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Sophie Sadler sophie@tomorrowalgarve.com +351 912 176 588
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Tom Henshaw tom@tomorrowalgarve.com +351 919 918 733
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Phil Harding phil@tomorrowalgarve.com +351 916 606 226
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TomorrowAlgarve
@TomorrowAlgarve
www.tomorrowalgarve.com
Dear Readers,
Welcome to the month of April, when the Algarve comes alive with the spirit of Easter, rich in traditions and communal gatherings. For those of you who were here in March, I am sure you will be very grateful to see the back of all that rain! I have lived in the Algarve for 21 years and can’t remember such a prolonged period of bad weather. Although this has been good for our reservoirs, it has not been good for our souls!
In this edition, our lead story is about a local family who established a bakery and their passion for preserving local traditions and recipes. Holding onto traditions passed down by generations not only enhances our local culture but also strengthens the bonds between neighbours and families. Theirs is a perfect story to reflect on at Easter time, along with some of the local folar cake which is consumed at this time of year.
April 1st is known as April Fools’ Day. Will you be playing any pranks? This day has a mysterious history. Its origins are debated, but many trace its roots back to the 16th century, when France switched from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar, resulting in the new year being observed in late March rather than in spring. Those who continued to celebrate the new year on the old date were dubbed “April fools.” Over time, this lighthearted mockery evolved into a day dedicated to the art of pranks and playful deception across cultures. Today, April Fools’ Day serves as a reminder of the joy of laughter and the timeless human tendency to embrace a bit of fun in everyday life.
In addition to Easter festivities, this edition also showcases the beauty of the Algarve during the spring season. As wildflowers bloom and the coastline beckons, it’s the perfect time to embrace the great outdoors and connect with our stunning surroundings (without the need for an umbrella!).
We hope you find inspiration in the pages ahead, whether you are looking to learn more about the traditions and history of the Algarve, find out what´s on in the local area or discover new places to visit – thank you for being part of our community magazine family.
Wishing you all a joyful and meaningful Easter,
From Sophie, Tom, Phil and the Tomorrow team.
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My visit to a bakery in Odiáxere revealed an astonishing family saga highlighting the social history of the last 100 years in the Algarve. The story follows a family’s generational journey from adversity to prosperity – which all started with baking bread.
Finding the Bakery Pão d’ Avó Maria in the back streets of Odiáxere is not easy. It has no signage but you can find it by following your nose towards the delicious smell of baking coming from its traditional, wood-fired bread ovens. It is renowned locally not only for its baking, which relies on recipes passed down for generations with no artificial ingredients, but the history of Conceição, the remarkable woman who founded it. I met her children, Elza and Manuel Correia, to hear about their extraordinary family history while tucking into one of their exquisite pastel de nata!
Maria da Conceição Boto Duarte Correia, better known as D. Conceição, was born on 13 March, 1941 in a rural community in Silves to Boaventura Duarte and Germana de Conceição. “Life was tough, but people helped each other. It was a circular economy where one person baked bread and gave it to their neighbours and the other neighbour gave eggs,” explains Elza. In this setting, the young Maria Conceição was raised with a sense of helping your neighbours. It was a characteristic that would help her earn public accolades in the future.
However, life may initially not have seemed fair for the young girl. As the eldest of four children, Maria was forced to leave school at the age of ten when her mother became pregnant with her third brother. Her older mother’s bad health meant Maria Conceição was given the role of caring for her younger brother and her grandmother. In those times, children were always required to help their elders.
Their three-bedroom house had no electricity, running water or inside bathroom. They had a small brick oven outside where bread was baked once a week. By the time she was 12, Maria Conceição was in charge of baking, and she learned the secrets of the art of making homemade bread, a taste and “know-how” passed through the generations.
The starter is at the core of sourdough bread – a living culture made of flour and water containing wild yeast and beneficial bacteria. In the Algarve, a family starter is often passed down through generations, adding a sense of history and personal touch to each loaf.
Elza and Manuel have early memories of driving cattle all the way from Silves to the market in
Aljezur, as no one had motorised vehicles. “My grandfather kept horses,” Manuel recalls with a smile. He shows me his phone and a photo of himself astride a magnificent horse. “I inherited his passion,” he tells me.
However, from simple origins, the family started to show some early entrepreneurial spirit. Maria Conceição´s father, Boaventura Duarte, walked on foot from Silves to France after WW1 to bring money back home. “So what would you expect from the daughter of someone who had that sort of drive,” asks Elza.
“I remember he then had enough money to start to lend it to others in the community and have it repaid with interest. A primitive banker,” adds Manuel. As a result, the family earned some social elevation.
D. Conceição met her future husband José Correia, who was also from Silves, and they married when she was 21. He owned some tractors and other machinery, and found work in Odiáxere, where there were still rice plantations.
It was then that he saw the house for sale that is still in the family today. Having found a house and work in Odiáxere, the young couple moved there. D. Conceição was a housewife and Elza remembers her making their clothes, taking care of the garden and growing vegetables in the garden. They kept chickens and rabbits. D. Conceição also volunteered in the local community as a scout leader. “She would take the local children on summer camps and supervised them baking bread around a campfire,” recalls Elza. She was also a committed Catholic and took the children for catechesis, teaching the faith to the younger members of the community.
In the meantime, some of José’s machines were getting old and the construction business slowed down. Some friends of D. Conceição suggested, “You make such good bread? Why don’t you do it to sell? We would buy it.”
At this time, Elza was 18 years old and wanted to go to Lisbon to study. Her eyes fill with tears: “This is always a bit emotional for me. My mother started to sell bread twice a week so that I could study because she never had that opportunity. She was not a legalised business then, but the neighbours would buy it. Many people started to come to her house, so she contracted a lady living here on the street to help. And in the meantime, my father also started to help, so the business started to grow, so much so that she needed to build a bigger oven.”
The Odiáxere bakery began as a small family business, with two small ovens heated with eucalyptus and a small, totally handmade production sold almost entirely to their neighbours. From these humble beginnings and the magic touch of D. Conceição, the famous Pão de Odiáxere quickly became recognised for its authenticity and distinct flavour. Around this time, Elza, who had by now finished her studies, and Manuel, who had lived in Germany for ten years, saw the potential for their mother’s business and decided to return to their roots and help her.
The new enterprise also started baking cakes from their grandmother’s recipe, which had been passed down for generations by word of mouth. Essential to their concept was that there were no artificial ingredients. Production increased with the rise in demand, but they have always remained faithful to the principles of tradition and quality.
Initially, the products were sold through the Odiáxere bakery and supplied to small supermarkets like Alisuper. One of their early customers was Sr Baptista, (owner of Baptista
supermarket in Luz) who used to come to collect the bread in his old Toyota Starlet because, at that time, they didn’t have any vans to distribute their produce.
By 2005, ten people were working for D. Conceição, and her children helped her buy more land, and build a factory and shop. At that time, she was called Avó Maria by her grandchildren, so they adopted the name for her bread, and the Pão d’Avó Maria brand was born.
One of the greatest lessons Elza has taken from her mother’s life is: “Do what you love with passion and dedication, and anything is possible. Take control of your life and turn your struggles into strength to propel you forward.”
The family then established a Lagos premises, which acted as a shop and café. In 2006, they opened in Santo Amaro, their second store in Lagos, and in 2007, the third, in Ameijeira. Sadly José passed away in 2012.
The growth of the business did not change D. Conceição. Known for her humble nature, she dedicated herself to work and was always ready to help those who needed it most. But as Elza recalls, “She was also very tough and could be hard to work for, but she had a good heart.” She frequently collaborated with social solidarity institutions and charity initiatives, donating bread to CASLAS (the children´s home) and reinforcing her food’s positive impact on the community.
Elza recalls that her mother “shared everything she achieved through her work, believing wholeheartedly that it had been possible with God’s help. Her vision of life was always: ‘We are here to make the world a better place.’ And in her own way, that is exactly what she did.”
The City Council publicly recognised D. Conceição’s work in helping her community and her entrepreneurial qualities. They awarded her a Louvor Público Municipal medal in a ceremony that her children proudly attended on 27 October 2007. In addition, she had a street in Odiáxere named after her, ensuring her legacy and her bread will live on in the hearts and minds of the local community she loved and fed.
Elza notes, “My mother embodied what modernday coaches now teach: ‘Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life’.”
D° Conceição passed away on 11 December 2021, at the age of 80.
Manuel and Elza take me on a tour of the bakery. Manuel emphasises, “We carry on our mother´s legacy to serve the community. We sell all the products in small quantities as well as large so that people on smaller budgets can come and sample what we make.”
Their best-selling products include biscuits made from their grandmother’s recipe and pastéis de nata, as well as more modern inventions like croissants and quiche. The artisanal essence of the products remains unchanged; all are made without dyes or preservatives, using biological seeds and good-quality sea salt.
The spotless factory is currently quiet, having seen the end of the night shift, and everything breathes order and cleanliness. Manuel shows me the vast fridge where they store the big bags of dough. Then, when the bakers arrive at night, they start the fermentation process.
Making sourdough bread, mainly using a starter, is both an art and a science. Creating a starter begins with mixing equal parts flour and water. The mixture is left to ferment at room temperature, where the natural yeast from the environment and the flour work their magic. The wild yeast feeds on the sugars in the flour, creating lactic acid that contributes to the bread’s distinctive tang. When hot water is introduced (typically at a temperature between 30°C and 35°C), it helps dissolve the flour and engages the yeast.
The starter will start bubbling and developing a pleasant sour aroma, indicating it’s active and ready for baking. Bakers routinely “feed” the starter to keep it lively by discarding a portion and adding fresh flour and water. Once the starter is activated, a portion is blended into a large bowl with more flour, water and salt. This activated starter brings a depth of flavour and a natural leavening agent to the dough.
Kneading the dough is another step where tradition is key. In the Algarve, bakers often use a gentle folding technique rather than intensive kneading, allowing the gluten to develop naturally over time. The baker grabs each of the dough balls, and stretches it on one side to get the head, and folds it over the base. They then place the stretched bread on the shovel, taking care to spread it with their hands. After some time, the baker moves the bread from one side of the oven to the other, in order to acquire a uniform colour.
Elza opens the oven door, which is not at full temperature; it is kept at 180º when they are not baking. I stand in awe before the cavernous space where centuries of tradition meet the warmth of the flames. I ask how on earth they get the bread out of such a large space, which must go back 10 metres. Elza grins, pointing to long wooden sticks with a shovel on the end used to push the loaves in and out. The oven is heated using local eucalyptus wood, which Manuel still brings from the family land in Silves, creating a unique flavour and texture to the bread. Aware of the necessity of keeping traditions and the land intact, he returns the ash back to the land where the trees grow.
As the bread bakes, the crust becomes beautifully caramelised, and the inner crumb remains soft and airy. The aroma that wafts through the baker’s shop is a testament to the care that has gone into every step of the process. Manuel believes this also gives their pastéis de nata that mouth-watering light and crispy pastry.
At this time of year, the bakers produce folar cake, a traditional Portuguese pastry with significant cultural and culinary importance, particularly during the Easter season. Folar is more than just a dessert; it symbolises the celebration of Easter and is deeply rooted in customs and family traditions. It is believed to represent the end of the Lenten fast, a period of reflection and abstinence leading up to Easter Sunday.
Typically made with a sweet yeast dough, folar cake can feature a variety of fillings, such as cinnamon and sugar, and, at Easter time, they add hard-boiled eggs, which are integrated into the dough or baked on top. Elza and Manuel enrich the dough with zest from local Algarve lemons, which bring a citrusy aroma to the finished product.
The bakery now employs around 40 people, and their products are distributed from their three Lagos shops, with one in Portimão. They also still sell to small supermarkets in Lagos and Portimão, including, amongst others, Baptista in Praia da Luz, and Supersol in Vila do Bispo and Raposeira. The siblings are happy to continue their family traditions and say they have no disagreements as they have their own roles within the business. They hope that one day their children may be interested in keeping the tradition in the family.
These days, when everyone is telling us not to eat bread as it is over-processed, this is the antidote – a natural homebaked bread made with love. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven, paired with local olive oil, or as the foundation for a tosta mista, sourdough bread from the Algarve is more than food – it’s a tangible connection to the region’s rich agricultural history and the artistry of its bakers. In a world of fast-paced production, this slow, careful bread-making method is a heartfelt reminder to savour the bread and the journey it takes from starter to table.
In a rapidly changing world, Pão d’Avo Maria stands as a testament to the enduring power of family, heritage, and community spirit.
www.paodavomaria.com Facebook: @paodavomaria2 Locations:
Soon after that incident, Edel was given two more goats as it became known that she had a natural empathy with the animals.
From Monchique, Edel moved to Barão de São João where she acquired more animals to add to her family. There are primarily two breeds: the Saanen or Swiss breed, categorised as domestic, and the Algarvian breed, most common in this region and described as a docile and friendly species. The Saanen breed is known to supply a good quantity of milk and Edel has several. However, cross breeding is common and Edel loves them all.
I was amazed to learn that Edel’s goats provide for her sole income. How could anyone survive on the products made from goats’ milk, I thought. But in the country, fruits are often plentiful. Edel makes jam, conserves and chutney from apples and pears, etc., surplus to the goats’ food supply. She trades milk and cheese for eggs and olive oil and grows vegetables. She has several recipes for delicious and healthy goat cheese. Sometimes the price of freedom is frugality and Edel has become an expert.
Sometimes there are stories that really pull at the heart strings and the story of Edel Traud is no exception. It started when Elvire, a neighbour from several years prior, suggested to Tomorrow that an interesting story coupled with a lady in need of support might make for a great editorial. The subject was ‘The Goat Lady’ and the location was ‘in the middle of nowhere’.
WORDS Julian Putley
Edel and her goat family have been in the same location near the Barragem da Bravura for five years, but now her new landlord has asked her to vacate the property. For anyone out there who has a parcel of land suitable for a small herd of 20 goats and their carer, please contact Edel at the number/email below.
Perhaps more significantly, there may be someone out there who is in need of a talented goat herder who could take care of their animals and incorporate Edel’s small family. +351 913 802 782
Note: Edel speaks Portuguese but is not very fluent in English. Her friend Elvire – is a French and English speaker +351 914 797 251
Elvire gave us directions and a Google pin but our Waze location finder failed us. Finally, we found the place in the Vale de Montinho near the Barragem da Bravura. A beautiful area with spring flowers, green fields and lofty trees, all made more verdant by the recent rains.
Elvire was there at the crossroads to meet us, and we followed her up a half mile on a dirt road until we arrived at a rather rundown quinta and Edel’s small holding and paddock nearby. It was populated by a contented herd of happy goats, all different sizes of females and kids with two bucks or Billys.
Edel told us her story of how she came to her present situation. “I used to live in Monchique. My trade was creating artisanal foods like breads, jams, cheeses, sweets and more. One day across the road from my kitchen I saw a man with a goat. He was abusing the animal in a most horrendous way; beating and kicking the poor animal, which was bleating and crying out in pain. I ran across the road and told the man to stop this cruelty and he said, ‘Take the damn goat, you can have it, I’m done’. That was how I got my first goat. I named her Linda.” That was almost 40 years ago.
The Goat Lady is very knowledgeable about her life’s mission. She says that goats are much maligned because they are misunderstood. Their reputation as a rapacious animal that chews up anything within reach is wrong. If properly fed or given the opportunity to graze, they are delightful animals, she says. They are also very intelligent and know that certain plants, fruits and leaves act as medicinal cures for specific ailments. They are good for the environment by pruning plants, shrubs and blooms, taking only the tops and leaving the stems and roots to redevelop.
Edel has a special relationship with her ‘family’. Each goat has a name and comes when called (usually). They live their lives independently roaming in the paddock during the morning. They have a feeding bin full of hay but she takes them out for a walk in the afternoons so they can graze in the roughly ten hectares of land nearby. A better goat herder would be hard to find. At night they have a covered area to shelter and sleep.
As a goat ’whisperer’ Edel has a unique talent. “My goats will tell me if they need something. If a goat is sick or in pain, injured or having trouble birthing, it will let me know. I am always nearby. Not only will I address the problem, but I will also stay and comfort the afflicted animal. I have various remedies, tried and true – but, ultimately, It’s all about love. Every creature on the planet responds to love.”
Following the defeat of Prime Minister Luís Montenegro’s government in a confidence motion on 11 March, Portugal is to hold another general election on 18 May, just a year after the last one.
WORDS James Plaskitt
Montenegro’s Democratic Alliance scored a narrow win in last year’s general election, but with 80 seats in the 230-seat Assembly was far short of a majority. The prime minister opted to govern as a minority, rather than form a coalition, leaving his administration vulnerable to a parliamentary defeat at any time.
Montenegro called for the recent confidence motion, following revelations about his family business activities and allegations of conflicts of interest.
The family business, Spinumviva, was established in 2021 to provide consultancy services to a variety of business clients, most of whom Montenegro had worked for before becoming leader of his party in the Assembly. The client list recently became public and, as well as Radio Popular and Ferpinta, it included the Solverde group, which runs casinos. Spinumviva was providing the company with advice on compliance regulations, in return for a fee of €4500 a month. However, Solverde’s casino licence is up for renewal, and the decision on that rests with the government. Opposition parties cried foul, while the prime minister maintained that nothing improper had occurred. He transferred shares in the business to his sons and relocated the company from his home to an office in Porto.
But his moves did not satisfy the other parties, who resolved to vote against the confidence motion. Montenegro, in turn, accused them of political opportunism, contributing to instability.
Following the loss of parliamentary support, President Marcelo de Sousa agreed to dissolve the one-year-old Assembly and call new elections for May.
The prime minister may not be too dismayed at this turn of events. His Democratic Alliance, made up of his own Social Democratic Party (PSD) together with the People’s Party (CDS) and the People’s Monarchist Party (PPM), currently has a slightly stronger poll rating of around 31%, compared to its 29% score in last year’s general election. His Alliance could therefore improve its parliamentary position, although it seems to have little hope of an outright win.
The government has a reasonable record for its one year in office. The Portuguese economy has grown at 2%, ahead of
the EU average. Inflation has come down to 2.4% and unemployment has dipped slightly to 6.4%. The government has also produced a small annual budget surplus.
Most of the policy achievements over the year have emerged as a result of deals with the other main parties in the Assembly. These include some small reductions in general income tax rates and, in a bid to slow the exodus of young people from the country, the introduction of big income tax discounts for those under 35 years old, starting with a 100% discount in year one, tapering down to 25% for the last two years of the ten-year concession. State pensions have also been increased, and tolls have been removed from the A22 Algarve motorway.
The general election in May might not fundamentally change the political deadlock in the Assembly. If current polls are a reliable indication, Montenegro’s Alliance may advance slightly, while the main opposition party, the Socialists (PS), are set to hold steady, and the right wing populist Chega may dip slightly, following adverse publicity surrounding some of its parliamentarians. If the result does follow this indication, Montenegro would emerge as prime minister again. He would then face the choice of whether to press on as the head of another precarious minority government, or to forge a coalition with another large party, giving the prospect of some greater government stability. Even if the Socialists edge ahead, they too would face the same challenges in terms of forming a stable government.
After three general elections in as many years, the country may wish for a period of stability. As it is, it faces not only a general election in May, but local elections already scheduled for October, and then a presidential election next January. After that, the people may wish to give the ballot boxes a rest for a while.
James Plaskitt is a retired politician who was a member of the British parliament from 1997 until 2010. He now lives in the Algarve.
Luís Montenegro at the EPP Summit, 6 March 2025, Brussels © CC BY 2.0 European People's Party flickr.com/photos/ eppofficial
WORDS Rob Kean
I must confess that there are a few things in my life where I have felt that I have arrived late to the party (so to speak). Now, I realise that this first example will be lost on some younger readers, but, in the late 90s, there was great alarm and panic around the business and computing world. The ‘Y2K’ or ‘Millennium Bug’ phenomenon caused widespread concern leading up to the year 2000.
The fear was that when 2000 arrived, those systems might interpret ‘00’ as 1900, leading to errors. All sorts of doomsday scenarios were envisaged, including potential disruptions to the electricity supply, telecommunications outages, failure of life-saving hospital equipment, the traffic lights stopping working at one second past midnight, aeroplanes dropping from the sky, and all elevators stopping at midnight!
To combat this, IT consultants were paid incredible sums of money to check out potential problems before they happened, and I seem to recall that most people working in IT were at their place of work on New Year’s Eve, 1999. So –guess when I decided to commence my career in IT? March 2000. I missed the boat, and, for a time, I thought, ‘If only I had done this sooner.’
I also came late to the party when it came to being a Christian. For many years I had been interested in all things Eastern – Buddhism, Sidha, yoga – you name it, I was going to be ABC: Anything but Christian! I came to our local church at the time, in my forties, kicking and screaming. I had previously refused point blank to enter a church, knowing full well as I did that ‘they’ were all a bunch of hypocrites, who would smile at you on a Sunday and then pinch your parking space on a Monday! I was wrong, of course.
But coming late to the ‘church’ party has been an advantage, and one of those advantages was discovering or rather rediscovering Easter. Easter suddenly took on a new and more beautiful meaning. It wasn’t about the chocolate eggs or the Easter Bunny or a long weekend, it was actually about hope.
Hope feels particularly relevant today, with the world events we are witnessing. As spring approaches, we prepare to celebrate the ultimate victory of hope over despair.
This Easter, I invite you to join us on a journey through Holy Week. We begin with Maundy Thursday 10.30 am service, a time of quiet reflection on Jesus’s act of humble service. Good Friday follows, a day of solemn remembrance, as we contemplate the meaning of sacrifice. And then, Easter Sunday! The bells of Luz church will ring out with a joyous proclamation: He is risen!
For Christians, Easter is the very heart of our faith. It’s more than just a holiday; it’s a testament to the enduring power of love and the promise of new life. Yes, we’ll have our Easter egg hunt after the 11.30 am service, a delightful tradition that brings smiles to faces young and old. But beyond the chocolate, there’s a more profound message.
In a world that often feels uncertain, Easter offers a beacon of hope. It reminds us that even in the darkest of times, light will prevail. And here, in the welcoming community of Praia da Luz, we celebrate that light together. Whether you’re a long-time resident or a visitor, you’re invited to experience the true spirit of Easter with us. Let’s share in the joy, the hope, and the renewed sense of community this special season brings.
Blessings to you and your family this Easter Fr Rob
It was high up in the Monchique hills where I met Dave Maier and his four-legged friend Cookie (a mixed breed White German Shepherd/Canadian Shepherd), both residents of a dog rescue centre with an adventure to tell.
WORDS Julian Putley
Dave had worked for many years as an architect in Bavaria, Germany. Another winter was approaching, so he decided it was time for a change. He would escape the humdrum city life and exchange it for a healthy outdoor adventure. His companion would be his rescue dog, Cookie. She had been abandoned, and Dave had been her caregiver, pet and companion for the last five years. His objective: to head south to warmer climes in southwestern Europe.
Dave looked for an alternative to travelling by plane. He had always been a cyclist, and Cookie loved to go for long walks. The answer was clear: a long-distance biking adventure. After his own bike was stolen, Dave acquired his bike from a friend. It’s a very durable 14-speed steel bike with a Rohloff internal hub. Cookie had the very best ride money could buy: a Croozer, specially made for dogs.
The next step was fitting it out to carry all the necessary gear and supplies. Cookie needed special attention. In some countries, a muzzle is a necessary requirement. Other things included a harness, tick powder and a brush. A pup tent was needed and, along with a camping stove, a pot and a pan and utensils. Bedding was an inflatable mattress and a sleeping bag. Toiletries and a first aid kit added to the list.
The sporting goods store, Decathlon, was very helpful providing necessities like waterproof shoes and lightweight long trousers. During the nearly four months, Decathlon was to come to his rescue on more than one occasion.
Setting off from Augsburg, the novice adventurer decided to install two pannier bags on each side of the front wheel and two on each side of the rear wheel, in which he stored his food and water. Large quantities of pasta, beans and dried soup were essential to his diet. When everything was loaded, the bike, trailer and Cookie weighed about 100 kg.
Dave and Cookie set off on the 25 September. The goal was to do no less than 30 km per day at a speed of 8 km per hour. Cookie would walk/ run about a third of the distance and then ride in the ‘Cookie Coach’ for the remainder of the time. Of course, there were rest/refreshment stops.
It took ten days to cover the 450 km to Basel, Switzerland at the confluence of France, Germany and Switzerland. They were now in France, where bike trails are well established. From here, they headed to Lyon via Besançon in cold and wet weather. When they arrived, they marked the first 1000 km of the trip, and the weather turned fine. The intrepid duo now joined a bike path that followed the river south, eventually reaching the Camargue Regional Nature Park. “Camargue is fascinating. It is known as a refuge for wild animals, and we saw bulls and cows roaming free and herds of wild horses. Flocks of white flamingos were an awesome sight in the lagoon.”
After a couple of days exploring this wild and beautiful location, they departed for Sète. The route took them alongside miles of waterfront.
Mayday Algarve is 100% funded by donations. If you would like to contribute: PayPal.me/maydayalgarve Bank Transfer:
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If you are looking to adopt check their Instagram page: @lebenshof_esperanca
“I was glad to have some insect repellent, sleep would have been impossible without it. Near Sète, in a town called Béziers, I bought a new tent – my original one was too small and was now wearing out. The Decathlon team in Béziers was so understanding when I explained my concern. I was about to head up the Pyrenees – a new tent was essential. They suggested a top-of-the-line Decathlon brand. It looked strong, weather-proof and roomy and with a generous discount, the decision was made. I was a happy camper!”
It was November and Dave and Cookie were by now climbing steep and potholed tracks. It wasn’t easy going, but passersby were very inquisitive and friendly and offered help, rides (refused of course) and food. There were spectacular views down into Spain. Before long, the pair arrived in Barcelona, where Dave met a friend and decided to move into a campsite for the night.
“There’s nothing like a long, hot shower, although Cookie didn’t agree! We spent a day here exploring – especially the Gaudi architecture and cathedral. Cookie wasn’t interested, she liked life on the trail. Barcelona is very bike friendly with dedicated paths everywhere. It took us four hours to cross the city.”
In Spain, they travelled along bike trails on old and unused train tracks called Via Verde. Their intended route had been to take them to Valencia, but they had to bypass the city because of recent floods and continue to Albacete at over 1,000 metres.
Here, Dave accessed the Workaway app hoping to find a dog-related occupation for the winter. Workaway is a platform whereby you work a set number of hours in exchange for food and lodging. That is how he found Mayday Algarve, a dog rescue facility in Vila do Bispo. The Mayday Algarve programme was created by Karen and Gerry who provide food and lodging in exchange for work taking care of the dogs and the facility.
From Albacete, they carried on to Seville via Jaén. Seville marked 3,000 kms distance covered. It was now 15 December, day 82. They’d been on the road for almost three months. A day of sightseeing in Jaén, another in Seville, was slowing down their speed – but who was counting.
Dave and Cookie crossed into Portugal at Santo António via the ferry from Ayamonte across the Guadiana River. Dave was surprised at the warm climate and different terrain of the Algarve.
Dave and Cookie spent Christmas camping in a ruin in Portimão which they found far from an unpleasant way to spend the festive season. “It was warm and sunny and very pleasant,” says Dave.
They finished their journey when, on Day 92, they biked into Mayday Algarve, having covered 3,500 kilometres. Mayday Algarve protects up to 100 animals and birds at any one time, in private woodland in the national park. Karen Breen and her husband opened up their home, created the refuge and started taking in abandoned animals from the streets, fields and a local municipal kennel to keep them safe in 2010. In the sanctuary, all the dogs live in large spaces with other dogs where they are free to run and play. They all have warm, comfortable houses under shelters to protect them from the bad weather and to give them shade from the sun.
“Although the dogs all have happy lives, we work hard to find good homes for as many as possible, not only in Portugal but also in the UK, Germany and Holland where they can become part of a family, loved and well cared for," says Karen. Last year, the couple found loving homes for over 100 dogs.
After working for Mayday, Dave and Cookie moved onto helping at the Esperança shelter in Odemira. It’s a beautiful retreat where the dogs, two pigs and a donkey have a large enclosed playground with a pond. The dogs also have indoor spaces, where they are kept warm in winter. Evelyn started the facility over 15 years ago.
Both man and his best friend plan on making the return trip in the spring, proving that pedal, paw power, and a loving heart will get you a long way!
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WORDS Vaughan Willmore
You’re unlikely to see (and hear) a better stage performer than Diana Silveira. With her rich and soulful voice and captivating stage presence, it’s no surprise that in addition to being a talented artist in her own right, she’s also in demand as a mentor and coach, helping other performers to develop their own stagecraft.
Diana was born in Lagos but has lived all over Portugal, the USA, the UK, and even Lebanon. “I must have lived in nearly 40 different places,” she told me. Currently living in Faro, Diana still visits Lagos to see friends and family – her father has a restaurant in the city. I asked Diana why she’s been so nomadic. “I think it’s just my nature. I never really feel tied to any one place. I feel connected to something so much bigger and not solely one location.”
Diana first took to the stage when she was six years old, quickly finding it a natural place to be. Perhaps that’s not altogether surprising given that her grandfather was a fado singer of some
note and she’s from a family of musicians. “I’ve always found it easy to be on stage and perform. It’s a place where I feel at ease. It can be almost trance-like in its beauty; where time passes so quickly and easily.”
Diana started performing professionally when she was 15 years old and was soon fronting local bands. In a colourful career, she’s competed in RTP’s Festival da Canção and also Pop Idol. I first had the pleasure of seeing Diana perform last year, in Olhão, where she was part of an ensemble cast of six singers in a show called ‘Licence to Sing’ where each singer interpreted Bond theme tunes. It gives some indication of the faith the organisers had in Diana’s ability that she was given arguably the two biggest Bond songs of all, ‘Diamonds are Forever’ and ‘Goldfinger’. To say she owned those songs and made them her own would be an understatement.
Diana is also an accomplished songwriter, something which allows her to express her ideas
I’ve always found it easy to be on stage and perform. It’s a place where I feel at ease. It can be almost trance-like in its beauty; where time passes so quickly and easily
and give her many followers an insight into her thoughts. Last year, she released the single ‘Money ain’t no truth” (see YouTube link below) which brilliantly showcases her vocals, songwriting talents and stage presence. Being a singer and songwriter is not the easiest of professions at the best of times, especially when based in the Algarve as so much of the music industry is focused on Lisbon. Nevertheless, it’s a lifestyle that Diana loves. “I feel fortunate to earn a living doing something creative and which I enjoy. I swim in these waters with a great deal of curiosity.”
In addition to performing and recording, Diana provides (two days per week) one to one voice lessons at the School of Rock in Portimão. On other days, she can be busy with private bookings of her stage presence masterclasses and vocal coaching sessions. Helping other artists develop their skills is something Diana enjoys. “It’s an enriching process both for me and the other performers,” she said. ”It’s work that digs deep into our true self expression. Connecting with our masked emotions and opening up to that vulnerability is where the magic happens.” Another aspect Diana enjoys is performing at private functions – birthdays and celebrations
– and the opportunity that affords for creating unique experiences for all involved.
Any down time Diana has is spent at the beach but, such is her love for music, she tells me that even when she’s there, she has a pen and notepad in hand and is “always thinking about music”. In late July, Diana will be touring the UK with numerous dates scheduled in the south of England; see her website (below) for more details. In the meantime, she’s busy working on a project that’s close to her heart and involves her interpreting and setting to music the work of several Algarvian poets. It’s with a view to showcasing this work at venues in the Algarve.
It was a pleasure meeting Diana – she’s an amazing talent. Everyone at Tomorrow wishes her the very best for the future and we are looking forward to her next body of work. In the meantime, if you have a chance to see Diana performing, then please do so. You won’t be disappointed.
www.facebook.com/dianasilveiraofficial www.instagram.com/dianasilveiramusic www.dianasilveira.com
After the sell-out autumn concert at Albufeira Municipal Theatre, which centred on song and dance themes, the Algarve International Orchestra is now rehearsing its next programme of famous and familiar film scores.
If the haunting melodies of Morricone move you or the iconic motifs of John William remind you to ‘phone home’ or ‘get a bigger boat’, you might be interested in attending the next concert. Whether sailing on the Black Pearl or marching on the Bastille, take your fancy or fuel your imagination, the orchestra looks forward to welcoming you into the world of the silver screen.
The Algarve International Orchestra is a regional community orchestra with members from Luz to Loulé, Ferragudo to Faro. It is composed of musicians of all ages, nationalities, and varied experiences, from amateurs to pupils to retired professionals. All that is required is enthusiasm to participate. The group rehearses in Paderne, in the Albufeira conselho. Its repertoire includes light classical and popular themes. We always welcome new musicians or even guests.
WORDS Carolyn Ellison
As a regional community orchestra, we strive to reach all areas of the Algarve, and previous events have included Faro, Albufeira, Carvoeiro, and Portimão. A Night at the Movies is on 10 May at the Cineteatro de Saõ Bras de Alportel at 8.30 pm. Tickets only can be purchased online through the link below, priced at €10.
Further venues and dates are being discussed for the same programme. Please follow our Facebook page for updates on this and all other events.
If you want to join the orchestra, please contact Peter Fudge, the Musical Director, at algarveinternationalorchestra@gmail.com or +351 910640763
Tickets: ANightatthemovies_AIO.eventbrite.co.uk
WORDS Henrica Vanderaa
“Please do not put anything other than toilet paper in the pan. Nappies, wet wipes and STs will not flush away. Please use the bin that is provided. Thank you.”
I wonder if first-time visitors think the toilet rules in Portugal are an April fool’s joke. How can anyone keep track of basic toilet rules or protocol when every public toilet has its own set of instructions, often only in Portuguese. If an image is provided, it is always different. I have never seen two instructions, images or translations be the same.
Upon arrival at Faro Airport, you may note the toilet rules state: “Please flush the used toilet paper down the toilet and not in the bin” and “Do not drop objects in the toilet that might damage the system.” Of the objects not permitted to be thrown in the toilets, according to one of the images, is socks!? Someone who arrives for the first time at Faro airport might think the sign is redundant: of course, used toilet paper is flushed down the toilet and why would I want to drop my socks in the toilet?
Stop off at a restaurant on your way from the airport and there is a 99.9% chance the toilet rules have changed: “It is not permitted to throw papers in the toilet. Use the bin.” And if you are lucky, the toilet paper is within reach, the bin is within a reasonable distance to throw the paper, and the lid does not have a lid that is required to be opened somehow. Even if it has a lever, chances are the lever doesn’t work.
You may decide to go to the supermarket before you check into your hotel or villa. Here, the toilet sign is in Portuguese only: “Por favor não deita papéis para o chão ou para a sanita. Deitar no balde, Obrigado.” Check your phone translator to make sure you proceed correctly; “Please do not throw papers on the floor or into the toilet. Use the bucket. Thank you.”
One that stands out is in Portuguese only and posted on the back of a door in a small café and is dated based on the reference to smoking:
• Don’t soil the toilet seat
• Avoid the waste of toilet paper
• Don’t throw any waste on the pavement
• Flush the toilet after each use
• Avoid smoking and don’t use the toilet tank as an ashtray
• Wash hands well
• Close the door and turn off the lights when leaving
The accompanying illustrations are often just as confusing. Always different, sometimes hand drawn and others a variety of images. One of my favorites is a hand-drawn no smoking sign I came across in one of the toilets, which was rather well done although the expression on the woman’s face makes it questionable as to whether the stated rule will be respected.
Social media posts and travel articles will never cover the dos and don’ts of public toilet protocol in Portugal, and why should they. Yet, it is puzzling how a small country can have such an extensive library of toilet rules and accompanying images, be it in restaurants, hotels (no matter how many stars!), supermarkets, the airport or government establishments. Are the plumbing issues truly that different from one establishment to another?
I often wonder how tourists who come for the first time or a short visit handle these oftenconflicting notices during their stay? For those of us who reside here, we no longer question and may not even pay heed …it is after all, simply part of navigating the idiosyncrasies of life in Portugal.
But for someone new to this country, how can one not help but think these are all April fools’ toilet rules?
Have you come across any weird and wonderful instructions or illustrations while visiting a public convenience!? If so, please send them to us at sophie@tomorrowalgarve.com or WhatsApp +351 912176588
WORDS Luka Alexander
Have you ever wondered how our towns and cities got their names? Across the Algarve, the names of numerous towns and cities are etched in history. Some can trace their names back to the Moorish era, often keeping a variation of their Arabic name today. Even the name Algarve derives from the Arabic term Al-Gharb’ meaning ‘the west’. Others take their names from Latin, thanks to the reach of the Roman Empire, and possibly from local legends.
The name Portugal was first mentioned in the 9th century and was widely used to refer to the region between the rivers Douro and Minho. Portugal is derived from the Latin words portus (meaning port) and cale (tranquil), which were used to describe an area around the modern-day city of Porto. It evolved into the name Portucale during the Visigothic period, then Condado de Portucal around 868 AD when Christian nobleman Vímara Peres reconquered the region from the Moors. Finally, the name changed to Portugale before becoming Portugal.
If you’re not already confused with the evolution of Latin, you might want to prepare yourselves for its Arabian counterpart, which plays a prominent role in many Algarvian names. Whilst it would be lengthy to include every town and village, we can at least shed some light on the origins of the names of some of the region’s most popular towns and cities. Maybe you might find the origins of where you are based.
I’ve always thought Loulé has a slight Parisian atmosphere combined with its Moorish architecture, but if you think its name sounds a little French you’d be mistaken. Loulé is actually another remnant of the Algarve’s Arabian past. Deriving from the word al-ulyã meaning height, it refers to its surrounding hills. The name slowly formed into the modern-day name Loulé.
Starting with the region’s capital. Faro is often translated to lighthouse, but its name actually derives from the Arabic word harūn, related to the given name Aaron. According to José Pedro Machado (Dictionary of the Portuguese Language), the name was of an Arab family that controlled the city between 1016 and 1052. Harūn was later adapted to Old Portuguese and formed the name Fárom, which later evolved into Fárão and, finally, Faro.
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Apart from being a tongue-twister of a name, Alcantarilha takes its roots from the Arabic word al-quanTarâ, which can be loosely translated to ‘viaduct’ or ‘aqueduct’. The ilha part of the name possibly came from the Romans, indicating a small bridge. Could this name have originated as ‘a small bridge over an aqueduct’?
At first glance, the name Lagoa shares a similarity with the name Lagos and there is some truth to this. Lagoa, in fact, originates from the Portuguese word for lake. More specifically, a small one that most likely existed in the area at some point.
On the other hand, the name Lagos is indeed the counterpart of Lagoa, despite the cities themselves being 27 km apart. Lagos literally means lakes in Portuguese and is derived from the Latin word Lacobriga, which was given to the area by the Romans. It would be far more accurate to say that the name refers to a ‘bigger lake’ than Lagoa. Founded in around 2,000 BC, Lagos has been ruled by the Carthaginians, Romans, and Moors, and as many of you know, its heritage is widely preserved today. You could say that Lagoa means ‘small lake’ and Lagos means ‘big lake’.
One could say that Albufeira is arguably the Algarve’s tourist Mecca. This may seem fitting given that the name Albufeira comes from the Arabic word al-buhera, which means ‘castle by the sea’. The name could relate to a former fortress that was situated upon a cliff that overlooked a lagoon in the lower part of Albufeira, possibly near what we know today as downtown Albufeira. Occupied by the Moors in around 716, the region was once rich in agriculture and was a thriving trading post. It was one of the first places in the area to use fertiliser to enhance crop growth. Although the original fortress that created the name Albufeira has been lost in time, its name has become one of the most recognisable in Portugal.
Prior to the tourist boom, Armação de Pêra had always been known as a typical fishing town. However, its name derives from the nearby town of Pêra (meaning ‘pear’). Originally, Pêra was divided into two parts: the town, known as Pêra de Cima (Upper Pêra), and the seaside district of Armação de Pêra, which was then called Pêra de Baixo (Lower Pêra). With its connection to the fishing industry, and the fishing nets, which were known as armação, that once dotted the coastline, the town eventually adopted the name Armação de Pêra, loosely translating as ‘trap of pears’. Ironically, Armação de Pêra is now larger than the village of Pêra, which gave the town its original name.
Silves, formerly the Moorish capital of the Algarve, is a prime example of the Arabian Algarve, given its splendidly preserved castle and rabbit-warren of streets. The name Silves can be traced back to the Latin word silva, meaning a forest or wood. Given that the surrounding area was once covered with trees, the name seems quite fitting, despite the terrain having changed quite a bit since the days of old.
This small town may have a name that many of us struggle to pronounce, but its meaning is an odd one. Mexilhoeira Grande is derived from the Portuguese word mexilhão, which means ‘mussel’ and grande meaning ‘big’. Literally, Mexilhoeira Grande is a ‘big mussel’ despite it being some 3 km inland and only a relatively small town. That said, the town does have a cluster of mussels inscribed on its coat of arms.
One of the most unusual town names in my opinion is Odiáxere (pronounced: oh-dee-AH-sheh-reh), which derives from, you’ve guessed it, Arabic. The word wadi (or uadi) means ‘river’ or ‘valley’, however, the áxere element of Odiáxere remains somewhat unclear.
The name Monchique appears to have been given by the Moorish occupiers. Known as Munt Šāqir in Arabic, the name refers to the rolling hills and the peaks of Fóia and Picota. Munt Šāqir, meaning ‘sacred mountain’, would eventually become Mons Săcĕr or Mons Cicus as Latin swept the area. This, in turn, would transform the name into Monchique.
Popular with tourists, Quarteira is far older than what meets the eye. The name Quarteira comes from the Latin word quartārius, which means ‘fourth part’. It is thought that at some point in history, the area was divided into parts but gradually joined to form the current town. Founded in 504 BC and first named Carteira, the former Roman town once thrived with a large trade in salt and fish. Nothing remains of the former town, which vanished soon after the earthquake of 1755; however, its name lives on as one of the Algarve’s best-loved tourist destinations.
Finally, at the southwestern-most edge of the Algarve, we have Sagres, which played an important role in Portugal’s Age of Discoveries. Named after Prince Henry the Navigator’s nautical school, Escola de Sagres, the Latin name can be translated to ‘sacred place’ or sanctuary’. Given its strategic position and armoured fortress, it definitely is a sanctuary of the Algarve.
The seaport city of Portimão has the Romans to thank for its name. Originally called by its Latin name Portus Hannibalis, the city eventually took on the name Portus Magonis or Portus Magnus, meaning ‘great port’, thanks to its lucrative trade route to Africa via the Arade river. Eventually, Portus Magnus evolved into Portimão, the second largest city after Faro.
Lagos in the Algarve is steadily transforming into a vibrant hub for musicians and creatives. Among them is Miquel, who has successfully brought the innovative concept of Sofar Sounds to our inspiring region.
WORDS Sophie Sadler PHOTOGRAPHY Andreas Weiss
Sofar Sounds creates intimate live music experiences that unite artists and audience members in unique and unexpected venues. Since its inception, Sofar has spread to over 200 cities globally, including Porto and Lisbon, as well as Madeira, providing an immersive platform for diverse musical acts.
Miquel, who has called the Algarve home for over four years, discovered this idyllic region during a hiking trip. “I instantly knew Portugal was where I wanted to live,” he recalls. “So, I sold my belongings in the Netherlands, packed my backpack, and made the leap to start afresh in the Algarve.”
His musical journey began in his teenage years, initially ignited by school projects. In the Netherlands, he participated in a charity group that brought music to those in difficult situations, like the elderly or the ill. This experience profoundly shaped his understanding of music’s power, especially in intimate settings. “It made me realise how special it is when an audience is genuinely present and engaged,” he explains.
Upon moving to the Algarve, Miquel noticed a wealth of talent among local musicians. Still, he often found them relegated to the background in restaurants and cafes. “I envisioned how different
it would be if people actually listened instead of just talking over the music.”
While living in Nijmegen, Miquel learned about Sofar Sounds and applied to be a curator. Although it took two years for them to reach out, his move to Portugal opened a new door. “I asked if I could start Sofar in Lagos instead, and that’s how the magic began.”
While Miquel’s day job revolves around construction, curating music events has become his true passion. “The freedom I have in this role is what I love most. I can mix different musical styles and create a unique atmosphere,” he explains. Each event features three diverse acts, with a 25-minute performance slot and time for mingling over drinks between performances.
Audiences are kept in the dark about both the lineup and the venue until just two days prior to the event, creating an air of intrigue and anticipation. “This builds a unique atmosphere; people come with open minds and are incredibly respectful of the performances,” Miquel notes.
So far, Miquel has welcomed talent from all over the world with notable artists, including Dublin-based folk artist Seánie Bermingham, Belgian singer/songwriter Anna Winkin and
Blady Kris, a Polish beatboxer who competed in world championships. The venues, as eclectic as the artists, have ranged from Peppers rooftop bar in Lagos to private properties and even a gymnastics hall. Miquel has also hosted events in Salema and Burgau and invites anyone with a suitable venue in the western Algarve to get in touch.
The success of these events is evident; Miquel has sold out nearly every show, attracting between 45 to 90 attendees each time. “The essence of Sofar is original music. This is a fantastic opportunity for songwriters to showcase their own work,” he says, reflecting on the magic of live music.
Interestingly, Miquel has also been inspired to create his own music; he currently performs with friends in a project he describes as “honest soul with a bit of groove” under the name of Ayla Miquel. He recently released his first EP and occasionally steps in to fill gaps in the lineup. However, his primary motivation remains the enrichment of the local music scene rather than seeking the spotlight for himself.
“There’s something truly healing about live gigs. Many audience members tell me that they leave feeling nourished and at peace, which is beautifully rewarding,” Miquel shares. And he wouldn’t ‘get by without a little help from my friends!’ “I am very grateful for the help from the people who have supported me in this project,” he says.
Miquel believes that the Algarve is becoming an attractive destination for musicians. “There’s a vibrant creative energy here,” he notes. “I’ve heard it said that creatives come and go like the wind in the Algarve – a sense of freedom and connection to nature inspires many artists to explore their own creativity.”
The next Sofar Sounds event in Lagos is scheduled for May. For those looking to experience this unique musical journey, tickets can be purchased for €20 through their website or Instagram. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this growing community that celebrates the power of music!
For more details, visit www.sofarsounds.com or follow them on Instagram @sofarsoundslagospt
“As Mulheres Corajosas” Who Made Portugal Great
WORDS Dan Costinas
Before the rise of the Roman Empire, the Iberian Peninsula was home to numerous Celtic tribes, featuring communities with a complex social organisation, notably in the location that would eventually be known as Portugal. There are many archaeological findings and accounts from later Roman historians that offer insights into the everyday lives of these people, including their women.
Celtic society was primarily organised around family ties and tribal connections. Women had a distinctive role, frequently experiencing greater independence and political sway. They were permitted to own land, inherit properties, and even attain leadership roles within their tribes. They could also hold priestly or warrior roles, fight alongside men, engage in traditionally male-dominated activities, such as crafting and trade, or even initiate divorce – a right not commonly granted in other ancient societies.
In Celtic times women might have also played an active role in religious polytheistic ceremonies, rituals and practices, serving as honoured priestesses. Celtic mythology included a few powerful goddesses, highlighting the significance of feminine facets in their belief system. Some of them were particularly important to Celtic women, being
linked to fertility, motherhood and domestic life. A prominent example is the goddess Ataegina, associated with nature, fertility, healing and war; she was highly venerated in the region corresponding to modern-day Algarve and Lower Alentejo, and she was often represented with characteristics of both a deity and a warrior.
The arrival of the Romans in Portugal during the 2nd century BCE resulted in major transformations within the social and cultural landscapes. The introduction of Roman gods, traditions and laws, characterised by their patriarchal system, gradually replaced the pre-existing social structures, causing a decrease in the status of local women.
Nevertheless, it is important to note that these are just glimpses into the lives of women in pre-Roman Portugal. The available evidence is fragmented and open to interpretation, and women’s roles likely varied depending on their social class, region and specific cultural group. Although much is still unclear regarding the Cynetes people and their women, the existing proofs indicate a society with potential for deeper exploration to gain a more comprehensive understanding of this intriguing pre-Roman culture and the roles women held within it.
In this fictional extract, Dan Costinas imagines a scene from Celtic Portugal. There is some archaeological evidence of human sacrifice among Celtic peoples in Portugal, including priests and priestesses.
Ha’Arra, the high priestess of the tribe, suddenly felt the whole weight of fate upon her svelte shoulders. Reports of heavily armed Roman legions, advancing like a tide of iron and shiny steel, had reached the sacred grove. Their merciless gods threatened to crush her clan’s ancient ways within the span of two full moons. Retreat was not an option, and resistance would be pointless against the Roman war machine. A chilling sense of certainty gripped Ha’Arra: the only remaining way to ensure the survival of the tribe’s spirit was to conduct an ancient ritual, a blood offering to appease Ataegina, the Goddess of Spring and War, and to calm the spirits of the Cynetes ancestors, diverting their anger from her people.
The scent of myrrh and wild thyme hung heavy in the air, creating a soothing veil against the nearing twilight. Adorned in white, with her long hair falling gracefully down the back, Ha’Arra knelt before the altar, the cool stone pressing into her knees. Above her, the rough-hewn statue of Goddess Ataegina towered; carved in dark stone, her expression was both resolute and kind, seemingly possessing the knowledge of countless eras. As the moonlight enveloped them in a soft silver glow, Ha’Arra closed her blue eyes and gently lifted the golden short Celtic dagger. Then, without a word, she lowered the hand and the blade towards her heart – while the tribe’s druid chanted in the old tongue, his voice weaving a mournful tapestry, like a poignant mix of sorrow and wonder.
As if accepting the sacrifice, the sacred land, the statue, the wind and the entire universe sighed softly. As the priestess’ spirit rose towards the Otherland, she transformed into a guardian angel for her people, a testament to their unwavering faith and the power of sacrifice. Each member of the tribe felt a wave of peace washing over them, fostering a profound bond with both the heroine and the goddess they all revered. They instantly knew that Ataegina had listened to their pleas, and accepted the offering. The tribe was not alone anymore in confronting the impending danger.
We appealed to readers to send us their best creative prose to celebrate Easter and the coming of spring. Here are the winning entries!
Under the Easter Umbrella (Two Limericks & Three Haikus Intertwined) by
Dan Costinas
An old seaman from Algarve, quite keen, Whose boat held no fish, it would seem; Then of spring, oranges, and sun, His three tiny poems outrun “Five-Seven-Five,” the haikus were cheerfully preen:
new joy starts anew winter’s sleep gives way to spring— life wakes, fresh and bright
pink blooms softly rise, branches dance in gentle breeze— sweet scent fills the air
eggs hidden, spring’s bloom, joyful children hunt and find— hope’s sweet song unfolds
The bunnies had, on beaches so wide, Eggs to paint—that the sea tried to hide. Almond trees all in white, Showing a truly sweet sight, “Blithe Easter!” the seagulls all cried.
The Easter Bunny by David Lugg
There’s something strange about Easter
A myth that’s odd and funny. A folklore figure so cute yet stern It’s called the Easter Bunny.
I understand the Easter eggs And get the Easter lilies.
But hopping hares and rambunctious rabbits? For me, that’s rather silly.
Don’t get me wrong, I like a bunny I like tooth fairies too. And Santa Claus and unicorns To mention just a few.
But delivering eggs from rabbit legs?
That’s not for me, my fella. I think this Easter what I’ll do Is make rabbit paella.
www.davidluggwriter.com
To Jasper A dog’s life by Nick
Darker
When I wake up in the morning the people are still snoring
So I creep into the bedroom even though it’s really boring
My nose is moist and questing and my whiskers are erect
As I push gently through the bedclothes and I touch their face direct
They snort and fumble blindly as I give them full attention
Oh Jasper will you go away! Or we’ll put you in detention! I drop a poisonous doggy fart so they figure out the issue
And on the lawn below the house I start to poo, sans tissue!
The day begins to brighten with the filling of the dish
A pile of canine cereals and a chunk of yummy fish
Well just a moment later I yowl to get the lead
And Jerome runs out along the road to do his master deed
I do pretend the morning walk is what I really need
But frankly there are better walks but how to make him heed?
The perfect doggy trot should have a stick as well as ball
A few slow hounds to chase around while frantic owners call.
But then all done we head for home
And supper is prepared!
‘Woof woof’ we shout and tongues fall out
The evening meal is declared!
Although the humans cook for hours then slowly eat all night
For me I have no problem to gulp it down – that’s right!
Then I crawl into my doggy bed
And growl at phantom frights
While the humans play their silly games
I slowly snooze all night …
Spring Is Coming by
Robert Spalding
The weather is changeable. Sometimes the sun shines in a clear blue Lagos sky tricking people into wearing a light coat, enough clothing until they turn onto a shaded street with the wind blowing and chilling to the bone. Yet some hardy souls, presumably from Northern climes, venture out in shorts and tee-shirts. Other times, the rain comes blown in from the ocean, adding a damp cold, filling the calçadas with puddles, and blowing umbrellas inside-out. The Algarve desperately needs rain, and grateful as everyone is, some wish it would wait until night when they are inside, warm and dry.
Winter drags on, but spring is coming. Already the hills are yellow with flowers, dotted amongst the green grass that laid dormant during the dry time. The swallows are back dog-fighting with insects, blackbirds too; the pigeons are cooing and seagulls can be seen cosying up to one another on the rooftops, the males hoping to find a mate. People venture out from hibernation. Dogs play in the praça, their owners waiting patiently, gossiping with one another. More cars on the streets, cyclists and runners stretch their legs. The train and bus stations fill up with passengers, and some suitcases can be heard rattling the calçadas. The market is full of fresh fruit and vegetables, oranges, juicy and sweet, lemons, apples and fresh vegetables recently picked with chilled hands. Vendors smiling, glad to be around people, looking forward to their farmyard tasks in warmer weather. The whole mood of Lagos is bright.
The Verão Azul Festival returns to pursue its goal of decentralising artistic creation and giving visibility to themes and territories that are still on the margins of art. Under the motto ‘The more you look, the more you see’, the biennial festival celebrates diversity, promoting the encounter between bodies, identities and contemporary discourses.
The programme includes performances by national and international artists, concerts and DJ sets, cinema, a tattoo convention (which celebrates the body as an artistic medium) and a new media exhibition (with works by six artists), pushing the boundaries between art and technology.
Some events require tickets, which you can buy at the venue or online.
10–19 April
The event takes place at various venues across the Algarve, including Lagos, Loulé and Faro www.festivalveraoazul.com/en
In April, the border towns of Alcoutim (Portugal) and Sanlúcar de Guadiana (Spain) will come together once again to celebrate their unique history of cooperative smuggling, which took place for centuries across the river. Many dress in traditional costumes to enjoy music and entertainment.
4 April, 2 pm - 8 pm
5 April, 11 am - 9 pm
6 April, 11 am - 7 pm
Alcoutim
www.facebook.com/festivaldocontrabando
An unmissable programme to end another cycle of promenade concerts in a spectacular way as they celebrate journeys across the sea. Performed with conductor Pablo Urbino and hosted by Rui Baeta.
Loulé: 13 April, 11.30 am Lagoa: 13 April, 4.30 am
Cineteatro Louletano, Loulé
Auditório Carlos do Carmo, Lagoa
www.bol.pt
This Lacobrigense festival will have a lot to offer visitors, from shows, interactive themed centres, historical re-enactments, exhibitions, conferences, permanent entertainment, a historical parade and a 16th-century fair, among other surprises.
Between 1415 and 1542–43, the Portuguese travelled from Lagos Bay to Newfoundland and Japan. This year, the festival celebrates the global importance of the Portuguese Maritime Discoveries and the role of Lagos and its people. It is a celebration of the great adventurers who traversed the world.
30 April–4 May
Lagos
festivaldosdescobrimentos.pt
The Algarve Jazz Orchestra performs award-winning music by Icelandic saxophonist and composer Stefán S. Stefánsson.
Featuring pieces from the albums An Icelander at Uluwatu Temple and An Icelander at Alhambra Palace, this concert presents a unique blend of Icelandic jazz influences intertwined with the artist’s personal experiences from around the world. Singer Clara Buser adds the final touch of colour to this remarkable programme.
17 April, 7 pm
Auditório Carlos do Carmo, Lagoa www.bol.pt/Comprar/Bilhetes www.facebook.com/orquestrajazzalgarve
Art Gallery Rua da Silva 4 in Tavira is a residency for Scandinavian artists combined with a showroom for visiting artists' art objects. So far, four artists, including this season’s exhibitor, have been awarded residencies.
The intention is to highlight Tavira from a Scandinavian artist’s perspective, as well as to give the visiting artists an opportunity to be inspired by the unique ambience of Tavira. One of the exhibiting artists is Håkan Berg, who lives and works in the village of Maglehem in the south of Sweden, surrounded by coast and sea.
10/4, 17/4 and 24/4 from 5 pm - 9 pm. You are also always welcome to contact the gallery for a private viewing.
Tavira
www.facebook.com/Taviracity lorinc.ester@gmail.com
Organised by the Municipality of Silves, the Feira do Folar de São Marcos da Serra will celebrate this regional delicacy that is traditionally made at Easter. You will have the chance to enjoy this delicious treat, which represents the end of the Lenten fast leading up to Easter Sunday. Along with delicious baked goods, you will be able to sample and buy regional sweets, liqueurs and spirits, honey, traditional sausages, handicrafts and citrus fruits.
18–20 April
São Marcos da Serra, Silves www.cm-silves.pt
Find a wide variety of plants adapted to our climate and receive expert advice on how to create a sustainable garden with minimal water consumption.
In addition to plants, you can enjoy snacks and drinks on-site and get assistance in transporting your new plants to your car.
12 April, 10 am–5 pm
Museu do Traje, São Brás de Alportel www.museu-sbras.com
The 10th Anniversary Concert of the Orquestra Ligeira de Lagos will take place on the main stage at the 25 de Abril celebrations in Lagos. The theme for the concert is “Voices of Freedom” to commemorate the revolution that occurred without violence.
25 April, 6.30 pm
Praça Gil Eanes, Lagos www.facebook.com/orquestraligeiradelagos
WORDS Flora Kouta
A beautiful blend of pink and orange, coral is a colour made for Algarve interiors. Like a Portuguese sunset, it’s the perfect shade to liven up a room and welcome in the hotter months. With the vibrancy of orange, the softness of pink and the intensity of red, it will make your home feel instantly inviting.
Don’t confuse coral with salmon or peach, it’s got a lot more depth and flavour. Think the flesh of a papaya, the inside of a Conch shell and the sun melting over the cliffs. Whether you use it sparingly or go wall to wall, juicy coral will cast a warm glow over your entire living space.
I always thought the colour coral took its name from a spindly ocean plant, but I learned last week (from a nine-year-old at a beach cafe) that coral is in fact a tiny marine animal. Astonished by my ignorance, my young friend explained to me that there are two main types: hard corals, which create reefs by forming an exoskeleton, and soft corals, which are flexible and look like vegetation. He went on to say that coral reefs are a vital ecosystem and essential to the health of our oceans. They provide a home and food source for hundreds of creatures, protect coastlines from erosion and play a crucial role in regulating the earth’s climate by absorbing and storing carbon dioxide. Did he get all this from school, the internet or the telly?
In my day, if your parents looked blank when you asked them a question, you had to run to the library and consult an Encyclopaedia Britannica. By the time you’d climbed up a ladder and manoeuvred one off the shelf (remember those giant leather-bound tomes with a million pages the thickness of wasp’s wings and print so small you needed a microscope?) you’d forgotten what it was you wanted to find out in the first place.
Keen to steer the conversation back to pretty colours, I asked this knowledgeable fella how coral gets its lovely pinky-orange hue, and he snorted at my stupidity. Coral actually comes in many different colours, from pink to blue to green, and its colour is affected by a variety of factors. One of the most significant is the amount of sunlight the coral receives – just like we get a tan when exposed to strong sunlight, coral gets more colour. Water temperature also affects its colour, if the sea gets too warm, the algae living inside the coral can perish, causing it to turn white and die. Pollution, overfishing, illegal collection of coral and global warming are killing reefs all over the world. I wish I hadn’t started this, all I’d done was admire his mum’s necklace. Now I was getting visions of coral being drained of its beautiful colour. I hadn’t realised complimenting her ensemble would lead to such depressing revelations. Let’s get back to the comfort of coral interiors
Place banana palms and big ferns against a coral feature wall and you’ll feel like you’re living on your own coral reef. In fact, you are – did you know the Algarve has its own coral reef? The Armação de Pêra reef is the largest natural reef in Portugal and is estimated to be over 25,000 years old. It stretches from northwest to southeast over seven nautical miles from the Alfanzina Lighthouse, near Carvoeiro to the edge of Galé in Albufeira. This spectacular reef is home to over 800 different species of fish, invertebrates and algae, 11 of which are completely new to Portugal, the Iberian Peninsula and even to science. Scientists have found species that, so far, are only known to live there, making it one of the most precious reefs in Europe.
We’re very lucky to have such a reef on our doorstep, but if we’re not careful we could be on the road to losing it. Environmental scientists predict that unless we reduce emissions, all of the world's reefs will be dead by the end of the century. I’m putting our amazing reef on my list as a place to take the moody teenagers this summer. It’s four miles off the coast and there are plenty of excursions that will take you there. The young ones can don all the gear and go scuba diving. I’m a scaredy cat so I shall be staying on the boat basking in my coral bikini, talking to the fish and marvelling at the wonders of nature.
Despite its unique appearance, coral goes well with lots of other colours. If you like a soft and gentle interior, pair coral with pastel pink, oatmeal and dove grey. If your style leans towards something bolder, try using coral in a colour palette that’s contrasting. In other words, combine coral with colours that are opposite it on the colour wheel like teal, mint green, and cyan. A contrasting colour palette will really make the coral pop, adding depth and character to sociable spaces like kitchens and living rooms.
Don’t turn your whole house peachy orange – that would feel a bit sickly. Take your cues from the natural environment and mirror the Algarve landscape when decorating with coral. If you balance it with sandy hues, natural wood and ocean-coloured accents, it will ground the senses and make the room feel energising and breezy. Bathrooms are the perfect spaces to experiment and give the contrasting look a go. Sea green and jade make bathrooms feel cool and spalike, but if you put them beside a vibrant hue like coral you’ll create a playful oasis.
Looking to refresh or completely redesign your home or business?
Based in Lagos and fluent in English and Portuguese, I specialise in creating stylish, functional interiors tailored to your needs. Let’s bring your vision to life—contact me today!
WORDS David Lugg
Zara Lachlan is a remarkable human being. At aged 21, she has become the youngest person and first woman to row solo, unassisted and non-stop from Europe to South America. Having set off from Lagos marina on 27 October, Zara rowed for 97 days, a total of 6670 km (3600 nautical miles) to French Guyana. Sports editor David Lugg spoke to Zara to find out about the highs and lows of such an extraordinary expedition.
My first impression of Zara is one of calmness personified. If mere mortals like me had just spent almost 100 unassisted days at sea, I would more likely have been traumatised, but for Zara it was more like a challenge that she fully expected to complete. I ask her about her training regime and what preparation was required to undertake the journey.
“Normal rowing training, before I left, was 39 hours a week so I didn’t have to build up any fitness for it. Therefore, I didn’t suffer from any blisters. Obviously, you get sore and stiff but it was fine.” This put her in good stead for the quest ahead, though mother nature kindly delivered some interesting twists along the way.
“I settled into a routine of 16-and-a-half hours of rowing per day. Sometimes I would do a little bit more. When I was going through the Canaries, I would do between 18 and 22 hours of rowing,” she tells me. In fact, the winds were so strong in the Canary Islands that Zara had to row over 18 hours just to stop going backwards. “Out of the first 39 days, I had the wind against me for 35. Going
through the Canaries was awful,” she notes, her ever-composed tones showing a brief moment of irritation.
I asked Zara if the physical and mental strain of completing the Canaries ever prompted her to quit. “Oh yeah, I had my moments. But I’m too stubborn. I see getting through the Canaries as a bigger achievement than reaching South America. Being the only person to push yourself for that many hours a day and get nowhere was really harsh. I still had 3,000 miles to go.”
But how did she focus each day? Were there any rituals? Any songs that she would sing to keep her going? “Passing the time was very easy. Though, I broke my phone on day 40 so I had no music or podcasts for 57 days. I was completely alone. But I am quite good at switching off my brain. I just enjoyed it. It was nice to be fully immersed in nature without any distractions.”
Nature certainly played its part. Aside from the winds, Zara had to contend with dolphins, sharks and, most concerningly, orcas. In fact, she still has the teeth marks in her foot from what she believes might have been a barracuda. Moreover, Zara points out that she is not a strong swimmer, something which surprises me. “If it gets to the point where I’m swimming to survive, then I’m dead anyway,” she notes, rather matter-of-factly.
I ask Zara about her emotions on Christmas Day. Did she have time to reflect on matters at home or was it just another day? “I didn’t feel particularly lonely at any point, but it was my
first Christmas away from my parents and my brother,” she recalls, allowing a rare poignant moment to escape her lips. “But I remember it was very hot and I went for a swim. And then I carried on,” she adds resolutely.
No doubt the elation of seeing land for the first time in 97 days was something special, but I asked Zara if there was something that she particularly missed about rowing solo out on the ocean? Perhaps It was the solitude? Or being surrounded by nature? Maybe something so simple as not using a mobile phone? “All of it,” she replies without hesitation. “I love being back, but I miss my boat. Despite everything that is inconvenient and uncomfortable about it, I honestly really loved it.”
Zara’s comments are the epitome of someone who enjoys every moment that life has to offer –her journey is her destination. She is just about to complete her physics degree at Loughborough University before heading to Sandhurst in September to become a British Army officer. Will we see her again on another mission like this in the future? “I would love it,” she laughs. And so would we.
Instagram: @atlantic_solo_zara
Zara Lachlan has set up a crowdfunding page to raise money for the Team Forces Foundation and Women In Sport www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/zara-lachlan-atlantic-solo-row
It has been an extraordinary 18 months for our national team. Ahead of two crunch matches this month against staunch rivals Spain, we caught up with captain Dolores Silva.
WORDS Vaughan Willmore
“As players, we want to compete against the very best and to develop as a team. We believe in ourselves and we’ll be working hard to achieve success.”
Promotion to the top tier of the Nations League, qualification for the 2025 UEFA Championship finals and a hard-fought draw in Portimão against England. “Qualification for the UEFA Championship finals was the highlight,” said Dolores. “That’s now three successive finals. We feel very happy about it and are looking forward to the finals in July and testing ourselves against the very best.”
They’re affectionately known as the ‘Navegadoras’ (Navigators), a name which reflects the pioneering spirit of the team and Portugal’s
which she and her teammates could “feel the support of the country”. Indeed, women’s football is thriving with Dolores’s home club of Sporting Clube de Braga, opening the first dedicated women’s football stadium.
All of the achievements of the last 18 months are to be savoured and yet, in their own way, they present new challenges. Portugal is now competing against the top teams in world football. Francisco Neto said, “We know it’s going to be tough. We have the European champions and the world champion in our Nations League group, which will force us to rise to a level of great demand and competitiveness. We want Portugal to be in constant growth over these next few months, so that it can present its best version at the European Championship finals in July.” Dolores told me, “It is going to be hard but we’ve shown what we’re capable of achieving and as professional footballers, competing against the very best on a regular basis is where we want to be.”
Looking on as an outsider (and supporter) who has followed the team for many years, the team looks well-placed for more success this year. They have a fantastic work ethic, a talented coach and an outstanding captain in Dolores. On the pitch she’s a busy midfielder, while off the pitch Dolores is humble and considerate. “I don’t think being captain means I get any special treatment. My focus has always been on supporting my teammates by making sure they feel welcome and prepared, and that they know I’m here if they need me.”
seafaring past. It also hints at the resilience of both the team and its talented and long-serving coach, Francisco Neto. During 2024, they went undefeated and started strongly this year, with a draw against England (the European champions) and a win in Belgium.
The recent draw against England – the fourth best team in world football – was a great result. On a rain sodden February night in Portimão, England went into an early lead and looked dominant and yet, as the game progressed, Portugal scored an equaliser and, by the end of the game, looked the much better team. Against such strong opposition, it felt like a significant result and as Dolores told me it was a game in
There’s no doubt this month’s two matches against Spain – the best team in the world – will be tough, but with Dolores as captain and a team that continues to develop under coach Neto, they’re well-placed to compete and once again make Portugal proud.
The first game against Spain will be in Paços de Ferreira on 4 April. Four days later, they play the return match in Vigo, Spain. Both matches will be shown live on RTP1.
The European Championship finals start in July and take place in Switzerland.
I don’t think being captain means I get any special treatment. My focus has always been on supporting my teammates by making sure they feel welcome and prepared, and that they know I’m here if they need me.
- Dolores Silva.
M a x i m u m S a v i n g s
Margarida Correia is the under-18 women’s national chess champion. She competes for the AFN Gil Eanes club in Lagos. Margarida spoke to sports editor David Lugg about what inspired her to start playing and what it takes to become the best.
WORDS David Lugg
How long have you been playing chess and who inspired you to start playing?
I’ve been playing chess for about four years, having started during the pandemic. One day, my dad suggested that we watch The Queen’s Gambit (the award-winning Netflix series about chess prodigy Beth Harmon). Little did I know that it would be one of the best decisions of my life. I was completely fascinated and soon afterwards, I asked my father and grandfather to teach me how to play. Over time, I got more involved and persuaded my parents to get me a coach. About six months later, I was already competing.
How often do you practise?
mistakes are inevitable. However, I see it differently. For me, always wanting to do your best can never be a bad thing, as long as you have the maturity to accept mistakes as an essential part of the learning process.
You recently won the under 18s national women’s speed chess title. You must have been delighted with your performance?
I was really happy, because it was the first time I’d managed to win a national title. I’d been trying for a while, but I always ended up in second or third place. Finally, I managed to overcome that obstacle and that made me extremely proud, not just because of the title itself but mainly because I felt I did a good job.
The Gil Eanes chess club had 13 representatives in the national youth championships. What is the secret behind the club’s success? Since it was founded in 2022, the club’s chess section has grown immensely. They have done an incredible job of publicising chess, especially in schools. In addition, there are training sessions practically every day, which allows the players to progress consistently. But more than all of this, what really makes the difference is the atmosphere in the club. There’s a real spirit of mutual help and I feel that everyone supports each other, regardless of level or experience. At the end of the day, that’s what makes this club so special.
Outside of chess, what are your interests and hobbies?
Music is one of my great passions, which is why I take private singing lessons. I also love travelling. Ever since I was little, my parents have always encouraged me to get to know new cultures, and this has become something very special to me. Another area that fascinates me is astrophysics. I even have a telescope, and whenever I can, I like to observe the starry sky and learn more about the universe.
Practising chess is a bit different from other sports, as you can literally train sitting on the sofa. However, I believe that having a coach makes all the difference in order to evolve in a more efficient and targeted way. At the moment, I do about four hours of training a week with coaches to identify mistakes, prepare for future matches and study different strategic plans. Outside of training with coaches, I try to practise every day.
What personality traits do you possess to be a good chess player?
I’m a very persistent person and I always fight for my goals. I believe this is one of the most important traits for playing chess at a competitive level because the challenges are many and the results don’t always come immediately. Without this willpower and fighting spirit, it’s easy to become demotivated and give up at the first hurdle. I’m also quite a perfectionist. Some say that perfectionism in chess can be a problem because, due to the complexity of the game,
What would you say to any boys or girls looking to play chess for the first time?
The key word is persistence. At first, everything seems difficult, and you will fail many times, but the important thing is to learn from your mistakes and keep playing. Chess, with the right mindset, can be a fascinating and extremely rewarding game. For those just starting out, I recommend playing a lot online to gain experience. And if you want to take the game more seriously and compete, the ideal is to look for a club nearby and possibly consider investing in a coach to develop in a more structured way. If you’re a young woman, I’d say never be intimidated by the fact that there are more men playing. It’s true that there are fewer of us in terms of numbers, but the community, at least in Portugal, is very welcoming. Besides, chess needs more women and each new player helps to make the environment more diverse and balanced.
What does 2025 hold for you?
This year promises to be a year of big changes. If all goes well, I’ll be going to university for my dream course – Aerospace Engineering – and moving to another city, which will be a huge challenge. And, of course, I will continue to compete and fight for more titles at national level.
If you wish to publicise a sporting event, please contact our sports editor David Lugg: david@tomorrowalgarve.com
Algarve golfer Tomás Melo Gouveia has finished as runner-up at the Optilink Tour Championship at the Palmeras golf course near Lagos. The player from Loulé went into the final round with a 2-shot lead, but Englishman Dan Smith clawed back the deficit to prevail in the first hole of a play-off. Speaking after the event, Melo Gouveia offered his congratulations to Smith: “He played better and deserved it. I have to work better to be better in these situations.”
Lagos will host around 600 athletes at the 20th Inline Speed Skating Tournament. The event is the second round of the World Skate Europe championship and will take place between 11–14 April on the Júlio Dantas track in the centre of the city.
Portugal have achieved a historic milestone at the European Indoor Championships, finishing with four medals. Middle-distance runner Salomé Afonso made it a particularly special event by becoming the first Portuguese athlete to win two medals. The Algarve’s Isaac Nader took bronze in the 1500m race. President of the Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, congratulated the performance, stating that they had made “all Portuguese people very proud”.
Despite some vastly improved performances, Farense’s chances of remaining in the Portuguese Primeira league look increasingly bleak. The team from Faro have not tasted victory in 2025, with their last win coming against Famalicão in December. They currently sit in 17th position out of the 18 teams, six points from safety.
The Portugal men’s rugby side suffered a surprise defeat to Spain in the semi-finals of the Rugby Europe Championship. Despite having home advantage and previous bragging rights, Os Lobos lost a thrilling match 42-31. In truth, Portugal did not deal with Spain’s physicality, which led to a series of Spanish penalties. Despite outscoring the visitors by four tries to three, Spain fully deserved their victory. In the final, Georgia beat Spain 46-28, whilst Romania beat an understrength Portugal 21-7 in the bronze final.
Portugal’s men’s rugby 7’s side has won Round 2 of the Challenger series. The competition, which is the 2nd tier of 7’s rugby, saw Os Lobos beat Germany 12-7 in a tight match. Captain Diogo Sarmento said, “This win is overwhelming. What we have achieved is fantastic.”
Denmark’s Jonas Vingegaard has won the Volta ao Algarve following a dominant time trial on the fifth and final stage. After some early-season rustiness in the mountains on day 3, Vingegaard, who was the pre-race favourite, stormed back to take overall victory by 15 seconds from Portuguese rider João Almeida. Following the event, Vingegaard said, “It was a great day for me and the team. Before the race, my daughter told me that I had to win today, so that gave me motivation.”
In November 2022, Bruna Ribeirinho Lourenço was looking for a new sport to try after losing interest in her swimming lessons. Despite some initial resistance (Bruna wanted to leave before her first lesson started), she took up the martial art of jiu-jitsu and was immediately hooked. Within two years, she has twice become national champion and finished third in the European Championships.
What are the three biggest benefits from practising jiu-jitsu? Selfconfidence, friendship and being closer to my family. When I started, I made a lot of friends because jiu-jitsu is like having a big family. It also made me closer to my Mum and Dad as they are with me when I go to the championships and they are my support.
How was the experience of competing for your country at the European Championships? I was so proud of myself. I want to win because I have family and friends who believe in me. If I don’t win, I know that I will work hard and do my best.
What would your message be to other children interested in starting jiujitsu? Have self-confidence and believe in yourself. A lot of people don’t have confidence, sometimes because of bullying, but jiu-jitsu is something they can do to make them feel better about themselves.
What are your goals for 2025 and beyond? By the end of the year, I want to win the European Championships in November and the National Championships in December.
WORDS Nora Zellmer
Coming from a background in social work and psychological coaching in Berlin, I am excited to bring Walk & Talk to the southwest Algarve – a place where this method blends wonderfully with the landscape, the people and the energy. The breathtaking nature here creates the perfect Walk and Talk setting for personal growth.
Walk & Talk is a light and enjoyable alternative to traditional coaching. What makes it so special is that walking isn’t something we typically associate with “work”. Unlike sitting in a therapy room, walking is linked in our minds to movement, freedom and enjoyment. Because of this, when we engage in self-work while walking, it feels lighter and more natural. We’re not weighed down by the usual mental associations with effort or struggle – instead, we’re in a state where letting go, opening up and reflecting comes more easily.
This shift makes personal growth feel effortless. Change happens naturally when we feel relaxed, and being outdoors in motion creates the perfect conditions for insight and
transformation. The mind sharpens, new perspectives arise, and the process unfolds while we are enjoying ourselves at the same time.
The unique part of my work is how I see my clients. Not only do I hear what they say – I see their light, their potential and their strength. I reflect this power back to them, holding a vision of who they truly are, even before they can see it themselves. The words I speak and the tools I use are simply ways to help them feel what I already see – to guide them toward their own inner power.
Walk & Talk is a gentle and vibrant path to selfdiscovery – one that makes personal growth feel easier and full of possibility.
walkandtalknora@gmail.com www.walkandtalknora.com www.instagram.com/walkandtalknora
If your lifestyle is affected by Parkinson’s, there is something that you can do about it. Don’t suffer alone; there are many sufferers out there who welcome social contact. Not only the patient but their impatient partners and carers as well!
Inspired by the UK Podcast “Movers and Shakers”, a group of PD sufferers here in the Algarve have decided to try and improve the level of practical support that is currently available here to sufferers with this debilitating condition. There is no cure for Parkinson’s, but with the right medication, daily exercise and a healthy diet, it is possible to successfully manage living with this condition. Keeping positive and facing up to the reality of PD is essential, but this is very difficult to do and almost impossible to achieve alone.
As a first step, we hope that there is sufficient local interest for us to establish a monthly
get-together. A meeting where experiences can be shared, problems discussed and activities proposed.
We would therefore welcome all PD sufferers and their carers to participate at a suitable cafe or restaurant where there is easy access and parking. Our aim is to try to arrange group activities and events that will help us manage our symptoms, keep us all positive, and improve our quality of life. Living with Parkinson’s can be fun!
If you are interested in joining, please get in touch, and we will advise you of the date and venue for our first meeting, hopefully during the month of April.
If we were to run a marathon or cycle 100 km, we would probably make certain we were properly fuelled so we could go the distance. Yet, when it comes to our day-today sports that same attention to nutrition often goes out of the window.
Making sure we are fuelled and hydrated will help us get the most out of whatever activity we choose. How we fuel depends on what we are doing and how long it lasts, but staying hydrated is always essential, especially here in the Algarve when it is usually warm and sunny. A simple tip for sunny weather is to add electrolytes to your water, no matter which sport you enjoy.
Padel and tennis are generally short bursts of intense energy, so focus on quick-release carbs and fluids. A banana or small energy bar might be all you need if your match is less than an hour, but have something on hand in case you go into a second set or an extra match.
Golf, however, might take four or five hours, so you will need slower-release foods. Think protein mixed with carbohydrates, like fruit with nuts or a tuna or egg sandwich. Even a protein shake with fruit can be handy if you are on the course and want something portable. This can also apply to long hikes along our beautiful coastline, and a pastel de nata is always a good addition to your coffee as it does have a little bit of protein in it!
Do not forget surfers either, who cannot exactly pop a snack mid-wave. Having a meal with protein and slow-release carbs beforehand, plus adequate water is essential for stamina out on the board. After all, fuelling properly is not just for marathons – it is for all of us who want to enjoy our favourite sports and feel great while doing them.
Ann de Jongh is a health & wellbeing coach
WORDS Scott Bennett
When I was ten, my family relocated from England to Portugal, an experience that would shape my life in profound ways. Today, as a parent myself, I can appreciate why so many families are now making similar choices.
Portugal offers a distinctive blend of lifestyle, education and affordability that feels increasingly rare in today’s fast-paced world. With over 300 days of sunshine a year, it’s not just the climate appealing to families but the chance to enjoy a healthier, outdoor lifestyle. Children can engage in sports and activities, fostering not only physical wellbeing but also lasting friendships.
The country’s multicultural environment is central to this appeal, particularly within its diverse international schools, especially in regions like Lisbon and the Algarve. These institutions offer a variety of curricula, including British, American and International Baccalaureate programmes, allowing families to choose an education that aligns with their values and aspirations. From my personal experience in Portugal’s international school system, I’ve seen firsthand the capacity for cultural enrichment and empathy that comes from growing
up alongside peers from various backgrounds.
Affordability further enhances Portugal’s allure. Despite its high quality of life, the cost of living remains comparatively low, allowing families to secure larger homes and enjoy more experiences – luxuries often unattainable in cities like London or Paris.
Ultimately, moving to Portugal is about cultivating an environment that fosters growth, learning and connections. The country beautifully marries old-world charm with modern conveniences, making it ideal for families seeking a nurturing place to thrive.
Having witnessed the growing interest in Portugal through my role at the Portuguese Chamber of Commerce in the UK, I can confidently say: Portugal is not just a place to live; it’s a wonderful place for families to grow and flourish.
A longer version of this article is available on our blog.
Register for the Moving to Portugal Show and Seminars: MTP-London2025.eventbrite.co.uk
Espiche Golf in the Algarve is welcoming back Luís Rocha as its general manager, a role he previously held from 2015 to 2017. A Lisbon native, Luís has spent nearly 15 years living in the Algarve, fuelled by a passion for the region and its cultural richness and the fact his ancestors hailed from Albufeira. His travels have taken him across the globe, shaping his appreciation for diverse cultures, while his interests in classical music, cinema and various sports reflect a dynamic personality ideally suited for the challenges of this role.
Lisbon region for six consecutive years before returning to Espiche Golf.
WORDS Sophie Sadler espichegolf.pt
With over 30 years of professional experience in tourism management, Luís’s background is both impressive and extensive. He holds a degree in Economics and Business Management from one of Portugal’s top universities. He has played pivotal roles in several leading Algarve establishments, including Vale do Lobo and Vila Sol. Most recently, he served as general manager of a theme park recognised as the best in the
Luís was drawn back to Espiche Golf not just by nostalgia but by its future potential. “Espiche is a very special place and has always been in my heart,” he states. Under his leadership, the course is poised for exciting developments, particularly a new real estate project comprising 112 eco-friendly homes and a boutique hotel. This initiative aims to set new standards for sustainable living, integrating modern architecture with the natural beauty of the Algarve. “The project will share the same ethical and innovative approach as Espiche Golf in aspiring to obtain the highest standards in pursuing an eco-friendly and sustainable agenda,” he says.
The challenge ahead is substantial. Alongside launching the real estate development, Luís aims to enhance the golfing experience by
improving the course itself. Having just passed the milestone of 42,000 rounds in 2024, planned investments include a state-of-the-art irrigation system designed to reduce water consumption and a new golf academy that aims to rank among the best in Portugal and Europe.
In achieving these goals, Luís also aspires to create a vibrant community at Espiche Resort that balances luxury and sustainability. He envisions the development as a tranquil retreat, harmonising contemporary living with nature, thereby providing residents with a unique lifestyle.
With an excellent team and strong board support, Luís is set to lead Espiche Golf into an exciting new era, fostering a thriving community while upholding the core values of sustainability and environmental responsibility.
The Algarve is a place where the sea has always been more than just a line on the horizon. It holds a deep and long-standing relationship with the people who live here.
WORDS Tânia Soares
PHOTOGRAPHY Sanda Vučković
For years, fishermen and the canning industry have brought the Atlantic to the world´s tables, turning sardines into a symbol of the Algarve. However, the history of the canning industry is not just a tale of success; it’s also a story of struggle, adaptation and, at times, a lack of freedom.
Before the 25th of April, the canning industry was an economic and social pillar. Canning factories were scattered across the country’s coastal areas, employing thousands of people. The galleons returned, laden with sardines, signalling the start of a busy factory routine. Men and women, especially female workers, would spend hours processing the fish and placing it in cans to be shipped worldwide. Productivity was high, but the context in which this production took place was not always fair or free.
During the Estado Novo period, the freedom of those in the canning industry was limited by the centralisation of power within the regime. Control over production and exportation was strict, with prices set by government bodies.
Industrialists had limited opportunities for innovation, and new technologies were restricted, such as the installation of freezing chambers or the use of modern techniques. In this case, freedom wasn’t just about the ability to negotiate but also the autonomy to evolve and adapt to changes in the global market.
During the Second World War, Portugal, as a neutral country, used its strategic position to support the Salazar regime. The canning industry became a bargaining chip between the warring powers, with canned goods sold to England and Germany. The need for resources, such as tinplate (used to make the cans), meant that collaboration between the government and the canning industry was crucial to the sector’s operation. In times of war, canned goods became not only a foodstuff but also a symbol of resilience and an economy that, despite being controlled, continued to function.
Today, canned fish is now taking on a new, more artisanal form with a fresh and innovative approach. In recent years, a new generation of the canning industry has emerged, without losing sight of the essence of what the sea means to the coastal regions, and has begun to reinvent the industry. By using traditional production methods and
incorporating the quality and freshness of local products, these small canneries are recovering what once seemed lost. The technique of “handcrafted know-how,” where each tin is carefully prepared, has been key to the success of this new wave of preserves.
In the Algarve, we now have a new canning industry that stands out for its innovation, respect for the genuine taste of fish, and commitment to quality. The canned goods emerging from these new factories are not just food products but stories, traditions and, most importantly, a celebration of freedom. A symbol that, more than 50 years after the revolution that brought us freedom, the desire to create and do things well continues to thrive. The Algarve, once a pioneer in canned food production (with the country’s first canning factory founded in Vila Real de Santo António in 1853), now plays a key role in the industry transformation that refuses to disappear.
In the end, the sea remains our greatest ally. But, as always, the mighty Atlantic challenges us to overcome difficulties and learn from the mistakes of the past. The future of the canning industry is uncertain, but we can look to the future with confidence, knowing that, even in its unpredictable waters, there is always room for new opportunities.
At Mar d’Estórias, we have a little corner dedicated to the canned goods that preserve the taste of Portugal. They are not just a quick treat for busier days; these canned goods have their stories and are part of the legacy of a people who, over the centuries, have known how to turn the sea into food, memory, and resilience.
mardestorias.com
info@mardestorias.com +351 282 792 165
WORDS Sophie Sadler
Since joining the team 18 months ago, Georgia Barfield has been at the forefront of an extraordinary transformation at Algarve Retreats. Partnering with company owner Adrian Fox, Georgia has spearheaded a series of innovative changes aimed at elevating services for both new and existing property owners and rental clients.
“With a diverse portfolio that includes management, rentals, real estate and laundry services, we truly are a onestop shop,” Georgia tells us. Having lived in Lagos for most of her life and boasting over 20 years of experience in local property and real estate, she is excited about the future. “We have built a fantastic team committed to enhancing our services and providing the exceptional service our clients have come to expect.”
Algarve Retreats is not just resting on its laurels; it is enhancing their client service by introducing fresh practices, streamlined processes and enhanced procedures, the team has achieved significant improvements in client engagement. The
result? A smoother, more efficient and cost-effective experience for everyone involved. With a mix of local insight and international expertise, Algarve Retreats is uniquely positioned to elevate both property management and customer service to new heights.
As the peak season approaches, there’s even more reason to celebrate! Georgia reveals, “We’re thrilled to welcome two graduate interns who will inject youthful energy and technical innovation into our operations. We’re excited to see how they’ll help us make 2025 our best year yet!”
For over 14 years, Algarve Retreats has consistently shown dedication to growth and improvement. Adrian explains, “Our business is expanding, and we have short, medium and long-term plans in place to ensure the brand’s sustainability.” Such commitment paves the way for ongoing success and evolution.
Adding to the excitement, Algarve Retreats has recently acquired the Wash Station, also known as the Lagos Cleaning Centre (LCC), a self-service launderette in Lagos. This new venture not only expands their services but also enhances their capacity to manage laundry for clients in-house. “We can also extend these services to other Algarve businesses at highly competitive rates, creating collaborative opportunities in the community,” adds Georgia.
Ready to elevate your property management experience? Contact Algarve Retreats today and discover how their exceptional services and innovative solutions can meet your needs!
www.algarve-retreats.com
WORDS Sophie Sadler
Back in 2017, Sarah Muir and her husband, Ross, were living on the Silver Coast, having made the leap to move from the UK to the surfing mecca. With her husband struggling to find a reliable surf zinc that didn’t compromise on style or sustainability, Sarah identified a unique opportunity. “I noticed that Europe was missing a sleek, eco-friendly sunscreen brand tailored for outdoor enthusiasts who care for the planet,” she explains, reflecting on her career crossroads.
The couple founded Palm & Pine Skincare, however, the adventure didn’t truly kick off until 2019, when they launched a crowdfunding campaign and celebrated with a fun launch party at the iconic Boardriders store in Ericeira. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic and Brexit, Sarah and her team didn’t lose
their momentum. By July 2021, they proudly introduced two multi-sellout vegan zinc sun protection products to the market, designed especially for those who live life outdoors.
Palm & Pine Skincare has set itself apart by providing cutting-edge skincare solutions that are not only vegan but also cruelty-free and plastic-free. Made and tested in Europe, the products cater to everyday athletes and aficionados of adventure sports, and have earned a dedicated global following, with Sarah even receiving orders from as far afield as Alaska and South Korea.
“The name ‘Palm & Pine’ embodies our love for Portugal’s palm-fringed beaches and the exhilarating winters spent skiing in the French
Alps,” Sarah explains. “We are passionate about promoting skin safety in sports and educating outdoor lovers on the importance of sun protection.”
With a mission grounded in sustainability and a love for the great outdoors, Palm & Pine Skincare encourages everyone to embrace their adventures while taking care of their skin. Explore the company’s range of eco-friendly products and join the movement towards healthier, happier and sun-safe outdoor experiences.
www.palmpineskincare.com
A former premiere ballet dancer, an accomplished wine writer and critic, and a talented wine producer, João Afonso, undoubtedly a man of many talents, took the time to meet with Candace Olsen and introduce her to his authentic, unforgettable wines and the story behind Cabeças do Reguengo.
WORDS Candace Olsen
Since moving here to Portugal, I’ve found it very challenging to appease all taste buds at parties or out to dinner. Wine, like art, can be polarising and most certainly subjective. Needless to say, it’s been difficult to find one wine or wines that make everyone content … until now.
I believe I’ve found the Holy Grail here in Portugal and, although they’re on the pricier side, these wines from Cabeças do Reguengo are the solution to all my (and potentially your) sommelier and wine-imbibing-in-agroup requirements. And I might add, they’re worth every penny!
Even though João Afonso, the founder of Cabeças do Reguengo, tells everyone he’s not a winemaker, he is the catalyst and the alchemist who brings the grapes from his centuryold vines to life. Snuggled in an idyllic hamlet in a part of the Alentejo that is nothing like the Alentejo, the vineyards were planted between 500–650 metres above sea level in the early 1900s and are very much at home in the valley of Serra de São Mamede just on the outskirts of Portalegre.
The valley is mountainous, fresh and dotted with 1–2ha old vineyards where small herds of sheep wander with their charming bells tinkling as they feed and give back to the land. It’s pure unadulterated Brigadoon-like beauty, and I wouldn’t have believed it existed in the Alentejo if I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes.
I arrived at the estate the evening before I was to meet João Afonso. They have a beautiful rural-tourism stay encompassing both the winery and the family home, which has many spacious rooms for guests, including a breakfast room, pool and a terrace.
After my long drive from Bensafrim, I was pretty tired, so I decided to stay in for the evening and enjoy my view of paradise from the large windows overlooking the valley. The sun was disappearing below the valley’s horizon and as I was about to close the curtains, I spotted the back of an agile, wiry man hopping over the vineyard fence in front of me before he jogged off up the road and away from the vineyard. I thought, is that Mr. João Afonso?
Indeed it was. Meeting João the next morning at breakfast with a pep in his step, sporting similar attire to the night before, I instantly noticed he is handsome, intelligent and has a noticeable twinkle in his eye. João definitely stands out in the world of wine producers here in Portugal with palpable warmth, a casual charm and wit, making him a pure delight to speak with.
He is also an intimidating man to write about as he was a premiere ballet dancer with the legendary Gulbenkian Ballet in Lisbon for several decades, is an accomplished wine writer and critic with more than six published books, holds a position with several
wine publications as a contributor and is a beyond talented wine producer. João’s wines are so iconic here in Portugal and abroad that people in the industry say his wines are like calling cards. A signature that screams to anyone who knows his wines from the first sip that they are his.
His love affair with wine began during his time as a ballet dancer when he would arrive back home in Portugal after being on tour with aches and pains, and wine became his preferred and natural form of ibuprofen!
Intrigued and falling in love slowly with wine while still performing, he eventually became obsessed after his wife gifted him Emile Peynaud’s book, Knowing and Making Wine. The late Peynaud was Bordeaux University’s acclaimed professor of oenology and he has influenced some of the most infamous winemakers today in France and around the world. Reading the book from cover to cover while on tour, João began to dream of his next adventure.
As a retired dancer myself, I can attest that the big question that continuously looms in our minds towards the end of our careers, or when the injuries and pain begin to change
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our priorities, is, what’s next? And, can I reinvent myself in a way that really gives back to me what dance always has? Well, for João his new focus was, and remains, wine and I don’t think it was ever a question for him.
The adventure began in 1993 when João retired at the height of his career to much critical acclaim. Now with time, opportunity and a dream in mind, João decided to make wine from his family’s old vineyard in Beira Alta. At this time Portugal was still focused on fortified wines and few quality dry table wines were being made. However, during a dinner party of a mutual acquaintance, João met Dirk Neipoort, who was just beginning his project of making dry quality table wine at the time. With the friendship and support of a passionate winemaker from a prominent port family to bounce ideas off while setting on this new endeavor, he launched a new brand – Rogenda.
Although the brand was a success, 12 years later, he left this project and began looking for the perfect place to really put his roots down. He found an old centenarian vineyard in Portalegre that needed just the sort of care, love and attention João had to give. Purchasing the land in 2009, Cabeças do Reguengo came alive. Working only as his ancestors did before him, without chemicals, while cultivating the already-existing bush vines, his new project began.
João works 100% organically and also integrates preparations and tinctures from biodynamics into his vineyard’s cultivation. Each one of his vines, with their gnarly twisting and curving trunks, is
distinctly unique and undeniably healthy. With the individual old vine parcels João owns, he harvests each plot separately and creates a field blend wine.
Traditionally, farmers generations ago planted their vineyards with many different varietals mixed together in close harmony with their olive, almond and fruit trees. The reason for this was not only to create biodiversity but to encourage a sort of insurance plan for all the plants. This ensured that at the end of the season, there was always something to harvest, as one grape might succumb to an insect, disease or birds while the others in the same vineyard might not share the same fate. Then, at the end of the season, they would harvest all the grapes at once and make a field blend of wine.
João’s old vine field blend wines are often made up of 15 to more than 30 different varietals. Harvesting as his ancestors did, João picks all the grapes at once from the vineyard to create his wine. This method is fascinating and can pose some challenges because maybe not all the grapes are at the same maturation point. Although this sounds complicated, I can assure you it is worth it, bringing a level of complexity to the wine that is extraordinary and consequently makes sense once you taste it! Most of his vineyards have more than 15+ varieties and some even have a mix of red and white varieties.
Today, João has ten different bottlings, from the lightest, freshest aperitif white to a lipsmacking curtimenta (orange wine) and a range of gastronomic multi-dimensional reds. All have a delicious and confounding complex finish that lasts a long time on the palate.
When I asked him what’s next, with a twinkle in his eye he said, Beira Alta. He has his eye on an old vineyard there. Another dream to go back to where it all started for him, his ancestral home and one of the best areas in Portugal today to make wine. I can’t wait to experience the wine he creates there!
If you taste any of João´s wines, you will 100% get the enjoyment of all the fruit and of all the varieties, those old vines dedicated their existence that year to producing in your glass.
Candace Olsen is a sommelier, fine wine consultant, wine educator and wine writer. candyleacane@me.com
You can sample Cabeças do Reguengo wines at Vila Joya in Albufeira, Mato a Vista in Albufeira, Mosto in Lagos, and Sul in Burgau. Even though I love them all, I’ll tempt you with just a few of my favourites.
Respiro Altitude Branco 2022 12.2% abv
The wine comes from three centenary field blend vineyards, the main one being 675 metres high. An alluring nose with light hints of linden flower and pear blossom. Perfect with seafood, salads and Asian, Indian or Mexican cuisines.
Vira Cabeças Branco 2023 12.7% abv
This universally pleasing wine is creamy and complex. It’s a roller coaster on the palate with a pleasantly savoury and satisfying, lightly bitter finish. Perfect with rotisserie chicken, scorpion fish, shrimp scampi or crispy orange beef.
Respiro Zizi Branco 2022 13% abv
The wine is old-world, sweet and salty, with extreme minerality, precision and a round clay-dusted rocky finish. It would be great with oysters, lobster, sole meunière, sushi and Thai cuisine.
Solsticio Tinto 2022 13% abv
The wine is ridiculously complex, concentrated and perfectly balanced, with a light mineral finish.
João’s favourite pairing with this wine is the traditional Portuguese dish Bacalhau à Lagareiro, or roasted codfish with potatoes and from personal experience, I agree! Other fantastic pairings would be filet mignon and juicy roast pork loin with chestnuts and cherries.
To read more about the irresistible flavours of each wine, go to our website tomorrowalgarve.com
I am lucky to have travelled to five continents and tried incredible and different flavours. In Latin America and the USA, I enjoyed a lot of black beans. They were everywhere in distinct and delicious dishes. So, I will continue my culinary journey for the April edition with a chilli bean stew.
It is a controversial debate about who started with the chilli stew: the Mexicans, the Texans, or the native Americans. Chilli con carne evolved into a well-known dish. In the 60s and 70s, at the beginning of the vegan movement, they invented chilli sin carne, which inspired me to make this recipe: chilli beans stew. I add sweet potatoes to the stew, making the recipe richer and healthier. I serve it with tortilla chips; it is fun, and everybody loves them. It is a nutritious, wholesome meal for all family and friends and an easy party dish.
I chose Malbec, a nice red wine, to accompany this delicious dish from the international wine selection of Lita’s Concept Store.
Ingredients
• 2 cans of black beans
• 1 big sweet potato
• 2 tomatoes
• 1 pureed tomato, canned
• 1 small can of corn
• 1 red bell pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 red onion
• 5 garlic cloves
• 1 fresh chilli
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• ½ tsp coriander powder
• ½ tsp veggie broth powder
• 1 tsp paprika powder
• Salt and pepper
First, chop the onion, chilli and garlic and cut the sweet potato into cubes. Remove the stalk from the bell pepper and chop it into small cubes. Then, open the cans of beans and wash them.
Heat the oil in the pan on the stove, then add the onion, frequently stirring until the onion is slightly translucent. Add the garlic and the chilli and stir fry for two minutes. Next, add the fresh tomatoes and fry for five minutes, before adding the pureed tomatoes, the sweet potatoes and the rest of the spices.
When the potatoes are almost cooked, add the bell peppers and let them cook for five more minutes, then add the beans and the corn. Season with salt and pepper, stir a couple of times and turn off the heat
If you use dry black beans, soak them in water for at least 24 hours, then cook them for one hour so you can digest them better. For this recipe, you can use three cans of the beans if you are a bean lover!
Another tip is to use cumin powder, which I use in every dish that contains beans, to avoid digestive issues. I always buy fresh chillies at Intermarché or the Bio market in Lagos.
Instagram: @lalitanavegankitchen
Instagram: @litasconceptstore
The nutritional profile of black beans is magnificent; they are naturally gluten-free and vegan and are high in
There are so many ways to bring Thai flavours to your table at home, it does not need to be complicated at all. Even the humble fried rice can be taken in the Thai direction with the simple addition of a couple ingredients. Tom yam fried rice is one of my go-tos and as we are in the Algarve we can add some of our favourite fresh seafood. I personally think that tom yam tastes best with prawns, squid, clams and even fish. Of course, you can replace seafood with any protein of your choice. Chicken and beef would work perfectly, and a veggie version would be delicious, too!
I hope you love my fried rice with a Thai twist as much as I do.
Ingredients
• 1 tsp neutral oil
• 150 gm mixed seafood
WORDS Joy Entry
• ¼ cup green peas or diced carrots
• 1 cup cooked overnight rice
• 1 tbsp tom yam paste
• 2 kaffir lime leaves shredded
• 1 lemongrass stick smashed
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 red onion sliced
• 1 tsp fish sauce
• 1 pinch brown sugar
Instructions
Heat the oil in a wok and brown your onion. Half way through, add the garlic. Once nicely browned and aromas start to waft, add lemongrass and kaffir leaves.
Give it a couple minutes before you add your tom yam paste (store bought works perfectly), fish sauce and sugar. Stir for a couple more minutes, and then your seafood and veggies can go in the wok.
You’ll want to coat your seafood in all that yummy paste that you’ve been working on in the wok, so give it 5–6 minutes. Now add your rice to the wok and fry everything together, mixing the sauce evenly. Just another 5–6 minutes is required before you can dish up.
Coriander and spring onions always work perfectly with Thai food, plus a squeeze of lime for some acidity and to cut through the spice if you like here. Enjoy!
Joy Entry is a Malaysian home cook based in Lagos who is obsessed with the provocative, unapologetic flavours of Southeast Asian cuisine.
Instagram: @thatasianhomecook joyentry@gmail.com
Located in a historic villa perched on a cliff in Portimão, this restaurant offers not only exceptional food but also an atmosphere that perfectly blends luxury and intimacy.
Exclusive and intimate
The restaurant is housed in a beautiful villa that was originally built as the private residence of António Júdice de Magalhães Barros. In 1918, it was officially inaugurated in the presence of Portugal’s then-president, Sidónio Pais. In 1934, the house was converted into a hotel – making Bela Vista the very first hotel in the Algarve! Over the years, additional buildings and a swimming pool were added. Today, the hotel features 38 rooms and suites with ocean views (€600–€1,200 per night) and boasts an exclusive 400m² L'Occitane Spa, which is also open to non-hotel guests.
There are only ten tables in the restaurant, and just ten more on the terrace, making Vista the perfect setting for a romantic evening or a special occasion. The beautiful cocktail bar and the elegant lounge with a fireplace create a warm and homely atmosphere.
Personal kitchen and wine cellar tour
Your experience begins with a personal tour of the kitchen, where you’ll meet Chef João Oliveira and his team. Then, you’ll explore the impressive wine cellar, home to over 800 wines from around the world. The chef personally serves the first amuse-bouches in the wine cellar. All ingredients are organic and locally sourced. This extra touch makes the evening even more special!
Two exquisite tasting menus
Vista Restaurante offers two carefully curated tasting menus:
Fish menu (€225) – for lovers of refined seafood dishes
Vegetarian menu (€200) – rich, creative plantbased dishes
Vegan on request – a fully plant-based experience is also available
An unforgettable evening
Vista Restaurante offers top-level gastronomy, combined with a warm and personal touch. Highly recommended!
Booking essential +351 932 883 613
‘
are on a mission to make healthy
easy and
WORDS Tracy Burton
While most people were sitting down to Christmas dinner last year, our thoughts weren’t on turkey and brussel sprouts but on Storm, our little miracle kitten, who was finally well enough to be discharged from the Hospital Veterinário de Portimão.
Storm, one of six kittens brought to our garden at four weeks by their feral mother, had almost succumbed to the cruel feline panleukopenia virus that had killed her brothers Zorro and Moonface six days previously.
Three months on, Storm is now healthy and thriving, with a quirky habit of tapping us for attention. Her siblings – Nettie, Midge and Tyson –complete our contented little feral family.
Our story has a happy conclusion; however, things could have turned out very differently had it not been for the Paka Dora Association. We first approached the charity, set up by Gabi Shepherd, for help to sterilise the kittens before
they reached sexual maturity – the conditions set by our local câmara made its offer of help impractical and impossible to accept. Gabi had readily agreed to help when tragedy struck. Midge was attacked by a seagull, leaving her left eye badly damaged. Paka Dora paid for the removal of the eye and the sterilisation of all kittens. We were provided with a cat house and food.
When, barely a month later, the kittens seemed lethargic and off their food, it was to Paka Dora I turned. Again, Gabi demonstrated her commitment to the wellbeing of the Algarve’s street cats, turning up at 7.30 am to help.
One of the vets who treated the kittens told me that feline panleukopenia is on the increase in Portugal, specifically because of the increase in feral populations caused by irresponsible owners not sterilising their pets. In fact, this virus can be tackled head-on if every cat owner sterilised their pet, male or female.
“We don’t only sterilise street cats; we provide food, medical care and cat houses,” said Gabi. “We also assign volunteer caretakers to feed and monitor the cats. At Paka Dora, we believe healthy animals shouldn’t be discriminated against because they are street cats.”
Paka Dora is committed to improving the lives of feral cats who, through no fault of their own, are often condemned to suffering throughout their too-short lives. It can only continue its important work through donations. Monthly lunches are planned from April.
pakadoraassociation.com Facebook: Pakadora Association-PDA
I am just over a year old and when found on the street I was dirty, thin and I had a wound on one of my ears. I am shy, but affectionate and I like to please. I am good with both dogs and people. Please choose me.
After almost 70 years of living with dogs, I know with absolute certainty that dogs are not fools. They may be misinterpreted, but never fools. Ask any committed dog owner.
Dogs know the time. If they are fed at a certain hour and you have forgotten, they will come and remind you. At the exact time.
Dogs have a built-in sat-nav. I once took my dogs to a place in Spain where they had the most wonderful time digging holes in a field, looking for mice. Many years later, I went back to the same area and they would not pass the field until they had been to the exact same spot.
Dogs have outstanding memories. One of my dogs is now in her 16th year. She came from a rescue when she was 10 months old. I know that she had some training with her previous owner because when I asked her to sit for a treat, she raised a paw. I have never taught her to do this – and I have never asked her to do it either. It is automatic. I also know that she was once badly treated by someone wearing a baseball cap and using a stick. It must have happened 15 years ago. Even now, if she sees someone
answering this description, she barks so furiously that I have to put her on her lead.
Dogs are super-quick to learn anything that we ask of them. Think of all the assistance dogs who have learnt to help their owners. Guide dogs are the most well-known.
Dogs have amazing hearing. It is estimated that they can hear up to half a mile away. It is well documented that they start howling before an earthquake strikes.
Dogs can detect a smell up to two miles away and with some breeds it is even further away. Just think how they search for missing persons, or sniff out cancer cells and drugs.
So never underestimate your dog and always respect his natural abilities. Dogs save lives. Think about adopting a rescue dog, they could save your life one day.
Anne Hodges is a volunteer at Cadela Carlota
WORDS Luis Teves Costa
This month, colourful spring flowers emerge, and the Algarve awakens from its winter slumber— and, in this particular year, dries out after persistent rain! Swallows have arrived, and thanks to the wet weather, the fields are especially green and filled with wildflowers. Trees are starting to blossom, and wildlife, in general, is becoming more active after the cold winter months.
The symbolism of rabbits, known for their prolific breeding, perfectly embodies themes of fertility, new beginnings, and the joyous spirit of Easter. Traditionally synonymous with spring, rabbits and hares together form a family of animals called Leporidae, which often causes some confusion. Sure, they look similar, in the same way, that a seal and a sea lion look alike, but a closer look at both appearance and behaviour will clear any doubts.
The European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) is a species native to the Iberian Peninsula, the south of France and possibly the north of Africa. Famous for their successful breeding strategy, they are now found throughout most of Europe. Over time, rabbits were also introduced to the other continents (the exception being Asia and Antarctica) as livestock or for sport hunting, where they have spread and, in some cases, are now classed as a pest and a threat to local wildlife. In Portugal, the preoccupation is the exact opposite. Due to the spread of diseases such as myxomatosis,
overhunting and habitat loss, our local wild rabbits saw a reduction in population by a staggering 80% from the historic maximum numbers.
A very cute-looking animal, the European rabbit has a greyishbrown fluffy fur with long ears and the tail shows a white underside. Their ideal habitat is grasslands and woodlands with plenty of places to hide. Very social animals, they dig large communal burrows called warrens where they spend most of their time when they are not feeding. Kittens are born inside the protection of the warren and are pretty defenceless at birth, furless and with their eyes closed. Outside, rabbits feed in groups and when threatened, they prefer to hide rather than run away.
The Iberian hare (Lepus granatensis), also known as the Granada hare is, as the name suggests, a native species of Portugal and Spain that, much like the European rabbit, was also introduced by man to other parts of the world.
Golden brown in colour, with a pale belly and white tail, the hare’s legs and ears are longer than rabbits. And they sit in a more upright and vigilant position than the inconspicuous rabbit. Their eyes are big and alert.
In Portugal, the Iberian hare lives in a very diverse range of habitats, from coastal marshlands to the highest points in Serra da Estrela,
nearly two thousand metres above sea level. Solitary animals, they spend their lives above ground and rest in shallow dips called a form. Without the safety of a burrow, leverets (baby hares) are born fully furred with their eyes open and able to move independently shortly after birth. If in danger, hares will run rather than hide. Amongst the fastest mammals, hares can run speeds up to 72 kilometres per hour and zig-zag across the terrain to lose their chasers.
Together, these two species are an important link in their ecosystems, controlling vegetation and preying on other animals higher in the food chain. Hares and rabbits are the preferred food of some apex predators, such as the lynx, the wolf and the imperial eagle, as well as other less dominant carnivores like the fox or even the stoat.
2 Kilograms 40cm Long (no black tip) Very social
WEIGHT
LENGTH
EARS
SOCIAL
You might have heard the expression “mad as a March hare”. The saying comes from the aggressive displays shown by hares at the beginning of the breeding season, typically in March. At this time, males can be seen literally boxing off their rivals with their front legs. This aggressive behaviour is also adopted by females to fend off unwanted partners.
white underside of the rabbit’s tail is more visible when it runs, and it’s thought to warn other rabbits to run, too!
3.5 Kilograms
47 cm
Very long with black tips
Solitary Brown Hare
Animal lover Jo Puddle invites you to be part of a truly inspiring event that promises to touch your heart and make a significant difference in the lives of our furry friends.
A charity art auction benefiting the incredible work of Buddy’s Legacy will be hosted online during the month of April. This initiative aims to raise much-needed funds to support low-income families struggling with veterinary bills, ensuring that beloved pets can stay in their homes and out of shelters.
Founded by the compassionate Jo Puddle, Buddy’s Legacy is a testament to love and resilience. Jo established this charity in honour of her cherished dog Buddy, who was found on a road and picked up by a kind passerby. He was in a terrible state, with cars swerving to avoid him. Nobody could tell what breed he was as he had hardly any fur. He was exhausted and was 10 to 12 kg underweight. Jo brought him to her home, fed him up, treated his skin and allowed him time to settle and be calm and safe.
Gradually, his coat grew beautiful, shiny, and long and Jo took pleasure in grooming him regularly.
Sadly, Buddy’s happy story ended at 6.50 am on 4 April 2023. Despite surviving an expensive operation to save his life, ultimately he did not pull through. “He was with us, in our home and in our arms, when he breathed his last. Buddy overcame a challenging past to enjoy a happy life for 50 months before his untimely passing. His name, his legacy and our way of keeping him alive is by helping others.”
Over the past few years, Buddy’s Legacy has had a tremendous impact, spending over €21,500 on veterinary care for pets in need. In just January 2025 alone, €4,563.55 was allocated to support families facing financial hardships. Jo’s commitment is unwavering, and her work provides a lifeline to countless pets and their owners in our community.
Jo is marking the second anniversary of Buddy’s passing with an art auction. With contributions from talented local artists, this uplifting event
After publicising the opening of the new charity shop, 101 Donations, in last month´s Tomorrow, Donna McFadden would like to thank all who came to support them.
Every euro spent at 101 Donations in Guia will directly benefit the Tiny Shelter, which helps to rescue and rehome countless dogs. Donna also hopes it will be a welcoming space for those in the community who may want a chat and a cuppa.
Despite the rain, which meant they had no electricity, the event on 9 March was a huge success. With the help of solar lights, they raised over €2,400 euros on the day.
The shop features a fabulous selection of secondhand clothing for men, women, and kids, including a designer section at unbeatable prices, a ‘new’ section filled with items still sporting their labels and a variety of household items perfect for any home.
is an opportunity for you to take home beautiful artwork while supporting a noble cause. Not only will you find pieces that are likely to be sold below their actual value, but you’ll also be playing a crucial role in ensuring that more animals receive the care they deserve.
Whether you’re an art enthusiast, an animal lover, or someone looking to give back, your support will make a difference.
To bid on artwork, go to: www.facebook.com/groups/buddyslegacy buddyslegacy.com
WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHY David Woodward
It’s always with a sense of anticipation that I board the train from Tunes up north to either Lisbon or Porto. It’s as though you are already on holiday before you have reached your destination. Admittedly, a five-hour journey is a long time, but the fact that the train is direct, comfortable and the cost very affordable makes it more than worthwhile.
I came across the Hotel Timbre Virtudes after an online recommendation and I was pleasantly surprised by the number of glowing reviews, even though the hotel had not long been open. In today’s ever-demanding world, consistently high reviews are hard to achieve, especially in the five-star sector. But, having worked in the industry, I like to be sure of what I’m getting and, for me, there is no better way of finding out the level of service than by contacting the hotel directly. The response I received from the reception staff couldn’t have been friendlier or more efficient, so it was with high expectations that we arrived at the hotel.
The hotel is located in the historic Miragaia region, with views over the river – best observed from their rooftop bar. Nestled into the cliffs, the Timbre Virtudes occupies a former aristocratic residence, dating back to the 16th century, the heyday of Portugal’s maritime expansion. The hotel is set back from the main street, which made it a little difficult for the taxi to find, but more importantly, it made for a quiet environment, while still being a manageable walk to the main attractions. On entering the hotel, we were immediately struck by the history and charm of the place; this carries through into the bedrooms, many of which detail the original stonework.
As with the booking, the reception/ concierge staff couldn’t have been more accommodating and were very knowledgeable about the area. The hotel provides several services, including babysitting, personal trainers and inroom massages. These are not really my thing, but they are a good way to compensate for the lack of a spa. I think it’s a testimony to all the things the hotel does right that the omission of a spa in a 5-star hotel was not missed - and this coming from someone who loves his swims.
There are a variety of rooms, all with differing appeals. But every space is thoughtfully crafted to honour the past, while offering you modern comforts which make you feel at home. We particularly liked the quality of the beds and linen, which ensured a very peaceful sleep.
Although it was December, the weather was calm and we ventured up to the rooftop Amura bar and lounge, which had spectacular views of the Douro River. The setting was certainly ideal for social gatherings or romantic evenings, but it was a little too cold for us. We headed back downstairs to the cosy and welcoming bar and restaurant, with the service being particularly attentive. We loved the open-plan wine cellar which was crafted into the stone and had an impressive selection of wines, even if the sight of so many wines was a little too tempting.
In the morning, we were treated to an impressive breakfast buffet, with a vast array of regional delicacies; our eggs Benedict was cooked to order. By night, the breakfast room is transformed into the Través restaurant. This high-end dining experience features traditional Portuguese dishes, overseen by chef Tiago Bonito, a recipient of a Michelin star for six consecutive years. We opted for the roasted duck, served with charcuterie fried rice, the Goan red chicken curry, prawns and basmati rice, the codfish, chickpeas, fried bread and collard greens – all were excellent. The restaurant was very quiet, but when word spreads, it will certainly become a destination restaurant.
Should you wish for something a little simpler, the Amura menu comprises a wide selection of snacks, from pizzas to risottos, burgers and carpaccio, and is ideal for eating on the rooftop terrace. There is also a very reasonably priced weekday lunch menu, which includes a starter, main and drink, all for €19 –excellent value for money.
We visited in December, slightly out of season, when the room rate was exceptional value for money. The hotel’s location was ideal for the Christmas markets, and the city was certainly bustling. The hotel was not overly busy, but it seemed that many of my fellow travellers intended to return. Where else can you receive 5-star service, at such competitive prices? The prices do rise in season but still represent good value.
So, if you like your hotels full of charm and history, I would recommend visiting this hidden gem, before everyone else finds out.
Written by David Woodward, Hotelier and author of ‘Confessions of a Waiter.’
Did you know the Algarve is home to a fantastic array of walking and running events throughout the year? Organised by the Instituto Portuguêse do Desporto e Juventude, this initiative brings together local councils, sports clubs, and community groups under the banner of “Sport for All.” It’s all about promoting health, wellbeing, and the stunning natural beauty of our region and beyond.
Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just starting out, these events are designed to unite individuals of all ages and abilities. With a weekend calendar of events, you can also enjoy
technical support during the week at Municipal Walking and Running Centres, all with the aim of encouraging healthy habits and outdoor exploration.
Mark your calendars! In April, join the event in Rogil on the 6th, Olhão on the 13th, Furnazinhas on the 18th, and Giões on the 27th. Then in May, get ready for events in Sagres on the 18th and Barão São João on the 25th, continuing until the end of June.
Visit ipdj.gov.pt/ for the full calendar, or register directly at cm-viladobispo.pt/. Let’s get moving together!
WORDS Sophie Sadler
We have a challenge for our readers, which is a bit ‘out of this world’! Virgin Galactic has launched a groundbreaking competition inviting submissions of reading materials to be sent to the International Space Station (ISS)! This is a chance to put the Algarve on the galactic map, and we need your help!
Imagine astronauts floating around the ISS, looking for a little escape from the rigours of space life, and stumbling upon a copy of Tomorrow magazine. What better way to share the beauty, culture, and spirit of the Algarve than through our beloved publication? We truly believe there’s nothing that astronauts would like more than to learn about what’s happening in our sun-kissed region.
We need YOU to rally behind us to make this dream a reality! We’re launching a petition highlighting Tomorrow magazine’s importance in showcasing the Algarve, and we want as many voices as possible to echo our sentiment. Your signatures and thoughtful reasons for why Tomorrow should embark on this intergalactic journey will be crucial in our quest to win this competition.
Here’s how you can help us make Tomorrow go intergalactic:
1. Sign the Petition: Use the link below to add your name in support of sending Tomorrow magazine to space. Every signature counts!
2. Share Your Thoughts: Alongside your signature, we encourage you to share what you believe makes Tomorrow magazine a must-read. Is it the captivating stories? The fascinating articles on Portuguese history? The insights into the Algarve lifestyle? Please, big us up!
3. Spread the Word: The more people who know about our mission, the better! Share our petition with friends, family and on social media. Tag #TomorrowInSpace to connect with others who support this cosmic endeavour!
4. Stay Tuned: Keep an eye on our updates as we progress through the competition and gather your inspiring messages.
Let’s unite as a community and sky rocket the Algarve to an out of this world audience –literally!
