The Algarve is a haven for an eclectic mix of wildlife species, many of which are sadly waning in numbers.
The Algarve makes an ideal stopping point for migratory birds during the winter months. Storks are a common sight and often build their nests on church bell towers, chimneys, and other high buildings in town. The Parque Natural da Ria Formosa is considered the most important wildlife sanctuary in the Algarve. This natural reserve stretches along 40 miles and its rich ecosystem is ideal for the development of varied flora and fauna. The Ria Formosa lagoon was created by the last great earthquake in 1755 and has been a nature reserve since the mid-eighties, where sea water birds can find protected breeding places. Its lagoons, marshes, channels and islets are abundant in shellfish such as cockles, clams and oysters, and shelter a variety of birds such as flamingos, the cattle egret, white stork, oyster catchers, ibis, and cranes, to name but a few. Another nature reserve is that of Castro Marim, covering over 5 acres of land. The biggest attraction here is the large number of birds, especially aquatic birds. There are 153 species to spot including storks, avocets, sand pipers, mallards, and flamingos. This reserve is also home to many species of mollusc, fish, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals. A visitors’ centre at Cerro da Rocha provides literature and guided visits.
The Portuguese water dog has long been associated with the Algarve and is now a regular character in the Ria Formosa National Park. The breed was long ago used by fishermen to work on the boats and was treated as much a part of the crew as the men, earning the right to their fair share of the catch. Renowned for its ability to swim, dive, and retrieve, they were used to herd fish, retrieve nets, and relay messages between the boats. This dog is highly intelligent and possesses incredible swimming and diving techniques, magninfied by its characteristic webbed feet. It also has the ability to detect sharks by staring into the water. As the number of working boats began to dwindle due to modern fishing techniques, so did the need for the water dog. Whilst this creature can still be found in the Algarve as a pet or working dog, it is still recognised as a rare breed. The kennel in the Ria Formosa Natural Park, near Olhão, specialises in this breed and gives visitors the opportunity to see and stroke the dogs, talk to their handlers, and learn more about the breed.
The Iberian Lynx, the most endangered of the world’s 36 cat breeds, teeters on the edge of extinction. This cat is just over twice the size of a domestic cat but with longer legs. They have distinctive bob tails and tufts on the ear tips. An average adult can weigh up to 15kgs. Their ideal habitat is a mixture of mature Mediterranean scrub and forest, and open meadows in which to hunt. To avert the tragedy of extinction, the conservation organisation ‘SOS Lynx’ has been formed.
The Dolphin is a natural visitor to the shores of the Algarve. Dolphin watching boat trips provide visitors the chance to see the dolphin in its natural environment. Several companies run these trips from the marinas of Lagos and Portimão and Alvor Harbour.
Take the opportunity to appreciate the natural wildlife of the Algarve whilst you are here on holiday. After all, there is more to know of the Algarve than simply lying on one of its beautiful beaches.
When buying a property in Portugal, it is worth contacting a Portuguese bank with regards to mortgages available as they can often offer superior rates or conditions than that offered by your current bank.
We would recommend that you contact an independent mortgage adviser in order that they can establish your particular requirements and find the best deal for you. We currently recommend such a company here who are based in Almancil although they are happy to meet you in any area of the Algarve. They do not charge a fee for their services and by contacting them you will not have to navigate your way around the banking system if you have limited Portuguese. They work independently and are able to offer a great range of mortgage and investment products through a number of well known financial institutions here in Portugal. As well as mortgage advice, they are able to offer a range of services such as investment advice, home, car and life insurance and foreign exchange transfers.
General documentation required to apply for a mortgage in Portugal is listed below.
• Portuguese tax number (the company can arrange this for a small fee) • Copy of ID card or passport • Last 6 months of bank statements (current and savings) • Birth certificate • Last years tax return (P60)
Further documentation will be required with regards to your current employment status. Mortgages for non residents are offered up to 80% loan to value. The borrowing level is based on the house valuation and not the purchase price.
Please contact us if you would like more information and we would be pleased to ask a representative to contact you to discuss your requirements further. You can email us on gatehouse@sapo.pt or call on our UK number 01480 477773. This will divert free of charge to our office in the Algarve.
Before you visit the Algarve to view properties, you may wish to find out exactly how much you have to spend on a house in the sun! By using a currency company you may save money as they are often able to offer superior rates compared to your bank and will not charge a transfer fee. You can also keep in touch with the ever-fluctuating market to ensure you purchase your currency at the right time.
We can put you in touch with a currency company who can offer the following
• Competitive interest rates • Free currency transfers • Offices in the Algarve and UK • 24 hour -7 day client services department • Your own currency dealer in the UK • Opening of foreign bank accounts • Regular payments • Fixed rated for up to 2 years
Please let us know if you would like to receive an information pack and/or for a representative to contact you. You can email us at gatehouse@sapo.pt or call our UK number which will divert free of charge to our office in the Algarve on 01480 477773
You can use the currency converter on the top to get an idea of what your money is worth today.
‘The Savannahs’ is a wonderfully exclusive village providing a peaceful secure environment for people that appreciate tranquility, glorious surroundings, and the idea of living amongst peers from generations that they are familiar with and understand. The village is only available to people over 55 years of age, thus creating a unique environment and atmosphere. It is located in Almancil, just a short drive from shops, restaurants, the beach, and the renowned golf courses of Vale do Lobo and Quinta do Lago.
The Savannahs will consist of 250 residences – townhouses and apartments; a piazza with a small supermarket, local shops, and boutiques; a clubhouse with function rooms for get-togethers and club activities; bar and restaurants; leisure facilities such as indoor and outdoor pools, putting course, tennis and bowls; guest accommodation suites; a business centre; spa and medical facilities; and a nursing home.
The village is set in small clusters of houses along a one way street that meanders through the village, accessed by the sole security gated entrance. A multi-denominational chapel will be located near to the heart of the village. Each of the generously appointed properties will have a private terrace or roof terrace looking onto the glorious gardens designed by Charlie Dimmock. The walkways that wind through the village, linking residences, gardens, and village centre, will be illuminated at night and will be suitable for the journey of electric buggies and wheelchairs. Each property will have a private covered parking space.
Community fees will cover communal insurance, repairs, decoration, gardening, and cleaning etc. When required, meals, medical care, and home nursing will also be available.
The market town of Monchique lies in the saddle created by the two mills Foia and Picota; the former being the highest peak in the Algarve, measuring 902m above sea level. Overlooking the town is a neglected 17th century Franciscan monastery from where one can enjoy a panoramic view over glorious countryside. The 10,000 inhabitants of this town have retained its rustic atmosphere with steep cobbled streets and small traditional buildings housing various artisan trades. The town and its surrounding areas depend on the products grown or handmade in the surrounding hills, especially timber, cork, smoked ham, honey, aguardente and medronho liquors, basketwork, leather goods, woollen sweaters, and the renowned Monchique chairs.
The village of Caldas de Monchique lies just below Monchique in a wooded ravine which resounds in early summer to the song of nightingales. It was well developed in Roman times as a spa. Even today one can sample the curing elements of the sulphur smelling hot spring water that emerges at a constant temperature of 32 degrees centigrade. Locals continue to benefit from various water therapy treatments for rheumatism, back pains, and respiratory and muscular complaints.
There are 2 further hot spring sites, one to the south of Picota hidden in a valley. It is called Fonte Santa and is rumoured to have special healing effects. Some people make annual visits to this spring and in its history there have been recorded visits by the king of Portugal and the King of Italy.
Villa Termal das Caldas de Monchique Spa Resort, amongst the green hills and blue skies, is formed of hotels in restored historical buildings, thermal water outdoor swimming pool thermal spa, restaurants, wine bar, and shops. This place of leisure and relaxation offers all year round a variety of well-being programmes, thermal treatments, and golf and spa programmes. The nature and the clean air of the hills make Caldas de Monchique the ideal stage for outdoor activities such as walking, hiking, and off road biking. For more information go to their website via our directory at http://www.gatehouseinternational.co.uk/dir/portugal/
Renting villas and apartments has become an extremely popular way to holiday in the Algarve, given the advantages this has over hotel accommodation. There are properties that sleep from 2 right up to 12, sometimes more, covering east to west, featuring either private gardens with pools, or complexes with communal gardens and pools. Alternately many people choose to rent a villa in the Algarve to stay in whilst they are looking for their ideal property to buy. This can make their search a lot easier as it can reduce flights to and from the U.K every time they find a property to view, or need to see their lawyer or bank manager here in Portugal. Villa rentals can be long or short term and can generally be found in whatever area of the Algarve is required.
At Brisa Vilas you will find a wide range of apartments and villas to choose from, stretching from central Algarve to the East, in areas such as Albufeira, Vilamoura, Estoi, Olhão, Moncarapacho, Fuzeta, and Tavira; all within reach of Faro airport. The properties also are in a mix of locations, such as near to the beach or golf, out in the country away from it all, or within reach of local amenities. Wherever you go in the Algarve you can’t be too far away from all of the above. The Brisa Vilas properties start with one bedroom apartments and increase in size to villas that sleep ten people. For further information of their services and details of the properties, go to their website via our directory http://www.gatehouseinternational.co.uk/dir/portugal/
Another reputable firm renting out properties for long or short term lets is Algarve Budget Service. They have a range of properties available to rent, and provide the usual services such as maids, pool and garden maintenance, and a linen service. For more information, go to their website via our directory at : http://www.gatehouseinternational.co.uk/dir/portugal/
If you are considering buying property abroad and would like to rent a property as a trial run, to be sure you are looking in the right areas, visit the websites of the above companies and consider a stay in one of their available properties.
The Portuguese have long been a maritime nation and the sea is in the blood of the Algarveans. For such a compact area of land, it enjoys a vast expanse of coastline. The climate and gentle waters of the Algarve ensure a pleasant voyage along its 150 kms of coastline, and the marinas and ports provide safe harbour and excellent facilities.
There are currently 5 marinas in the Algarve, all enjoying facilities such as restaurants and bars, and 3 future constructions in the pipeline including one in Ferragudo, one in Olhao and a second marina in Vilamoura.
VILAMOURA MARINA was the first in the Algarve. It features a working shipyard but is generally known as a vibrant, sparkling hub of entertainment within the tourist resort of Vilamoura. This marina is popular with local residents, tourists from over seas, and Portuguese holiday makers from outside the Algarve. It boasts many restaurants and a sprinkling of bars, including the bar owned by the Portuguese footballer Figo which has a football theme and shows all the big football matches on large screens. Vilamoura is also home to a marina and a nightclub, both open until the early hours, and many shops, and enjoys a lively, bustling atmosphere.
ALBUFEIRA MARINA is a recent addition to the directory of marinas in the Algarve. Once seen, never forgotten, this marina is of a unique design involving an unusual use of pastel shades for the residences that line the bowl of the marina. Visitors can enjoy a few bars and restaurants but the marina is gradually building up its range of tenants so a more eclectic mix can be expected in the future. The marina is a stone’s throw from the bustling tourist town of Albufeira where you will find all the normal facilities associated with tourism, but if you look hard enough, some traces of the quaintness of the older Albufeira remain.
LAGOS MARINA has received many awards over the years and is currently titled a ‘5 Anchor Award’ marina. Within the marina you will find lots of residential, commercial, and leisure facilities, including health clubs, swimming pools, and adventure parks. The historical town of Lagos played an active part in creating the history of the world. It was from this port that the ‘caravelas’ of Prince Henry sailed to discover parts of our present world. The town has maintained a lot of its architectural charm and this, coupled with its popularity with the tourists, makes it a good location for food, drink, and entertainment.
PORTIMÃO MARINA, a neighbour of Lagos, features some 300 apartments, plenty of shops, a reserved beach, boating facilities with a shipyard, and a huge swimming complex. It is within walking distance of the beach of Praia da Rocha and the town of Portimão – a commercial area once known for its fish canning industry. The advantageous position of this marina provides excellent opportunities for wind surfing.
VILA REAL DE SANTO ANTONIA MARINA was opened in 1998. The port town itself was rebuilt in 1755 after a disastrous earthquake destroyed its previous buildings. Across the Guadiana River - which offers a tempting cruise - is the Spanish town of Ayamonte. This area also offers the opportunity to explore the Ria Formosa Natural Park. With many rare species of flora and fauna, this park covers some 60 kms of coastline and is home to rare breeds such as the Portuguese water dog.
Whether you are a boat lover or simply appreciate historical towns or modern nightlife, you are bound to find a marina on the Algarve where you can feel at home.
The Algarve is ideal land for all manner of outdoor sports and activities. The more popular of these include walking and hiking, and cycling and mountain biking. This hilly terrain was almost designed for these activities and because of this it is easy to find many companies providing activity holidays, and many stores providing the necessary equipment, be it for sale or hire, such as ‘Megasport’, the bicycle store for rentals and sales. www.megasport.pt. The teams will provide details of imminent events such as the Lisbon off road marathon. They can help with race applications, bike and equipment hire, and bicycles and equipment on sale. They will also carry out any repairs or services required. Megasport have three stores in the Algarve, all fairly centrally located in Faro, Loulé, and Albufeira.
Created especially for lovers of nature and outdoor activities, the ‘Algarve Way’ is a long-distance footpath that runs from the Spanish border at Alcoutim on the Guadiana River to Cabo São Vicente, at the point where Portugal’s southern and western coasts meet. This is not the first attempt at an east-west walking route across the Algarve. A full Algarve Way was established in 1998 covering 243kms, and a slightly modified version of this can be traversed on horseback.
The hills of Monchique provide an excellent setting for hiking and mountain biking. Home to ‘Fóia’, the highest peak in the Algarve reaching 902m, these hills have been renowned since Roman times for their springs with therapeutic qualities. This thickly wooded mountain range divides the Algarve from the region of the Alentejo. The view from Fóia is fantastic and on a clear day reaches as far as Cabo São Vicente in the west and almost as far east as Lisbon. Unfortunately the landscape at Fóia itself has been somewhat blighted by an array of military communications aerials, but nothing can spoil the distant views and the long climb to the top is truly worthwhile.
Wherever you are in the Algarve, you are never far from the opportunity to take to the hills and fall in love with the wild and rugged nature of this truly wonderful region.
CABANAS: An excellent rental investment within walking distance to the waterfront and ferries to the beach. Currently under construction, this private condominium of 1 and 2 bedroom apartments is in a prime location just 100m from the waterfront and the fishing village of Cabanas. The apartments come with air conditioning, fully fitted kitchens, fitted wardrobes in the bedrooms, ample terrace areas, and underground parking. The complex is built around a tropical garden area which incorporates 2 private swimming pools. Some limited off plan properties are available.
BENAGIL: This unique development of 49 x 2 bedroom townhouses is in a prime cliff top location in this small but beautiful fishing village. Specifications include fully equipped kitchens with Zanussi appliances, double glazing, security entrance door with intercom, pre-installation for air conditioning, and an electric safe. The development has a communal swimming pool, parking, and automatic irrigation, and each townhouse benefits from a spacious roof terrace with sea views.
CARVOEIRO: This development consists of 80 x 2 bedroom townhouses in a great cliff top location close to the centre of Carvoeiro. The houses are sold fully furnished and with air conditioning, satellite T.V, and fitted kitchens, and many enjoy sea views. Facilities include tennis courts, communal swimming pool, gymnasium, health club, restaurant, and discounts on nearby golf courses. Quarter share options are available from just €49,500.
LAGOS: This luxury 5 star spa and beach resort is situated between Lagos and Praia da Luz, overlooking the picturesque Porto de Mós beach. The development comprises 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments and penthouses, spa bedroom suites, and 2 bedroom townhouses, the majority with sea views. All are surrounded by beautiful secluded landscaped gardens with a bar and restaurant. The leisure facilities include a 5 star health and beauty spa, hydrotherapy pool, sauna and steam rooms, gymnasium, aerobics studio, 1 indoor and 4 outdoor swimming pools, and 2 tennis courts.
LAGOS: This new development can be found just a few steps away from the town walls of Lagos and its historical centre, with breathtaking views of Lagos's natural bay and sandy beaches. The development features a commercial zone, swimming pool, private parking and ample green spaces. The apartment comes with fully fitted kitchens, pre installation for air conditioning and with high quality wood finishings.
LAGOS: This private electric-gated condominium consisting of only 15 apartments is in an amazing location, just 100 metres from the beach. The heart of the apartments - the kitchen and living room - was designed in an open plan style and exudes space and light. The contemporary fixtures and fittings are of a very high standard with feature doors and furnishings. The 'pièce de résistance' of these apartments is a most beautiful communal roof top terrace, complete with heated swimming pool. The views are simply stunning - the longest stretch of beach in the Algarve, Meia Praia, over to the Monchique Mountains, and along the coast to Alvor and Portimão. The apartments also feature: elevator, satellite T.V, air conditioning, luxury kitchen with appliances, double glazing, electric shutters, and pre-installation for central heating, central vacuum system, and surround sound system.
PRAIA DA LUZ: Close to the heart of Praia da Luz and less than 200 metres from the beach, this complex comprises luxury studio apartments and 1 & 2 bedroom apartments. All the apartments are fully equipped with under floor heating, satellite TV, and a central vacuum system. The underground parking comes with a large amount of storage space. Leisure facilities include gymnasium, aerobics studio, indoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, café, bar, and restaurant. There is a poolside snack bar, a multi purpose sports area for tennis, basket ball and football, a playground, and outdoor swimming pools for both adult and children.
BURGAU: This brand new development of apartments with high quality finishings is ideally situated in the small fishing village of Burgau, just minutes away from the small bay and cafés and restaurants. The apartments benefit from private parking, a communal swimming pool, and some have sea views. Additional features include air conditioning, double glazing, and pre-installation of central vacuum system and surround sound system.
The Alentejo region of Portugal extends from the unspoilt beaches of the West coast over plains, through vineyards and cork oak forests, and on to the rugged hills of the Spanish border. To the South it is bordered by the Algarve and to the North by the River Tagus. The region is split into 5 sub-regions and has Évora as its capital city. The Alentejo is a region of vast open countryside with undulating plains and rich fertile soil. The North Western parts consist of fertile grasslands while further south the landscape becomes warmer and flatter; the vast plains become less inhabited and sunnier with the only shade being provided by the olive and oak trees. The coastline to the South West offers the magnificent Atlantic beaches on the Costa Azul. With very few exceptions, all the major towns are mainly reliant on agriculture, livestock, and wood. The region produces several types of typical cheeses, wines, and smoked ham and sausages. Marble, granite, cork, olive oil, and mining industries are other important activities in the region.
Vila Nova de Milfontes is a parish in the municipality of Odemira, on the West coast of the Alentejo. The name translates as ‘New Town of a Thousand Springs’, which led to the village being known as ‘3 lies village’, as it is old, is a village rather than a town, and has no springs! The village dates from the year 1468. It was frequently attacked by pirates so a fortress was built in 1602, which still stands today. The current population is 5,000 and the sleepy village finds itself in great demand during holidays due to its fine beaches with clear water and its natural beauty. The surrounding areas offer ecological tourism, paragliding, a small safari park, and beautiful country walks featuring waterfalls. Vila Nova de Milfontes is also home to a beautiful estuary that gives shelter to several species of birds and marine life, and wild boar and foxes reside in the surrounding woods.
This stunning region is easily accessible from the Algarve and from Lisbon, and has plenty to offer to visitors on holiday or just passing through.
Tennis is the third most practiced sport in Portugal, with active clubs in all major cities and most of the towns. The country is blessed with a climate that allows the player to be on court almost every day, all year round. For Portugal, the centre of this sport is the Estoril Tennis Club. Other important centres are found in Porto, Coimbra, Évora, and the Algarve. Along the length of the Algarve coast the visitor will find a number of enthusiastic tennis clubs with professional multilingual coaches. These clubs provide all levels of coaching to all ages. Some offer a variety of special packages that include accommodation and coaching. Two well-known clubs of the Algarve are discussed below.
Carvoeiro Clube de Ténis is one of the biggest and certainly the most active tennis clubs for residents and visiting tennis players in the Algarve. The club provides tennis holidays, tennis camps, prize money tournaments, social tennis, and partner service. A large modern equipped gym is also available, 6 days a week with professional instructors for all your fitness requirements. You can also enjoy a dip in the tennis racket-shaped swimming pool and a drink or light meal on the club terrace surrounded by Bougainvillea and palm trees.
Situated in the heart of the exclusive Vale do Lobo resort is the Vale do Lobo Tennis Academy, one of the finest facilities of its kind in Europe. The 14 hard courts are set in a pine clad amphitheatre overlooked by the superb clubhouse. It is difficult to find a more relaxing and picturesque setting to enjoy a game of tennis. The clubhouse features a pro shop, café/bar, fitness gymnasium, sauna, steam, massage room, and children’s fun club with pool table, table football, and video games. The swimming pool surrounded by terraces and sun loungers is a perfect venue for enjoying an after-match drink. Various coaching courses are available throughout the year for adults and juniors of all standards, tutored by multi-lingual coaches. The tennis academy has hosted a number of major tournaments in the past and attracts a range of top stars to compete in its annual ATP Senior’s Grand Champion’s Event, including Bjorn Borg, Jannick Noah, and John McEnroe.
Wherever you are in the Algarve, you won’t find it difficult to track down a court to enjoy this incredibly popular sport.
This city is the capital city and largest city of Portugal, situated on the Atlantic Ocean Coast where the River Tagus joins the ocean. In 1755 large areas of Lisbon were destroyed by a disastrous earthquake. However, a lot of Lisbon’s historical monuments survived and are still accessible to sightseers today.
Lisbon has played a very important role in ancient and modern history, one being the centre point of the Carnation Revolution. In 1994 Lisbon was nominated the European Capital of Culture, and in 1998 acted as host for the ‘Expo ‘98’ exhibition.
Transportation in Lisbon is far more charming than in most cities. Much of this is owed to its geography – most of Lisbon is built on its ‘seven hills’, providing views of windy hilly back streets from the tram windows. The metro is Lisbon’s main artery; running concurrently are bus, train, tram, and funicular services. No visit to Lisbon is complete without a ride on the 1930s trams.
The city is divided by the River Tagus with the two sides connected by two important bridges:
*25 de Abril – This bridge was originally inaugurated as ‘Ponte Salazaar’ in 1966 and later renamed after the date of the Carnation Revolution. At the time of construction, it was the longest suspension bridge in Europe.
*Vasco da Gama – This bridge was inaugurated in 1998 and, at 17.2km/10.7 miles long, is the longest bridge in Europe.
Ferries also run a regular crossing service for commuters. Lisbon also has an airport that lies within city limits and serves Europe, Africa, and America.
As one crosses the river one should glance to the south shore and, high up on the hill of Almada, stands ‘Christ the King’. This impressive monument resembles that of Rio de Janeiro, Christ with arms outstretched. It was built to give thanks for Portugal having been spared the horrors and destruction of World War II, in which it remained neutral.
Amongst the most popular of the wonderful attractions of Lisbon is the historic neighbourhood of Belém. Here stands the Monastery of Jeronimo, built in 1501, and the nearby Belém Tower. The Bairro Alto is a residential, shopping, and entertainment district in central Lisbon that is the heart of the capital’s nightlife. Other must-see attractions include the Castle of São Jorge on top of one of the seven steep hills of Lisbon, and the elevator of Santa Justa – a lift built in Gothic Revival style around 1900 that connects the Baixa and Bairro Alto parts of town.
There are many annual events occurring in Lisbon that are well worth catching. The world famous half marathon takes place in March. In June, 5 days are devoted to street celebrations in memory of a saint born in Lisbon – Santo António. In the summers of 2004 and 2006 Lisbon hosted ‘Rock in Rio’ – the biggest pop-rock festival in the world – and will continue to host it for some years to come.
Lisbon is a wonderful venue for a weekend city break, with bustling streets and buzzing nightlife, and plentiful culture in the form of historical monuments, theatres, music halls. In fact, with so much to see and do, a weekend will never be long enough.
When you think of the Algarve you think of the glorious beaches, the famous golf courses and the wonderful food on offer. Of course there is a lot more to do here than sunbathing, golfing and eating if you have the time or inclination to do so!
If you want to find a nice bottle of wine to accompany your dinner then it is worth taking part in the Cliff Richard vineyard tour. The winery is located in Guia, northwest of Albufeira and produces the Vida Nova wine produced by Cliff Richard. You can experience an exclusive tour of the vineyards and enjoy tasting the wine which is vinified, matured and bottled on the estate.
Just a 10 minute drive from Guia you will find an exciting day out for the children in the form of Zoo Marine- a leisure and entertainment sea- life park. The park has daily shows featuring dolphins, sea lions and tropical birds as well as large aquariums with sharks and all manner of marine life. In addition to its zoological areas the park offers a huge range of facilities for fun and leisure including outdoor swimming pools, fairground rides and eating places.
For the older children head to Almancil Karting for a fun day out for all the family. The track is a replica of the former Brazilian F1 track ‘Jacarapegua’ so it is quite a complex circuit. The Karting is surrounded by a western themed park with large cafeteria, mechanical bull and childrens circuit.
Just 5 minutes drive away in Quarteira is the perfect place to cool off in the ‘Aqua show’ waterpark. The park has Europe’s biggest watercoaster, slides, waves and exotic birds and is open from 1st June until 30th September.
There are various shows and festivals which take place annually in the Algarve and are worth a visit if you happen to be visiting at the right time. The yearly sand festival is a popular choice and usually takes place from May to September and is held in Pera in the Central Algarve. The festival is open every day from 10am until midnight and as well as amazing sand sculptures you will find live music, arts and crafts stalls and food and drink available. It is a good place to visit in the evening when the sculptures are lit up and the DJ is there playing music.
The Olhao seafood festival is not to be missed and usually takes place mid August for 5-6 nights. There is a fantastic atmosphere with a huge range of shellfish available cooked in a traditional manner. The festival is open from 7.30pm until 1.30am and you need to get there early to get a good seat so you can sample some delicious seafood whilst watching the live entertainment which starts around 10pm and has previously featured Boney M and Melanie C. There are also stalls selling regional sweets handicrafts and cakes. The adult entrance fee of 12 euros includes a souvenir ceramic mug, 100g of prawns and one drink.
If you find yourself in the Algarve on New Years Eve then the place to be is the fisherman’s beach in Albufeira which hosts a concert and spectacular fireworks display every year. In 2006 150,000 people converged on the beach to watch Melanie C in concert. Contact the Albufeira Camera (council) for information.
If you are considering buying property abroad, the Algarve has a lot to offer and is an ideal location for your dream home in the sun.
Faro is the capital city of the Algarve and has a population of over 55,000. This historical city lost much of its architecture in the two disastrous earthquakes of 1532 and 1755. Fortunately its Arab and Roman remains survived, as did the old walled city with its 13th century cathedral and roman walls that date back to the 9th century.
The city of Faro offers an eclectic mix of ways for the visitor to spend his or her time. Culturally, aside from the old walled city, there are many museums and churches to visit, including the church of Nossa Senhora do Carmois which houses the macabre spectacle of the chapel lined with the bones of over 1,200 monks.
Faro is the home of the Ria Formosa lagoon, a nature reserve of over 17,000 hectares that is home to myriad birds and the Portuguese Waterdog sanctuary. A visit to this reserve provides the opportunity to witness pink flamingos taking to the air, griffins that rest in the reserve during their migratory journeys and the amazing Portuguese waterdog with its webbed feet and incredible sea diving abilities.
Faro also has its share of beaches. ‘Faro Island’ – a long sandy spit reached by crossing a causeway - is approximately 7 kms from the city. Three other island beaches in the vicinity – Armona, Culatra, and Farol - can be accessed by water taxi or ferry.
This lively bustling city is home to a university, an international airport, a seaport, a marina, a railway station, and complete interregional bus services. Nightlife in Faro is varied. Being a university town, there are countless bars to enjoy a drink in, and the city boasts a large new stadium just outside town that hosts major football matches and music concerts of all genre.
Most tourists only experience Faro by taking in the spectacular sight of the Ria Formosa from the window of the aeroplane; however, it is well worth allocating some of your holiday time to explore this wonderful capital city and all it has to offer.
Burgau is a small fishing village in the west Algarve around one hours drive from Faro airport. It is a peaceful and friendly location with a unique charm that appeals to everyone. Access to the beach can be quite challenging as 2 main cobbled roads leading down to it are quite steep but the journey is well worth it! The beach is sheltered by cliffs and bathing in the sea there can be a real joy. There are lots of good places to eat in Burgau with the beach bar being very popular and in a prime location overlooking the sea. Other restaurants include a pizza restaurant (Casa Padaria Pizzara), D Dinis (they will pick you up and drop you back to your apartment after) and the popular Pigs Head Pub on the main road out of Burgau in the direction of Luz.
Salema is another fishing village just 5-10 minutes drive west of Burgau nestled in a secluded bay surrounded by sun baked ochre cliffs. Salema is an ideal place to relax and unwind with a pristine beach offering superb sunbathing conditions in the summer months and magnificent in winter when the crashing waves refresh the beach. There are a number of eating places in Salema with the Boia Bar being a popular choice with those wanting to relax and take in the magnificent view right on the beach front. The restaurant offers a wide variety of food from breakfast to evening meals and the fresh fish available is superb and includes sardines, bream and sea bass. Salema has a great selection of hotels, apartments, cottages and villas for rent. Private accommodation and rooms are readily available and on offer by the friendly residents. Just ask around the fishing boats at the end of the old village street. If you are looking for the perfect location to buy your dream home in the sun then look no further than these 2 wonderful destinations. Click here for properties for sale in Salema.
The Algarve is renowned for its plentiful crops of figs, cork, carob pods, and almonds.
The fig is delicious when eaten fresh, or with honey or cheese, or in salads and desserts. So as to eat this popular fruit all year round, they are dried and stuffed with almonds, cinnamon, and spices. These dried figs are generally consumed after dinner with a fine port, or even a home made fig liqueur.
The cork oak is an evergreen tree that bears acorns and forms a thick rugged bark. This bark cannot be harvested for the first 25 years of the tree’s life. Successive crops must wait another 10 years between each harvest, this being the time required to grow a new bark. Portugal accounts for 50% of the world’s cork harvest, and protects its trees by making it illegal to cut them down.
The carob tree is also an evergreen and is cultivated for its edible seed pods. The scientific name of the carob derives from the Greek word ‘Keration’; the term ‘Carat’ – the unit by which the weight of diamonds and gold is measured – also derives from ‘Keration’. This alludes to the ancient practice of weighing gold and gem stones against the seeds of the carob tree. Carob pods were the most important source of sugar before cane and beet became widely available. Nowadays, carob is eaten fresh and put in cakes, icing, and cookies. In the Algarve, compotes and liqueurs are made, and desserts that taste somewhat similar to chocolate.
Almond trees grow in abundance across the Algarve but they are not native to the area. The famous legend of the Almond trees tells of a Nordic princess who married an Arab king of the Algarve. In her new dry and dus
