The picture postcard village of Ferragudo is becoming increasingly popular and their forward thinking local council have unveiled some very ambitious plans that will breathe a new lease of life into the traditional village. A multi-million euro plan includes the renovation of the main northern entrance to the village, as well as the construction of a three-storey car park (with a capacity for 120 vehicles) that will also boast a viewpoint overlooking the village on its top storey plus a boardwalk linking Angrinha and Praia Grande beaches. The council estimates the initiative will cost around €5 million and the main focus will be on planting more trees and creating more ‘green spaces’ along the riverside, making the area more appealing.
Category: Must Read
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Stronger together
Following last summer’s devastating forest fires, a group of around 40 volunteers gathered in Silves in November to plant nearly 6000 new trees as part of a reforestation initiative entitled Operação Montanha Verde, promoted and funded by Zoomarine and Silves council.
The young trees were planted in Herdade do São Bom Homem and should go some way to replenishing the area.
With special thanks going to the volunteers who included Zoomarine workers, Sapadores firefighters, and members of the Silves council civil protection services.
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Winter Entertainment-Carvoeiro
Portimão has announced a new entertainment programme to keep the town buzzing throughout winter to May 2017. It includes three initiatives, one linking the “artistic and gastronomic aspects of fish” and the others bringing top-notch dancers and musicians to the town. The agenda is part of the wider Algarve 365 programme, designed to promote the region as a “year-round” desti- nation with over 1,000 events taking place in the Algarve during the so-called low season. Portimão’s first initiative, entitled Fazer Render o Peixe (Make the Most of Fish), will try to link “contemporary art and gastronomy”.
The initiative will see reputed artists and chefs joining forces to shine the spotlight on fish, one of the Algarve’s most treasured natural resources. Portimão council says it will reveal the remaining agenda of the Fazer Render o Peixe initiative in December, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled for events as they are announced. Between January and May Portimão will also host a series of classical concerts at the TEMPO theatre. These cultural and artistic performances will help to bring life back into Portimão with the aim to put the city back on the map. For more information visit Facebook pages
museudeportimao and TEMPOportimao
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The new Bond boat
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Recreating the Riva in the Docks of Portimão
David Pearce is a well-known artist, restaurateur and boat builder in the quaint fishing village of Ferragudo. He has lived in the area since the mid 1980s, following a 10-year stint of sailing around the world, exploring his two passions: sailing and painting.
Originally from Sussex, where his father was a partner in a shipyard and would thrust sandpaper into his young hands every day after school, David grew up with some very useful skill sets that have navigated him towards his current project.
Last summer, a Swiss doctor was passing by his waterfront workshop. The small wooden Portuguese fishing boat for sale outside piqued his interest. He popped his head in the doorway and casually asked if David would be capable of building his “dream boat” for him.
Never one to shy away from a challenge, David’s immediate reaction was: “why not?”
David and the doctor began to draw up plans for the 7-metre mahogany replica of the Italian classic, the Riva. This elegant wooden launch first leapt to fame when it appeared in the James Bond movies of the mid 1960s, remaining an object of desire ever since. With an arrangement that suited them both, the doctor headed back to Switzerland and David began the mammoth task of building a handcrafted boat.
It quickly became apparent that his little boat yard in Ferragudo wouldn’t be able to cope with a hull of such dimensions, so he packed up and moved into larger premises, in Portimão dockyard.
With the plans finalised and the mahogany ordered, David began to find local artisans and boat fitters, who could help him achieve the high quality of upholstery, steering wheel, instruments, windscreen and hood needed to complement his client’s Italian replica. Lady Luck was on his side as Portimão docks are brimming with master craftsmen and women, who were able to facilitate his bespoke requirements.
Construction began in September 2015. With his new workshop full of mahogany, David laid out the plans and the hull started to take shape after countless man-hours of sanding and varnishing.
The impressive hull fills the central area of the workshop. Its sheer size meant that David had to call upon some help from his fellow dockland workers. “Although I normally work alone, this was just impossible. The great thing about being located at the docks is that I had able volunteers to hand, who could help. It took ten of us to perform the mammoth task of flipping the boat. The dockyard director was even hanging from a beam, hoisting the structure,” David explained, laughing.
“All of the materials are top quality and I have sourced everything I could locally, although there are always specialty varnishes and such like that have to be imported. It’s imperative that the finish is exceptional, just like the original,” David explained.
With everything going along swimmingly, the 250-horsepower Mercruiser engine was delivered. The engine will propel the boat at around 40 knots, which is a very decent speed, in anyone’s book.
The shape of the boat is magnificent and iconic. The woodwork and finishes are of a fantastically high quality and astoundingly beautiful.
The boat will be tested around Portimão soon, before being shipped off to meet her very lucky owner on the Swiss Riveira, on Lake Lausanne, where she is sure to turn a few heads!
When we visited the workshop the boat was nearly finished. As such, the build took just under a year, from start to finish. David will soon be ready to take on new projects, after a short and very well-deserved break in the lovely Algarve. Visitors are very welcome at his workshop, located just after Angel Pilot at Portimão docks.
https://www.facebook.com/boatmaker2016/
Text Mia Wallace
Photos Mia Wallace
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Art Attack
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Exploring the vast array of art in Ferragudo
Just a few years ago, you’d be hard pushed to find much in the way of an art scene in Ferragudo. Now we’re spoilt for choice with a variety of venues to choose from.
The first and by far the largest is Galerio, in the Arade Congress Centre, overlooking Portimão’s old bridge.
The building is semi-industrial in appearance and has a slightly unfinished feel that lends itself very well as the backdrop for a contemporary art venue. You may remember Rolf Osang from the old ArtAlgarve venue, in Lagoa’s wine cooperative. Rolf moved about a year ago to look for new premises. He has since secured an arrangement with the local council to create a large art instalment in the mostly-unused congress centre, where he promotes local artists. The current exhibition includes pieces from popular artists, such as painter Kerstin Wagner, from Germany, Portuguese/French photographer Alexandre Manuel, English painter Cliff Martin Tuson, in addition to works by often-provocative sculptor Willem Sneijers. Alongside the ongoing group exhibitions, Rolf will hold concerts and art fairs. The first major international art fair, featuring the work of some 40 artists, is being held October 14-16. It’s been Rolf’s aim for a number of years to create a hub for cultural projects and artists and he could have found the right spot in the congress centre.
Centro de Congressos do Arade, Parchal. Open Tuesday-Saturday 10.30 am – 9.00 pm, by appointment, call 968 067 607
Heading back into Ferragudo, along the coastal road, we pass by Studio Bongard. The studio and gallery has been open since 1998 and has an interesting collection of clay sculptures and drawings on display and for sale. Created by husband-and-wife team Sylvain and Tara, the pieces are dotted around the many rooms, courtyards and ponds that make up the studio. “We truly believe this is more than any gallery or shop in the world; it is an immersive experience, to open your imagination and inspire, to pass and enjoy your time calmingly,” Tara explains.
Sylvain’s style is pretty distinctive, featuring many aquatic scenes and elements, while Tara seems to be focusing on flora and fauna, wildlife and human sculpture at the moment. You’ll find many of their pieces around the Algarve, including a fabulous installation in Carvoeiro’s Michelin-starred restaurant, Bon Bon.
Rua Infante D Henrique,62 Ferragudo. Tel.968362930
Open Mon-Fri 10.00 am until 5.30 pm Sat 10.00 am until 2:00 pm
As you arrive in the main square of Ferragudo, you’ll see a tiny jewellery shop in the left hand corner, called Lipscani.
Don’t be fooled into thinking that Lipscani is just a little tourist shop; owner Gina Pires is a very talented jeweller, with art in her genes.
Together with husband Martin, they have opened a quaint little gallery next door, simply called ‘Galeria’.
The gallery is tiny but every corner is brought to life with drawings and paintings.
Wisely, Gina is trying to limit the number of artists on display. The collection works well, with some items starting at around €20 and others going for €4000. There is something here for every taste and budget.
Current artists include the very talented Lígia Maria Pires Fernandes, from Setubal, who has been exhibiting throughout the Algarve and is currently working in Montenegro.
Local English artist, R Bishop, who is famous for his seascapes and life-like paintings of waves, is joined by the fabulous works of famous Portuguese artist, Pedro Buisel.
Pedro’s paintings, all inspired by the Alentejo, are vibrantly colourful and instantly recognisable.
The Galeria is open seven days a week. Evenings in the summer and during the day for the rest of the year. Tel. 911501397
Rua 25 de Abril, Ferragudo.
Continuing down the small street, you’ll come across Déjà Vu – Art Shop. Along with a choice of large works by local artists Meinke Flesseman and Eric de Bruijn, you’ll find a wonderful array of vintage beauties in this eclectic space, ranging from a star scooter with a sidecar or handbags made out of inner tubes to photos of Portuguese doors and even an old barbershop chair. Owner and artist Jerome has packed this wonderful space full of local treasures, making it an absolute must for retro fans.
Open 10.00 am until 7.00 pm until end of October, Rua 25 de Abril, Ferragudo.
Tel. 965049722
Running behind the Rua 25 de Abril, the Rua Primeiro de Maio takes you up to the church. Here, near the top of Ferragudo, you’ll find A Casa do Real Compromisso Marítimo de Ferragudo Art Gallery. Run by the local council, its aim is to host exhibitions throughout the year, enriching the cultural diversity of the village. As we went to press, the next confirmed exhibition is by a group of returning artists and friends. The exhibition will feature: ‘The Elements’, a collection of abstract pieces by Di Della Pace; as well as pieces by French contemporary painter Pascale Cfey and fellow Frenchwoman, Sylviana Loubatieres. Sylviana uses a range of media, one of the most interesting being mirrors, applying paint and gold or copper leaf. Other media include oil on canvas, ceramic tiles and period dress costumes.
This exhibition runs from October 12 to November 10, daily from 10.00 am until 6.00 pm. Call the council office for more information on 282 461 369
Text Mia Wallace
Photos Mia Wallace
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Macdonald Monchique
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Inside visited the new Macdonald Monchique Resort & Spa, a luxury haven away from the busy coastline
Anyone hoping to escape the scorching Algarve heat and its bustling beaches can now enjoy a luxurious holiday in the foothills of the beautiful Monchique Mountains. The former Longevity Wellness Resort, which had been closed for several months, has been taken over by leading UK hotel group MacDonald Hotels & Resorts and converted into the brand new MacDonald Monchique Resort & Spa.
Opened on June 1, the five-star resort has 185 suites, a stunning 900-sqm spa and four restaurants, all in keeping with the resort’s slogan of “Pure Algarve”. According to Magdalena Osmola, the development’s sales and marketing director, “the location of the property is fantastic and fits very well with MacDonald Hotels & Resorts ethos”. She added: “The property is distinctive, original and by all means simply exceptional. It forms a perfect, idyllic spot for a holiday retreat.”
While the resort’s elegant suites offer impressive mountain and coastal views and include a king-size bed and a living room with kitchenette, as well as two bathrooms, one of Macdonald Monchique’s highlights is undoubtedly its state-of-the-art spa. Dubbed by Magdalena Osmola as “the best in the Algarve”, it comprises a high-tech thermal area equipped with an aromatherapy cabin, ice chamber, indoor pool with hydro massage, foot spa, a Himalayan pink salt sauna and eight treatment rooms, including a VIP Spa Suite with private sauna and Jacuzzi. Offering a range of individually-tailored treatments from the international luxury spa brand ESPA – MacDonald Monchique’s is ESPA’s sixth spa in Portugal -, this pampering haven also uses products from local brand Monchique Cosmetics, which makes the most of the benefits of Monchique water to create a glowing, radiant-looking skin.
Another strong point for the resort is its great choice of food options: with four restaurants (Mon-Chic, A Petiscaria, O Mercado Culinário and Pizzaria da Serra), an elegant cocktail bar and two pool bars, there is something for everybody, ranging from a fine-dining restaurant and informal tapas bar to a gourmet food market and pizzeria. Holding the reins as executive chef is the highly-regarded Louis Anjos, who left his mark at Lagoa’s Suites Alba Resort and Lisbon’s fine-dining restaurant Largo.
Located in an idyllic setting and with a wide range of activities, not only at the resort (yoga, pilates), but also in its surrounding area (cycling, hiking), MacDonald Monchique has been attracting Portuguese guests for shorter breaks, as well as visitors from the UK, Germany and Scandinavia. “We have a lot of actions planned in these key markets over the next months and are hoping to attract international interest,” Magdalena Osmola assured us.