Inside Algarve Magazine – Algarve News

Author: Inside Carvoeiro

The History Behind Silve’s Unique City Stone

Lady in Red: Silve’s Reddish Stone can be seen everywhere in the city, including the Castle

– December 6, 2021

Silves sandstone is a distinct and unique stone that can be found in several constructions in and around the town, including its imposing castle. It is extracted from a quarry in Vale Fuzeiros by a local family who has owned it for at least 100 years.

It all started with José Joaquim, in Vale Fuzeiros

It all started with the great-grandfather of Bruno Matos, one of the quarry’s heirs, José Joaquim, who tried extracting the stone from several areas unsuccessfully until purchasing the quarry in Vale Fuzeiros. Over time, his family became responsible for providing sandstone for most of Silves’ constructions. His family even became known in Silves by the nickname ‘derrubas’, used to describe someone who uses brute force.

As he explained, “everything you see in Silves that was built in the last 100 years” likely was built with the unique, red-coloured sandstone. This includes the brickwork of several houses, the recent renovations carried out at the local church and Islamic walls, the castle’s grand staircase which his father worked on for six months and even the local courtrooms.

The Silve’s Sandstone and the Cork Industry

The sandstone was also used by the local cork industry which needed a special utensil to sharpen their cutting tools. “They realised that this stone sharpens very well,” said Matos, who as a child would help his father extract the stone at the quarry.

Cork producers started ordering 12cm-thick grindstones, while farmers also ordered sandstone basins for their pigsties and pens. While around a century has passed, the rock extraction process has remained the same over time, given the delicate nature of the sandstone. “If I were to use a machine here, the hydraulic force would ruin and break the rock,” he said. Only human force and a limited array of tools are used.

One stone for different uses

The quarry has two different areas, one of them with a “very hard, very good” rock which can be used for stonemasonry, while the other has a “softer” rock which is better for “decorative” uses.

The stone does not “like” fire or heat, but works very well with water, Matos explained. It retains liquids well and is “slip-resistant”.

A family heritage with history

According to Matos, this is why demand for Silves’ sandstone is growing. And there is still a lot left to extract. “We could go another two or three metres deep, but our family’s policy was always to save the rock as much as we can for the coming generation,” said Matos, explaining that the family only extracts as much as is needed for the orders they have received.

While he preferred not to reveal the market price of the stone, Matos said that the company is profitable enough to be his full-time job. “I wouldn’t trade this for a well-paid job in an office,” he said, explaining that sentimental reasons led to his career choice.

“Before he died, my father told us that this was what paid for our food for many years. And he asked us to continue working with the stone, as we always have.”

A dream to turn the Silve’s Reddish Sandstone into a Municipal Heritage

According to Bruno Matos, keeping the quarry alive and active is a source of pride for the family — especially because it will become part of the future Algarvensis Geopark.

“I would like to see Silves sandstone recognised as municipal heritage. I know we are talking about a private business, and it is hard to get this message across, but the truth is that this also belongs to the people of Silves and Messines. I say this from the bottom of my heart. I hope in future there will be a Sandstone Route,” said Matos, who added that the project is already being developed by the local council.

“I would like to welcome people here, so they could see my work and the quarry, and see how this stone is used in historic and contemporary constructions,” he added.

Silves Castle

TEXT BRUNO FILIPE PIRES & NUNO DE SANTOS LOUREIRO
PHOTOS NUNO DE SANTOS LOUREIRO

December 6, 2021
Algarvillas: Cheers to 40 years!

Algarvillas celebrates four decades of hard graft and dedication to their homeowners and holidaymakers

– December 6, 2021

Algarvillas was first inaugurated in 1981 and Kevin Owenson’s aunt (who still works for Kevin today) bought the company in 1989. Kevin was the main rental agent for his aunt Cathy and uncle Jim during this period and when the opportunity arose to head the company himself, it was a no-brainer. He had fallen in love with the people, the area, and the business. Today, Algarvillas, also known as Kevin Owenson Property Management, has an excellent reputation, with a portfolio exceeding 40 holiday homes, all within five minutes’ drive from his office in Carvoeiro.

In a previous life, Kevin worked in the hi-tech micro-electronic manufacturing industry, travelling all over the world in senior management positions for a Japanese company. In 2002, he closed the door on his career to dedicate all his efforts to his aunt and uncle’s robust business. No doubt, he travels far less but he works harder than before, and his phone hasn’t been switched off since. He believes his 24/7 availability is what sets him apart from other property managers.

Managing your own property in Portugal can become a minefield, especially if you are not a local. Kevin and his multilingual team are experienced with all Portuguese systems and bureaucracy, from gardening and housekeeping through to legal and financial services. They are well connected with the best, local lawyers and tradesmen who are tried and tested over the company’s 40 years of service. And as for holidaymakers, the proof is in the pudding, as an impressive 50% of his rental guests are returning customers. Some of their longest returning guests have been holidaying with them for over 30 years.

It is no doubt that Kevin has seen “almost everything” in his 18 years of property management and there is no problem he hasn’t solved. He will go over and above for his clients such as renting medical aids from wheelchairs, electric scooters, equipment for dialysis and even oxygen tanks for breathing problems. He even helped a holidaymaker retrieve their crash-landed drone from another property at 10.30pm on a Saturday night.

Refreshingly, Kevin is very positive about the future of the Algarve. He saw an improvement in 2021 compared to 2020 from both owners and rental guests and believes this will only continue to grow. “Although up to July was quiet, things have really picked up since the third week of July with August and September looking very good as well.”

When talking to visitors of various nationalities, he is often told how they feel so comfortable in the Algarve with the mask-wearing and social distancing regulations. “Portugal has handled everything throughout the pandemic very well,” he believes. Kevin has even met a lot of first-time visitors in the Algarve this year “due to the positive reputation the area has been receiving across Europe”.

With so many tourists having their holiday dreams shattered for yet another year, Kevin and his team have bent over backwards to ensure minimal disappointment. “Everything we do is for the holidaymaker and now more than ever, I try to put myself in my customers’ shoes and imagine what I would want if I was in that position,” he says. “It doesn’t mean that I am throwing refunds around left, right and centre, but we have made various adaptations to help our customers so they can trust and rely on us when there isn’t much reliability these days.”

Since 2020, they have often allowed customers to pay their remaining balance up to one week ahead instead of 10. And, for homeowners, they have undergone many cost-cutting exercises to help them in this tough period. He has also allowed any holiday that has been cancelled to rollover until 2022.

Looking to the future, Kevin would like to expand his property portfolio by adding around half a dozen four- to five-bedroom, modern-luxury properties. Although his business was down by 40% in 2020 against 2019, this year he only forecasts to be 20% down and next year’s bookings are already surpassing this year’s. Carvoeiro is constantly winning awards for investment opportunities in rentals and for holidays and Kevin is staying optimistic.

Text Alex Brennan

December 6, 2021
World-Renowned Architects Gathered for a Project in Silves

Celebrating Contrast: World-renowned Architects travelled across the Globe to create a Contemporary Development in the Heart of Silves

– December 6, 2021

Five Bridges Silves is a contemporary piece of architecture comprised of 20 duplex apartments. Each apartment is connected by ‘five bridges’ — cleverly integrated within the structure and extremely distinctive — through the access corridor to each unit. In addition to the new, spacious apartments, there is also a commercial area on the ground floor.

The accommodation is separated by two floors. On the raised ground level, known as the first floor, is a series of 10 duplex apartments with a living area and kitchen, two bedrooms and two bathrooms. On the second floor, there are a further 10 apartments but with an added luxury. These stylish flats boast private outdoor roof-terraces which occupy the total surface of the property; ideal for adding another living or dining area.

In contrast to the dark concrete that flows throughout, the inside has been carefully designed and provides great natural light. With the clever use of glass in each apartment, residents can enjoy modern and contemporary decoration whilst also enjoying magnificent views of Silves. Space is also ample as each flat also benefits from two parking spaces in the basement and private storage rooms.

The ground floor is dedicated to eight shops. These spaces are embellished with supporting pillars and large glass storefronts, which appear to be effortlessly supporting the apartments above. The vision for these shops is to welcome a variety of businesses by offering them an advantage that many premises in Silves do not have — parking.

Five Bridges Silves is also within a five minutes’ walk from the historic town centre and its main attractions. Furthermore, the A22 is only a mere 4km away whilst some of the Algarve’s most stunning beaches are only 15km out.

At 80m long and 12m high, the building has a horizontal architecture. This is fairly unique when considering a standard ‘block of flats’. Thanks to its visible concrete structure, the development emulates a brutalist and contemporary architectural style.

Contrasting with the traditional Moorish landscape often found in this part of the Algarve, one can appreciate two different landscapes from either side of the building: the city of Silves, with the castle as a backdrop, to the east, and the countryside, to the west.

The Minds behind the project

Portuguese architect Ricardo Camacho, director of Casa Granturismo since 2005, has overseen this urban development from the outset. In total, a team of 22 architects from 11 different countries was invited to join him on the project and, in the end, this distinctive architecture and contemporary style were designed by the multi-award-winning studio SPBR Arquitetos (São Paulo, Brazil).

SPBR, although only invited in 2008, had its project chosen to be the inaugural building of the development. As stated on their website: “An aspect that deserves to be highlighted in the architectural structure is the access scheme comprising several levels with ramps, stairs and corridors which accommodates for diversity whilst minimising the visual impact to its modernity and functionality.”

“I think this is a very original project, and there are not many projects with this type of architecture in the Algarve,” says João Nogueira of BIP real estate, the exclusive agency for this project.

“The fact that it is in the middle of the city but with parking is great, as we all know how difficult is to park in Silves.”

Investment Opportunity

Prices start at €195,000 for the apartments and currently there is a “great investment opportunity on buy-to-rent”. Several plots of land are also available for construction of commerce and services and for ‘multi-family housing’ and a series of detached homes.

Although the project was appropriately named after the structure, it is somewhat poetic. Five Bridges Silves also builds a bridge for those who find pleasure in different parts of life. It offers something for everyone as it celebrates contrast by building the bridge between the new and the old, and the dark and the light.

TEXT ALEX BRENNAN

December 6, 2021
Short Film About Organic Oranges Wins Impact DOCS Award

“The Orange Life of the Algarve”, by Sebastiaan Opschoor

– December 6, 2021

Sebastiaan Opschoor, independent filmmaker residing in Portugal, won a prestigious Award of Merit from the Impact DOCS Awards Competition in the United States. The award was given for Sebastiaan Opschoor’s short documentary The Orange Life of the Algarve, which highlights organic orange farming in the Algarve.

Watch the trailer here: https://filmfreeway.com/TheOrangeLifeoftheAlgarve

“I set out to showcase the special Algarvian orange but ultimately found a group of passionate organic farmers that forced me to tell a deeper story. A story of an industry that is excessively using chemicals because they think they need it to meet mass demand. It’s organic farmers like João Rocha and Rui Vieira that hopefully inspire a change towards sustainable farming,” says Sebastiaan Opschoor.

The Orange Life of the Algarve has also won the Cotswold International Film Festival for Best Documentary Short Film. The short film was made without any budget and produced by Matteo Rovetti of Algarve Food Experience and Pash Marketing Agency. Postproduction was done by Pim Gelevert from the Netherlands.

The short tells the story of a growing movement of organic farmers that promote “a feasible and sustainable solution that could ultimately position the Algarve as one of the leading organic orange farming areas in Europe”. “In the Algarve, you find a surprisingly sweet and juicy orange, considered one of the best in the world. But production is plagued by commerce, monoculture, and the use of pesticides.

Photo by Rui Vieira

This presents an immediate danger to all life around it. Currently, only around 1% of all oranges in the Algarve are organic. Algarve falls behind to the northern regions of Portugal, where vineyards and olive producers are quickly transitioning to biological farming,” say film producers. The short film has yet to be released to the public as the film is awaiting results of other international film festivals and options are being considered for broader distribution.

Impact DOCS recognises film, television, videography, and new media professionals who demonstrate exceptional achievement in craft and creativity, and those who produce standout entertainment or contribute to profound social change. Documentaries were received from 30 countries, including veteran award-winning filmmakers and fresh new talent. Entries were judged by professionals in the film and television industry.

Photos by Rui Vieira and João Rocha

December 6, 2021
Putting Ferragudo on the Map: New Gastrobar elevating the Scene

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

– December 3, 2021

João and Pedro were born and raised in Ferragudo. They lived with their mother, brother, and father (also a restauranter) in a three-bedroom townhouse that the family owned since 1987. Growing up, the pair would often dream of having their own restaurant together, and little did they know that the place they had dreamed of was literally on their doorstep.

Although their vision began when they were teens, serious renovation started just over two years ago. They completely tore down their home to build the business with their bare hands and it paid off. Today, their gastrobar, Ferragudu’s Terrace, boasts panoramic views of the quaint fishing village that inspired it and the river Arade.

The menu consists of freshly caught, local seafood. They even operate a daily seafood market with the best local produce from fishermen across the Algarve. Cocktail lovers will be ecstatic, as the drink’s menu is far from ordinary: rather than a mundane Sex on the Beach, guests can enjoy a Smoke Penicillin, where the glass is actually smoked with fresh rosemary. The brothers also crafted one of the most carefully selected wine menus, most from regions within Portugal.

Each member of staff has been enlightened by João and Pedro with their rich experience in the hospitality industry: Pedro was a mixologist and studied hospitality management at the School of Tourism, Faro. Meanwhile, João worked at high-end restaurants in Vilamoura for years, but also experienced a three-year stint in one of London’s top restaurants — Novikov. He was determined to learn every trick in the trade; how to run a business and what gives it that extra je ne sais quoi.

During his time there, he surprisingly discovered that Novikov have around 95% of their seafood produce flown from the Algarve nearly every day! With staff equipped with deep-routed knowledge, Ferragudu’s Terrace takes customers on a journey from appetizers to mains and delicious deserts and they can enlighten guests on the best drinks pairings. One of their specialty dishes is the Spider Crab Soup which has received raving reviews.

According to the brothers, Ferragudu’s Terrace offers “typical Algarve cuisine, reinvented by talented chefs”. When creating their menu, they were coached by well-known Portuguese chef Ricardo Luz, who praised the brothers as soon as they opened their business: “I always appreciate being able to work with people who are so dedicated and go after what really matters,” he said.

João and Pedro want to “put Ferragudo on the map” with their concept. “There is a rise in people buying houses here, in the surrounding areas,” João explains. “A lot more people are coming over to the Algarve, from all over Europe, and we want to provide these new guests with something authentic and fresh.”

Although they are aiming to provide guests with an upmarket experience, their prices are very reasonable. They officially opened their doors on May 12 and have since had various opening times due to the pandemic but are now open from 3pm to 1am on weekdays and 12pm to 1am on weekends. Restrictions allowing, they also hope to host several live music nights and events.

Best suited to those who are seeking quality over quantity, this gastrobar offers a concept of sharing and bringing together the authentic flavours of the Algarve coast in a sociable atmosphere. The brothers have big ambitions for the future and aim to be well known across Europe.

For reservations call: 966 299 215
Instagram: @ferragudusterrace

TEXT ALEX BRENNAN

December 3, 2021
Lagoa to host first Sacred Music Festival

Cultural association Ideias do Levante and Lagoa Council have announced the first edition of the town’s Sacred Music Festival, to be held in October and November

In a statement to the press, the association says the goal is to “promote Lagoa’s religious artistic heritage, decentralise where concerts are held in the borough, introduce people to religious spaces, artists and instruments as well as to works by national and foreign composers.

“This event will not only bring together many projects based around religious music, which the association has been developing since 1995, but will also promote an exchange between institutions, researchers and historians, artists and musicians, and the public, which will allow us to offer an interesting dynamic around this event,” said Ideias do Levante president Roberto Estorninho.

Concerts will be held every Sunday at 5pm throughout October and November. The first performance will be streamed online on October 3, featuring Grace Borgan (transverse flute) who will perform at Ermida de Nossa Senhora da Rocha in Porches.

The first concert to be open to the public is scheduled for October 10 and will see Jorge Félix (harpsichord) taking the stage at Lagoa’s Igreja da Misericórdia, while Salomé Matias (transverse flute) and Tiago Santos (clarinet) will perform together at Igreja de S. Francisco de Assis in Parchal on October 17.

The last two performances of October will feature Quinteto Sull’a Corda, due to perform at Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Luz in Lagoa on October 24, and Dell’Acqua, who will grace the stage of Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Encarnação in Porches on October 31.

All concerts are free although capacity will be limited. The event’s full schedule can be found (here)

TEXT Michael Bruxo
Source Portugal Resident

September 14, 2021
Lagoa Wine Experiences returns

After a “sold-out first session” last month, the Lagoa Wine Experiences wine tasting tour is returning on Saturday (September 11) between 10.30am and 6pm.

Participants will yet again meet at Lagoa’s municipal pools before being taken to Dona Niza Wines in Carvoeiro, a “very recent project by a local who has an enormous passion for the land and wine” where a wine tasting event will be held.

A welcome drink and lunch will be served at Quinta dos Santos in Estômbar, a wine estate with “contemporary facilities which are integrated in perfect harmony with their surroundings.”

Monte dos Salicos will be the final stop of the tour in the afternoon, allowing guests to enjoy a wine tasting experience “very close to Carvoeiro”.

Tickets cost €40 per person and include lunch, transportation, wine tastings and any other activities on the day. They can be purchased online at www.ticketline.sapo.pt.

September 7, 2021
Get your Passport Ready for Quick Bites

Rota do Petisco returns with 292 restaurants and eateries

Boca Xica

Eleven Algarve boroughs are participating in the 11th Rota do Petisco this year, totalling over 200 venues. Taking place between September 10 and October 10, this gastronomic ‘route’ was born in Portimão but has grown to include eateries from all over the Algarve. Aljezur, Vila do Bispo, Lagos, Portimão, Monchique, Lagoa, Silves, Albufeira, Loulé, São Brás de Alportel and Tavira all have entries this year.

Dogtown Lagos

The concept is simple: each participating restaurant presents a tapas-size dish or dessert at “very inviting prices”. All kinds of eateries take part, from traditional Portuguese ‘tascas’ to Asian and Italian restaurants. A passport costing €1.50 (which is sold at each participating establishment and goes to charity) is required to participate in Rota do Petisco and serves as a guide to all the venues.

Bruncheria

This year, the money raised will go to nine entities: Associação de Dadores de Sangue do Barlavento do Algarve (ADSBA), Bombeiros Voluntários de Monchique e de São Brás de Alportel, Casa do Povo de São Bartolomeu de Messines, Centro de Apoio ao Sem Abrigo, ECOS – Oficina de Dança, Fundação Irene Rolo, Grupo Desportivo Odeceixense and HELP – Apoio ao Cuidador. Rota do Petisco is organised by Portimão association Teia d’Impulsos and is backed by several public and private entities.

Academia de Medronho

September 6, 2021
Lagoa hosts first international Magic Fest in September

Under the artistic direction of Lagoa magician Paulo Cabrita, the event will be held over two days (September 3 and 4) and feature famous Portuguese, Spanish and Argentinian magicians who will perform several shows in the borough

As part of Lagoa’s “A Cultura Sai À Rua” (Culture Out in the Street) initiative, the Lagoa Magic Fest 2021 will see artists Arkadio & Solange Kardinaly (Spain), José de Lemos (Portugal), Salguery (Portugal), Mr Daba (Argentina), Manuel Barata (Portugal) and Lagoa magician Paulo Cabrita entertain people passing by on the street with magic tricks and illusions during “popup events” on September 3.

A Gala Night will be held on September 4 at the Carlos do Carmo Municipal Auditorium at 8.30pm.

The free “popup events” start at 11am in Porches (church square), Estômbar (garden) and Parchal (Rua do Município/Largo da Che Lagoense). From 6pm, the magic will move to Carvoeiro (beach square), Lagoa (Jardim 5 de Outubro) and Ferragudo (Largo Rainha D. Leonor). Shows follow all DGS health authority recommendations.

Tickets to the Gala Night cost €8 per person and can be purchased at Ticketline, Worten, Fnac, Auditório Carlos do Carmos (282 380 452), Convento de S. José in Lagoa (282 380 434) and the local Balcão Único (282 380 400).

Header photo: TIMA MIROSHNICHENKO/PEXELS.COM

August 27, 2021