There is so much to love about Lagos
Lagos is one of the best destinations in the western Algarve for a day trip
Ponta da Piedade is the most beautiful natural feature in the Algarve
lesser-known, secret beaches are the most beautiful in the Algarve
Faro, Algarve, Portugal
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Algarve Tourist Magazine is a free, online, and independent guide to the Algarve for those who are planning a holiday in this paradise.
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It seems like the heat will last this month, so fall may be late this year. Let's explore the western part of the Algarve in our monthly issue. Lagos is one of the greatest and most liked towns there since there is so much to love about it. Now we help you find its loveable secrets.
The most beautiful natural feature in the region is located close to Lagos, which is called Ponta da Piedade.
This real beauty can be found by only chartering a small boat from Lagos harbor and navigating around the cliff formations. They’re perfect to escape the crowds. This month we help you find them. The summertime has not ended yet and I am so excited about our September issue full of newer places, flavors and programs for you to explore. And we are still here to help you enjoy the picturesque Algarve!
We highly appreciate that you are part of our story and history.
Editor-in-Chief
is a traditional naturist beach located near Alvor, in the Algarve
Lagos boasts a rich seafaring heritage, pristine beaches, and authentic Portuguese character, which has grown into one of the most popular tourist destinations in southern Portugal. Its ochre rock formations and cliffs sculpted by the wind and the sea are symbolic of the Algarve.
The edge of the continent is found nearby, which ancient Europeans thought to be the end of the world. This coastline’s history and stunning natural beauty, as well as the town’s relaxed atmosphere, guarantee that visitors always leave wanting to return.
Lagos is the ideal holiday destination if you want more than just beautiful beaches and glorious weather for your holiday. The city offers a vibrant nightlife, outstanding restaurants, historical sights, and exciting activities, along with day trips to Silves, Sagres, or Praia da Luz.
Thanks to its popularity, Lagos has mass tourism but still retains its distinctive character and Portuguese charm.
Found along its cobbled streets of whitewashed
buildings are trendy bars and restaurants that sit harmoniously next to traditional Portuguese cafes and family-run shops.
There is a lot to love about Lagos, and the city is a favorite with long-stay residents and remote workers.
The many sights and activities to be found in Lagos make the city one of the best day trip destinations in the western Algarve.
Lagos is a fascinating city that boasts, stunning beaches, a characterful historic center, and buzzing nightlife.
This all combines to form the ideal holiday destination for tourists, who want more than just great beaches and glorious weather for their holiday.
Unlike many other resort towns, Lagos is an important city that is steeped in history, and the variety of historical monuments and buildings reflect this varied past. Fascinating buildings include the beautiful Santo Antonio church, the Mercado dos Escravos (Europe’s first slave market), and the charming 17th-century Bandeira Fort.
A one-day trip could include exploring the historic quarter, a walk along the stunning coastline, and a boat trip around the Ponta da Piedade headland.
Half a day can also be easily spent exploring the historic center with its narrow cobbled streets, traditional houses, and pretty harbor front.
Lagos is one of Portugal's most historic cities. It is the largest city of the western Algarve, with a population of 31,000, which almost doubles in summer with the influx of tourists. Originally a Celtic settlement, Lagos prospered during the Roman occupation and was also a significant Moorish city before becoming part of the Portuguese kingdom in the 13th century.
It played an important role during the Age of Discovery, with Prince Henry the Navigator.
He was responsible for the early days of European exploration and maritime trade. He was also sponsoring an expedition by local explorer Gil Eanes, who ended up being the first to make it past Cape Bojador, in 1434.
This opened the way for other explorers, such as Vasco da Gama, who later found a new maritime route to the East, creating the modern age of global trade.
At first, the trade of the new maritime routes consisted mostly of Asian spices, but as they went down the coast of Africa, the Portuguese navigators also traded slaves and Lagos established the first African slave market in Europe. From Portugal, these <servants= were mostly sent across the Atlantic to the colony of Brazil.
The market where these transactions took place still exists, and has been turned into a small museum,
telling this story and serving as an international center for living memory of human dignity.
A major earthquake in 1755 destroyed much of southern Portugal, including Lagos, so this is now mostly a late-18th-century city. Its churches and other buildings had to be rebuilt or restored, and reflect the baroque style of the time. The greatest monument is the Church of St. Anthony (Igreja de Santo António), with its gold-covered interior from 1769.
The city extends along the Bensafrim River. But the coastal landscape is what makes Lagos such an amazing destination for a beach holiday.
There is the surfing beach of Porto de Mós with its huge Atlantic waves, the idyllic and sheltered beaches within the Ponta da Piedade headland, or the pristine Meia Praia beach that extends for almost 2 km.
For visitors, the city is compact and easily
walkable, with four key areas - the historic quarter, the marina, Porto de Mós, and Meia Praia. The historic quarter is the heart of Lagos and lies to the west of the Bensafrim estuary. The marina complex is the modern side of Lagos, situated to the north of the city.
Porto de Mós is a calm, residential area to the far south of the city, while the sand-swept shoreline of the Meia Praia extends to the east of Lagos and is the location for many of the larger hotel complexes.
Today Lagos is a destination for everyone. Couples, families with children, backpackers, gays, seniors, and active travelers will all find Lagos to be perfectly suited for them. There are beaches for every taste and lifestyle, as well as activities and historic sights for those who like to combine adventure or culture with days at the beach.
The largely pedestrianized Old Town of Lagos is lined with outdoor restaurants and bars open until late. It has a lively nightlife. This isn’t a party town (for that, you’ll want to head to Albufeira instead), but it’s a place to enjoy the warmer summer nights and relax with a few drinks.
Lagos is not a big city, and although it has a considerable number of hotels, everything gets fully booked quite early for the high season. If you’re planning to visit between June and September, make sure you book accommodation well in advance.
Lagos has a wonderful coastline that comprises vast expanses of sand, secluded coves, and picturesque beaches.
Within the Lagos region, there is a beach to satisfy all and ranges from the massive Meia Praia to the surfing waves of Porto de Mós and the beautiful Praia de Dona Ana.
Within walking distance of Lagos are four outstanding beaches, while a short bus ride away is the traditional resort towns of Praia da Luz and Burgau or the Praia da Rocha.
The Praia de Dona Ana beach is a glorious, sandy beach that is considered one of the Algarve's finest. This beautiful beach nestles at the base of golden cliffs, is lapped by turquoise waters and is a magical setting for your day on the beach.
Visitors seeking a cultural holiday will be impressed by the number of historical monuments and the city's genuine Portuguese atmosphere, while younger couples will enjoy its lively nightlife and numerous exciting activities.
Lagos is one of the best destinations in the western Algarve for a day trip. There are sufficient sights to easily fill a day of sightseeing, and a suggested day trip would be to spend the morning exploring the historic center and the afternoon visiting the Ponta da Piedade headland and the beaches.
by Algarve Tourist Magazine
Lagos has excellent public transport connecting it to the surrounding region, and it is very easy to travel to Lagos from the other major towns of the central Algarve.
Lagos has a wide-ranging appeal due to its extensive facilities, activities, natural beauty, and heritage.
Families tend to visit Lagos during the school holidays (July-August) when the region is in glorious hot weather. The summer is hot, with relaxing days on the beach or around the pool, and evenings spent discovering the multitude of bars and restaurants.
Being such a desirable destination, Lagos has a sizable population of remote workers who often work in tech or creative roles. This has resulted in a year-round, young, and vibrant population that loves surfing and embracing local cultures, with an artisan, yoga, and spiritual scene well established within the city.
The rich history of Lagos is reflected by the many sights within its historic quarter, which include the extravagant interior of the Igreja de Santo Antonio, the ancient city walls, and the Forte da Bandeira that once protected the harbor mouth. So,
please remember, that Lagos is not suitable for groups wanting to drink and party excessively. For this, head to the Strip in Albufeira.
Lagos Zoo is a small zoo that is suited for families with younger children. The animals are well cared for, and the selection of animals includes birds, wild cats, and a petting farm for small children. The standout feature is the monkey island which contains many adorable monkeys! The zoo is open all year round. More information can be found on their website: http://www.zoolagos.com/en/
The Praia de Mós beach is 3 km to the southwest of central Lagos and, as faces a southwesterly direction, is exposed to some of the largest waves of the Lagos region. This makes the beach a popular destination for surfing or body boarding and there are surfing schools to master the skills and shops to hire equipment. Mós Beach is connected to Lagos by the local bus network.
If you are tired of all of that eating and sitting around, head to Luso Aventura for a forest adventure of high rope walkways, vertical nets, cobwebs, and monkey bridges that span the forests just to the east of Lagos. On this two-hour 'fearless' course, there are different circuits to challenge both children and adults. For more information see the Luso Aventura website: http://www.parqueaventura.net/en/lagos-en/
It is the Algarve’s premier miniature golf course, offering fun for all ages and real competition for serious golfers. The smaller 9-hole course is ideal for little ones who are just starting out, whereas the full 18-hole championship course has been professionally designed to test even the most experienced golfers. More information can be found on their website: https://www.proputtinggarden.com/
Surrounding Lagos are quiet roads, pretty villages, and a beautiful coastline, all of which are great to explore by bike. One of the best cycling routes is to the peaceful resort town Praia da Luz (8 km from Lagos) or to the sleepy village of Burgau (13 km from Lagos). Bikes can be hired in the town.
There is a series of scenic coastal hiking routes along the western side of the Algarve, and this is a great activity for the winter months. There is an outstanding route that heads west from Ponta da Piedade (or the Porto de Mós) and passes through the villages of Praia da Luz and Burgau. For this 4-hour, well-signed hike it is recommended to catch the local bus to Burgau and walk back to Lagos.
Details of the buses can be found on the 'A Onda' bus company's website: http://aonda.pt/
Departing from the Lagos Marina are an assortment of different boat trips, which include tours of the coastline, dolphin watching, or deep-sea fishing trips. For the more adventurous there are speed boat tours, jet boats, or jet skis. Costs of boat tours vary depending on the style of the tour and the novelty of the boat.
The unique location of Lagos makes it an excellent base for a golf trip. From the town, you have easy access to some of the best golf courses in Portugal, if not Europe.
If you’re looking for something unique, Onyria Palmares Golf Resort is one of the highlights in the area and is ranked within the top 50 golf courses in Europe. The resort offers an experience like no other in the Algarve.
The recently founded Espiche Golf Club also differs from other typical Algarve courses. Set in the stunning Monchique Mountains the golf course offers breathtaking views and a special round that you won't forget.
For those willing to travel a little further you have excellent options in the Penina Championship which has hosted the Portuguese Open on eight occasions, Golfe do Morgado, and Vale da Pinta all within easy access.
Try Portuguese food
Lagos is an ideal location to try local and authentic Portuguese cuisines. Portuguese foods tend to be filling and hearty and Algarve specialties are often based around freshly caught fish or shellfish. One dish to try is Cataplana, a seafood rice stew, that is both cooked and served in a large copper dish that resembles the key ingredient, clams. Cataplana is designed to be shared, with the copper dish being placed in the center of the table. And the locally produced wines are the perfect accompaniment for any meal!
Sagres is at the western edge of the Algarve and is characterized by massive cliffs, raging seas, and windswept landscapes. The power seas and expansive beaches attract surfers from all over Europe, and this has provided Sagres with a trendy vibe. Further along, the coast is the Cabo de São Vicente, the south-westerly tip of mainland Europe, and is a dramatic but barren region with towering cliffs and ceases winds.
The Sagres region is ideal for visitors who appreciate nature's raw power and enjoy outdoor activities, be that surfing hiking, or cycling. There is a regular bus service from Lagos to Sagres.
Ponta da Piedade
The picturesque headland to the south of Lagos is formed of highly weathered limestone cliffs that have been carved into unique formations. This place is a series of beautiful sandstone cliffs, that are considered as the finest natural feature of the western Algarve. This headland to the south of Lagos has been eroded over the millennia by powerful winter storms to form unique cliff formations, which include sea arches, grottos, and smugglers' caves. The Ponta da Piedade can be explored from the pathways that cross the cliffs, but a much more enjoyable approach is to join one of the boat tours that depart from Lagos Marina.
Zoomarine is a wonderful marine park that specializes in dolphins, marine life, and tropical birds. In the park, there is a diverse selection of activities including dolphin shows, aquariums, and a good water park with slides, wave pools, and rapids. The animals of Zoomarine are kept in modern facilities and all are well cared for. The park is ideal for both families and young couples. It is located in the central Algarve but transport can be organized. More information on their website: https://www.zoomarine.pt/en/
This is an amazing waterpark, filled with gravitydefying flumes, near-vertical slides, and colossal rubber ring rides. The waterpark is incredible fun for children, and teenagers (and adults!), and the facilities are safe and well-maintained.
The only downside is the high entrance fees. This waterpark is near the town of Lagoa (25 km away) and there are transfers. Further information can be found on their website: http://www.slidesplash.com/en/
by Algarve Tourist Magazine
Ponta da Piedade is the most beautiful natural feature in the Algarve. The cliffs are scenic when viewed from the landside, but to appreciate the real beauty, charter a small boat from Lagos harbor to navigate around the base of the cliff formations.
A Ponta da Piedade is a headland in the city of Lagos and one of Portugal’s most beautiful sites.
This place is a series of beautiful sandstone cliffs, that are considered as the finest natural feature of the western Algarve.
Its series of caves and tall rock formations (some rising up to 20 meters or 65 feet) can be admired from the top of the cliffs, from a terrace at the bottom of a long staircase, or on a boat tour. Some of the rocks have been named by locals according to their resemblance -- one is <the elephant,= another is <the cathedral,= and the other is <the sphinx=...
Walking north over the cliffs takes you past a number of stunning beaches. The first one is hidden at the bottom of the cliff and is a nude beach (Praia dos Pinheiros), and the next one is one of Algarve’s most scenic (Praia do Camilo).
A short walk from there is Praia da Dona Ana, another famous beach characterized by ochre cliffs and rocks.
The best time to visit Ponta da Piedade is the early afternoon when the sun shines just right for the perfect photos. However, many people prefer the peacefulness of the sunrise or stay for the magical sunset.
Even more surprising is that the lesser-known, secret beaches are some of the most beautiful in the region. They’re perfect to escape the crowds. Some are quite remote, but others are simply hidden between the more famous beaches. They have no bars, no restaurants, no hotels, and no lifeguard supervision on these beaches, so make sure you bring enough water and snacks (don’t ever forget to take all the trash with you when you leave!) and never swim too far from the shore.
If you’re looking for a romantic beach in Algarve, you’ve found one of the best. It’s a hidden cove that until recently was only discovered on kayak tours, but thanks to social media and Google Maps, they are already placed on many tourists' itineraries. There are beautiful views from the top, not just over the beach but also of the Albufeira coast.
Before a resort was built nearby, this was a secret and deserted beach. Now it has about a couple dozen daily visitors. Most people find it on boat tours, on the way to and from the famous Praia da Marinha nearby. It’s reached via an unmarked path and has a magnificent scenery of pine-covered cliffs and a large islet right in front. The water is clear and calm and good for swimming.
Accessed via a hidden tunnel carved on the ground, this is one of the most romantic beaches in Algarve. It’s incredibly scenic with a perfectly centered rock in the water. Although this beach is very popular on social media, most people leave in the afternoon, when half of the beach is shaded. It is highly recommended to stay for the sunset since you'll admire it at its most serene and magical. 04 03
Although it’s a frequent stop for those on boat tours, it’s still a relatively secret beach. Only a few locals and guests of the hotel nearby usually come here and enjoy its calm waters, beautiful scenery, and peaceful atmosphere. If you don’t arrive by boat, you’ll need to find a trail hidden at the top of the cliff on the right side to reach the sand. The woodland above it is great for a picnic in the shade.
You reach this beach by walking to the western end of the relatively popular Praia do Alemão, but most of it is only accessible by boat or at low tide. At the top of the cliff behind it, there’s a trail with a panoramic view of the coast, leading to other beaches to the east and west. That’s when you can explore many caves and coves that are among the most beautiful in the Algarve. 05
This is the most secret of the secret beaches since it is only accessible at low tide.
This naturist's paradise can be found at the bottom of a cliff.
Named after a rock shaped like a submarine emerging from the water, it has spectacular rock formations with openings that lead to hidden caves when the water level allows it.
It’s a place of extraordinary natural beauty, nestled between golden cliffs and with calm waters. It’s located between two of Lagos’ most visited sites (the Ponta da Piedade headland and Praia do Camilo). You have to follow an unmarked trail from the top of a cliff to reach it. It’s so secluded, that most people who make it down sunbathe nude.
This beach is so remote, you won’t even have cellphone service. It’s reached via an unpaved road and remains a secret even to many locals. It’s essentially a beach for naturists. It’s named after a series of caves that look carved by man, but are actually the result of erosion. The caves, calm waters, and peaceful atmosphere make it unique.
This beach is in a remote location, and to reach it you have to drive down an unpaved road. This keeps the crowds away, so it’s the perfect escape for those who prefer a wilder atmosphere. It has long been a beach for campers and naturists but hasn’t yet been discovered by everyone else. There’s nothing except green valleys, hills, cliffs, and usually calm waters around you, to be enjoyed in peace.
Even on the more crowded days, this beach offers a peaceful atmosphere surrounded by a wild landscape of cliffs with Mediterranean vegetation. It’s quite close to the popular village of Salema, but tourists haven’t yet discovered it. Cars must be parked about 800 meters away, and the access is via a narrow footpath.
It’s the wildest and most remote beach of the Costa Vicentina and is mostly frequented by naturists and campers. Because of the difficult access, it is a very quiet beach where you mostly hear the sounds of nature and admire a magnificent natural landscape. You should just avoid swimming, as the currents here are strong and there are no lifeguards.
by Algarve Tourist Magazine
While most Portuguese tourists in Algarve use their cars to get around, other foreign visitors rely on public transportation. Deciding whether to drive or take buses or trains depends on your budget and where you want to go. This guide helps you make the decision about how to choose a means of transport in Algarve.
The fastest and most convenient way to get around Algarve is by car. There are two major roads connecting the main cities and the smaller towns - the N125 and the A22.
The N125 is free but the trips take longer, as it goes through the center of many towns, often with heavy traffic and many traffic lights. It does offer better scenery and allows you to stop at supermarkets, restaurants, and tourist attractions along the way.
The A22 is a toll highway but is the fastest way to reach most destinations. Most rental cars have a device on the windshield for the electronic toll system called Via Verde. With it, you can just go on the Via Verde lane on all Portuguese highways and not have to stop and pay the toll. As you go through the Via Verde, a display shows the amount being automatically charged to the rental company. On the A22, all tolls are paid electronically. You’ll hear a beep as you pass through the toll gate and will pay that amount when you return the car.
Renting a car is more expensive than using public transportation, but it’s worth it when you consider the freedom it offers and the time it saves.
Car rental services (with or without a driver) can be found in all major centers, hotels, and travel agencies. But it’s recommended that you rent it online and pick it up at Faro Airport. This way you can be sure that you have a car ready when you arrive and know how much you’ll pay. More importantly, booking online gives you better deals. At the airport’s arrivals hall, follow the signs to the car rental companies, which are found outside the terminal.
It’s recommended that you get insurance that will cover any damages, including small scratches, which can occur easily, especially as you drive through dirt roads to the more remote beaches. Car rental companies will also ask you for a security deposit on your credit card. That charge is canceled when you return the car. There are gas stations by the airport (the closest is about one minute away), so you don’t have to worry about where to refuel when you return the car.
Valid identity card (European Union citizens), valid passport (other nationalities), minimum age 21. And compulsory insurance.
Buses can also be used as a means of exploring the region. The Vamus operates 73 different lines all across the Algarve and you can find timetables and route information on their website.
Traveling by bus in Algarve can be complicated because most routes have only a few departures per day and the frequency is further reduced on weekends, even in the summer. However, it is the only or best choice to reach some popular destinations, such as Sagres and Silves.
There’s a bus company that covers the entire region of Algarve, the <Vamus,= plus urban services in Faro (the <Próximo=), Portimão (the <Vai e Vem=), and Albufeira (the <Giro=). In most cases, tickets are bought at the stations. When you board at the stops on the roads, you buy them from the driver.
Bus stops are usually marked <Paragem= (sometimes <Paragem/Bus Stop= in the bigger towns) and display the numbers of the buses that stop there, plus the times and the route covered. When you buy tickets from the driver, only cash is accepted, and it’s recommended that you pay with coins, as the driver may not have enough change for large bills.
When you leave Faro Airport, you can use the Aerobus service (line 56), which is operated by the Vamus. This service provides a direct link from the airport to some of the Algarve's main tourist areas: Albufeira, Lagoa, Portimão, and Lagos. There are just about eight departures per day, at irregular intervals, between 8:30 a.m. and 8:15 p.m. For other destinations in the Algarve, you need to connect to the center of Faro.
Buses running about twice per hour, operated by the Próximo company, stop at the airport and terminate at the bus station in the city center in about 20 minutes. From there you can take a Vamus bus to major towns.
The final destination is displayed on the front of the bus (sometimes on a piece of paper glued to the windshield). To check schedules and stops, see the Vamus website. Single fares can range between 3 and 7 euros, depending on the distance covered. You can also acquire a Tourist Pass, which gives you unlimited rides on the Vamus buses within Algarve over a period of 3 or 7 days (it's €35 for three days and €46 for seven days). Most buses run from 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the major towns.
Bicycles are carried free of charge on the lines that run parallel to the Coastal Ecovia/EuroVelo 1 cycle routes and on the Aerobus (see specific terms and conditions on the website).
Note that many of the smaller villages away from the coast do not have bus services or have them on weekdays only. You should also keep in mind that the times displayed at bus stops can’t always be relied on -- traffic congestion means that buses between Lagos and Albufeira, for example, are often as much as 10 minutes late, especially in the summer. At some stops, however, you’ll find a QR code that you can use to know how far the next bus is from that location.
Algarve’s train line runs between Lagos in the west and Vila Real de Santo António by the border with Spain in the east. Trains stop in the main towns in between, such as Silves, Portimão, Albufeira, Loulé, Faro, Olhão and Tavira. The stations in Lagos, Faro, Olhão, Tavira, and Vila Real de Santo António. But, surprisingly and inconveniently, the stations in Silves, Portimão, Albufeira, and Loulé are actually away from the center, so the bus to those destinations is the recommended public transportation option.
All trains are operated by the national CP (<Comboios de Portugal=) company, which allows you to buy tickets online in advance, sometimes with discounts. Find their website here: cp.pt.
The trains from Lisbon terminate in Faro, and you need to connect there or at Tunes before it to continue to other destinations in the Algarve. Unlike the long-distance trains from Lisbon, which have first and second-class services, these regional trains do not have different services and do not assign seats.
If you plan to do a lot of train travel in the Algarve, you can get a 'Tourist Ticket' ('Bilhete Turístico'), which offers unlimited rides over a period, or two or three consecutive days. This ticket is available at the stations’ ticket offices and can be used on the Algarve line only -- it does not include long-distance Intercidades or Alfa Pendular trains to Lisbon, for example. Most stations are very small, with no screens indicating the next train and with no announcements.
While traveling by taxi is more comfortable than by bus or train, it’s much more expensive. It’s only recommended for short distances, such as if you’re staying in a resort by the beach and want to go dine in the center of town. They’re also often used to go from the airport to the center of Faro. To go from the airport to other destinations in the Algarve, a pre-booked transfer is the better (less expensive) option. Taxis take up to four passengers and all have meters.
Their color is black and green. Fare lists must be displayed inside each taxi. Supplementary charges: increase of 20% at night between 22:00 and 06:00, and at weekends; fixed supplementary charge for any luggage transported in the boot.
Uber operates in the Algarve and is usually cheaper than taxis. It’s very convenient and reliable around the major cities such as Faro, Albufeira, and Lagos, but you won’t find many cars available in the eastern region, such as Tavira. If you’ve used Uber or other ridesharing apps, you know that the main benefit is that you don’t need to have cash at hand and know exactly how much you’ll pay before you enter the car.
Arroz de Marisco (Seafood Rice) is a traditional dish of Portuguese cuisine and is one of the most popular dishes among the Portuguese. Named one of the Seven Wonders of Portuguese gastronomy. This dish is made with various types of seafood that used vary from region to region, depending on the availability of each seafood. Get ready to cook one of the wonders of our cuisine.
Ingredients:
500 g mussels
400 g rice
500 g clams
500 g shrimp
4 crabs
4 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
50 g margarine
1 ripe tomato
2 cloves garlic, chopped coriander
1 dl white wine
piri-piri salt
Serves: 4
Method:
1. Clean and wash the shellfish.
2. Place a pan with salted water to boil. When the water starts to boil, add the shellfish (crab and shrimp). Cook for 5 to 7 minutes.
3. Place the bivalves in a frying pan until they open and set aside.
4. Remove the shellfish from the pan, peel them, but leave some whole shrimp for decoration. Set aside the water used to cook the shellfish.
5. Fry the chopped garlic and onions in the olive oil and margarine, add the chopped tomatoes and let them cook lightly.
6. Add the cooking water and wine, bring to the boil, and add the rice (4 cups of stock for 1 cup of rice). Cook for 12 minutes.
7. Add the cooked shellfish and chopped coriander, adjust the seasoning and cook for another 3 minutes.
8. Remove the pan from the heat and decorate with the whole shrimp you reserved.
Serve immediately.
Enjoy!
From 25 September to 06 October 2024
The typical party atmosphere of the beer festival, an event that originated in Germany, is recreated to a tee in the authentic <beer garden= in Porches. There will be plenty of entertainment and a menu packed with Bavarian delicacies served at the usual long tables.
Location: Porches - Vila Vita Biergarten
Hours: Monday to Saturday from 5 pm | Sundays from 1 pm
Admission free
From 12 to 14 September 2024
This is the oldest Flamenco Festival in Portugal. Magic guitars with their own personality, a dance of beauty and passion, and above all, voices charged with emotion and partying are the features of this event.
12 Sept - Son de Cádiz
13 Sept - Alxaraf Flamenco
14 Sept - Piano Flamenco
Location: Lagos Cultural Centre - Duval
Pestana Auditorium
Hours: 9.30 pm
Price: €12
From 28 to 29 September 2024
Traditional food stalls where you can sample and buy figs, almonds, regional cakes, liqueurs and other typical delicacies of the region are the stand-out attractions at this food fair.
Location: João Campos car park in Paderne
Hours: 4 pm
Admission free
From 13 to 15 September 2024
The event will feature some of the region’s typical dishes, such as pasta with cockles, rice with cockles, maize porridge with cockles, cockle rissoles and boiled cockles, all cooked on-site. Regional confectionery and pastries, as well as other meals and beverages, will also be available.
Location: Figueira Multipurpose Sports Facility, Portimão
Hours: 7 pm - 1 am
Ticket: 4 €
From 13 to 14 September 2024
This year, Odeceixe Beach is once again hosting the <Festa da Praia da Maravilha=, celebrating the 12th anniversary of its classification as one of the Seven Wonders Beaches Portugal (in the category of beaches with sea cliffs). To celebrate winning this award, the event organizers have once again prepared a wide range of cultural activities.
Location: Odeceixe
Hours: 13/9, midday to midnight | 14/9, 9 am to midnight
Admission free
From 06 to 08 September 2024
Albufeira Folklore Festival. Albufeira’s most traditional and delicious festivals are back with plenty of entertainment.
Program for the 25th edition of the Fisherman’s Festivities:
6 Sept – Thomas Faísca / Emanuel
7 Sept – Albufeira Folklore Festival
8 Sept – DUO 64 / Zé Amaro
Location: Praia dos Pescadores (Fishermen’s Beach), Albufeira
Hours: 6 pm - 1 am
Admission free
From 05 to 08 September 2024
This Fair includes the participation of countries, national and regional institutions, exhibitors of handicrafts and traditional products, as well as botanical and seed exhibitions. There will also be gastronomic demonstrations and Mediterranean music with live concerts by artists from Spain, France, Italy, Morocco, Macedonia...
Location: Praça da República, Tavira
Admission free
05th September 2024
The show features classical riding exercises, choreographies performed by high-school riders and horses exclusively from the Algarve, accompanied by music as if it were a ballet. The riders wear formal attire and Portuguese saddles. Likewise, the artists, musicians and dancers participating are all from the Algarve region.
Location: Albufeira Marina
Hours: 9:30 pm
Admission free
From 06 to 08 September 2024
Feira do Mar is back in Sagres on the 6th, 7th and 8th of September. Water sports, gastronomy, music, debates on maritime themes, several stands with crafts, regional sweets, drinks, among others.
Location: Mareta Beach, Vila do Bispo
Hours: 10 am
From 06 to 08 September 2024
An event devoted to families with a wideranging program. Craft show, food and drinks, music and a lot of entertainment.
Location: Ponte da Tôr
Hours: 5 pm
