In celebration of World Wine Tourism Day, Lagoa will host a special event, the “Arade Wine Experience”, on Saturday, November 11.
The event will take participants on a wine tour around the municipality, starting with a meet-up at Ferragudo’s Praça Rainha Dona Leonor at 9.30am.
This will be followed at 10am by a tasting of wines from the Algarve Golden Terroir, the joint bid of Lagoa, Lagos and Silves for European Wine Capital of 2023, with a view of the Arade river.
The event will continue at 12.30pm at Arvad Wine, one of the region’s newest winemakers, where participants will arrive by boat for “delicious lunch paired with the winemaker’s wines.”
Morgado do Quintão will be the last stop on the tour at 4pm, a family property which will provide a tasting of “authentic wines” originating from “sustainable and organic practices in which the native and traditional grape varieties of Lagoa and the Algarve take centre stage”.
Participants will then be taken back to Praça Rainha Dona Leonor at 6pm.
Tickets for Arade Wine Experience are already for sale.
Tickets cost €45 per person and can be purchased online or at the ticket offices of CTT, Fnac, Worten, Carlos do Carmo auditorium, São José convent, and the Balcão Único in Lagoa.
“An unmissable dining experience featuring the truffle, one of the most popular ingredients of all time will be the highlight of a week dedicated to the uniqueness of the exotic truffle, taking place at the Atlântico restaurant between October 28 and November 1, with a menu carefully prepared by chef João Viegas and his team,” says the resort.
Chef Vincent Guimerà from L’Antic Molí restaurant has been recognised as one of the “pioneers of the Slow Food and Km0 movements”, awarded a Michelin Star in 2017 and a Green Michelin Star in 2020. With its cuisine focusing on local and organic products, the restaurant’s philosophy is deeply connected to the region and its community, similar to the philosophies of chef João Viegas at Atlântico.
There will be a four-hand dinner at 7pm with a 6-course tasting menu for €170 per person and an option for wine pairings for €75 per person. The rest of the week, dinners will be served à la carte.
For this event and à la carte dining on the remaining days of Truffle Week, advance bookings are recommended through the Vila Vita website or via email at fb@vilavitaparc.com.
Leading property development companies for more than two decades, Gerry Fagan’s portfolio boasts internationally acclaimed luxury resorts and golf courses
– October 16, 2023 | Text Maria Simiris
Developing a passion: Leading property development companies for over 20 years, Gerry Fagan’s portfolio boasts internationally acclaimed luxury resorts and golf courses
The story begins in 1999, when Gerry Fagan retires from the Campbell Bewley Group, a leading tea and coffee company in Ireland, where for over 24 years he worked as financial director, CEO and president, leading a team of 30,000.
Whilst looking for a plan for his retirement, he spent an additional four years as CEO and president of the Devey Group, which specialised in renovating historic buildings and leisure and healthcare facilities.
When he was introduced to Lagos, alongside business partner Simon Burgess, he realised the potential of the western Algarve. “I just fell in love. Back then, the A22 motorway only went as far as Lagoa, but we knew it would expand, so we focused on different locations around Lagos,” he recalls.
In 2000, Gerry Fagan and Simon Burgess came together to create the Oceânico Group, which quickly became the property developer with the highest turnover and the market leader in luxury tourism developments in Portugal, hailed in 2007 as the largest golf course operator in Europe.
The project began with the Jardim da Meia Praia resort, featuring townhouses and penthouses set among subtropical gardens. But it was the Belmar Spa & Beach Resort, near Porto de Mós beach, with its 189 apartments and five pools, that brought increased visibility to the Oceânico Group.
“We decided early on that we were going to implement higher standards than those existing in the area. Our goal was always to do better, from the main infrastructure to the pools and restaurants. And that is how we started,” Gerry Fagan recalls.
Following this philosophy, the Amendoeira Golf Resort was born near Silves, comprised of 60 hectares, 241 units including apartments and villas, a clubhouse and two golf courses with 18 holes. It was a big hit. “There were always clients interested in buying because of the courses, mostly European golfers but also external buyers. That is when we entered the golf market,” says the entrepreneur.
After trips to the United States, the pair realised that more was needed to seize the market and it was then that they acquired the five illustrious golf courses in Vilamoura in 2007: Old Course, Pinhal, Laguna, Millennium and the acclaimed Victoria.
In total, the Oceânico Group invested €350 million in golf courses. “Once again, we wanted to be the best and we knew that golf services in Portugal needed an update. We burst into the industry. And the Vilamoura courses were the most profitable in the world, each course averaging 50,000 rounds annually.” says Gerry Fagan.
Along the way, and still under the Oceânico Group brand name, Estrela da Luz opened in 2005, the Azores Golf Islands in 2006, in a partnership with the SIRAM group, and Baía da Luz (also in Luz, Lagos) in 2007. Also in 2006, the Vilamoura Golf & Garden Resort was acquired, an area of 70 hectares and an investment that included 700 units. One of the company’s last projects was the Royal Óbidos Spa & Golf Resort, in partnership with MSF, consisting of 130 hectares and a “stunning” golf course, as Gerry Fagan describes.
Following the economic crisis and the demise of the group, the Irishman assembled a team of asset management experts to found and chair Decade Development Management (DDM) in 2017, with the aim of creating projects for national and international investors, while also developing sustainable operations to add value to local communities.
Over the years, DDM’s has focused on Lagos, specifically in the town of Luz. “We decided we were going to focus again on what we do best – developing in the Algarve. We looked for opportunities and discovered Reserva da Luz,” a property project he has been operating since 2001, where 43 of its 83 plots have already been built.
“It is a really interesting project. It’s turnkey, which gives buyers the great alternative to have their house customised to their liking. You cannot find something like this less than 500 metres from the ocean. So much so that we had plans to finalise sales in three years, but I believe that by the end of 2024 everything will have been sold,” says the president of DDM.
With 14 units already sold in Reserva da Luz, the Algarve property specialist says the market has changed dramatically. “Initially, 90% of our clients were English and Irish.
Now, 50% are English, 35% German and Dutch, and the rest are Portuguese. We have also seen a huge influx of Americans. In Lagos, in 2022 alone, 60% of all apartments were sold to Americans. It’s incredible. These tourists visit us and soon realise it is the ideal place to live and run their businesses. There are clients who only want to work in Spain and Portugal,” says Gerry Fagan.
Over the last four years DDM has also been working on a project in Alta de Lisboa and is called Hera Residences. With an investment of around €120 million, the development features 284 apartments with high-quality finishes, from studios to four-bedroom units, 98% of which are already sold.
Looking back on all the projects he has developed in Portugal over the last two decades, the Irishman has every reason to be proud.
“We love everything we have created so far. We have a lot going on and a lot of plans for the future,” he assures. One of them is already in the works for Lagos, a city with several vacant buildings. “The idea is to create high-end apartments that will match the quality of Reserva da Luz. This, together with other development opportunities, will be the future of project development,” Gerry Fagan reveals.
The photographer is showcasing his work “Celebrating the Calçadas Portuguesas of Lagos” at the Mercearia Bio Café in Lagos
– October 14, 2023 | Text Alexandra Stilwell
Lagos-based photographer Paul Gerace is showcasing his collection of Portuguese calçada photography at the Mercearia Bio Café in Lagos until the end of November.
The Celebrating the Calçadas Portuguesas of Lagos collection highlights the unique black and white tile patterns found on the city’s pavements and large squares, which “often paying homage to the country’s maritime heritage and fishing industry”, points out Gerace.
Since his arrival in Portugal four years ago, the New York-born artist has been discovering this unique form of Portuguese art while “walking around Lagos and seeing how life takes place with those calçadas as a backdrop”.
“I was also able to visit and speak with the chief architect at the Câmara Municipal in Lagos about the history, designs, and concerns of those calçadas, which gave me a better understanding of what they mean to the country’s heritage and pride,” explains the artist.
About the artist
Originally from Brooklyn, New York, Paul Gerace retired to Costa Rica, where he lived for eight years before moving to Lagos in 2019. His love of photography began when he was a teenager, helping his father develop photos in hisbasement darkroom, where he learned the basics of photography, which he uses today.
Once the digital age of photography arrived, he began experimenting with different filters and techniques to helpcreate the artistic expressions of his photos, some of which are included in this exhibition.
– October 14, 2023 | Text Marie Patterson | Photos Charlotte Cockayne/Open Media Group
As the holiday season starts to come to an end and the heat of the summer begins to die down, I decide to kick start a quiet Sunday indulging in a sumptuous treat for the taste buds by heading to Monte Carvoeiro for brunch.
Already a renowned fine-dining restaurant, The Square by Raquel Marques has taken the concept of brunch to a whole new level.
This establishment, well known for its impeccable culinary creations, now offers an exceptionally well-priced brunch that will tantalise your senses.
We opt for Eggs Benedict and a Full English Breakfast to start and follow with sautéed prawns with mango pico de gallo and sweet chili and a couple of Mimosas which turn out to be a perfect start to the day, and extraordinarily good value.
The atmosphere is casual and relaxing, with easily available parking, and the surrounding area is generally quiet, which I find particularly appealing after the busy summer months.
In search of some sunshine and fresh air, I decide to embark on the adventure that is the trail of the Seven Suspended Valleys.
This scenic route runs from Praia de Vale Centeanes to Praia da Marinha, widely considered one of the most beautiful beaches inEurope.
The Algarve region is renowned for its stunning coastal landscapes, and the Seven Suspended Valleys hike is a jewel in its crown.
I strap on my walking shoes and set off along the well-maintained trails. Throughout the hike, each valley unveils a new perspective, rewarding my efforts with breath-taking views of the Atlantic Ocean. An array of hidden coves, beaches, and captivating rock formations showcase the raw beauty of the Algarve’s coastline.
Whether you are an experienced hiker or someone looking for a moderate yet invigorating trek, this clifftop walk promises an immersive experience that connects you with the natural wonders of the region. The trail can be walked in either direction and took me about three hours to complete.
Combining the pleasures of a lavish brunch with the exhilaration of conquering Seven Suspended Valleys created a day that will linger in my heart and my mind, reminding me just how beautiful the Algarve is and all it has to offer.
Summer may be over, but everyone who knows the Algarve, knows the region’s beaches are still the perfect place to spend time and relax in the autumn
– October 13, 2023 | Text Michael Bruxo
The region is famous for its beautiful, golden beaches, but have you ever wondered which are the most popular on social media?
Holidu, a search engine for holiday rentals, has attempted to answer this question by scanning Google Maps and social media for the highest rated beaches in the Algarve with a minimum of 500 reviews.
Their system helped them create a top-20, with Praia do Camilo in Lagos coming in second on the list (behind Portimão’s Praia da Rocha) with 41,138 Instagram hashtags and 2.2 million TikTok views.
The Lagos beach is described by Holidu as a “hidden gem that captivates beach enthusiasts with its breathtaking beauty. Access to this small and secluded beach is through a staircase carved into the stunning cliffs, unveiling a paradise of golden sands and turquoise waters. Surrounded by imposing rock formations, Praia do Camilo offers a sense of serenity and tranquillity that enchants visitors”.
October 12, 2023 | Text Beatriz Maio | Photos Charlotte Cockayne/Open Media Group
Be it for the sea view, the quality food or the intimate and comfortable atmosphere, there are plenty of reasons to visit Vau Steakhouse, right next to Portimão’s Vau beach.
A true family business, where everyone helps in the most diverse areas, from the kitchen and customer service to the decoration.
This restaurant is the result of Vítor Teixeira desires’ who, together with his brother Francisco, known as Chico, decided to take a risk and open an unrivalled establishment that makes so many customers happy. Not only is it a place where you can have a meal or a cocktail with live music nights but also a space where weddings, baptisms and sunset parties are held.
The menu is diverse, perfect for both meat and seafood lovers. “We decided to have a varied choice of dishes on the menu, it would be unthinkable to be by the beach and not serve fish or seafood,” Vítor commented. There are even vegan options, such as the spinach and tomato risotto or the mushroom one, the vegetable linguini or the tropical salad.
For those who don’t like meat, the octopus “lagareiro” style is just as tasty as the typical Portuguese dish of codfish that is also served here or, if you fancy another fish dish, there is the salmon fillet or bream. As might be expected, there is also seafood rice and cataplana as well as the special Cataplana Vau Steakhouse, which substitutes the traditional seafood with filet mignon.
The menu was carefully chosen by Vítor’s wife Vanda, his brother Chico and another of the seven brothers, João Carlos, who like Chico also has experience in catering. The list of meat dishes is extensive, and the recommendations are many but, when in doubt, the Surf & Turf dish will not leave you dissatisfied. The pepper steak, the Tomahawk, or the mixed meat platter will all delight meat lovers, as the restaurant serves cuts of excellence that come from Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil.
Nonetheless, national and regional products are also valued, and the family works in partnership with local suppliers. Floral Portimão wine is on the list along with some references from the Alentejo region and several from the Douro. For those who prefer a more aromatic drink, there is sparkling wine and champagne as well as red, white, or sparkling sangria.
“We stand out for our genuine essence, for the attention we give to customers and for the joyful spirit with which we serve them,” Vítor emphasised. In addition to these factors, there is the breathtaking view where the sky meets the sea, which makes for a calming and cheerful atmosphere, helped along by the vibrant colours of both the beach and the surrounding nature. “It is a wide-open space adaptable to any circumstance and climate,” the owner explained, showing that the glass around the centre of the restaurant can be fitted or not and the structure allows to choose the size of the serving area.
A fascinating space for those inside and the ones passing by, you are greeted with a giant bull made of weathered steel, which immediately draws attention to the fact that it is a steakhouse, with floor-to-ceiling glass walls that allow you to feel the harmony of the place and enjoy the landscape it provides.
It was Vanda who imagined a space for large events, hence the decoration in light colours with white chairs and tables which “convey purity and peace”, she explained. The other elements were also carefully selected – the plants are all natural and most were already on the grounds and nothing better than sand on the outside to remind diners of where they are, a few metres from the beach.
The team of professionals features several family members, including four of Vítor’s nephews and his eldest son, which makes the atmosphere comfortable and cosy. “They all get along very well and work perfectly together. They know how to communicate and understand when there is an opportunity to be in a more informal environment,” revealed the owner.
Vau Steakhouse is known by both locals and foreigners, but most diners are from the United Kingdom and United States, as well as Canadians, Spanish, French, Italians, and Germans. “We mostly speak English here, but I would like to have more local people visiting us,” Vítor stated. “The Portuguese associate ‘steakhouse’ with a high-priced establishment and only meat dishes, which is not what happens here.”
The idea of opening a restaurant came from the Vítor and Vanda’s experience after two years working in the catering sector in Luanda, the capital of Angola. Vanda already had experience as a cook and her husband in table service, essential factors that led to the realisation of a common desire: to open a business of their own.
Before that, after years of working as a night security guard in the Algarve, Vítor decided he no longer wanted to work those shifts and chose to move to London, where he joined three of his brothers who were already living there. Despite having the ambition to work in a different sector, he ended up accepting a security guard position but this time in restaurants, having later also done table service.
Even though he was close to his family, he did not feel complete. “I had the ambition to change my life, I felt I could do more professionally, and I decided to return to my country. However, as Vanda’s family is in Angola, we chose to try a life there but it didn’t work out so we have returned and put all our efforts into this business,” he said.
The 3D Fun Art Museum arrived in Portimão “not only to provide fun moments but to educate visitors” with fun facts and “classic works by famous artists and illustrators” with interactive experiences
– October 12, 2023 | Text Beatriz Maio
The 3D Fun Art Museum arrived in Portimão from Lisbon after being born on the island of Madeira. The idea and venture came from Ralf Hein, originally from Frankfurt, Germany, and Lara Hein, originally from Porto, a couple who discovered this common interest and have been developing a concept that did not exist in Portugal.
As Ralf and Laura worked in completely different areas, they thought about starting a business together and, during a holiday in Thailand, the realisation of what it would be came up whilst visiting a museum with a similar concept to the one they are currently pushing in three cities.
After enjoying a good family time with their children in a 3D space, they decided to open one of their own. “The whole family enjoyed it very much, but the images were very related to Asian culture,” Ralf recalled. Therefore, his search for three-dimensional painting artists began and, over three years, he was able to have on digital all the drafts that they imagined. In total, he brought together eight artists from several countries including the United States, Romania, Ukraine, Germany, and Portugal, who developed 40 high-resolution images.
The aim is not only to provide fun moments but to educate visitors who have at their disposal from fun factsto classic works by famous artists and illustrators such as The Inverted Faces by the Brit Rex Whistler and All is Vanity made by the American Charles Allan Gilbert.
Whilst walking, people are faced with explanations of how several optical illusions are created, which emphasise interactive exploration. This is a place that transports anyone to another world without leaving the physical space, not only the youngest but also the oldest who have been regular visitors and do not hide their smiles when experiencing the different realities that the 3D Fun Art Museum provides, whether in groups or individually, coming from all country with visits promoted by schools and senior centres.
Everything has been thought out in detail, from the entrance with paintings on the wall that tell stories to the the decorated bathrooms. The attention to detail is just one of the reasons it receives more and more visitors from all over the world, such as English, French, German, Spanish, Russian, Lebanese, and Americans, with the Portuguese being the most frequent.
“I decided to take a chance on this business because it makes me happy, I like to see the happiness on people’s faces,” the owner emphasised, highlighting that he wants visitors to “have fun, a good time, and learn”.
The couple started by opening a museum in Madeira in 2019 however, the pandemic forced them to close doors due to government restrictions. Nonetheless, for the time they were open, they had good feedback from customers, both local and foreign. “It was working from the first day. After a few weeks, we knew the concept was functioning so I said to Lara that if it was going well, we should try it in any other city,” the owner revealed.
Then, in 2022 they moved to Lisbon and, after six months of preparation, the museum was already open. Although in Funchal it took three months, in the Portuguese capital it needed double the time to have the perfect large space. As soon as they opened, in July last year, it was a hit, and it was packed out. “I started thinking about opening a third one in the Algarve because I always loved the region so, in October, we moved here and we did it in July,” said Ralf.
The three spaces are differentbut share some images, like the shark which has become a classic. In Madeira, for instance, there are scenarios of the island landscapes whilst in Lisbon there are paintings of the 25 de Abril Bridge, and in Portimão the history of the city has not been left out as well as the traditional sardines.
The storyline is Ralf and Lara’s joint work and views that they acquired from their passion for going to optical illusion spaceswith the artists’ ideas, with plans to change some of the images every year.
The scenarios allow for entertainment with lights, shadows, paintings, mirrors, and augmented reality – an animated experience displayed on a big screen that lets visitors play with different species of dinosaurs and other wild animals – which combines the science of visual perception with the magic of illusion.
The future is bright for this couple as they already have had many proposals from foreign investors who are planning to invest on the 3D Fun Art Museum concept, name, and images. Also, in Portugal the expansion may happen as the city of Porto is in Ralf and Lara’s sights.
For the visit, it is essential to bring a mobile phone or camera and for those who decide to go alone, it is possible to rent a tripod to take the photos or ask for help from a member of the young team.
The festival aims to promote not only the harp but its repertoire and performers as well
– October 12, 2023
A rich programme will be presented by Danielle Riegel on Harp, Helena Madeira on Voice and Harp, Leonor Maia on Harp, and Francisco Barbosa on Flute at the festival taking place in Albufeira on November 10, Lagoa on November 25 and Monchique on November 26.
The festival aims to promote not only the harp but its repertoire and performers as well.
Algarve Harp Festival is organized by Ideias do Levante association in partnership with the Municipalities of Lagoa, Albufeira, Monchique Parish Council, and Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Monchique.
Guests have the opportunity to donate to non-profit organizations in the Algarve that provide social support: Santa Casa da Misericordia de Lagoa, SOS Oncológico and Espiral de Vontades.
Programme:
November 10, 2023 | 9.30pm Danielle Riegel (Harp) – Paderne Parish Church (Albufeira)
November 25, 2023 | 4pm Helena Madeira (Voice & Harp) – Chapel of St Joseph’s Convent (Lagoa)
November 26, 2023 | 4pm Leonor Maia (Harp) and Francisco Barbosa (Flute) – Misericórdia de Monchique Church
