you like it. There are also fresh-made pastas (gluten-free available on request), vegan and vegetarian options and even fish dishes. Take away available.

    Open every day from 11.30am to 11.30pm | Tel: 282 788 369

    RESTAURANTE ATLÂNTICO €€
    PRAIA DA LUZ

    One of the longest-established restaurants in Luz, Restaurante Atlântico highlights the best of Portuguese traditional gastronomy, serving a wide variety of the freshest seafood, meat and pasta dishes. Located in the village’s Avenida dos Pescadores, the restaurant is a must for fish lovers and you cannot miss out on their famous cataplana and seafood rice. They also serve a selection of vegetarian options. With a cosy shaded terrace, the restaurant’s décor showcases a nautical theme. The staff is friendly and efficient.

    Open Thursday to Tuesday for dinner | Tel: 926 008 502

    TELHEIRO DO INFANTE €
    SAGRES

    A long-established restaurant at Mareta beach, Telheiro do Infante is known for serving some of the best fresh fish and shellfish in Sagres along with great ocean views. With a traditional atmosphere, specialities include popular Portuguese dishes, such as monkfish and shellfish cataplanas and lobster rice. Ensuring the high quality of the produce, the restaurant boasts its very own shellfish nurseries. The wine list features a wide range of white wines and refreshing vinho verde, along with a few quality reds.

    Open Wednesday to Monday from 12pm | Tel: 914 232 906

    ZEST PIZZARIA €
    PRAIA DA LUZ

    This new restaurant serves traditional Italian dishes with a Portuguese twist. Using locally sourced ingredients and the finest Italian meats and cheeses, everything is made fresh, from their Napolitana-style pizza to the risottos and pastas, alongside Portuguese dishes and their delicious desserts. The drinks menu features a wide selection of wines, cocktails and craft beers.

    Open Thursday to Tuesday for lunch and dinner; open all day Sunday from 12-noon | Tel: 920 221 721

  • Lagoa to host European Cross Country Championships in 2025

    Lagoa to host European Cross Country Championships in 2025

    After a “rigorous selection process and multiple visits to the region” the European Athletics placed their trust in Lagoa

    – December 4, 2023 | Text Michael Bruxo
    Cross country (James Lee - Unsplash)
    James Lee – Unsplash

    Lagoa has been chosen to host the 31st European Cross Country Championships in December 2025.

    “Following a rigorous selection process and multiple visits to the region, European Athletics placed their trust in Portugal, specifically in Lagoa, marking Portugal’s fourth time hosting the European Cross Country Championships,” Lagoa Council says in a statement to the press after the announcement.

    “Lagoa has once again been chosen to host a major sports event, this time on a European scale, having been recognised for its ability to host and organise significant events and for the ideal conditions available in the region for sports and accommodating thousands of visitors, including teams from various participating countries, athletes’ families, members of the media, and sports enthusiasts,” it adds.

    Lagoa will become the fourth town in Portugal and second in the Algarve to host the championships, after Oeiras in 1997, Albufeira in 2010, and Lisbon in 2019.

    “This presents a fantastic opportunity for Lagoa to develop the necessary infrastructure for hosting both national and international cross-country events. The planning and construction for the 2025 European Cross Country Championships are already underway,” the council guarantees.

    Meanwhile, Lagoa Mayor Luís Encarnação has described the announcement as a moment of great satisfaction. “We have long aspired to host an event of this magnitude. It will undoubtedly be a significant challenge, but Lagoa is up to the task,” he said.

  • Rema, Asake, Ninho and J Hus to headline Afro Nation 2024

    Rema, Asake, Ninho and J Hus to headline Afro Nation 2024

    The festival will be held at Praia da Rocha, Portimão between June 26 and 28, with tickets already on sale

    – December 4, 2023 | Text Michael Bruxo

    Nigerian rapper Rema and singer Asake, French rapper Ninho and British rapper J Hus have been confirmed as the headliners of the 2024 edition of Afro Nation.

    The festival will be held at Praia da Rocha, Portimão between June 26 and 28, with tickets already on sale.

    Described as the “world’s biggest Afrobeats festival”, Afro Nation has become a staple summer festival in the Algarve, attracting thousands of people from all over the world to Portimão.

    Last year, the festival attracted over 40,000 revellers from 140 countries, organisers said. The first edition was held in 2019, with the event being cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

  • Lagos Marina is celebrating its 30th anniversary, with a new major project up its sleeve

    Lagos Marina is celebrating its 30th anniversary, with a new major project up its sleeve

    Life begins at 30: Celebrating its 30th anniversary, Lagos Marina has emerged from the Covid-19 pandemic stronger than ever

    – December 4, 2023 | Text Michael Bruxo

    Inaugurated in 1994, Lagos Marina quickly became one of the town’s main assets. Ushering in a new wave of nautical tourism, the 462-berth marina helped Lagos grow into one of the Western Algarve’s main destinations.

    Martinho Fortunato, the marina’s director, discusses how the marina was able to navigate the Covid-19 pandemic and emerge from it even stronger: “Lagos Marina was affected differently in various aspects of its operation. The hospitality and commercial components (shops) faced significant challenges and went through periods of complete shutdown,” the director told us.

    “Nevertheless, we managed to overcome this phase and ensure that all partner businesses remained operational after the pandemic. The marina itself (boats) remained active throughout, although with long periods without vessel entry and exit due to imposed restrictions. Throughout the pandemic, there were clients residing on the vessels, which required us to keep teams working to provide necessary assistance and maintenance,” Fortunato explained.

    Despite the struggles posed by the pandemic, the marina persevered and maintained its status as an unmissable local landmark. “The marina, thanks to its fantastic location in the town centre and on the route of most maritime connections, boasts consistently high annual occupancy rates and a significant number of visitors from approximately 40 different nationalities,” he added.

    One of the most important aspects of the marina is how it helps Lagos stay busy during the so-called tourism ‘low season’, given that October and November stand out as its busiest months of the whole year. Martinho Fortunato chalked this up to two main reasons: “Lagos’ attractiveness for off-season stays (from September to June), and the fact that many vessels travel to Lagos during the summer to cross the Atlantic at the most favourable time of the year (in November).”

    Whilst the marina may have secured its place in the Algarvian sun, its administration refuses to become complacent.

    “We always strive to keep the infrastructure updated and, whenever possible, innovate and improve. Some recent examples include the new events pontoon along Avenida dos Descobrimentos, created to enhance the marina’s connection to the city and showcase the impact of nautical events on the city,” said the director, who also mentioned the new BioHuts installed on the pontoons in 2023, with the “aim of increasing biodiversity in the marina”, essentially serving as small fish nurseries. “We work with a team from the University of Algarve (CCMar) to monitor the results of this installation over time. Substantial investments have also been made in solar panels for hot water production,” he said, citing “environmental sustainability” as essential to the marina.

    The next big project will be the expansion of the marina to the fishing port, which will result in a “complete revampof the area.

    A new marina with 100 berths will be built, along with a dry stack for 100 boats, a Yacht Club with commercial and leisure areas, and an event square. This is a project we have been developing for more than 15 years and is finally coming to fruition,” Fortunato added.

  • A new home: Lady in Red art gallery moves to Portimão

    A new home: Lady in Red art gallery moves to Portimão

    Lady in Red, the art gallery formerly located in the Adega Cooperativa building in Lagoa, moved to its new premises in Portimão in October

    – December 3, 2023 | Text & Photos Michael Bruxo

    Lady in Red, the art gallery formerly located in the Adega Cooperativa building in Lagoa, moved to its new premises in Portimão in October.

    The art gallery is now located in a two-storey space on the town’s busy Rua Infante Dom Henrique (no.140), just a stone’s throw away from the local shopping street Rua das Lojas and near two other art galleries, making this part of Portimão something of a new artistic hub.

    As gallery manager Vasco Lamberti stated, moving to a new location was just a matter of time. “The building in Lagoa was starting to collapse and was becoming dangerous for both clients and staff. It was also for sale, meaning we had no guarantee we would be able to stay there for much longer,” he said. From the get-go, the plan was to move to Portimão.

    “It’s true our previous gallery was located on a national road (EN125) and had ample parking, but we wanted to be in a more central area, closer to local citizens and tourists. Daniela Medeira (co-manager) and I are also from Portimão, so it’s great to be able to bring the gallery to the town,” Vasco explained.

    What is immediately apparent to those who knew the previous space in Lagoa is that the new gallery is much smaller. “The biggest challenge of this move was moving from a 3,000m2 space to one with 200m2; we had to fit everything in here, and that was the most difficult part,” he told us.

    Whilst Lady in Red continues to work with the same 50 or so artists, both Portuguese and foreign, the number of artworks it is able to exhibit at the same time is now much lower.

    The process of moving all the artworks and carrying out the needed renovations to the new building took around four months and a half. “We reused everything, from recycled materials to the metal grids we used at the previous gallery,” said Vasco. “This new space was in good condition, but it wasn’t suitable for an art gallery, so we had to transform the space to fit our theme.”

    The smaller space means that Lady in Red will no longer be able to host the same scale of events that it did before, although it has maintained the concept of being “more than just an art gallery”.

    Visitors will find a selection of local products, from hot sauces and honey to liqueurs, a bar, and a selection of smaller art pieces on the ground floor, whilst the larger artworks are exhibited on the first floor, which has a floor opening providing a view of the ground floor and vice-versa.

    Lady in Red will now have rotating exhibitions, allowing the gallery to showcase the many artworks of its collection over time despite its smaller physical space.

    Being located near other art galleries is not something that worries Vasco Lamberti. “We actually think it is very positive, and we think the other galleries should think the same, because any client we attract can always become a client of their galleries and vice-versa,” he said, stressing that the area is becoming an “art neighbourhood”.

  • Documentary “The Algarve in the Portuguese Discoveries” wins double accolade

    Documentary “The Algarve in the Portuguese Discoveries” wins double accolade

    “The Algarve in the Portuguese Discoveries”, which highlights the role Lagos and the Western Algarve played in Portugal’s history, received the Best Documentary Award and the Special Jury Award

    – December 3, 2023 | Text Alexandra Stilwell
    Seeing the Algarve from 1,000 feet above sea level is an unforgettable experience

    The video documentary “The Algarve in the Portuguese Discoveries”, produced by New Light Pictures for the Algarve Tourism Region (RTA), received two top awards at leading national tourism film festivals.

    In late October, the film was distinguished with the Best Documentary Award for Tourist Destinations Regions at the 16th edition of the ART&TUR International Tourism Film Festival.

    The festival, which took place in Caldas da Rainha, showcased the best tourism audiovisual productions made in Portugal and the world, bringing together 262 films from 47 countries. Earlier that same month, in Sesimbra, the film won the Special Jury Prize at the Finisterra – Arrábida Film Art & Tourism Festival in the Short Documentary category.

    “The Algarve’s historical connection to the Portuguese Discoveries is an asset that is still underused to promote the region as a cultural tourism destination. Therefore, it is with great satisfaction that we receive the news of this film’s double distinction,” says André Gomes, president of RTA, which is set to enhance this cultural offer to attract unique visitors, sharing the Algarve’s role in this historical context.

    The film highlights the role the Western Algarve, and in particular Lagos and Sagres, played in the Discoveries: “This setting, the coastline between Lagos and Sagres, thanks to its privileged geographical position, was the starting point of this whole adventure. It changed the world forever, it gave birth to globalisation,” says the video documentary’s narrator.

    “It’s been more than 500 years, and the memory of the great Portuguese Epic still echoes in the present. Any of us Portuguese, if we close our eyes by the shore, can hear the adventure, courage and bravery of these men, built differently. Of these men of will and intent, whose boldness and faith made them believe in the possibility of going further.”

    The award-winning film, produced as part of the EXPLORATERRA application, co-financed by the INTERREG V-A Spain-Portugal (POCTEP) programme, lasts around 13 minutes and is available in Portuguese, English and Spanish on the VisitAlgarve YouTube channel.

  • Soothing art: Sandra Correia explores art and mental health, creating art works with neutral tones and abstract shapes

    Soothing art: Sandra Correia explores art and mental health, creating art works with neutral tones and abstract shapes

    The artist wants her work to convey a sense of calm and tranquillity

    – December 2, 2023 | Text Beatriz Maio
    ©Beatriz Maio, Open Media Group

    A nurse for over 20 years, Sandra Correia has been splitting her time between health and art, two passions that in recent years have gone hand in hand in her life.

    She was born in Portimão, is a mother of three, an entrepreneur, and, recently, an artist. She has been interested in this area since she was a child – crafts were her favourite subject at school – but she had never developed it on a professional level until a year ago.

    A collector of art books, she has always also enjoyed DIY (Do It Yourself) online pages and had an interest in decorating. Even if she only decided to start selling her work recently, her first paintings date back to 2020, when the Covid-19 pandemic began.

    “I’ve always loved art, museums, and painting,” she stressed. The restrictions led Sandra to explore her creative side and experiment for the first time, from paintings to textured pots. Since then, she has never stopped and now she shares her works on the Instagram page “Art Mind Studio”, an account she uses to inspire others and share a little bit of her artistic side, which was “forgotten for so many years”.

    Not only does she wish to convey a sense of calm, tranquillity, and well-being to those who appreciate her paintings, but she also aims to pass on a message about mental health, since she works in psychiatry and it is something she deals with closely.

    Handicrafts can be a good hobby that works as a therapy. Exploring creativity brings benefits for mental health,” the artist emphasised, mentioning the importance of “expressing feelings and emotions, self-connection and reducing stress”, but it does not stop here. Creative work has advantages such as helping you connect with your inner self, increased concentration, and the promotion of relaxation.

    Anxiety at work, caused by a long-lasting crisis in the Portuguese national health system, together with monitoring cases of burnout among colleagues and complaints from patients, led Sandra to look for a “mechanism” to deal with the pressure.

    It all started with old items she had at home that she no longer identified with, so she challenged herself to give them “a new life”.

    Even though Sandra created original pots that would look marvellous in any room, she preferred to dedicate herself solely to painting, discovering more techniques and realising how far her imagination could go. And so, her first painting was born, in black and white, with abstract shapes and a unique texture.

    She works spontaneously and naturally with acrylic paints on canvas. “I let the idea flow, even if it comes out completely different from what I initially imagined. It doesn’t usually happen that I don’t like the result. If it does, I just repaint everything white and start again,” she shared happily. “As I never define exactly what I’m going to paint, in the end, it’s a surprise,” she confessed, adding that she uses bitumen to get the desired consistency and makes shapes with her hands or handmade K-line moulds (a rigid, ultra-light material), when she is looking for a more concrete effect. “It allows me to create textures and make singular shapes, which immediately capture anyone’s attention,” she underlined.

    Currently, Sandra receives orders for paintings of all sizes and colours, but she prefers to paint in neutral colours because she believes they convey “serenity, peace and comfort”, and she identifies them with Nordic decor.

    “I feel a sense of cosiness when I’m painting, it’s a very good feeling and that’s what I want people to feel,” she expressed, admitting that, from the beginning, she has had “very good feedback”, which is “gratifying”.

    Even though she paints the same idea several times when asked to by clients, she constantly feels the “need to create something new”. Nature is her biggest inspiration, which is why it is possible to often identify various elements in her paintings, such as sand, waves, or flowers, “even if everyone interprets abstract art in their own way”, she emphasised, highlighting that in her Ciao Bella painting, “some people see scales, others see petals”.

    Despite the fact that she has no formal artistic training, she has taken some online art and painting courses and has always kept up with trends.

    “Knowing more and more has led me to paint better and to share my paintings on social media,” Sandra said, revealing that she initially began by publishing photographs of her decorative items, made with the hand-woven knotting technique, macramé.

    Although for now, Sandra’s focus is solely on painting, she does not rule out the possibility of continuing to explore decorative items and investing in ceramics or moulding paste pieces, for instance.

    Her main goal is to reach as many people as possible, not only by expanding her business from the virtual world to the real, by exhibiting her items in various physical spaces, as well as by creating a beginner’s course in texture painting, which she is already planning.

    Follow Sandra on Instagram.