Inside Algarve Magazine – Algarve News

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restaurant guide

December 4, 2023
“Biggest Christmas ever”: Lagoa’s Municipality is ready for month-long Christmas celebrations

This year, Lagoa will celebrate its “biggest Christmas ever”, with an ice rink, carousels, Christmas fairs across the Municipality, musical shows, walks, nativity scenes, street parties and lots of children’s entertainment

– November 27, 2023 | Text Alexandra Stilwell | Photo JackF, Getty Images

Starting this November 30, Christmas-themed activities and entertainment will be held across the Municipality to entertain and delight “kids” of all ages.

The Municipality of Lagoa is preparing “the biggest Christmas ever” with a vast programme for children and adults, including an ice rink, carousels, Christmas fairs across the Municipality, musical shows, walks, nativity scenes, streetparties and lots of children’s entertainment.

Lagoa will host its Christmas celebrations between November 30 and December 30 on the Carlos do Carmo Municipal Auditorium square, the Christmas epicentre of the Municipality.

The square will feature an ice rink, carousels, Santa’s grotto, shows for children and seniors, and musical shows for everyone. The activities will be open to the public from Monday to Friday, between 2pm and 7pm, on Saturdays from 10am to 9pm and Sundays from 10am to 7pm.

On Fridays, there will be shows at 3.30pm for the senior community. On Saturdays, at 6pm, musical performances and on Sundays, at 3.30pm, children’s entertainment. Entry is free, as is using the carousels and ice rink.

Next weekend, Ferragudo will host Artenata on the Largo Rainha D. Leonor. The oldest Christmas fair in the Municipality will feature various crafts, delicious delicacies, seasonal food, and plenty of entertainment.

On December 7, 8, 9 and 10, the city of Lagoa will host the Lagoa Christmas Fair on the Largo do Auditorio Municipal Carlos do Carmo, with more than 20 exhibitors, a parade of more than 600 Fathers Christmases and lots of children’s entertainment.

On the 8, 9 and 10, Christmas will also arrive in Porches with a Christmas Fair in the town’s urban centre with over15 exhibitors selling the best regional products, the opportunity to participate in a “Reindeer Walk”, beautiful Christmas lights and lots of entertainment.

The following weekend (15, 16 and 17), a Christmas Fair will take place in Carvoeiro, next to the Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Encarnação, and in Estômbar, in the municipal garden. On the 21, 22 and 23, it will be Parchal‘s turn to hold a Christmas Fair.

The city of Lagoa will also host a unique and highly successful event, the “Living Statues”. The show will take place on December 15, between 2.30pm and 5.30pm, and on the 16th, between 10am and 1pm, on the Rua 25 de Abril.

The Carlos do Carmo Municipal Auditorium will also host a Christmas concert by the Algarve Jazz Orchestra on December 16 at 7pm, and the Municipal Library of Lagoa will host various Christmas-themed performances, namely plays, such as “Luminous Elves” on December 9 between 10.30am and 11.30am.

November 27, 2023
Marie Patterson explores some local favourites and hidden gems not to be missed in Carvoeiro

A tourist at home

– 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 in Europe.

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.

November 14, 2023
Dye is cast for another World Class Course in Portugal

With increasing numbers of Algarve residents and visitors making trips to other areas of Portugal for golf the opening of The West Cliffs Golf Links on the Silver Golf Coast has been met with widespread approval. Located near Obidos, a one hour drive from Lisbon, West Cliffs has been hailed as one of the new stars of European golf. Designed by Cynthia Dye (pictured here teeing off on the 18th hole) from the world-renowned golf architecture company Dye Designs Group, it is the continent’s most talked-about new golf course design project.
The first Dye golf course in Portugal – and only the fourth in Europe – the spectacular par-72 clifftop links has been created over 200 hectares of natural landscape, rolling sand dunes and coastal vegetation and offers sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean from each hole. Cynthia Dye flew in from her home in Colorado, USA, to officially open the layout to a select audience of key European tour operators, media and local dignitaries who delivered a unanimous verdict after accepting the invitation to be one of the first players on the course.
Adam Lawrence, editor of Golf Course Architecture magazine and principal of Oxford Golf Consulting, said: “West Cliffs occupies possibly the best piece of golfing ground I have seen in mainland Europe.”
Andy Newmarch, editor of the respected Top 100 Golf Courses website, also applauded the new course: “West Cliffs is one of the very best European openings in recent years, if not the best. It’s exciting and dramatic, with quality holes from start to finish, and is simply exhilarating to play. There is no doubt in my mind that it is set to become a big hitter on the European golf scene over the coming years.”
Construction work on West Cliffs began last year as Dye and her team worked in close collaboration with local government to ensure minimum disruption to the environment while creating a harmonious and sustainable links in such an enviable location. Fitting seamlessly into its natural surroundings, West Cliffs measures a testing 7,003 yards in length but, thanks its modern design and a choice of several sets of tees, it guarantees accessibility to golfers of all abilities.
Christine Dye’s recently conveyed her excitement and enthusiasm for the project: “This has been an incredible project to be involved in, right from the moment when I first visited the site and saw what was possible 14 years ago. With its amazing location and terrain, West Cliffs is the most fantastic natural golf course site imaginable. The course was really already there for us and it was our job to shape the holes to create an incredible, dramatic experience for everyone that plays it.”
West Cliffs is being managed by Praia D’El Rey – one of Europe’s leading resorts – which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this summer and complementing the course is the golf academy for players to warm-up, learn and improve. Also, a stylish and eco-friendly clubhouse offers guests exclusive panoramic views of the course and the Atlantic Ocean from three sides of the glass-fronted building. Francisco Cadete, director of golf at West Cliffs Golf Links, is supremely confident that all golfers will relish the course: “West Cliffs is a truly wonderful golfing experience that can be enjoyed by players of all levels. We’ve already received a lot of interest and bookings from all over Europe, and the combination of playing the new links with the championship course on offer at Praia D’El Rey makes the resort a very attractive proposition for players seeking a five-star golfing break.”
Portugal is an established international golfing location and this latest innovation further reinforces the country’s status as a world class venue which is great news for residents and visitors in search of a top quality golfing experience.

For further details about West Cliffs Golf Links visit www.westcliffs.com

July 13, 2017
Algarve Accommodation Guide

Hotels

Casabela Hotel ****
Ferragudo
The Casabela Hotel’s favourable location at the estuary of the Arade River affords panoramic views across the water to Portimão and along the coast. The picturesque fishing town of Ferragudo and a number of beaches are within easy reach. Facilities include a heated open-air pool, large gardens, tennis court, snack bar, bar and restaurant.
www.hotel-casabela.com | Tel: 282 490 650

Vale d’Oliveiras Quinta Resort & Spa *****
Estômbar
Opened in 2010, Vale d’Oliveiras is an integrated resort complex located to the west of Carvoeiro, close to the Pestana golf Courses. The 5-star hotel operation of the resort offers 22 well-equipped rooms plus 80 self-catering apartments. Facilities include a health club with a heated indoor pool, a spa and an impressive outdoor pool area alongside an artificial lake, and the Olive Tree restaurant is certainly worthy of mention.
www.valedoliveirasresort.com | Tel: 282 380 560

Água Hotels Vale da Lapa *****
Carvoeiro
Located close to Carvoeiro, this five-star resort features modern Mediterranean architecture and exclusive facilities such as a spa, restaurant, padel and tennis courts, putting green, an Astroturf multi-games area, a running track and indoor and outdoor pebble pools. The fully equipped 85 suites and villas are surrounded by lush gardens, several ponds and a running creek that complement the resort’s ocean views.
www.aguahotels.pt | Tel: 282 380 222

Monte Santo *****
Carvoeiro
Within walking distance of central Carvoeiro, Monte Santo enjoys a peaceful location amongst lush landscaped gardens. The self-catering resort offers spacious and beautifully furnished apartments and townhouses with large terraces, alongside six outdoor swimming pools, an indoor heated pool with Jacuzzis, Turkish bath, sauna and gym, and its own Spa Suite Express offering monthly spa promotions and relaxing massages. The main clubhouse offers a restaurant and lounge bar.
www.montesantoalgarve.com | Tel: 282 321 000

Mirachoro Praia ****
Carvoeiro
This hotel enjoys a central position in Carvoeiro, 600 metres from the beach and near to Vale Centianes beach. Facilities include a restaurant, cocktail bar, outdoor pool, heated indoor pool, sauna, Jacuzzi and a garden with palm and coconut trees. The accommodation comprises 110 rooms, 20 junior suites and two senior suites, all equipped with mini-bar, air-conditioning, telephone, satellite TV, safe and balcony.
www.mirachorohotels.com | Tel: 282 350 160

Tivoli Carvoeiro *****
Carvoeiro
Located within easy walking distance of Carvoeiro town centre and with various beaches nearby. Facilities include the Tivoli Spa for massage and beauty treatments, a massive SkyBar, where you can enjoy a refreshing drink along with the stunning sea-view, and a fitness centre.
www.tivolihotels.com | Tel: 282 351 100

Hotel Baía Cristal ****
Carvoeiro
This 121-bedroom hotel enjoys a clifftop location just 300 metres from the beach. Most of the rooms have ocean views and are equipped with direct telephone, air-conditioning, kitchenettes, satellite TV and have a terrace or balcony. Facilities include a restaurant, bar with live entertainment, pool bar, gym, sauna, Jacuzzi, Turkish bath and games room. There is a courtesy bus service to Carvoeiro 1,500 metres away.
www.hotelbaiacristal.com | Tel: 282 358 601

Vale d’El Rei Suite & Village Resort ****
Vale del Rei
In a peaceful country setting just a few minutes’ drive from Lagoa and within easy reach of the beautiful Praia da Marinha beach, the resort offers a choice of suites in the main hotel building and self-catering townhouses set in clusters in the gardens. Facilities include a tennis court and a well-equipped beauty spa featuring massage rooms, sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi. There are two outdoor pools (one heated) and a restaurant on site.
Facebook: Vale d’El Rei
Tel: 282 380 120

Colina dos Mouros ***
Silves
Located on the outskirts of Silves, just a few minutes’ walking distance from the town centre, this 57-room hotel is set in attractive gardens with fine views to Silves’ famous castle. Facilities include pools for adults and children, and two restaurants. The rooms are air-conditioned with satellite TV.
www.colinahotels.com | Tel: 282 440 420

Casa Bela Moura ****
Armação de Pêra
With just 14 individually decorated rooms across two traditional buildings, this boutique hotel, located between Porches and Armação de Pêra, combines comfort, charm and tradition. Featuring all mod-cons alongside personal touches, such as free use of bicycles, use of local produce and weekly wine tastings, the hotel has a lounge, bar, an outdoor swimming pool and Jacuzzi heated all year round, and various sun terraces.
www.casabelamoura.com | Tel: 282 313 422

Blue & GreenVilalara Resort *****
Armação de Pêra
Vilalara features one of the world’s finest thalassotherapy centres and an extensive range of complementary facilities and treatments for health, beauty and wellbeing. There are diet and gastronomic restaurants, three tennis courts and one for padel, four outdoor seawater swimming pools (one heated in winter) and one freshwater pool. Accommodation is in suites or apartments.
www.vilalararesort.com | Tel: 282 320 000

Vila Vita Parc *****
Armação de Pêra
Vila Vita Parc is an exclusive clifftop resort. Facilities include watersports on the beach, créche, kids and teen club, indoor and outdoor pools, floodlit tennis courts, a 9-hole pitch & putt golf course with driving range and the Vila Vita Vital centre for health, beauty and natural medicinal therapies. There is an impressive selection of bars and restaurants, including the two Michelin-star Ocean restaurant. Guests can also make use of the resort’s own yacht.
www.vilavitaparc.com | Tel: 282 310 100

Holiday Inn Algarve ****
Armação de Pêra
Formerly the Hotel Garbe, this seafront 4-star hotel is located just a few steps from the beach in Armação de Pêra. With 185 rooms, including executive rooms and suites with sea or promenade views, an outdoor pool (heated when necessary) and an on-site gym and beauty salon, the Holiday Inn Algarve also has a number of bars, a cocktail lounge and two restaurants, the Pôr do Sol and the popular Indian restaurant Raj.
www.crimsonhotels.com | Tel: 282 320 260

Self-catering resorts

The resorts listed below offer villas and apartments for holiday rentals and, in some cases, also have properties available for sale.

Amendoeira Golf Resort
Alcantarilha
Aimed at both golfers and families, this 4-star resort provides a central base for exploring the Algarve, with modern one and two-bedroom apartments, three, four and five-bedroom villas with private pools. The clubhouse restaurant overlooks the two championship golf courses and the Amendoeira Sports Club offers a wide range of recreational sports, including football, beach volleyball, tennis and a gymnasium.
www.amendoeiraresort.com | Tel: 289 320 820

Suites Alba Resort & Spa
Praia de Albandeira
This upmarket resort enjoys a peaceful and spectacular clifftop setting close to the beautiful Albandeira beach, just a short drive from Carvoeiro, and comprises 47 luxury two bedroom family suites and three premium one bedroom suites. Facilities include a sophisticated health spa offering various treatments, two restaurants with stunning ocean views and a wide range of sporting and leisure activities on site and nearby. The resort also has its own wine cellar.
www.suitesalbaresort.com | Tel: 282 380 700

Algarve Clube Atlântico
Carvoeiro
Algarve Clube Atlântico enjoys a peaceful clifftop location beyond the Alfanzina lighthouse about 4.5km east of Carvoeiro and comprises 65 luxury villas and 25 townhouses, a selection of which are available for holiday rental and most commanding exhilarating views of the coastline. Facilities include reception, restaurant, swimming pool, children’s playground, mini-golf and two tennis courts a 5-minute walk away. The resort overlooks Praia do Carvalho, one of the Algarve’s most beautiful and secluded beaches.
www.carvoeirovillas.com | Tel: 282 358 850

Rocha Brava
Carvoeiro
Located on the clifftops 3km east of Carvoeiro, this well-established resort nestles within pleasant gardens and offers a wide selection of well-furnished and equipped apartments and villas for rental, many with magnificent ocean views. There is a wide range of sporting and leisure facilities on site including four tennis courts, three swimming pools, children’s playground, restaurants and bars, a supermarket, fitness centre, beauty salon and 24-hour reception area. Free transport to Carvoeiro.
www.rochabrava.com | Tel: 282 350 370

Pestana Palm Gardens
Carvoeiro
Palm Gardens is located on a rocky plateau overlooking the ocean just 2km east of the village and offers wonderful scenery and walks. There are 79 well-appointed apartments and townhouses, many with ocean views, ranging from studios, suites, one and two bedrooms, set in lush gardens with an abundance of palm trees. Facilities include a restaurant and pool bar, a large heated pool and children’s pool and tennis court. Golf discounts are available at the nearby two courses of Pestana Golf & Resort.
www.pestana.com | Tel: 282 350 200

Colina Village
Carvoeiro
Colina Village is located between Carvoeiro and Lagoa within easy reach of beaches and all other attractions. The resort comprises 73 traditional style apartments with 1, 2 or 3 bedrooms all featuring satellite TV, telephone, fireplace and safe. The kitchens are totally equipped with microwaves, fridge, cooker and oven. On-site facilities include 24-hour reception, bars, restaurant, indoor and outdoor pools, mini-market, playground, tennis and table tennis.
www.colinahotels.com | Tel: 282 342 483

Algar Seco Parque
Carvoeiro
Set right on the cliffs of Algar Seco and affording stunning views over the Atlantic, this small resort in Carvoeiro offers bungalows, apartments and villas with sea views, decorated in a traditional style to offer guests a taste of Portugal. With a large pool, a heated pool and children’s pool surrounded by a large terrace, the resort also has a poolside and restaurant.
www.algarseco.com | Tel: 282 350 400

Monte Dourado
Carvoeiro
Monte Dourado enjoys a privileged position overlooking Carvoeiro beach and is strolling distance from the village. The resort consists of 109 self-catering apartments all equipped with satellite TV, telephone, radio, washing machine, kitchen facilities and daily maid service. There is a choice of five swimming pools and two tennis courts, with three fine golf courses a 10-minute drive away.
www.carvoeirovillas.com | Tel: 282 351 600

Monte Carvoeiro
Carvoeiro
Designed in the style of a typical southern Portuguese village, Monte Carvoeiro enjoys a picturesque location with panoramic sea views a short walk from Carvoeiro village. The focal point of the development is a peaceful square with a fountain surrounded by a choice of restaurants. Accommodation consists of 66 apartments, townhouses and villas, many of which are available for rental. Resort facilities include swimming pools, corner shop and medical clinic, and guests can enjoy discounts at the two local golf courses.
www.carvoeirovillas.com | Tel: 282 350 800

Quinta do Paraiso
Carvoeiro
A well-established villa resort set in beautiful mature gardens ideal for families. On-site facilities include three swimming pools, restaurants and a supermarket. There is a comprehensive range of activities for adults and children, such as scuba diving, tennis and volleyball, and evening entertainment ranges from dinner shows to live music. There is a free bus shuttle service to Carvoeiro, just one km away.
www.carvoeirovillas.com | Tel: 282 350 120

Carvoeiro Clube
Carvoeiro
One of the Algarve’s most celebrated tourist resorts, Carvoeiro Clube was established in the early 1970s and consists of 120 luxury villas set in cultivated gardens and all with private pools. The club enjoys an idyllic clifftop location a short drive from Carvoeiro, and some of the villas have breathtaking ocean views. The beaches of Praia do Paraiso and Carvoeiro are a 15-minute stroll away. The resort boasts an excellent tennis club and fitness centre and nearby is the Pestana Golf & Resort.
www.carvoeirovillas.com | Tel: 282 350 800

Presa da Moura
Sesmarias
Presa de Moura is a luxury resort of villas, townhouses and penthouse apartments located between Carvoeiro and Ferragudo on an elevated site with exhilarating ocean views. The resort offers a high standard of rental accommodation. Facilities include swimming pools for adults and children, a children’s play area, gym, steam room and Jacuzzi. On site is a fine-dining restaurant serving Belgian/French cuisine and is situated in the reception area.
www.carvoeirovillas.com | Tel: 282 380 000

Colina da Lapa
Sesmarias
Colina da Lapa is conveniently located between Carvoeiro and Ferragudo. The Vale da Pinta and Gramacho golf courses are just a few minutes away, as are excellent beaches such as Caneiros and Pintadinho. The resort comprises 70 apartments with one or two bedrooms featuring satellite TV, telephone, fireplace, air-conditioning, a safe, and fully equipped kitchens. On-site facilities include 24-hour reception, bars, restaurant, pools for adults and children, mini-market, playground, tennis and table tennis.
www.colinahotels.com | Tel: 282 340 470

Pestana Golf & Resort
Estômbar
The resort boasts two excellent courses, Gramacho and Vale da Pinta, set in undulating terrain and located about 4km west of Carvoeiro in the direction of Sesmarias. The resort comprises a total of 216 luxury villas and apartments, some of them overlooking the greens. A wide selection of villas, townhouses and apartments along with the Residences are available for rental. Facilities for guests include two clubhouses, reception, pro shops, bars and restaurants. The Carvoeiro Clube de Ténis and fitness centre are a short distance away.
www.pestanagolf.com | Tel: 282 340 900

Quinta dos Vales
Estômbar
Located in Estombar and nestled within the well-known Quinta dos Vales winery, the estate is also home to a total of 44 bedrooms spread throughout five accommodation units. Three swimming pools plus a smaller plunge pool are available to guests, as well as animal and sculpture parks, a barbecue area and lunch and dinner for groups of eight or more is available on request.
www.quintadosvales.eu | Tel: 282 431 036

Caneiros Luxury House and Suites
Praia dos Caneiros
Formerly known as Casa Rei das Praias, the newly refurbished hotel can be found just a short walk from Caneiros beach. Now comprising 18 rooms and suites, the hotel’s new design is modern and chic, with cool tones and an increased focus on guest comfort. There is also a small spa with a couples’ massage room, indoor active pool and sauna, as well as a new rooftop bar.
www.caneiroslhs.com | Tel: 282 491 416

May 13, 2015