Join us on 1st April for our anniversary celebration with a complimentary glass of bubbly and birthday cake. Live music from Ashlene Booking required
Delhi Darbar is a family owned Indian Restaurant where everything is made fresh, from scratch with our love and passion using high-quality ingredients!
We are committed to providing all our customers a genuine Indian family dining experience with great service.
Celebrate Holi with us on 14th March. Normal menu plus a complimentary dessert. Booking required
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EDITORIAL
Sophie Sadler sophie@tomorrowalgarve.com +351 912 176 588
SALES
Tom Henshaw tom@tomorrowalgarve.com +351 919 918 733
DESIGN
Phil Harding phil@tomorrowalgarve.com +351 916 606 226
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TomorrowAlgarve
@TomorrowAlgarve
www.tomorrowalgarve.com
Editor's note
Dear Readers,
As we bounce into March, our diverse Algarve community welcomes a month filled with joy, renewal and celebration. March brings the exuberant Portuguese Carnival, a time when we immerse ourselves in lively parades and a party vibe not seen since Christmas! It is a moment that invites us all to come out of hibernation and embrace our community spirit. Make sure you flick to the What´s On page or our online calendar to ensure you know where and when the fun begins in your area.
This month also heralds the arrival of spring, a season that inspires us with the welcome sight of almond blossoms, painting our landscapes in soft shades of pink and white. These delicate flowers remind us of the beauty of new beginnings and the promise of warmer days ahead.
March also marks the commencement of Lent – an opportunity for renewal and purification and, if you didn’t manage it in January, a new inspiration to give up something that is bad for you! This period invites reflection and encourages us to embrace positive changes individually and collectively, don’t miss Father Rob´s column and his story of giving up broccoli!
Additionally, on 8 March, we observe International Women’s Day, a significant occasion celebrating the pursuit of a world free from bias and stereotypes. It reminds us to not forget, especially in today’s crazy world, the need to foster an inclusive environment where differences are acknowledged and celebrated. So for the lady readers why not organise a girls’ night out to celebrate sisterhood over a bottle of prosecco or three!
Here in the Algarve, we are privileged to live in a diverse community that embodies a rich tapestry of nationalities, languages, beliefs and cultures. So why not embrace the essence of this month by emerging from your cosy sofa and take some time out from binge watching Netflix in order to appreciate the traditions of Carnival, the promise of spring and meeting our friends in the community. March beckons us to celebrate life, inclusivity and the beautiful diversity that enriches our community.
Together, we thrive as a mosaic of experiences, learning from one another and nurturing a spirit of unity.
Wishing you all a joyful, vibrant, and fulfilling March!
From Sophie, Tom, Phil and the Tomorrow team.
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Nestled in the tree-clad hills of the Algarve, Monchique is a picturesque town known for its stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and a sense of community that runs deep. At the helm of this charming enclave is a mayor whose dedication resonates through the winding streets and lively markets.
WORDS Sophie Sadler
With a passion that reverberates in his every word, Paulo Alves embodies a profound love for his hometown. “It was a challenge for a person born in Monchique who loves Monchique. Who has Monchique in his heart,” he declares, underlining the personal connection that fuels his commitment to the town. In a world often characterised by indifference and distance, this mayor stands as a resolute guardian of Monchique’s heritage and future. His mission is clear: to unite the community, advocate for their interests and fiercely protect what makes Monchique unique in this vast and sometimes problematic world.
A new era for Monchique
In a significant political shift, Socialist Paulo Alves of the PS party triumphed in the 2021 Monchique city council elections, capturing an impressive 49.61% of the vote and declaring, “Let’s work together, let’s all build a better Monchique.” This victory ended a 12-year reign of the PSD party, reflecting public support for Alves’s efforts during his years in opposition. “This win is a victory for the people of Monchique who recognised our hard work over the last four years,” he said after the election.
From banking to politics
Paulo, a former bank manager, had never envisioned life in politics. “I was comfortably settled in my career,” he admitted. However, encouragement from those around him sparked a desire to serve his community. “In Portuguese, the word is desassossegar; it means unsettling. It awoke something in me,” he explained.
When discussing his political beliefs, Paulo emphasises a humanist ideology aligned with the Socialist Party’s values: “Freedom, equality, respect and tolerance are essential. I believe society evolves through cooperation rather than competition. With competition, someone invariably loses. Cooperation allows all of us to win.”
Transitioning from banking to the mayoral office came with challenges, but Paulo saw his previous experience as invaluable. “Working in the bank familiarised me with various societal realities – families, businesses and local issues. That background prepares you for public service,” he explained.
Born in Monchique in 1970, Paulo Alves had a childhood marked by rural life. He recalls the simplicity of his early years: “I remember my first day at school - it was cold and raining, and the teacher welcomed us with a warm fire built on the floor of an adjoining room. We had no paved roads, no basic sanitation and no heating apart from that fireplace.”
Paulo went to the town once a week, usually on Sunday, when local families came together to attend Mass on dirt roads and tracks. There were only a few cars. He expresses nostalgia for a time when the countryside was vibrant with life. “Many families have left, and Monchique has seen a significant population decline. Depopulation poses a major challenge; the community must focus on retaining and attracting residents, especially young people.”
I am impressed by the ambition and scale of the projects that the mayor manages, from ecology to fire risks and promoting local gastronomy. So, what does this hard-working public servant do to relax?
“Well, life as a mayor fills most of my time – even weekends. I can tell you that I’ve only managed to take 20 days’ holiday in the three years I’ve been here, though I’m entitled to 30 days’ holiday a year. Of course, my family suffers a bit as a result. But I try to maintain a balance in my life and also give my family the proper attention. I try to go to the gym twice a week. I also have a bit of land in the
Rooted in Monchique
countryside and I entertain myself with the chainsaw, brushcutter, cleaning, etc. And then I also devote a bit of time to my family. I really like visiting the Costa Vicentina. The beaches fascinate me, especially Carriagem and Monte Clérigo. Oh yes. I also get invited to a lot of social events.”
Revitalising the region
What inspires Paulo to get up in the morning? His motivation stems from a genuine desire to contribute positively to society. He navigates the complexities of public service with a clear understanding of its challenges.
“I think it’s the feeling that I’m making a useful contribution to society, which isn’t easy these days. There’s a lot of misinformation; people live very much in the realm of perceptions, and some like to cause confusion. The process of public work is very complex. There are a lot of rules, but it’s very satisfying to be able to idealise a project and then complete it and put it to the service of the people. That’s one of the things that satisfies me the most.”
Under Paulo's leadership, Monchique has started a remarkable project - the Barranco do Demo walkway, a project of the Alferce Parish Council, with strong support from the Town Council, funded by the European Union through the Algarve 2020 programme. This attraction includes an exciting suspension bridge and a viewpoint overlooking Alferce Castle, attracting visitors and increasing local income. “It has breathed new life into one of our oldest villages,” he remarked.
Alves aims to diversify tourism while respecting the environment. The next projects to be opened to the public, such as the service areas for motorhomes in Alferce and Marmelete, promoted by the respective Parish Councils with support from the Municipality and EU funds from the Algarve 2020 programme, are designed to promote sustainable tourism.
Despite its dilapidated state, the convent of Nossa Senhora do Desterro holds great historical significance. While the local council lacks sufficient funds for restoration, it is included in the Revive Programme, which encourages private investment in its renovation. “This listing allows us to attract interest and investment while ensuring public benefit,” the mayor stated.
Addressing water shortages
With climate change posing significant threats to water supplies, Paulo recognises the seriousness of the water scarcity issue affecting Monchique and the region due to low levels in the Odelouca and Bravura dams in Odiáxere. ‘We all have to work collectively and individually to conserve water. The Algarve is prone to drought, but Monchique benefits from comparatively higher rainfall,’ he
Thanks to EU-funded initiatives, Monchique has been working to increase groundwater availability since the 1995 drought, incorporating sustainable practices for long-term water management and upgrading pipelines to reduce losses. “We don’t currently foresee any significant water supply problems, but we have to use this resource wisely,” he
Combating wildfires
Among Monchique’s most pressing issues are summer fires, particularly after the devastating forest fires of 2018. Paulo highlights that a large portion of the municipality is forested, increasing the risk.
“Monchique, with its dense forests covering 80 per cent of the area, faces a significant fire risk inherent to its Mediterranean climate. We created the Municipal Civil Protection Service to reinforce fire safety, improving coordination between emergency services. We also created a Rural Development Division and a Forestry Technical Office. Of particular note is the revitalisation of the Municipal
Heliport - an abandoned project, but now fully operational thanks to a cross-border initiative, the CILIFO project, funded by the European Union. This 2 million euro project, which is supported by the EU to the tune of 50 per cent, not only strengthens our firefighting capabilities but also improves the well-being of the community, as demonstrated by its recent use by INEM to assist a person in distress. With these initiatives, we are committed to ensuring the safety of our community and, at the same time, optimising our resources for the various needs.”
The câmara is also active in preventive measures, supporting local clubs and associations in managing fuel by clearing paths in hunting reserves and promoting reforestation efforts to plant fire-resistant species. “This approach is essential for safeguarding our community,” he said.
Another aspect of this initiative is the Village Condominium project, which aims to combat the risk of fire in residential areas.
“We’ve created six village condominiums,” says Paulo, the project’s coordinator. Financed by the Environmental Fund and the Portuguese Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR Environmental Fund), this plan strategically removes invasive species of shrubs and eucalyptus, creating fuel management strips around the communities and replacing them with species more suited to the Mediterranean climate.
Conservation breathing new life
The Integrated Landscape Management Operation - Monchique Pilot Area (OIGP-APM) is a pioneering initiative that will redefine the future of local landscapes. Launched in 2025, this ambitious project represents a significant initial investment of around 2.4 million euros, funded by the RRP, with the aim of transforming the region into a vibrant tapestry of ecological harmony and sustainable development. With forest fires becoming an ever-increasing threat, this initiative is at the forefront of safeguarding local ecosystems while defending economic resilience.
“The importance of enhancing local ecosystems – revitalising watercourses, nurturing adjacent habitats, reinforcing biodiversity, and implementing robust environmental conservation practices – is vital,” emphasises the mayor, underscoring a vision rooted in sustainability.
enrollment,” Paulo responded, his eyes lighting up. “This increase in students means families are starting to find our town more appealing, which could mark a significant turning point in our struggle against depopulation.”
Spanning an impressive 1,217.90 hectares within the municipality, the OIGP-APM is the fruit of a collaborative effort led by the Monchique Local Development Association (AMCV) alongside the local council and the expert consultants at Geo21.
Ryanair’s innovative carbon offsetting initiative is also breathing new life into the Monchique region, while planting thousands of trees and fighting climate change. In partnership with GEOTA, the Algarve Tourism Board, the Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests and Monchique Town Council, this project has successfully planted approximately 384,000 native trees and supported around 60 landowners in the area.
The initiative aims to restore the habitats affected by the 2018 fire by replacing invasive species such as eucalyptus and acacia with native varieties such as the endangered Monchique oak, cork oak, strawberry tree, chestnut and ash. This will increase biodiversity and revitalise the local ecology.
Another project that is making waves in conservation is Life-Relic. This initiative aims to preserve the relics of the continental laurel forest, protecting unique habitats with ancient plant species that once thrived in these native forests throughout the Iberian Peninsula. Among these treasures are the Portuguese laurel and the adelfeira (Rhododendron ponticum subsp. baeticum). These species are found in special areas of conservation, such as the stunning Foia area in Monchique.
Together, these efforts are forging a path toward a more sustainable future for the people of Monchique and the planet.
Community safety and engagement
In the heart of a once-thriving municipality, a troubling trend reveals itself: population desertion. This shift leaves vast stretches of land untended and vulnerable, contributing indirectly to the increasing risk of wildfires. “Is the population still decreasing here?” I asked.
“Surprisingly, we have seen a rise in school
I asked him if a man born and raised in Monchique would welcome a foreign invasion. "Without a doubt, they bring a new perspective," he insisted. “Historically, foreigners have been attracted to areas such as Montinho, Belém and Alferce, which the locals have long since vacated. Many of them started settling here in the 60s and 70s, mainly for holiday homes. Today, they are looking for places that the locals have vacated and for a deeper connection with nature and a quieter lifestyle. Of course, we welcome them.”
As these new residents flock to these tranquil landscapes, their presence invigorates the community. However, it is crucial that they respectfully embrace their new home. The challenge lies not only in attracting new residents but also in finding a harmonious balance that nurtures both the land and the community. Different nationalities, and languages and remote communities also provide a challenge when protecting the community against fire risks.
The Aldeia Segura Pessoas Seguras (Safe Village Safe People) initiative encourages residents to prepare for potential fire scenarios in order to further strengthen community safety. Each community appoints its own liaison officer, which means that in the event of a fire, the community has its own procedures in place and is able to react without delay. Educational materials on fire prevention are available in several languages to accommodate Monchique’s diverse population, including tourists.
Celebrating local culture
Paulo's team recognises the importance of local crafts and gastronomy in Monchique’s identity. The Association of Artisans (N’ArteCicus) is supported by the municipality and showcases local handmade goods in its permanent exhibition space in Fóia.
The gastronomy and the many restaurants offering local delicacies such as poco preto, local sausages (enchidos), cheeses and desserts mean that at the weekend, most local restaurants are full.
The câmara has worked hard to organise events that bring together all its attractions and help
people discover its charms. Perhaps the most visible is Vamos à Vila, an event which started in 2022 with the aim of attracting local residents and tourists into Monchique. As well as non-stop music and entertainment, there are plenty of stalls to visit, including those selling handicrafts, traditional food and local products such as medronho brandy, honey, traditional sausages, etc.
Another interesting development for the region is the fact that the Portuguese government has started the public consultation process to inscribe the local dessert Bolo de Tacho on the National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage, an initiative of the Monchique Parish Council, which Paulo and his colleagues fully support. Bolo de Tacho, also known as Bolo de Maio or Bolo de Milho, is a sweet typical of the gastronomy of Monchique, the municipality where the recipe and the confection originate.
Looking to the future
Will the pursuit of public service encourage Paulo to stand for re-election? “That’s a decision for my party, the PS. But it’s the first mandate, so it’s very natural that we’ll continue for the second term as a team. One of the things I enjoy most is working as a team. I don’t like excessive individualism. Together, we can achieve much more. We have to count on everyone to be able to improve our path.”
As he considers his political future, Paulo’s commitment is clearly rooted in teamwork and collaboration rather than personal accolades. His vision for Monchique, built on a foundation of collective effort, suggests that the community has exciting possibilities ahead.
A modern mayor
Paulo Alves embodies the dedication and commitment required of a modern mayor. His focus extends beyond governance to address critical issues such as ecology, fire risks and the promotion of local gastronomy, demonstrating his multifaceted approach to leadership. Despite the demanding nature of his role, which leaves him with only minimal personal time, he strives to maintain a balance between his public responsibilities and family life.
The journey of public service is not without its trials, but with leaders like Paulo Alves at the helm, Monchique’s future looks bright.
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Don’t forget!
In the headmaster’s office!
Sophie Sadler meets the new Head of Nobel, Algarve British International School in Lagoa.
Ian Temple has been on a remarkable pedagogical journey since he started teaching in the North East of England. This journey has taken him to Dubai, Malaysia, and now the Algarve. I met Ian to learn about his vision for Lagoa's “school of the future”.
We need to ensure that we develop the whole child and not just prepare students for examinations, which is a recurring theme in many educational systems
When you meet Ian, it’s difficult not to feel excited. He has the enthusiasm and energy of one of the children whose education he is now responsible for, along with a vision and understanding of education that goes beyond exam results. That is because Ian knows that achieving good academic results depends on the minutiae of running a school of this size and the art of educational assessment and accountability, which he believes leads to excellence.
Ian doesn’t just sit in his office’s ivory tower; he spends time in the playground, mixing with the students. This has been his first step in understanding the school’s culture and interactions so he can better communicate with parents.
While Ian acknowledges that integrating two schools—international and national—within one campus presents challenges, he believes creating harmony between the two sections is well within his capabilities. “I have worked in schools with two different languages, and while there are differences, I am becoming educated in Portuguese education law to assess what we can do to bring the two cultures more in line.”
A journey to excellence
I am keen to discover what inspired Ian to embark on his pedagogical journey and how he can take Nobel Algarve British International School in Lagoa to the next level, building on previous success as an established and popular school in the area. After completing his bachelor's degree in Business Studies, Ian began his career in education in 1993, teaching Business and IT. At the beginning of the 1990s, his subject Computer Studies was a new subject.
As an advocate of IT, Ian also participated in the first wave of Ofsted (Office for Standards in Education) inspections, which replaced the HMI inspections. These inspections were more rigorous and examined many more areas of education. Although Ofsted reports have received some negative publicity in recent years, Ian is adamant that observing and evaluating teachers is essential for continuing professional development.
“It’s all I’ve known since I was a young teacher: sometimes someone will come into my classroom and ask me a lot of questions about what I’m doing, why I’m doing it, and how I can make it better. Evaluation is something I’ve maintained throughout my career because I think it certainly kept me on my toes as a teacher, knowing that somebody was going to come in at some point and ask me what I’m doing.” Globeducate, the international group of schools that Nobel Algarve belongs to, has its own framework of assessment and monitoring and evaluation of teaching, which forms part of the quality framework: The Platinum Standard. "We work with this at Nobel Algarve and have regular visits from our Education Team and opportunities for teacher development," adds Ian.
The headmaster firmly believes that schools are not factories that churn out exam results. “We need to ensure that we develop the whole child and not just prepare students for examinations, which is a recurring theme in many educational systems – and this is something we take pride in here at Nobel Algarve. We have just had students participating in global events for music and arts.”
Ian climbed the ladder to deputy head in the UK over an 18-year period, working in three schools in South Shields, Newcastle, and Redcar and
Cleveland. In Redcar and Cleveland, Ian worked directly for a head teacher there called Jim Rogers. “Jim was a great role model, who really knew his stuff!” And that’s where Ian really learned how to lead a school. “It was the only outstanding school in the area and that was down to the pastoral care of the children.” Ian’s time in that school made him a believer in the importance of high-quality pastoral care, looking after the children to ensure they got everything they possibly could out of school.
Ian, however, needed a new challenge. This came when he took on the leadership of Deira International School in the UAE. “I always remember the first day I walked in, coming from an outstanding school in the UK, and thinking, ‘Oh dear, what have I done?’ I asked, ‘What is that huge pile of reports and envelopes on the desk over there?’ And someone said, ‘Oh, that’s last year's reports’, which still hadn’t been sent to parents. I knew I had a lot of work to do, but that year, I was able to assemble a team of teachers. We all stayed at that school for a minimum of six years. Having the right teachers is the key.”
Ian transformed Deira International School from a lowachieving status to being rated 8th in the UAE through continuous evaluation of teaching practices, a model he continues to use. After Dubai, Ian moved to lead a school in Malaysia, which had both a National and International Section. His school was a member of several different assessment groups, including the Council of International Schools.
Ian feels inspection reinforces feedback: “I can walk around the school and point out where they can adapt their practice to improve students’ outcomes. But when you have an external body come in and start saying the same things as you are, it gives great power to the change that you want to instil.”
I enquired if Ian had any thoughts on the negative publicity surrounding Ofsted in the UK and whether he had concerns about similar pressures being placed on teachers international schools? Ian expressed concerns “that the system of categorising schools from outstanding to unsatisfactory was too simplistic”, referencing the tragic incident of a head teacher in the UK taking her own life, which he attributed at least in part to the pressures of Ofsted’s inspections. “I know what it’s like to feel stressed when receiving last-minute notifications of inspections
and having teams of office inspectors, lacking in practical experience, scrutinising the school.” He acknowledged the need for reform within Ofsted to address these issues but maintains that the underlying philosophy of ensuring educational quality was still valid.
Nobel Algarve is currently going through the application process to become a COBIS (Council of British International Schools) member, which will involve a close relationship with the organisation and will complement the existing Globeducate Platinum Standard evaluations that take place regularly.
Investment in the future
Nobel Algarve British International School in Lagoa has some really inspiring teachers, and Globeducate has a robust professional development programme for all staff, which involves online training and in-person leadership training hosted at different schools around the network. For example, some people like to follow the curriculum pathway; some like to go down the pastoral route. Globeducate offers opportunities to join global learning communities, to move between schools in the group, and to attend middle management courses as well as global events. “It’s very lucky for me to turn up in my first year here as the teachers are starting to see that the organisation is investing in them, and they are enrolling in programmes that will keep them here for years to come,” observes Ian.
Globeducate is one of the world’s leading international K12 education groups, with a network of 65+ premium bilingual and international schools and online programmes, educating 40,000 students in 11 countries and now two campuses in the Algarve and one in Lisbon. Nobel Algarve British International School has been a member of Globeducate since 2019, and during this time, the school has made significant investments. “We are currently developing a €24 million project, having already opened a new preschool in September 2024 and with plans to open a new dining hall, multi-purpose gym, STEAM classrooms and a refurb of this school here. Without this level of investment, international schools would find it difficult to invest in a project of this size.”
A gold star
When Ian is not analysing timetables, teaching and learning methods, or spending time in the playground, talking to the students, he enjoys the freedom that the Algarve’s climate offers. “In Dubai, it was generally too hot to do anything outside, so my wife and I are enjoying walking and exploring the area.”
Ian is obviously aiming for a gold star at the end of this academic year and practising what he preaches. He will hold regular meetings and discussions with parents to be accountable and demonstrate to them the progress they are making in the school.
There is clearly so much potential for this school, and with new classrooms, a dining hall and a multi-purpose gym scheduled for completion in 2025, Nobel Algarve British International School, Lagoa and Globeducate is a huge asset for the Algarve.
Let’s just hope Ian is headed for a gold star, not detention!
The Tour Guide
A guided tour of Lagos with Carla de Sousa
WORDS Julian Putley
Portugal is rich in history. It was, and still is, of worldwide importance in geographical terms; its geology comprises diverse terrain from mountains and valleys to a long coastline. Its people were explorers and discoverers, thus accounting for the many Portuguese-speaking countries around the world. Once colonies of the mother country, some of their populations now enhance the homeland. Portugal’s culture, of course, is derived from its history and that goes back to pre-Roman times, in fact to pre-historic times. And let’s not forget that Portugal was the first nation-state in Europe.
For locals, expats and visitors, there is no better way to discover the fascinating history and culture of the Algarve and, in particular, Lagos than to engage with a local qualified tour guide. Thus, it was a great pleasure to meet and chat with Carla de Sousa, our Guia Interprete Oficial.
"There are guides and then there are guides", explained Carla. Those without the official qualification are not permitted to enter national monuments. Carla is from Lagos but studied at the ISLA College in Lisbon. When she returned home to Lagos, she was qualified in Spanish, Italian and English as well as history and social studies – a perfect combination for her chosen career.
“In the early days, I worked in Italy and Spain as an interpreter and tour leader for Canadian and American groups. I travelled quite widely through Europe on various assignments but soon I was back in Portugal, where my roots are and my passion lies.”
As you can tell, Carla is a dedicated tour guide professional. She took inspiration from the
renowned travel writer and training expert Rick Steves, who advised her to concentrate on her favourite location. Later, Carla joined the Association of Official Guides and used her own experience to train other aspiring tour guides.
“Now, I have requests to do guided tours all across the Algarve and along the Atlantic Coast and north to the vineyards of Alentejo. Wine tastings and gourmet lunches are becoming popular. Seafood and wines are a hallmark of Portuguese life, and several restaurants offer gourmet choices. I have partnered with several establishments that guarantee a wonderful experience.”
Carla continued describing some of her favourite expeditions. "The Portimão and Ferragudo tour is an excursion that explores the maritime heritage of the Algarve. In the 20th century, an important fishing and canning industry occupied the shores of the Arade River. The old fish canning factory in Portimão has been transformed into an interesting museum and Ferragudo, on the opposite bank, is a quaint fishing village with its own history. Further west are Sagres and Cape St Vincent, so rich in maritime history, and which make an interesting tour with several excellent fish restaurants if so desired."
Recently, Sra. de Sousa has been concentrating on walking tours of Lagos. She offers several options. The introductory walking tour involves a brief history and an explanatory stroll through
the major cultural attractions. For something a bit more involved, she recommends the tour of monuments and statues, emphasising that Lagos is the ‘City of Discoveries’.
Then, for even more in-depth exploration, you can choose to examine the heritage of the city. There are Roman ruins, a slave museum, interesting street names, markets, churches and the cathedral, flora and fauna, art and architecture, ceramics, tiles and more. “I always like to introduce my clients to Portugal’s gastronomy – or at least a cup of coffee and a pastry. Nearly everyone is familiar with Portugal’s famous custard tart, Pastel de Nata, but less known is Lagos’ own creation, the Dom Rodrigo, an award-winning confection that has found its way into The Guinness Book of World Records.” Carla will have to explain the details, but I can tell you that this treat can be found and enjoyed at the local restaurant Taquelim Gonçalves.
Carla mentioned a couple of humorous incidents which have occurred during her interactions with visitors. “One day, we were driving along a treelined road and I explained that the trees were cork trees. A lady asked, quite innocently, before I had time to explain the cork process, ‘When do the trees bear fruit and produce the corks?’”
On another occasion, a young man asked if it was the automaker Mercedes Benz that manufactured the wind turbines. Everyone looked perplexed until he explained that the Mercedes symbol on the front of the car was almost an exact replica of a wind turbine.
“Interaction between the guide and the clients is key to a successful excursion,” explained Carla. “That and a complete understanding of your subject and its history.”
www.LagosbyCarla.com
Going for Gold
What will you give up for Lent?
As we approach the season of Lent in the church, many of you will, I am sure – even if you are not a churchgoer –be thinking about what you can give up. Last year, I thought I would be clever and jokingly decided to give up broccoli – something that I am not too keen on. I thought it would be a doddle, but it wasn’t until I had been at a friend’s house for an hour or so, tucking into hummus with carrot sticks and broccoli stems, that I realised I had failed even in giving up broccoli!
So – have you decided on what you might give up this Lent? It may surprise you to know that in church circles, there is a great campaign to give up plastic, and specifically single-use plastic, for Lent. This is all part of the church’s drive of Caring for Creation – one of its Five Marks of Mission.
Here in the Algarve, we are blessed with stunning natural beauty, from our dramatic coastline to the rich biodiversity of the inland areas. But this beauty is under threat. We are witnessing the increasing pressures on our environment, from the impacts of climate change to the all-toovisible problem of plastic pollution. These challenges aren’t just abstract ideas; they affect our community, our livelihoods, and the future we are creating for generations to come.
WORDS Rob Kean
At Luz Church, we believe that caring for creation is not just a good idea; it’s a fundamental part of our faith. It’s a responsibility entrusted to us by God. We are thrilled to have recently achieved the Silver Award in the A Rocha Eco Church scheme, a recognition of our commitment to integrating environmental awareness into every aspect of our church life. This award celebrates the changes we’ve already made, from improving our energy efficiency and reducing waste to promoting sustainable practices within our community. But Silver isn’t our ultimate goal – we’re aiming for Gold!
This Lent, we are joining a national movement encouraging everyone to give up single-use plastic. This seemingly small sacrifice can have a huge collective impact. Think about the disposable coffee cups, the plastic bags and the excessive packaging that we use for just a few minutes, only for it to end up polluting our oceans, harming wildlife, and contributing to the growing mountain of plastic waste. We can make a real difference by making conscious choices to reduce our reliance on single-use plastics.
This Lenten challenge is not simply about giving something up; it’s about embracing a new way of living that is more sustainable and respectful
of our planet. It’s about recognising that even our smallest actions have consequences. We invite everyone in our community, regardless of their background or beliefs, to join us in this important effort. Bring your own reusable bags to the shops, choose products with minimal packaging, and say no to single-use plastics whenever you can.
We are incredibly fortunate to have the support of A Rocha, a local Christian charity who have become a global international charity doing fantastic work in conservation and environmental education. Their guidance has been invaluable on our journey to becoming a more ecoconscious community.
This Lent, let’s all take a moment to reflect on our relationship with the natural world. Let’s pledge to make small changes that can have a big impact. Let’s walk more gently on this earth, recognising the precious gift of creation and our responsibility to protect it. Together, we can create a brighter, greener future for the Algarve, and for the world.
God bless.
Fr Rob is the Anglican Chaplain at Igreja Nossa Senhora da Luz
ecochurch.arocha.org.uk
Anglican services every Thursday at 10.30 am and every Sunday at 8 am and 11.30 am
“As Mulheres Corajosas” Who Made Portugal Great
Dulce of Aragón
Did you know?
Sancho I used the title
‘King of Silves’ after the first conquest of the city of Silves in 1189. He used the title until he lost the territory to Almohad control in 1191. By the time his grandson, King Afonso III, came to the throne the rest of the Algarve had finally been conquered, so the title ‘King of Portugal and the Algarve’ became part of the titles and honours of the Portuguese Crown.
The First Queen of Portugal and the Algarve (1160–1198)
WORDS Dan Costinas
According to the 19th-century writer Luciano Cordeiro, Dulce of Aragón was “Formosa e excellente senhora, tranquilla e modesta, condizente no carácter com o nome.” / “A beautiful and excellent lady, quiet and modest, her personality coinciding with her name.” (’Dulce’ means ‘sweet’.)
King Sancho I, the second king of Portugal, consolidated the nascent kingdom with his conquest of the Algarve. Under Moorish rule and influence for centuries, the Algarve was a strategically important Atlantic area with access to valuable strategic resources, including its fisheries and agricultural lands.
Though often overshadowed by the towering figures of her husband King Sancho I, and their sons, the queen-consort Dulce of Aragon holds a significant place in Iberian Peninsula history. As the first queen of Portugal and the Algarve, Dulce played a crucial role in solidifying the new kingdom and establishing a dynasty that would shape the nation for centuries. Though not as extensively documented as some of her contemporaries, her life reveals a woman of strength, piety and political importance.
Born infanta (a princess) of Aragon, Dulce’s marriage to the infante Sancho of Portugal was a strategic alliance designed to strengthen Portugal’s position against its powerful neighbours, Castile and León. At the age of 11
she was betrothed, and by 14 she was already married, a testament to the political realities of the time. While the union was undoubtedly political, it proved to be a fruitful one, producing 11 children, with eight of them surviving to adulthood. These royal blood children would play significant roles in Portuguese and European politics, further cementing Queen Dulce’s legacy.
Beyond her role as consort and mother, Dulce also held political significance. As queen, she would have wielded considerable influence at court, advising her husband and participating in important decisions. While the extent of her political power may be debated, her position as queen undoubtedly provided her with a platform to shape the kingdom. Moreover, her marriage to Sancho I solidified the alliance between Portugal and Aragon, ensuring a degree of stability and security for the fledgling nation.
Understanding that a stable and loyal population was essential to securing the Algarve, King Sancho encouraged Christians from other parts of Portugal and abroad to settle in the newly conquered lands, earning him the nickname ‘the populator’. His innovative policy quickly contributed to the region’s economic development and the consolidation of Portugal as an independent kingdom.
The queen’s contribution to establishing the Algarve as part of the Portuguese crown is particularly noteworthy. She played an important role in integrating this newly conquered territory into the kingdom, a crucial step in consolidating Portuguese power in the south and securing wider access to the sea.
Dulce was a woman of influence in both Aragon and Portugal, navigating the treacherous waters of medieval European politics. As a mother, a devout Catholic, and a politician, her legacy reminds us of women’s contributions to medieval history, even in the shadow of their powerful husbands or sons. Her story is a testament to the strength, determination and enduring power of queens, not just as consorts but as influential figures in their own right.
Queen Dulce’s life offers a fascinating glimpse into the challenges and opportunities faced by women of power in the 12th century. Despite the limitations imposed by societal norms, women like Dulce of Aragón were able to navigate complex political landscapes and leave a lasting legacy.
Eighty Years of Blithe Spirit Madeleine Wheare
A fascination with life after death
In 1911, celebrated medium Anna Eva Fay held a public séance at the London Coliseum. She invited audience members to ask questions that she claimed to answer by channeling the spirits of the dead. In the audience was Violet Coward, whose 11-yearold son, Noël, had just begun his professional stage career.
Violet asked the medium if she had made the right choice putting Noël on the stage. According to Fay, and those in the afterlife, the answer was: “Keep him where he is! He is a great talent and will have a wonderful career!”
The message, or lucky guess, proved accurate and Noël Coward became an acclaimed playwright, actor and entertainer. One of his most successful and enduring plays is Blithe Spirit which The Algarveans Theatre group is bringing to the stage in Lagoa’s Humorfest in March. Completed in just six days, this “light comedy about death”, as Coward described it, premiered at the Piccadilly Theatre in 1941 when Britain faced desperate times during World War II. A dark comedy about ghosts and the afterlife might have seemed controversial, but the play would run for nearly 2,000 performances, a record not broken until Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap in 1957.
Blithe Spirit is about writer Charles Condomine, haunted both figuratively and literally by the ghost of his first wife Elvira, who has been summoned during a séance by eccentric medium Madame Arcati. The mayhem which ensues as Elvira makes continual attempts to disrupt Charles’ marriage to his second wife Ruth, who can neither see nor hear the ghost, is
driven by the acerbic wit and barbed banter that are the trademarks of Coward’s humour. “I shall be forever grateful,” he said, “for the almost psychic gift that enabled me to write Blithe Spirit during the darkest days of the war.”
Over the 80-plus years since its debut, the play has been revived many times, including in two film versions, several television versions, radio broadcasts, and a musical entitled High Spirits Theatre greats such as Gielgud and Pinter have directed versions, and it was most recently revived in 2021, starring Jennifer Saunders as Madame Arcati.
Now the seasoned actor and director Frank Remiatte is directing a production for The Algarveans with a cast of familiar and new faces, including three American thespians who are rounding their vowels to embrace those pithy English witticisms. Frank will ensure that his cast delivers Coward’s acerbic ripostes with perfect precision. He is equally keen to retain the comedy’s period look: “That’s part of the play’s charm,” he says, “together with our fascination with life-after-death, a well-plotted farce and Coward’s impeccable dialogue.”
Blithe Spirit is playing at the Carlos do Carmo Auditorium, Lagoa, for three nights on 13, 14 and 15 March at 7:30 pm. Tickets at €15 will soon be available from BOL.PT or in person at Auditório Carlos do Carmo, Convento de S. José in Lagoa and at Munícipio de Lagoa – Balcão Único. Tickets are also available at Worten and FNAC shops or from their online websites.
Portuguese Paradise
WORDS Sophie Sadler
Escape to Portugal for a new book from novelist and podcaster Chris Penhall, who Tomorrow first interviewed in 2020.
Chris lived in Cascais many years ago and now regards Lagos as almost her second home. Her writing reflects her love of the region, with her first published novel, The House That Alice Built, winning the Choc Lit Search for a Star competition in 2019. Set in Cascais, it was to be the first of her four Portuguese Paradise novels, with New Beginnings at the Little House in the Sun based again in the area around the Lisbon coast and her third – The House on the Hill – and now her most recent – The House That Florence Left – based in Lagos.
“I love Lagos,” says Chris. ”Not only is it beautiful, vibrant and welcoming, I also find it hugely inspirational. I started to visit regularly in 2000 with my daughters. Then, one year, I decided to take a holiday somewhere else. Whilst that was a lovely holiday, I remember deciding to revisit Lagos the following year and landing at Faro airport late one night. It smelled of sea and sand and Portugal, and I thought, if I feel like this now, what am I doing staying away for so long? I started to come back more frequently, and it’s now like a second home to me. I love all of it – the centre of the city and its cobbled streets, the beaches, the buskers, the food and every single person I meet. I could go on. In fact, I do in my novels, where I try to paint a picture of it for people who have never been fortunate enough to experience it for themselves.”
Chirs has also witnessed how Lagos has grown and grown since those first few years when she used to come over, and she wanted to reflect that in the story of The House That Florence Left: “It’s changed a great deal since our main character, Bella Creswell, visited, and there are complexities regarding land and housing and all of the questions and pressures that it brings. It’s also life-changing for Bella, who originally planned to get the house that her great-aunt left her ready to sell as quickly as possible. But it’s Lagos, so it’s not that easy to let go. Perhaps it’s a reflection of that visit all those years ago after going elsewhere for a while and realising that some connections are so special, you can’t really let them go.”
Available on Amazon: shorturl.at/1mzi9
For the interview with Chris Penhall: shorturl.at/RptLC www.chrispenhall.co.uk
“Watch out ... she’s up to something!” Angela Theobold as Ruth, Tracey Christiansen as Elvira and Trevor Vasey as Charles Condomine in Blithe Spirit
Loulé Criativos Artist of the Month: Jina Nebe
Capturing Nature’s Hidden Masterpieces
WORDS
Jake Cleaver
I always love meeting someone who sees the world differently. People who do the same things we all do but look at them through a completely unique lens, finding new angles and perspectives on what some might call ‘ordinary’, and who, in the case of this month’s artist, always take the window seat.
When I first arrived at the Palácio Gama Lobo, headquarters of Loulé Criativo, and saw the artwork of artist, architect, photographer and musician Jina Nebe, I’ll admit, I wasn’t entirely sure what to make of it. It was beautiful and intriguing, yes. But where did all those shapes and lines come from?
Well, her surname, Nebe, means heaven or sky in Czech, and the more I learned about Jina, the more this seemed to be the answer. But that’s enough clues. I’ll leave you to try and work it out for yourselves for just a little bit longer. First, let’s take a step back and get a quick birds eye view of Jina’s life.
Stairway to heaven
Jina was born in Prague during the communist era, a time when creative expression was often stifled. Thanks to her grandfather, who was an amateur realist painter, and her choir-singer father, she found a love for both art and music. By the age of ten she was learning classical guitar and, in her teens, she studied under Czech surrealist painter Ladislav Motl, mastering descriptive geometry, art history and the art of drawing fluid, natural lines.
It was also during her teens that she fell in love with rock and roll. Western music was strictly forbidden, so records were secretly copied onto tapes and passed around – making it all the more thrilling. She lit up telling me about her favourite artists. “I love Frank Zappa!” she said. And she even taught herself to play ‘Stairway to Heaven’ on guitar.
At the age of 18, she joined a rock band and, by 21, she had co-founded the first female jazz trio of the Original Prague Syncopated Orchestra. But instead of pursuing music or painting, Jina chose architecture – realising she could listen to music while she worked. A scholarship took her to La Villette School of Architecture in Paris, and she went on to help construct transatlantic ships in Saint-Nazaire.
After the fall of the Berlin Wall, she took on a role coordinating technical cooperation for 11 Central European countries, which led her to Brussels, followed by work as a quality assurance consultant to healthcare institutions in France, Belgium and the Czech Republic.
A lover of poetry – especially Dylan Thomas – it’s not surprising that she is married to a Portuguese poet and former diplomat. Quite the life to sum up! But one thing was clear: lots of travelling. And it’s through those travels that we arrive back at her artwork …
Heaven on Earth
If you’ve ever been on an airplane with Jina, she’s the lady in the back seat, far away from the wings, camera at the ready – strategically placed for the perfect shot. While most of us glance out the window without much thought, Jina sees the land below as a canvas. For her, the world is an impressionist painter creating its own masterpieces, and her role is simply to catch them.
During her travels, she began photographing these landscapes from above, noticing the way natural and man-made features formed ready-made compositions. She captured these patterns in the dunes of the deserts of Chad, Ethiopia and Iraq, as well as the coastal landscapes of Mauritius, Lanzarote and the Azores.
Mountains and lagoons
Fast forward to today. With a home near Tavira, Jina still splits her time between the Algarve, Paris and Brussels. Her flights in and out of the Algarve deepened her fascination with the region’s landscapes – particularly the Ria Formosa’s winding lagoons and the striking geometry of the salt pans.
She was also mesmerised by the rolling mountain range of the Serra do Caldeirão, which stretches between Loulé, São Brás de Alportel, Tavira and Alcoutim, forming a natural border with the Alentejo. Jina explained to me how this rugged terrain is covered in rockrose bushes – stunning in bloom but highly flammable. To help prevent fire, there are countless dirt paths all across the valleys that serve as
protection against flames spreading but also, from Jinas’s perspective, offer a beautiful contrast when seen from the sky.
From sky to surface
In 2020, Jina began her residency with Loulé Criativos Design Lab, where she set out to push her concept further – experimenting with ways to translate the natural abstract compositions of her aerial photographs onto different materials.
She showed me her collection of hand-painted azulejos (tiles) inspired by the Serra do Caldeirão. Each set of four can be rotated to form new patterns, making them perfect for kitchens and bathrooms – bringing a touch of the Algarve’s landscape indoors.
Jina has also worked with cork and textiles, using linocut and silk-screen printing techniques to transfer her abstract patterns onto everything from towels to napkins. Some of her designs feature the wild and winding hills of the Serra do Caldeirão, while others portray the geometric beauty of the salt pans. She even has a collection of napkins with designs based on a broken dish found in the archaeological excavations of the Islamic baths in Loulé.
I was delighted to see the results of her recent collaboration with bookbinder Juliett Paulo, who you may remember from one of my previous articles, ‘The Spellbinding Bookbinder’. Jina stitched salt pan patterns into paper, which Juliett then bound into lovely little books. Each book contains its own carefully selected Portuguese poem about the Ria Formosa – something I guessed correctly had a little bit of input from Jina’s husband.
Look with eyes that really see
Meeting Jina has forever changed the way I’ll look out of an airplane window – and perhaps even how I see the world around me. Jina told me that Leonardo da Vinci’s advice for young artists would be to stare at a wall. If you look long enough, patterns and inspiration will inevitably emerge. The world is full of beauty, hidden in plain sight – sometimes in plane sight. You just have to look for it.
Instagram:@jinanebe
www.jinanebe.com
Astronomy in Lagos
In this astronomical observation in the city, you'll be able to see the planets Jupiter and Mars, the Pleiades star cluster and the star Sirius, nicknamed the rainbow star because it seems to change colour. You'll also be able to discover some of the visible constellations. Free entry.
28 March | 7 pm
Centro Ciência Viva de Lagos
info@lagos.cienciaviva.pt
Quiz Night
How will you spend Carnaval, a.k.a. Shrovetide, a.k.a. Mardi Gras, a.k.a. Fat Tuesday???
Why not join in the fun for a quiz night organised by St. Vincent’s Chaplaincy? The evening begins with an all-you-can-eat buffet followed by the quiz.
Now is your opportunity to join in and bring your family, friends and neighbours! Invite people to join you at a table for six or join others at a table and make new friends!Tickets are now on sale, 22.50€ per person (drinks are extra).
4 March, 7 pm
O Malhão Restaurant, on Estrada Municipal (M537) between Luz and Burgau.
louisecplayer@gmail.com
WhatsApp +44 7827 945 531 / +351 911 552 396
What's on
For more events and activities check our online calendar: www.tomorrowalgarve.com/calendar
Disclaimer: While we believe this information to be correct at the time of printing, local events can be subject to change, so we always advise checking the links given before you arrive at the event.
Art Exhibition
Art comes alive at the Lagoa Municipal Library with the collective painting exhibition ‘Pintar e Viver’!
The artists Arja, Carolina, Elisa, Fátima and Patico invite us to dive into a journey of colours, feelings and stories. The exhibition celebrates cultural and artistic diversity, reflecting different perspectives on life and creativity. Free entry
13 March to 30 April
Lagoa Municipal Library www.cm-lagoa.pt
Superbike World Championship
The event will see many of the world’s best motorcyclists battle it out on one of Europe’s most exciting race tracks.
Race 1 on 29 March and Race 2 on 30 March.
Autódromo Internacional do Algarve Tickets: www.worldsbk.com
Nightshift
Nightshift is a five-piece band playing classic rock'n'roll and 'pop' covers that people will know and want to dance to! Most of Nightshift’s repertoire is music from the 60s, 70s and 80s, but they also include some more modern material. One of their favourite venues is Almadena Social Centre, where they play about six times a year (one of which is a fund-raiser for the bombeiros on 6 June).
The first Almadena date this year is Friday, 7 March, so if you fancy a boogie – don´t miss it!
7 March, 7.30 pm
Almadena Social Centre
5€ – buy on the night nig.ericson@sapo.pt
Fado Celebration
Beatriz Pereira is a local, award-winning Fado singer who will be accompanied on Portuguese guitar by Filipe Batista and on classical guitar by Nuno Martins. Together, the three musicians will invite the audience to experience the world of Fado. It promises to be an exceptional event where not only will a selection of celebrated Fado songs be performed, but the history of Fado will be told in English and Portuguese, including the origin, the history, the instruments, the costumes and the famous Fado performers. Please reserve seats in advance by 5 pm Thursday, 6 March.
8 March, 5 pm
Museu Do Traje, São Brás De Alportel +351 966 329 073 admin@amigosdomuseu.com
Experimental Theatre
Femen brings together performing and visual arts, presenting a participatory installation with a show that combines contemporary circus, new magic and physical theatre to question the social roles and cultural patterns that shape our identity, and opening up a discourse on the multidimensionality of the human being. This activity is part of the celebration of International Women's Day.
Carnival in the Algarve is a vibrant and colourful celebration that reflects the region's rich cultural heritage and festive spirit. Typically held in the days leading up to Lent, these events feature lively parades, elaborate floats and many costumes that showcase traditional and modern themes, often with a satirical edge.
Towns across the Algarve come alive with music, dance and processions, which attract locals and tourists alike. The festivities often include street vendors offering traditional snacks and beverages. Each municipality has its unique flair. We have highlighted a few here, but please go to the online calendar to find more: tomorrowalgarve.com/events
Odiáxere
In addition to the floats, masks, humour and social criticism, the Odiáxere carnival will feature musical entertainment, dances, food and drink, entertainment for the little ones (inflatables, carousel and face painting) and local and national artists at a party you won't want to miss.
1–5 March
www.cm-lagos.pt
Albufeira
Albufeira is getting ready for a big party with live music, entertainment and lots of fun, including music from Duo 64 & Nuno Balbino, Valter Cabrita and Nuno Balbino. There’s a mask competition and, of course, the delicious tasquinhas will be there to complete the festivities! Make sure you dress up and join the fun at Espaço Multiusos de Albufeira.
1, 3, and 4 March
www.facebook.com/jf.albufeiraolhosagua
Loulé
Once again, the Loulé carnival will have a serious theme. The 2025 parade on Avenida José da Costa Mealha will be inspired by the water shortage in the Algarve.
2, 3, and 4 March
www.cm-loule.pt
Quarteira
Animated films is the theme at this year's carnival in Quarteira. The nine floats, six carnival groups and three display points promise plenty of entertainment. The usual carnival procession will take place along Avenida Infante Sagres between 3 pm and 6 pm.
Carnival in Portugal celebrates the transition from winter to spring, the end of darkness and the beginning of light. The annual festival marks the start of Lent in the Christian calendar, with colourful parades and samba music filling the streets of every town and city from Porto to Faro. This year, carnival falls on 4 March, so now is the perfect time to get in the mood and turn your home into a riot of colour. Aah, go on, don’t you feel happy when you look at the colourful pictures on this page? Of course, you do, so let the carnival spirit inspire you and make your house sing!
I’ve always been jealous of the Portuguese having a spring carnival, and I felt cheated not being able to enjoy the tradition growing up in the UK. You feel like a mole crawling out of a hole after a winter in Britain. Months of living under a dark, wet blanket while counting the days until spring really takes its toll on the population. No such enforced hibernation in the Algarve, even in the depths of winter; there is light and a cocktail of beautiful colours around us. The Portuguese have no idea what we have to go through in the UK. They don’t deserve a carnival; it’s not fair!
My oldest friend and I used to have our own little ritual to celebrate the beginning of spring. Every 1 March, we’d exchange presents and share a collective sigh of relief that we’d made it through another gruelling winter. We’d get over-excited and go out coat-less, stand shivering outside a pub clutching large glasses of rosé saying we don’t care if it’s cold, we’re just so happy the days are longer. The elation of getting up for work in the daylight would last about a week and then came April, when every year the beautiful blossom would get battered into submission, the poor tulips lashed with rain and the ground turned into a bog. By May, the central heating and slippers were back on and we’d have to admit that it’s not just light we crave, it’s flippin’ sun and warmth and colour!
The natural landscape of Portugal is a carnival of colour all year round. We could benefit from bringing some of it into our homes and creating energising spaces, but most of us are too shy to try. Maybe it’s because we can’t compete with the colours of the Algarve – no shade we paint our walls could ever compare to a sky so piercingly blue, cliffs so deeply orange and bougainvillea so shockingly pink. I include myself in this because, although I love colour and have turquoise in every room of my house, I wouldn’t dare throw yellow into the mix or add a splash of violet. I balance my brights with neutrals and woods and I don’t do clashing colours, so you could say I’m a colour conservative.
1. A woman in a carnival outfit Loulé, Algarve. Royalty-free stock photo taken by Elena Svetleyshaya
2. Tulips in blue patterned vase etsy.me/3WPor6t 3. Multi-coloured baskets etsy.me/4jMUfD6 4. Pink and green abstract art on a green wall www.florakouta.com
We all need a bit more colour in our lives, even if we don’t know it. There’s something so magical about witnessing a rainbow in all its fleeting beauty, no matter how old you are. Seeing colours dancing in front of your eyes makes you want to do a little shimmy yourself. (So long as they are loving each other and not fighting – like bright blue and red together, that combination always makes me wince.) Doesn’t it lift your mood when you walk down a street of brightly coloured houses or step into someone’s home for the first time to find their kitchen is bright green, or see a grey old man wearing an outrageously colourful outfit? Speaking of quirky old men, my 89-year-old father has a lovely new girlfriend who’s got him wearing pink trousers and lemon jumpers, neon sliders and a jaunty rainbow scarf. He’s also sporting a little ponytail these days and changes the colours of the hairband depending on which team has won the football, but that’s another story.
We let our imagination run wild when we’re decorating a child’s room; we revel in colour and pattern and all rules about taste go out of the window. But something happens as we get older; it’s like the colour police step in and tell us the only way is grey. Why can’t adult spaces be happy and playful? You can have a grown-up room that’s colourful and stylish at the same time. Colour is not reserved for banana-print wallpaper and rocket-motif duvet covers. People will feel good if they walk into your home and it’s bright and colourful. They’ll start to loosen up and tell you lots of gossip, which is always a good thing!
So please, let’s be a bit daring and experiment. A colourful home will make you feel festive every day, and if you get tired of living in a rainbow and want to hang up your dancing shoes, you can always go back to beige until next year’s carnival.
There are lots of unspoken rules when it comes to colour. In the winter, I swear I see people tutting at the audacity of my outfits. What is she doing wearing that vivid fuchsia coat in the depths of January? She should be walking head down on the conveyor belt of life wearing sombre tones like everyone else. Very occasionally, the peer pressure gets to me and I leave the house in black. Neighbours cross the street thinking it can only mean a funeral. By lunchtime, I feel so sad I’m running home to dig out some lime. Oh, the relief when I’m back in colour. It’s actually a physical longing – I can’t do a whole day in drab.
It’s the same with houses and decorating. There are strict guidelines about what is stylish and tasteful and what does and does not go together. Someone in our neighbourhood has just painted their house candy pink and their front door sherbet orange. In the last few years, we’ve had a pale cornflower blue and a muted sage, but this crosses the line. There have been a couple of smirks, but mostly people are silently mouthing the word “vulgar”. I love this new house. I want to eat it, it makes me smile and puts a spring in my step every time I walk past.
Colourful houses Chiado, Lisbon. Royalty-free stock photo taken by Leonardo Spencer
Sports Round-Up
If you wish to publicise a sporting event, please contact our sports editor David Lugg: david.lugg@tomorrowalgarve.com
WORDS David Lugg
Chess
Margarida Correia has won the Under 18’s national women’s chess title. Margarida, who competes for the AFN Gil Eanes club in Lagos, took overall victory in the Youth ‘Speed Chess’ Championships. The Algarve was represented by a delegation of 13 players, all from the Gil Eanes club.
Judo
The president of the Portuguese Judo Federation (FPJ) has announced the cancellation of this year’s Portugal Grand Prix due to the institution’s dire financial situation. “We have to be realistic,” said Sérgio Pina. “We won’t be able to do this without strong support from those who are in charge of us. And that support isn’t happening. Each time we hold an event like this, we have to pay the International Judo Federation 250,000 euros and we do not have that capacity.”
Surfing
The world’s best surfers will return to Portugal between 15–25 March for Round 3 of the World Surf League. Located in Peniche, to the north of Lisbon, the event has become synonymous with good surf conditions and equally good entertainment, with 150,000 spectators attending the 10-day competition in 2024. Portugal is the only place in Europe where the World Tour will take place this year.
Algarve surfer Joana Schenker has begun her season with a creditable third place at the Bodyboard World Tour in Morocco. Schenker reached the semi-finals before being eliminated by the Japanese surfer Namika Yamashita. “It’s a good result to start my campaign on the 2025 World Tour,” commented Schenker. “Namika is very consistent. She was the fair winner of the event.”
Tennis
Nuno Borges and Jaime Faria have achieved a historic feat at the Australian Open. The two Portuguese players qualified for the second round of the tournament ensuring that Portugal had two representatives for the first time ever. Only once before has Portugal had two players in the second round of a Grand Slam, when Borges and João Sousa won their first-round matches at the US Open in 2022. Borges went on to reach the third before being knocked out by world number three Carlos Alcaraz.
E-sports
The Algarve Football Association (AFA) and Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) are preparing to launch the inaugural Algarve Virtual Football League. Scheduled to begin in March, the competition is open to players over the age of 16 and will focus on the EA Sports FC 25 game on the PlayStation 5. The AFA has been a pioneer in the development of e-sport at a national level. Last November, it organised the Algarve Challenge, becoming the first of the country’s 22 districts to promote an official e-sports tournament.
Handball
Portugal’s men’s team had an astonishing run at the Handball World Cup. Ranked as one of the tournament’s outsiders, they progressed through the group stages with some scintillating performances, including a shock 35-29 win over neighbours Spain. The quarter final took everyone by surprise as they beat heavy favourites Germany 31-30, the winning goal coming in the last second of the match. Portugal lost their semi-final to eventual winners Denmark, but it has been a tournament that has put them firmly on the handball map.
Rugby
The Portugal men’s rugby team finished top of Group B in the Rugby Europe Championship. After beating Belgium and Germany, they faced a potentially tricky away tie to Romania, but a comfortable 34-6 victory saw them cruise into the semifinals. They now face old foes, Spain, in a home tie on 1 March. In reaching the semi-finals, Portugal also qualified for the Rugby World Cup in Australia in 2027.
Portugal women’s side begin their Rugby Europe campaign with a home tie against current champions Spain on 29 March. They will then have away fixtures against the Netherlands and Sweden.
Algarve sport awards
The city of Portimão has hosted the annual Algarve Sports Awards. The ceremony has honoured its local champions and publicly recognised athletes and coaches who have excelled in the 2023/24 sporting season. Among those honoured were surfer Yolanda Hopkins and swimmer Miguel Nascimento, who both competed at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
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nick.sadler@sadlersproperty.com AMI 14220 | Associates for Knight Frank LLP
Strength in Adversity
WORDS David Lugg
The philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche once observed, ‘What does not destroy me, makes me stronger’. Norberto Mourão is the physical embodiment of this maxim. After suffering a horrific motorcycle accident where he lost both of his legs, he made a vow to return to his normal life, but also to set himself a new challenge.
Fifteen years later, Norberto is a two-time Paralympic athlete and current paracanoe European Champion. Sports editor David Lugg spoke to Norberto about the highs and lows of his career to date.
Norberto Mourão was born in Quintelas, a small village in the northeast of Portugal but moved to Lisbon at the age of three. After spending over 30 years in the capital, he met his partner and moved to the Algarve, a region that he says makes him happy. “I have a better quality of life and the weather is excellent,” he notes.
A better quality of life is the least Norberto deserves after the horrific accident in September 2009 that left him in a wheelchair. Though he admits that his life changed radically, he has certainly not let the accident define who he is. “I set myself goals. I knew I needed to strengthen my arms. That’s when I looked for a sport and I came across canoeing. I tried it and I loved it and joined a competition group straight away.”
Ambition is one thing, but determination is another. Norberto has both qualities in abundance and, within a few short years, was representing his country at paracanoeing in the KL2 200-metre discipline. His hard work and dedication have seen him become a two-time European Champion, and silver and bronze (twice) medalist at the World Championships. His legacy doesn’t end there – at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games, he won the bronze medal, an experience he describes as “different”.
“Achieving the medal was very good, but socialising was minimal because of the fear of COVID. There was no freedom. The stands were empty.” Fast forward to 2024 and Norberto again represented Portugal at the Paris Paralympic Games. After taking the lead early in the race, he eventually finished in fourth position. “It was undoubtedly the event in which I was able to enjoy myself the most and live the Paralympic spirit to the full.”
One of the enduring images of the Paralympic Games was an image of Norberto embracing his son after the race. The emotion was clear to see. “Having my family present was the best thing about these Paralympic Games. Hugging my son at the end of the race was magical. I really wanted to get the medal so he would have a more visible souvenir. Unfortunately, it wasn’t possible, but it was the only thing missing. Everything else was marvellous.”
He may have missed out on a second Paralympic medal, but there was no feeling of bitterness. “I knew it would be very difficult to win medals. I’m one of the oldest athletes and a few months earlier, I had come fourth in the World Championships. It’s the most thankless place, but I came out of it satisfied because I gave everything I had and did an excellent time.” Indeed, his time was a personal best and that is what the Olympic spirit is all about.
Faced with adversity, Norberto has been a credit to the sport and a credit to his country. But much more than that, his attitude to life is an inspiration. He has achieved more with a disability than most of us would even dream of. Not that his path has been straightforward. His excellent YouTube channel features a video about the loneliness of being a professional athlete, a darker side that is rarely
brought to the attention of the public. “We have a lot of training camps throughout the season, too many weeks away from the family. As the years go by, it gets harder. It’s at those times that we feel alone. We feel what loneliness is. Often, the results end up being worse because we’re not doing well in that respect. It’s essential to have a total balance.”
Now he is 44, you might forgive Norberto for slowing down a little, but he is doing nothing of the sort. He races regularly for the Kayak Club Castores do Arade near Estômbar and has a full calendar of events to look forward to in 2025. “I want to defend my European title and I’m going to the World Championships and the World Cup. I’m also going to do marathon races where, instead of doing 200 metres, I’m going to do 12 kilometres.”
As long as the determination and ambition are there, then there is nothing to stop Norberto Mourão. He has found a happy place here in the Algarve with a loving family by his side. We must wish him well as he sets out on yet another extraordinary year. “It’s going to be a great season,” he explains. “I’m going to do my utmost to represent Portugal in the best possible way.” Of that, there is no doubt.
Strong winds did not deter the 92 golfers who teed off at Espiche golf course for the annual Captain’s Drive-In Charity Day. The event saw players compete in an Am-Am style competition on the par 72 course, enjoying friendly rivalry whilst raising money for a worthy cause.
This year’s contest was held on Thursday, 30 January and raised a total of €1.850 in support of The Mustard Seed charity based in Lagos.
New club captain Andy Watts said, “I am delighted to be a part of this magnificent event and am proud of what the entire membership and management have achieved here today. This money will help The Mustard Seed Association continue to provide their essential services to those in need in our Lagos-based community.”
Club manager Pauline Binnie added, “Espiche Golf Club is delighted to continue its long association with this amazing charity. And long may it continue.”
www.espichegolf.pt
A Sporting Chance
A new beginning for Sporting Clube Olhanense
“It’s a big ship to turn around, but with the help of local people and local businesses, we can achieve great things.” Our contributor, Vaughan Willmore, meets Luis Salero Viagas, vice president of the Olhão-based Sporting Clube Olhanense.
WORDS Vaughan Willmore
A little over 10 years ago, Sporting Clube Olhanense’s senior football team was competing against Benfica, Sporting Lisbon and Porto in the Primeira Liga, the top tier of the professional football league. Since then, relegation after relegation has seen the team fall out of the professional football league. However, with a new and motivated board of directors in place, progress is being made both on and off the pitch.
“We took over the club in August 2023, just six weeks before the season started,” said Luis. “We had no players and just one member of staff. When I was invited to get involved, it seemed like an impossible job, but as a lifelong supporter and resident of Olhão, there was no way I could say no.” Despite a difficult inheritance, in that first season the senior team went on to win the Algarve District League. It was to prove one of the many highlights of 2024.
The president of the club, Manuel Cajuda, recently published his thoughts in the club newspaper on some of the issues faced by Sporting Clube Olhanense and the progress being made. What’s particularly striking is how so much of it concerned not the senior football team but the very infrastructure and financial well-being of the club itself. Manuel explained how contracts with certain suppliers have been renegotiated on more favourable terms, and over a third of the inherited debt had been paid off. New state-ofthe-art floodlights have been installed along with a new synthetic pitch to replace the badly worn grass pitch that had been there for several years. The financial investment has been significant and has been made possible with the support of the city council, the parish councils, and local businesses and people. A significant increase in members has also helped, rising from 400 paying members when the new board took over to what they have today: over 1,300. Whilst more members are still needed, the aforementioned increase is a sure sign the local community is keen to support the club.
A women’s football team has been established. There’s also a futsal team, a beach soccer team, a boxing club, a mountain biking team, and numerous junior football teams. As Luis told me, “Our aim is to establish a range of sporting facilities that serve the community and generate income for further investment in the club and its facilities.”
It’s hoped that this year will see progress with the long-awaited Sports City of Sporting Clube Olhanense. The establishment of the Sports City, incorporating a new stadium and expanded sports to include padel courts, would be a fantastic development for the club and the city. “The project is ready to move forward,” said Louis. “It’s dependent only on the allocation of the promised land and its approval by the council assembly.”
The senior football team continues to be a prime focus, with the aim of progressing through the leagues as quickly as possible or, as Luis rightly pointed out, “As far as our supporters want to go and our budget will take us. We cannot do this without our supporters.” We can each help by supporting the team at home and away games or
by helping out behind the scenes – volunteers are always welcome. Signing up as a paying member also helps. Businesses can also advertise at the stadium at very competitive rates.
There is so much investment going into Olhão at the moment, making it an exciting place to live, work, and invest. The potential for re-establishing Sporting Clube Olhanense at the heart of the community is there for all to see, as is the opportunity to restore the senior football team to its former glory. With the ambition and expertise of Luis Salero Viagas and his colleagues – and the support of the local community and councils – there’s every chance that before too long, this giant of a club will be restored to its former glories.
If you want to help out at the club, please see the club’s website (below) for more details.
The next home game of the senior football team is against Odiáxere on Saturday, 8 March. Your support will be greatly appreciated.
M a x i m u m S a v i n g s
On returning to Portugal, Tomás embarked upon a stellar amateur career, winning three major tournaments. He turned professional in 2017 and has recently started his fourth season on the Challenge Tour. It’s the second most important professional golf tour in Europe and is operated by the European Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA).
This year’s Challenge Tour started mid-January. It runs until November and includes tournaments in Portugal, Denmark, Spain, the UK and France, among other countries. Some of the events are even played outside of Europe, including in South Africa, India and China. For anyone competing on the tour, it’s a nomadic lifestyle, but it’s one Tomás enjoys, often travelling with fellow professional golfers who have become close friends. An important aspect of the tour is that, for the most successful players in any given year, it affords entry to the lucrative DP World Tour and the associated prize money.
Tomás Melo Gouveia
We meet Tomás Melo Gouveia, one of Portugal’s top professional golfers, and learn of his connection to the Algarve and his ambitions for the year ahead.
WORDS Vaughan Willmore
It has been quite a few months for Tomás Melo Gouveia. Towards the end of last year, he finished in the top 10 of the Portuguese Open and was within touching distance of qualifying for the prestigious DP World Tour, the leading men’s professional golf tour in Europe. This year, he’s started with all guns blazing by winning the Lagos-based, Palmares Open II. It’s a victory which bodes well for the year ahead.
As a teenager, Tomás honed his skills playing on the Laranjal Golf Course near Vilamoura. It’s often described as one of our region’s most picturesque golf courses. Tomás started playing golf at 13 years of age. As he told me, “Given some of the child prodigies you hear about these days, that was relatively late.” He soon fell in love with the game however, spending hours playing with his father, brother and friends.
Tomás’ parents were keen to encourage his interest in golf but also wanted him to experience different cultures and get the best possible education. With the support of his parents, he headed to Iowa to conclude his high school studies. Whilst there, he helped his high school win the Iowa state championship. Tomás then went on to gain a much-prized college scholarship in Florida. He lived in the USA for a total of four years.
With all the travel and practice that’s inherent to being a professional golfer, any leisure time Tomás gets is limited. When he does get a chance to switch off, he enjoys spending time with friends and family and playing padel tennis. He lists Tiger Woods and Rory Mcilroy as among his favourite golfers, and the Laranjal course here in the Algarve is his favourite course.
Given the nomadic nature of being a professional golfer, it can be an expensive profession to pursue, with hotel and travel costs. It helps that Tomás has recently won sponsorship from Automóvel Club De Portugal (ACP) who said, “It is with great pride that the ACP supports this talented 30-year-old Portuguese golfer, introducing him to thousands of ACP members so that, with his talent, work and ambition, he can inspire more Portuguese people to take up this unique sport.”
Tomás told me, “It’s an absolute honour to be an ambassador for ACP, and I appreciate their support. Sometimes people don’t realise how crucial these endorsements are to us professional golfers.”
It promises to be a great year for Tomás. His focus is on performing strongly in the Challenge Tour, so that, by the end of the year, he is once again competing for qualification to the DP World Tour. We wish him well and will be keeping a close eye on his progress.
The Challenge Tour reaches Portugal on 11 September, more details are available at www.europeantour.com
www.facebook.com/tomasmgoficial
Award winning diving centre in Lagos Marina with a professional team with over 20 years of scuba diving experience. From beginner to instructor level and 5 to 40 meter dives, safety is their priority.
The Power of Self Love
WORDS Claire Linley
Ever look in the mirror and think, Wait… when did that happen? Maybe it’s a new wrinkle, an extra inch around the waist, or just the vague sense that you’re not quite measuring up.
Welcome to the human experience! Somewhere along the way, we’ve been trained to believe we should always be improving – striving for success, a better body, or a shinier life. Yet the more we chase perfection, the further it seems to slip away.
We compare ourselves relentlessly – friends, colleagues, that person on social media who somehow looks effortlessly fabulous on a Tuesday morning. And where does it get us? Stressed, exhausted, and convinced we’re falling behind.
But what if we stopped? What if, instead of nitpicking every perceived flaw, we looked at ourselves through a kinder eye? Radical self-acceptance isn’t about giving up; it’s about making peace with who you are right now. It’s about treating yourself like you would a good friend – encouraging, understanding, and maybe even laughing at the whole beautifully messy journey.
So next time you catch yourself spiralling into self-criticism, pause. Would you say that to your best friend? If not, don’t say it to yourself. Life’s too short to spend it arguing with your reflection. Smile at yourself – you’re doing just fine.
A Moist Eye
The Importance of Eye Hydration in the Transition to Spring
WORDS João Albano
Spring is finally here! Flowers are blooming, days are getting longer, and the sun is making its grand return. But while we welcome the beauty of the season, our eyes might not be as thrilled about the transition.
Changes in humidity, temperature and pollen levels can leave many of us experiencing dry, irritated eyes. But fear not! With a few simple tips, you can keep your eyes hydrated, happy, and ready to enjoy the season to the fullest.
Why Do Our Eyes Feel Drier in Spring?
Rising temperatures, increased sun exposure and airborne allergens can disrupt the delicate moisture balance of our eyes. Additionally, spending more time outdoors and facing stronger winds can accelerate tear evaporation, leading to dryness and discomfort.
Tips to Keep Your Eyes Hydrated and Comfortable
1. Stay hydrated
It all starts from within! Drinking enough water is essential for maintaining overall body hydration, including your eyes. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), adults should aim to drink between two to three litres of water per day, depending on their body weight and activity level. Staying properly hydrated helps keep your tear film balanced and your eyes feeling fresh.
2. Use artificial tears
Sometimes, our eyes need a little extra help. Over-the-counter artificial tears can provide instant relief, especially if you spend a lot of time outdoors or in airconditioned environments.
3. Wear sunglasses
Not only do they make you look effortlessly
stylish, but sunglasses also act as a shield against wind, UV rays, and airborne irritants. Look for a pair with 100% UV protection and wraparound frames for maximum coverage.
4. Take a break from screens
As much as we love our devices, prolonged screen time can reduce blinking, leading to increased dryness. Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. Your eyes will thank you!
5. Eat eye-friendly foods
A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids (found in salmon, flaxseeds and walnuts) can support tear production. Don’t forget your leafy greens and colourful veggies – they’re packed with vitamins that keep your eyes in top shape.
6. Use a humidifier
If you still feel like your eyes are battling dryness, consider using a humidifier at home or in your office. Adding moisture to the air can help prevent tears from evaporating too quickly.
When to See an Optometrist
If you continue to experience persistent dryness, redness or discomfort despite trying these tips, it might be time for a professional check-up. Why not book an appointment with us at Algarvisão? We have the most advanced ophthalmology equipment to help you take the best care of your eyes. Let’s ensure your vision stays as bright and clear as the spring sunshine!
João Albano is the Chief Optometrist and Technical Director at Algarvisão, and a specialist in orthoptics, optometry, and advanced contactology.
The Future of Fitness
How EMS technology is changing the way we train
WORDS Sisa Beranova
rehabilitation and elite sports. Now, it’s making its way into mainstream fitness, offering a smarter, time-efficient way to train—and it’s now available here in Lagos!
it to help astronauts maintain muscle in zero gravity), it has evolved into a popular training method for those looking to get stronger, fitter and more toned.
How does an EMS session work?
An EMS session is surprisingly simple. You put on specialised equipment, and a trainer guides you through a personalised 20-minute workout. During that time, gentle electrical pulses activate your muscles, making them work harder than in a traditional session.
The best part? Just show up, move and let the technology do its magic. And yes, you will feel it the next day.
Why EMS is worth the buzz
• NASA-approved – if it’s good enough for astronauts, it’s probably good enough for us earthlings
• Fat-burning power – a single 20-minute session can burn up to 500 calories
Technology has transformed nearly every aspect of our lives – so why should fitness be any different? The days of spending hours in the gym and forcing yourself through workouts you don’t enjoy might just be behind us. Enter Electro Muscle Stimulation (EMS), a training method that’s as futuristic as it sounds and promises big results in little time.
Sounds too good to be true? Well, EMS isn’t some sci-fi gimmick. It’s been used for decades in
What is EMS training?
At its core, EMS training uses electrical impulses to activate muscles in a way that mimics natural brain signals. The result? Deeper muscle engagement, even in those stubborn areas that traditional workouts often miss. It’s like having a workout inside your workout.
While EMS started as a tool for injury recovery and astronaut training (yes, really – NASA uses
The Power of Recovery
WORDS Ann de Jongh
Recently, I’ve had a few friends mention how they’re feeling rundown, tired, and starting to lose the motivation they had at the beginning of the year for their training. The common theme? They’ve been training too hard. They push themselves with intense workouts, barely take rest days, deal with their day-to-day stress, and expect their bodies to keep up.
The problem is that training hard without proper recovery isn’t sustainable. It leads to fatigue, reduced performance, and even injury. Often, the missing piece of the puzzle isn’t training more but recovering better.
Recovery isn’t just about resting on the sofa. It’s an essential part of progress. Without it, we struggle to maintain consistency, and training becomes something we battle through rather than enjoy. Recovery allows muscles to repair, the nervous system to reset, and the mind to stay engaged. It enables us to train for life, not just for a short-term goal.
• Time-efficient – delivers results comparable to multiple hours of traditional workouts
• Joint-friendly – great for those who want an intense workout without stressing their knees or back
So, is EMS the future of fitness? Maybe. At the very least, it’s the perfect solution for people who want results – without living in the gym.
www.pulsefit.pt
Good recovery isn’t complicated, but it does require attention. Sleep is a huge factor; getting enough quality sleep is the foundation of feeling and performing well. Nutrition matters too, ensuring we fuel our bodies properly with enough protein, healthy fats and nutrients to aid muscle repair, and, if weight loss is our goal, ensure we are not undereating when training hard. Mobility work, stretching and active recovery all play a role, helping to reduce stiffness and keep our bodies feeling good. Most importantly, listening to your body is key.
Feeling constantly exhausted, struggling through every workout, or dreading training are all signs that rest is needed. An extra rest day, doing some relaxed yoga, or simply prioritising sleep can make all the difference.
Recovery isn’t a sign of weakness; it allows us to keep going, stay strong and love our training. If you’re feeling drained, it might not be about doing more but recovering smarter.
Ann de Jongh is a health and wellbeing coach.
Rua Cidade de Torres Vedras, loja 14, Lagos
A History with a Pinch of Salt
WORDS Tania Soâres
Salt is not just a seasoning but one of human history’s oldest and most essential ingredients. Its significance dates back to the days before refrigerators, making it crucial for preserving food. In many civilisations, salt was even used as currency. The word ‘salary’ originates from salt, highlighting the immense value this resource has held over centuries.
As the only edible rock, salt transcends all cultures and cuisines, playing an irreplaceable role in gastronomy by enhancing the flavours of food. In the Algarve, the tradition of salt pans runs deep and, even today, brands like Salmarim from Castro Marim uphold the authenticity and quality of handcrafted sea salt, keeping a centuries-old heritage alive.
The legacy of salt production in the Algarve stretches back over two thousand years, with the earliest records dating to the Phoenician era and later being continued during the Roman occupation. During this period, salt production reached remarkable levels, playing a key role in fish conservation and the making of the renowned garum (a fermented fish sauce). Archaeological remains, including salting tanks and extraction structures, can still be found in various coastal locations, particularly in Castro Marim, Tavira and Olhão, highlighting the historical significance of this practice.
The salt pans of the Algarve and other regions continued to thrive, serving as a vital source of income for Portugal. In the 16th century, with the era of maritime expansion, salt became an extremely valuable commodity, essential for preserving cod and other fish, driving trade with northern European countries.
Today, traditional salt pans, such as those in Castro Marim and Tavira, continue to uphold artisanal methods that enhance the quality of sea salt and fleur de sel, earning national and international recognition. The salt pan tradition of the Algarve is not merely a relic of the past; it remains very much alive, preserving a millennia-old heritage and enriching our culinary traditions.
A pinch of Salmarim in the Algarve Salmarim’s salt comes from what is believed to be one of the oldest salt pans in Castro Marim, dating back to the Phoenician era. The business is now run by the family of Jorge Raiado, who once supplied the canning industry. Today, they focus entirely on salt, elevating it to a gourmet product that meets the growing demand for high-quality ingredients.
The commitment to ensuring an exceptional product goes beyond the salt itself. The carefully designed packaging guarantees durability and quality, standing out on any shelf. Created by Portuguese artists, it received an international design award at the 2023 Red Dot Design Awards for being made exclusively from national materials. The exterior features cork, encasing a recycled glass jar that supports the glassmaking industry. Completing the set is a handcrafted wooden spoon sculpted from reclaimed wood.
Each jar contains carefully refined combinations developed over time. Among the available options are the Fogo range, which blends fleur de sel with chilli; the Violeta, which combines fleur de sel with violets and dried fig; the Algarve, featuring fleur de sel and tangerine; or the Coração, which mixes fleur de sel with Douro oxheart tomato.
In Mar d’Estórias, we discover these and many other stories that transport us to the heart of the Algarve. Here, the sea and the land provide simple ingredients transformed into unique flavours.
info@mardestorias.com +351 282 792 165
LAGOS SECONDHAND FURNITURE
Urb. da Marateca Lote 5, Chinicato, Lagos
Celebrating 20 Years of Trusted Foreign Exchange: GC Partners
WORDS Tom Henshaw
In an ever-evolving financial landscape, stability and trust are paramount –especially when it comes to managing your hard-earned money across borders. For over 20 years, GC Partners has been a reliable anchor for expats and businesses in Portugal, including my own experience as a loyal client and supporter of Tomorrow magazine.
Founded in the UK 22 years ago, GC Partners has proudly established itself as the longest-standing currency specialist in Portugal. Their recent expansion with new offices in the vibrant Vilamoura marks not just a milestone but a celebration of their commitment to providing exceptional foreign exchange services. This exciting development gave us a chance to explore the heart of GC Partners—their mission, their people, and their unwavering dedication to their clients.
For countless individuals and businesses, GC Partners has been instrumental in navigating the complexities of international financial transactions with both confidence and peace of mind. While they initially focused on UK-based clients, the 2008 recession transformed the financial landscape, prompting a shift from property buyers to sellers. However, GC Partners adeptly adapted to these changes, and today, they serve a diverse clientele, welcoming clients from around the globe— including a growing number from the USA, Canada, and Australia.
What truly sets GC Partners apart is the enduring loyalty of their clients. Many who first engaged their services for property purchases have continued to rely on them for regular pension payments and a variety of other international transactions. This strong trust is evidenced by their outstanding Trustpilot rating of 4.9 out of 5, backed by over 3,000 five-star reviews.
With a presence that extends beyond Portugal, GC Partners has been a fixture in Dubai and Spain for over 17 years, further solidifying their professionalism and expanding global reach.
Leading the charge in Portugal and Spain is Alison Daun, whose nearly two-decade tenure has been defined by an unwavering commitment to client satisfaction. As the Head of Retail, Alison ensures that a client-first approach is at the heart of everything they do. They rely on word-ofmouth referrals grounded in their strong relationships with local businesses and satisfied clients. According to Alison, the rise of online-only banking has made personalised service even more crucial. Her approach strikes a balance between embracing the convenience of online tools while delivering the friendly, one-on-one support that keeps clients coming back.
With their head office based in London for over two decades, GC Partners has cultivated a well-established presence in Portugal. In both the western Algarve and Lisbon, experts like Hayley McKay provide invaluable support, while Rachel Canales oversees operations in the eastern Algarve. Their services thrive on the power of recommendations from their happy clientele, as well as collaborations with real estate agencies, lawyers, and other financial advisers.
If you have international money transfer needs, whether you’re in the picturesque Algarve or beyond, I highly recommend reaching out to Hayley McKay. She’s always available in the Lagos area and eager to assist you with personalised service tailored to your needs:
GC Partners Portugal: +351 282 768 136
Hayley McKay (Western Algarve): +351 910 644 545
Email: Hayley.mckay@gcpartners.co
Empowering Women in Business
Tomorrow magazine, Lifestyle @ Vila Mos, and GC Partners are thrilled to invite you to an inspiring new event designed exclusively for women in business.
Join Us for the First of Many!
This will be the first of many events dedicated to empowering and supporting women in business. By bringing together like-minded professionals, we aim to build a strong, collaborative community where women can learn, grow and succeed together.
We are honoured to welcome Simone CimilucaRadzins as a guest speaker at our first event. A trailblazing financial expert and entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience helping Fortune 500 companies, startups and small businesses succeed. Her work has been featured in NPR, Grazia, Entrepreneur, LA Weekly, Portugal News and more.
Rewrite Your Success Blueprint: A Workshop for Women Entrepreneurs
At this event, Simone will lead an interactive workshop designed to help women redefine their approach to success in business. Running a business often means juggling countless roles –but what if you could rewrite the rules of success to fit your goals and lifestyle?
Connect, Learn & Enjoy
In addition to Simone’s workshop, this event is a fantastic networking opportunity to meet fellow businesswomen in a relaxed and supportive setting. Enjoy coffee and cakes, share experiences and build valuable connections within the Algarve’s growing community of women in business.
RSVP & Be Part of It!
Date: Thursday, 27 March
Time: 10.30 am – 12 pm
Location: Lifestyle @ Vila Mós
We can’t wait to welcome you for a morning of inspiration, connection and business growth. See you there!
Burns Night
Is it farewell to Silves Burns Night?
The St Andrew's Society is looking for a new young generation of Scots to take over.
WORDS Doug McAdam
The Saint Andrew’s Society of the Algarve held its Burns Supper in Silves on Saturday, 25 January. With 100 participants, the supper was a resounding success. However, it was also tinged with sadness as this was the last event organised by the present committee, which has been doing so for almost 30 years.
Our usual bagpiper, Malcolm MacGillivray, came out of retirement for the last time to get the evening off to a scintillating start by welcoming guests. The restaurant has welcomed us to this event for many years and is now well-versed in preparing and serving the traditional Macsween’s haggis, tatties and neeps. I addressed the haggis after it had been piped in by Malcolm and a dram offered to him and the accompanying “kilties”.
Our final Burns Supper was blessed with three excellent speakers. The main speech was a reflective Immortal Memory by Mike Milliner – the teasing Toast to the Lassies was made by Chris Wells and Kate Stratton’s response on behalf of the lassies was also greatly enjoyed by all. The assembled company then enjoyed lively and enthusiastic Scottish dancing conducted by
Mardie Cunningham, who also made the superb Atholl Brose. The proceedings were brought to a close just after midnight with ‘Auld Lang Syne’. Blevins Franks also very kindly provided the amber mead (whisky), and we appreciate their support over the last few years. However, the success of the evening was mainly due to Kathy Prentice's work before and during the evening. It would be very sad indeed if the tradition of bringing people together to mark the lives of Saint Andrew and Robert Burns – and to enjoy themselves in the process – were to end with the retirement of the present ageing committee.
We hope to hear from younger members of the community who might like to step into our shoes to ensure that the tradition endures.
Doug McAdam is the current Chieftain of the Saint Andrew’s Society of the Algarve.
Doug (+351 935 577 362) or Vice Chieftain Rod Frew (+351 935 587 382) would be delighted to hear from anyone who might be interested in taking over the tradition.
A Perfect Property Match
This year, Exclusive Algarve Villas, a real estate company owned and run by its founders Bart van Linden and Marcela Boturão, celebrates the 4th anniversary of its Lagos office.
It all began 20 years ago when Bart and Marcela met while working in different Algarve real estate agencies, collaborating to find the perfect property for a specific client. Bart was quickly impressed by Marcela’s drive and how, like a terrier, she searched tirelessly, "digging up treasure after treasure." In return, Marcela admired Bart’s calm and professional approach. Their shared passion and complementary skills led them to seal the deal – both in business and their personal life!
In 2006, they opened their first office in Lagoa, focusing on the luxury villa market in Carvoeiro and the Western Algarve. Within two years, and after receiving multiple property awards, Exclusive Algarve Villas became synonymous with the high-end property market.
It was time to expand. In 2008, Exclusive Algarve Villas opened their second office in Vilamoura, in the Golden Triangle – the heart of Algarve’s luxury property market. Although this coincided with the property market crisis, when many agencies closed or cut back, Bart and Marcela increased their marketing efforts and worked harder than ever. Their strategy paid off.
By 2013, both the Lagoa and Vilamoura offices were thriving, and they set their sights further west, where Lagos and Praia da Luz were rising in demand. When they met Melissa Oliveira, an experienced western Algarve property
specialist, they knew they had found the right person to expand into this market. Melissa´s "no-pressure" sales approach made her a perfect fit for Regional Sales Manager for Lagos. Fluent in English, French and Portuguese, she joined the company in 2014. Initially operating from the Lagoa office, Melissa found the perfect location to open their third office – easily accessible, with convenient parking and a stunning view over the Lagos boat roundabout fountains.
Today, Exclusive Algarve Villas covers the entire Algarve, providing buyers with a one-stop solution across multiple regions and a curated portfolio for those focusing on one area.
On 21 June, friends and clients are invited to celebrate the Lagos office’s 4th anniversary – DJ included!
info@eavillas.com
www.ExclusiveAlgarveVillas.com
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“Our belief is that health starts from the gut,” Nick explains. “If we give our gut the right fuel, we will be healthier and happier.”
Crafting wholesome goodness
Every product in the brand is crafted with care and intention. Operating out of a commercial kitchen on their farm, just a 40-minute drive from Lagos, Liza leads the charge in developing new recipes and flavours. Their diverse range includes fresh, handmade baked goods, wholesome vegan delicacies, gluten-free sourdough bread, organic salads, granola, kombucha and fresh-pressed juices. From granola and fermented foods to bone broth and dog food, there's something for everyone. The couple are committed to quality, meaning all products are gluten-free, contain no refined sugars or oils, and are made with natural ingredients – handmade in small batches.
“Our entire product range reflects the way we live and our journey towards better health,” Lisa shares. “We hope our customers feel the benefits we have.”
Community-centric offerings
A Wellness Journey
Embark on a Wellness Journey at Larutan in Praia da Luz
In the seaside village of Praia da Luz, a new business venture is transforming the way we think about food and wellness. Husband and wife team, James and Liza, invite you to experience their passion for health and nutrition through their unique store Larutan (natural spelt backwards), which offers completely natural food products, supplements and homewares.
A journey born from necessity
James and Liza's story is a testament to resilience and innovation. Having moved to the Algarve in 1998, James spent two decades as a real estate agent while successfully running restaurants in Vale do Lobo and Almancil with his wife. Their culinary expertise and deep-rooted desire to promote well-being emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic when they faced family health challenges, including a gluten intolerance. Frustrated by a lack of wholesome, additivefree options in the market, they saw an opportunity to create something special – a brand dedicated to clean, organic food. Roots - Living Wellness was born.
James and Lisa understand that health should be accessible. “Health shouldn’t cost a fortune,” they assert. Their mission is to offer the highest quality products at the best prices, ensuring everyone can fuel their well-being without compromise.
In addition to their food offerings, Larutan promotes a collaborative environment with a co-working space available on a membership basis. Here, patrons can enjoy homemade soups, cakes and refreshments while working in a comfortable, supportive atmosphere.
Influenced by their daily experiences and feedback from customers, James and Liza have developed unique items like a nut-free chocolate spread – particularly popular among parents of children with nut allergies.
They also champion sustainability through their partnership with the Portuguese company Inokem, selling biodegradable cleaning products. By providing options for customers to refill their containers and reduce plastic waste, Larutan is mindful of its impact on the planet.
Join the wellness community
As James and Lisa embark on this ambitious journey, they invite you to become part of the Roots Living family. Visit their store in Praia da Luz to explore a diverse selection of natural food products, supplements and eco-friendly alternatives. Whether you're looking for nutritious snacks, refreshing beverages or sustainable household goods, there’s something waiting for you at Larutan.
www.rootslivingwellness.com larutan.pt/shop-local
Peppers
The Ultimate Cocktail and Dance Hotspot in Lagos
WORDS Peter Cruiming
Nestled in a charming side street of Lagos' old town, Peppers Cocktail & Food Bar Lagos is located at R. Soeiro da Costa n°33. Its central yet tucked-away location makes it the perfect spot to escape and enjoy some of the city's best vibes. Whether you’re meeting friends or enjoying a romantic evening, this cocktail bar is a must-visit.
Atmosphere: a bar with personality and layers Peppers boasts three unique levels, each with its own vibe:
• Ground floor: a vibrant bar with a live DJ and a cosy atmosphere where people often dance
• Mezzanine: relaxed seating with comfy couches, ideal for a laid-back drink
• Rooftop cocktail bar Lagos: a spacious and covered terrace (closed in winter) with a cosy and relaxed vibe, perfect for summer evenings. The outdoor patio is equally delightful, often buzzing with locals.
The menu
• Lagos’ finest cocktails: Professional bartenders are not just mixologists; they are artists who create Instagram-worthy cocktails while putting on a show. With cocktails starting at €7.50 and mocktails from €6, there’s something for every budget. The extensive menu includes all the classics and unique creations tailored to your taste.
• Great bar food: What sets Peppers apart from other bars is its food. The passionate female chef serves a delicious variety of tapas with many great vegan-friendly bar food options.
Music: The pulse of Lagos
If you love live music/DJ in Lagos, Peppers is the place to be. The playlists are a fun mix of oldschool hits like 2Pac and Dire Straits, and the DJ ensures the vibes are always on point. Whether you’re tapping your feet at the bar or getting up to dance, the energy here is contagious.
The Verdict: your go-to cocktail and dance hotspot in Lagos. Peppers Cocktail & Food Bar Lagos is more than just a bar – it’s an experience.
Peter Cruiming is the founder and restaurant critic for HotspotsAlgarve.com
Vegan Ramen Soup
WORDS Lita
I enjoy cooking playfully and mixing several international flavours, creating interesting crossovers and making culinary journeys. For March, my recipe is a vegan ramen soup from Japan.
Originally from China, it has been enjoyed throughout Japan for over a century. In Europe, ramen has become very popular in the last few years. You can find many variations made with different broth bases, garnish and toppings. My vegan Japanese noodle soup is warming, comforting and intensely flavourful, and you can easily make it with a few simple plant-based ingredients from your local supermarket!
Broth ingredients
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 onion
• 6 garlic cloves
• 1 small piece of ginger
• 1 fresh chilli
• 2 tbsp miso paste
• 2 tbsp soya sauce
• 2 tsp tahini paste
• 2 tsp peanut butter
• 2 tbsp vegetable broth powder
• Salt, chilli powder or pepper if you need
Preparation and cooking
Chop the onion, garlic, ginger and chilli. Put the sesame oil in a big pan; add the onion first and the garlic, ginger and chilli after a few minutes.
Next, add the miso paste, followed by the tahini paste, and then the peanut butter. Add a bit of water and mix the paste very well.
Add three litres of water and stir again before adding the
vegetable broth powder and letting it boil. Finally, check if you need salt, pepper or even more chilli.
Tofu marinade ingredients
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 small piece of ginger
• 1 tbsp soya sauce
• 1 tsp wine vinegar
• 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
Preparation and cooking
Marinate the tofu with all ingredients, cover and put it in the fridge for 1–4 hours. Fry and set aside.
Soup ingredients
• 2 slices of tofu per person
• Ramen noodles
• Bok choy
• Red bell pepper
• Cauliflower or carrots
• Spring onion
• Sesame seeds
Preparation and cooking
Cook the cauliflower, bok choy and bell pepper. Next, cook the noodles and set aside. When everything is ready, you can pour the hot broth into a bowl; then, add the cooked veggies, the noodles and the tofu and decorate with the spring onion and the sesame seeds.
Tip
WINE PAIRING
I recommend a smooth, light red Zweigelt wine from Austria; you can find it at Lita’s Concept Store in Lagos.
Ramen noodles can be found at Intermarché or Continente. Try to buy a biological miso paste, which you can find at shops like Naturboticae in Lagos or Celeiro in Portimão.
whatsapp: +351 968 921 353 - www.larutan.pt - @larutanshop Praia Da Luz, 8600-168, Lagos (next to Baptista Supermarket)
Joy Entry is a Malaysian home cook based in Lagos who is obsessed with the provocative, unapologetic flavours of South-East Asian cuisine
Instagram: @thatasianhomecook joyentry@gmail.com
ggplant Trivia
Brinjal Stir Fried Rice Noodles That Asian Home Cook
WORDS Joy Entry
If the start of spring means a ‘new you’ and you are trying to eat a little healthier, then more fruits and veggies are a good place to start. Eating more veggies doesn’t have to be boring and lacklustre. In fact, many Asians are vegetarians, and they surely do not compromise on flavour when it comes to cooking with their greens.
I have this favourite recipe for aubergine and rice noodles that I go to when I am craving a bowl of healthy, nourishing noodles. It is so easy and very yummy!
Ingredients:
• 100 grams dried rice noodles
• 1 medium-sized aubergine, diced
• 5 cloves of garlic, chopped
• 3 shallots, chopped
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tbsp fish sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• ½ tsp light soy sauce
• 1 pinch of white pepper
• ¼ cup water
Instructions:
While you prepare your ingredients, place your rice noodles in a cold water bath for 30 minutes to soften. Heat your
Aubergines are also known as brinjals or eggplants in other parts of the world
The bright purple hue of an eggplant is not just intriguing to the eye. The natural plant compound that creates this colouration is linked to an increase in bone density and reduced osteoporosis! Aubergines are also rich in iron and calcium, which are known to promote bone health
wok with vegetable oil (or any other neutral oil) and, when it is hot, throw your shallots and garlic in. Sweat them until their aromas waft, and then your eggplants can go in.
Stir for the next few minutes until your aubergine begins to soften. You will notice that the aubergine has begun to absorb all the oil in the wok. When your aubergine starts to brown, all the oils it has absorbed will be released back into the pan again. This is your cue to add your rice noodles in along with the oyster sauce, light soy, fish sauce and water.
Continue stirring to evenly coat your noodles with aubergine and sauce for the next five minutes or so. Serve hot with a garnish of spring onion, coriander and fried shallots for texture. A fried egg or omelette for an addition of protein works here, too. If you like a bit of spice, then the addition of some sambal on the side will suit you nicely.
Quick Sambal Recipe
• 1 large fresh red chilli
• 1 clove garlic
• 1 tsp lime juice
• 1 pinch of salt
• 1 pinch of sugar
Simply bring all the above ingredients together in a pestle and mortar, food processor or blender and blitz away. It’s as easy as that!
• It is low in calories, so it is great for weight loss. One cup of aubergine contains just 25 calories!
• Packed with nutrients, vitamins and fibre, it is often overlooked as a superfood
• Because it is rich in fibre, it promotes blood sugar control and helps with digestion
The Cerveja Conundrum
WORDS Luka Alexander
There’s nothing more refreshing than sitting down with a nice cold glass of beer, especially in the beautiful climate we enjoy here in the Algarve, but do you understand what measurements you are ordering when you go to the bar!
Please note: If you’re hitting the bar, always keep in mind that Portugal has quite a strict drink-drive limit of 0.5 g/l (50 mg per 100 ml), so if you don’t want to feel the strong hand of the law, you might want to order that taxi home.
The classic glass of beer, or cerveja, has been enjoyed in Portugal since the days of the former Roman province known as Lusitania. Once a process to purify drinking water, beer has become the “go-to” drink for many on a hot sunny day.
The word cerveja (beer) can be traced back to the Latin word cerevisia, and is not to be confused with its Spanish counterpart cerveza. It’s worth remembering that we don’t say cerveza (ther-vay-tha) like the Spanish. In Portuguese, we say cerveja (sir-vay-jah).
Although typical ales are available in Portugal, when ordering a draft beer, you will more than likely receive a glass of lager. Modern-day breweries began to pop up in Portugal during the 19th century. With the protection of national breweries from foreign control under the Estado Novo led by António Salazar, only a handful of national lagers are available.
Two national companies have dominated the market in Portugal for decades. Sociedade Central de Cervejas, S.A., which produces Sagres, and Unicer-Bebidas de Portugal, S.A. which produces Superbock, were established after the 1974 military coup when the industry was nationalised. Both companies were privatised in the 1990s and now control over 90% of the Portuguese beer market.
By 2003, Portugal had seven major breweries, employing approximately 1,848 people, and around one hundred smaller breweries dedicated to the production of craft beer. That said, here in Portugal you will almost always be offered Sagres or Superbock, or maybe occasionally Crystal. The debate as to which brand is better is a matter of personal opinion, but no matter what brand of beer you prefer, the question remains: what measurement should one order, as knowing the difference between varieties can be something of a minefield.
While I like to think of myself as a beer connoisseur, even I can’t keep up with the numerous measurements of beer on offer, so to help the beer lovers among us, I present to you the ‘Encyclopedia of Portuguese Beer’ – well, its measures at least.
DID YOU KNOW? An informal name for a beer is a bejeca.
FOOD & DRINK
Uma caneca
Starting with the king of draft beers, the caneca (a mug) is the closest to a traditional British pint. At 50 cl, it is slightly smaller than a British pint (568 ml) and larger than an American pint (473 ml). It is one of the most common drafts available in Portugal. But watch out, you may find the actual quantity in your caneca can vary from 40 cl to the full British pint, depending on the establishment.
[Pronounced: can-eh-ka]
Uma garrafa
Garrafa literally means a bottle, so if you’re in a bar that only offers bottled beers, you would ask for uma garrafa de … followed by your chosen brand. Often you will be asked if you want a big beer (33 cl) or a small beer (mini).
Um panaché
If you’re looking for something similar to a shandy, you can always ask for a panaché Whilst the name is taken from French, the panaché is a mix of Sprite or 7Up mixed with lager. If you want to take it a step further, adding some currant juice to create a fruity beer is known as a tango
Uma imperial
This measurement is the closest thing to a half pint in Portugal. Measuring 20 cl, the imperial is generally the standard beer size to order in Portugal, often favoured over the caneca as its warming temperature is much slower. Imagine, on a hot day a larger measurement will be warm by the time you finish it – surely it’s better to drink smaller quantities! Bottled beer also generally comes in 20 cl measurements, commonly known as a mini. If you’re ordering an imperial in the north, in cities such as Porto, then you can ask for um fino. It’s the same measurement, just a variation of the same word.
[Pronounced: “im-peer-ee-al unless ordering two, then it’s duas imperias (impeer-ee-eyesh)]
Um príncipe
Meaning prince in English, the príncipe measures approximately 30 cl but is served in a taller glass than an imperial, with a flared rim.
Um lambreta
If you’re looking for something a little smaller than an imperial (or fino), you can ask for a lambreta. At 15 cl, it’s a nice alternative, especially if you’re planning on driving home, but I have yet to meet anyone who has asked for a lambreta in a bar.
Uma girafa
The girafa is the beer of all beers. While not overly common, the girafa measures one litre and is probably the largest beer one can get in Portugal, that’s if you can find an establishment that sells this measure. It’s the perfect size to keep you on your toes all night, although after a couple of these, you might want to call a taxi home.
Uma tulipa
The tulipa is not so much a measurement; it’s simply the name of the glass due to its shape which loosely resembles a tulip. Measuring 20 cl, the same as a standard imperial, asking for a tulipa seems to add a little elegance to a beer drinking. You’re more likely to find this glass available in an upmarket restaurant than in your local cervejeira (beer house).
Whether you prefer Sagres or Superbock, or fancy anything from a caneca to a lambretta, you now know how to order a beer in Portugal. All that’s left is to raise your glass and wish one another saúde or cheers.
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An Animal Legacy: Caring for Our Furry Friends
Nestled in the heart of the Algarve near Loulé lies Cabanita, a vibrant animal paradise lovingly established by Sid and his team at ARA (Animal Rescue Algarve). While this beautiful sanctuary provides a safe haven for countless rescues, Sid found himself contemplating what legacy could be created for those left behind when an animal lover dies.
“After creating this dream shelter, something still felt missing,” reflects Sid, an inspiring and pragmatic man of 80 years. “What happens to a happy hound or a cherished cat if their owner suddenly passes away? Through no fault of their own, they’re suddenly alone.”
This thought weighed heavily on Sid’s heart, sparking a deeper concern about the unfortunate reality of animal abandonment due to illness or death. He notes poignantly, “Facing age and illness is tough, but the thought of leaving our furry companions behind? That’s a difficult subject.”
Sid realised he wasn’t alone in his concerns when Jenny Clarke, President of APAA (Association for Protection Animals Algarve), and her dedicated colleague Anita Wight, acknowledged similar worries. “What if something happens to us?” they pondered. “We can’t bear the thought of our cherished pets being left behind – again.”
From these heartfelt discussions emerged a group of devoted volunteers including the
general manager, João Ferreira. Together, they rallied to create an initiative that would ensure every pet could find a loving home in the face of unexpected circumstances. Thus, the ‘Legacy for Pets’ programme was born – a thoughtful guide to encourage pet owners to consider their furry family members’ futures carefully.
The process, which is supported by ARA, begins with the pet owner appointing a responsible guardian. When the rehoming of the animal becomes necessary, ARA takes charge of the necessary paperwork, collects the pets, and re-chips and vaccinates them, ensuring a smooth transition. Most importantly, the programme prioritises matching these pets with suitable families, allowing them to live out their lives in happiness and comfort, far beyond any medical facility or final resting place.
Heart-wrenching scenarios of animals left behind have left lasting impressions on Sid and Jenny. They recall a dear colleague Zélia, who passed away unexpectedly at just 65, leaving behind the beloved dogs and cats she had rescued. “It’s a responsibility we can’t simply pass on,” says Jenny.
The Legacy for Pets plan is refreshingly straightforward. While making a donation for your pet’s care is not mandatory, it is encouraged to ensure every animal receives the love and attention they deserve.
Life is unpredictable, and we never know when it may be our time to go. But for pets like Roja, Mouse, Dusty, George and Puffy, the programme offers a comforting safety net.
Let’s ensure that Cabanita remains a sanctuary where love continues to thrive. By preparing in advance, you can guarantee that your precious companions won’t face a bleak future alone. Here’s how you can make a difference:
• Contact ARA to request more information about theLegacy program.
• Complete the Legacy forms to identify your pet(s) and their ages.
• Appoint a Guardianto take over pet care if needed.
• ARA will supply a contact card – keep it safe!
• If you have concerns about confidentiality, rest assured that all information is handled with total respect and compassion.
Why not take a moment to visit ARA and ease your mind? Together, we can create a more secure and loving future for our beloved pets.
Let’s make sure that our furry friends are cared for – today and always!
For more information, contact: ARA: admin@animalrescuealgarve.com APAA: info.apaaportugal@gmail.com
101 Donations
Attention all animal lovers! A fabulous new charity shop, 101 Donations, is set to open its doors in Guia on 9 March to support the incredible Tiny Animal Shelter.
WORDS Sophie Sadler
This exciting venture is a dream come true for Donna McFadden, a passionate animal lover with a flair for fashion. “I adore both animals and fashion, and I’ve always been eager to keep up with the latest trends!” says Donna, who has dedicated over a year to making this vision a reality.
Having called the Algarve home for 11 years, Donna’s heart has always been with the Tiny Shelter. She knows firsthand the challenges they face to cover their mounting bills. In addition to running the shop, Donna also hosts monthly lunches throughout the region – the €35 cost includes drinks and a €10 donation to the shelter. It’s her way of bringing people together while supporting a worthy cause!
Every euro spent at 101 Donations will directly benefit the Tiny Shelter, located in Albufeira and led by the compassionate Isabel Searle. This
small but mighty shelter has worked tirelessly to rescue and rehome countless dogs, relying entirely on donations to meet daily expenses, from food and veterinary care to essential maintenance.
But Donna’s vision for 101 Donations goes beyond just helping animals. She wants it to be a warm, welcoming space for the community. “If someone is feeling lonely, they can drop by for a chat and a cup of tea. With two volunteers always on hand, it’s a great way for people to connect and feel supported. If we can uplift even one person feeling down, that would be incredible!” Plus, if you’re looking to brighten your routine, Donna would love to hear from anyone interested in volunteering.
Expect a funky boutique vibe with a fresh and quirky style! The shop will feature a fabulous
SPRING into action by helping our cats
WORDS Ann Hodges
In 2015, I was rescued from the streets of Lagos, and I would not let anyone touch me. Now I am a gentle ginger cuddle bug. I adore greeting everyone, but I would really love to have my own home where I can live peacefully for the rest of my days.
selection of second-hand clothing for men, women and children. Keep an eye out for designer gems at unbeatable prices, including a new section filled with items still sporting their labels! You’ll also find a variety of household items perfect for any home.
Mark your calendars for the grand opening on 9 March, from 2 pm to 5 pm! Join the party for an afternoon of live music, delicious canapés and wine to celebrate this exciting addition to our community. You can find 101 Donations right next to Patrick’s Bar in Guia. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to shop for a cause and make a difference – see you there!
R. da Fonte 1, 8200-442 Guia donnaevents180@gmail.com
If you are a regular reader of Tomorrow, you will no doubt be aware that, over the past year, Cadela Carlota has raised sufficient funds to buy the land where our dog shelter is situated. A big ‘thank you’ to everyone who helped in any way, including Tomorrow's charity TACT, which raised money at its charity ball.
But now we need to improve the lives of our 50-plus cats. Our cat shelter, which is situated in the centre of Lagos at the moment, is in a small disused public toilet block. The conditions are extremely cramped and we have been given notice to leave.
Nevertheless, our cat volunteers struggle on and try to provide the very best care that is possible under the circumstances. The shelter is so cramped that there is extremely limited space where the cats can roam freely. For the greater part of each day, their world consists of a 50 square centimetre space – maybe in a cardboard box, maybe in a cage (only if they are sick), maybe on a shelf, maybe in a laundry basket. Where there was originally a shower cubicle, there is now a home for four cats, living in tiers, one above the other.
Taking into consideration all the above, Cadela Carlota has taken the decision to reorganise the land on which our dogs are situated to provide accommodation for our cats. But this will come at a cost. The land will need to be levelled, concreted and drains laid before we can even start on the building itself. Every one of our volunteers (cat and dog) are pitching in with their personal levels of expertise to keep the costs to a minimum. Do you have some skills that could help with this reorganisation? Advice can be freely given, so I am not talking about climbing on roofs or carrying bricks!
We have now managed to raise 67,000 euros. Our target is 75,000 euros. If you would like to make a donation, please go to our GoFundMe page, which can be accessed through our website.
If you can help in any way, either through a donation or volunteering, we will be able to widen their horizons and provide a better all-round quality of life.
www.cadela-carlota.com
The Trainemino
WORDS David Bickerton
The Portuguese Camino de Santiago (The Portuguese Way) is undoubtedly a wonderful and unique experience. This famous route from Porto to Santiago is 259 km and would take a couple of weeks to walk. You may not have the time, money or energy to undertake it. Or you might find the thought of driving there a bit banal, lacking challenge and excitement.
Well, I have an interesting option for you … taking just a day, why not do the Portuguese Camino by train (hence Trainemino!)? You can do this by simply taking Portugal’s only operational international rail route, which is in the north of the country, linking Porto to Spain and I did just that.
Taking the same starting point as the camino, you can leave Porto’s Campanha station at 08:13. The train heads north through the suburbs of Porto and soon travels through hilly lush farmland before running along the coast at the pretty coastal town of Viana de Castelo. After about 40 minutes of increasingly spectacular scenery, we approached Valença and the border with Spain. Crossing the Minho River and into Spain, we lost an hour as we changed to Spanish time.
The scenery subtlety changes; the hills increase in size and the rivers widen as the train takes a circular route around what is a small mountain to approach the large port city of Vigo.
We had to change trains at the small terminus station of Vigo Guixar. Make sure you have booked a seat on the next train as it is fully booked at busy times, and you will not be able to continue your journey!
At Vigo, there was plenty of time to get a coffee before we left at 12:31, this time on a Spanish
train, for a very pleasant rural ride, heading north through lush hillsides with frequent sightings of walkers on the camino, which is clearly visible from the elevated position of the train.
Even though these trains form an international route, they are small, local-type diesel trains that are unglamorous but clean and comfortable. There is no catering on any of these trains, but you could take a snack to enjoy en route.
We arrived at Santiago de Compostela at 14:06 and after a short, admittedly uphill walk of 10–15 minutes, we reached the historic centre.
We took a free self-guided tour with one of the many free apps available. Ours lasted two hours and we saw all the main sights.
It is truly a lovely place, and you may want to stay longer, but keeping it to a day visit requires catching the return train to Vigo Guixar at 16:34. It arrives at 18:03 and you can enjoy a fresh fish early dinner before catching the 19:56 train back to Porto to arrive at 21:18.
Alternatively, you can catch the 18:33 (or 17:33 if you want to have a snack in Vigo) train to a different station in Vigo Urzaiz, which requires a 10-minute walk via a shopping mall to the Vigo Guixar station to catch the 19:56 train to Porto.
The journey is beautiful, with the line mostly elevated, providing great views of green fields, small farms, vineyards, rolling hills, and the big blue sea and river views. You also get frequent views of the walkers on the camino.
The route is an international connection between two major tourist destinations, yet it is not well advertised nor organised for a tourist venture, providing a great opportunity to discover the real Portugal and Galicia.
Without a doubt, this route is one of the great rail routes of Iberia, if not Europe, try it!
Views along the route
The Portuguese and Spanish trains at Vigo
Santiago de Compostela Station
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With Lisbon and Porto ticked off my bucket list, I decided that the next time I travelled north, I would venture a little further afield. This was after the advice of several Portuguese friends, all of whom agreed that what makes the North stand out is the friendliness of the people, the traditional cuisine, and the quaintness of the towns and cities.
So, with this in mind, I took my mother on a little trip to discover what we were missing. We took the train from Tunes to Porto and then, from Campanhã station, the scenic bus journey to Amarante. The further into the hills we proceeded, the more the scenery reminded me of my youth in the mountains of Switzerland.
Amarante, literally translated, means the ‘flower that never fades’, and for us, this Romanesque ‘city’ situated on the river Tâmega was something of a fairytale that just kept on giving. At its heart are the picturesque Monastery and Church of Saint Gonçalo and the arch-shaped bridge, also bearing the saint’s name. It is rumoured that it was from this bridge that the inhabitants of Amarante repelled the invading French forces. This idyllic centre is surrounded by several cafes and restaurants, which serve up a sumptuous
array of local delicacies, including sweets named os doces fálicos, or, in English, the phallic cakes! If the sweets gave rise to a smile, this was nothing in comparison to the sight of hundreds of pairs of underwear being hung from washing lines across the streets. Apparently, this was some sort of festival and it was obvious someone in Amarante definitely had a sense of humour!
If, at first glance, Amarante seems a little small to be classified as a city, we were pleasantly surprised at how much it has to offer. Along with some excellent vineyards, Amarante is featured as a stop for many of the wine tours originating from Porto. An excellent market is held twice a week, selling everything from fresh produce to local goodies. We were also lucky enough to arrive in the middle of the main Amarante music event, where the ambience rivalled anything I’ve attended in a major city. Such family-friendly festivals appear to be the norm, but should you wish for something a little more peaceful, there are numerous gardens and trails to explore and we felt right at home, dipping our toes in the Tâmega river, surrounded by the beaches and rock pools that were so picturesque they had me positively purring. To add to the attractions, in the centre of Amarante we discovered an outdoor
municipal pool and there is also an aqua park, just a short drive away, great for family fun.
Nearby lies the Amarante golf course, surrounded by nature and glorious views. The course might not be long in distance, but there are plenty of interesting holes, and the scenery literally takes your breath away. On enquiring about the facilities in the club, the receptionist was so helpful she even offered to ring the club’s captain to show me around. Now, that was certainly a first.
Regarding places to stay, I can highly recommend the Casa das Lérias and the DesArts Guesthouse, both close to the centre and overlooking the river. The 3-star Casa das Lérias has recently been refurbished, and the rooms are all wellappointed. We opted for a ground-floor room, which was only a few steps from the outdoor pool. The nearby DesArts Guesthouse, also perfectly located, has extremely friendly staff and can’t be beaten in terms of value for money.
We enjoyed the food in Amarante, while the highlight of our stay came at the recommended Pena restaurant, just a short drive away from the city. We plumped for the Beef Wellington and duck breast, served with risotto. Both were full of flavour and cooked to perfection. Even my mother, who is the ‘queen’ of risotto, was suitably impressed. The pumpkin gateau, something I’d never tried before, would have to rank as one of my favourite desserts of all time. During our dinner, we also noticed an art/dinner workshop taking place and we found out from the amicable host that Pena’s mission is to promote the artistic legacy of the Portuguese painter Amadeo de Souza-Cardoso, both through art and wine. All in all, it was an enlightening evening, with excellent food served in a magical setting.
Should you be looking to relocate to this area, I cannot recommend highly enough the services of Gil Duarte and Ana Cerqueira at Grupo Decisões e Soluções, estate agents. They were kind enough to show us the whole region and, as was the case with many of those we met in Amarante, we arrived as strangers but left as friends.
In conclusion, Amarante feels like time has stood still, but we couldn’t help but admire how whole generations thronged together and enjoyed each other’s company without a mobile or iPad in sight. To us, Amarante embraces the old with the new and shows us a world that leaves a smile on our faces.
David Woodward is a Hotelier and author of ‘Confessions of a Waiter.’
Buçaco is also a paradise for birdwatchers. Its dense canopy and tranquil surroundings are home to a variety of species.
The cheerful song of the great tit fills the air, while the bright red breast of the European robin often catches the eye. With patience, you might spot the tiny goldcrest, Europe’s smallest bird, darting among the branches, or the Eurasian nuthatch, scaling tree trunks in search of insects. During migration seasons, rarer species grace the forest, adding an element of delightful surprise to each visit.
Within this lush haven stands the Convent of Santa Cruz, a 17th-century spiritual retreat crafted by the Carmelites. The convent was designed to blend seamlessly with its natural surroundings, inviting visitors to step into a simpler, more contemplative way of life.
Imagine walking through an ancient forest where towering trees whisper stories of past centuries, the air carries the scent of moss and wildflowers, and a palace rises like something from a dream. Just a few hours away from the Algarve’s golden beaches and bustling resorts lies Buçaco: a land of timeless beauty, serenity, and captivating history waiting to be discovered.
At the heart of this region lies the Buçaco National Forest, a 105-hectare sanctuary cultivated with care by the Discalced Carmelites (a Catholic mendicant order) in the 17th century. This forest, often described as a living masterpiece, is a haven of biodiversity and a testament to centuries of reverence for nature.
Trails meander beneath the shade of towering cedars, some over 350 years old, their roots woven into the earth like ancient guardians. Along the Monumental Trees Route, you’ll encounter some of the forest’s most majestic specimens, each a testament to time. The Fountain Trail leads to hidden springs where crystal-clear waters glisten like treasures in the dappled sunlight. For those seeking vistas that stretch beyond the trees, the Falcon Trail rewards hikers with breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys.
Exploring the humble monk cells, cork-lined chapels, and tranquil courtyards is fascinating, each space echoing the monks’ dedication to solitude and prayer. The enigmatic “forbidden doors”, once used to protect the sanctity of the convent, evoke a sense of mystery that lingers long after your visit.
As you emerge from the forest, the sight of the Buçaco Palace Hotel feels like stepping into a fairy tale. Built in the late 19th century as a royal hunting lodge, this neoManueline masterpiece combines grandeur and whimsy in equal measure.
Inside, intricate tiles narrate scenes from Portugal’s storied past, while stained glass windows cast colourful patterns across grand halls adorned with ornate carvings. Even if you don’t stay overnight, the palace is a must-visit. Enjoy a meal at the on-site restaurant, where dishes inspired by the region’s culinary traditions are paired with sparkling wines from the nearby Bairrada region. Dining here, with the palace’s enchanting ambience as your backdrop, is an unforgettable experience.
Just 2 kilometres from Buçaco, the village of Luso is home to the renowned Termas de Luso, a spa celebrated for its healing thermal waters. These pure, mineral-rich springs, which originate in the Buçaco Mountains, have been cherished for centuries for their therapeutic properties.
The spa offers a variety of treatments, from hydrotherapy and massages to wellness programs designed to rejuvenate the body and mind. After a day of exploration, relaxing in the soothing waters of Termas de Luso feels like a gift to the soul. Luso offers convenient facilities for motorhome travellers, making it an ideal base for discovering the region’s treasures.
Buçaco’s tranquility belies its historical significance. In 1810, the forest became the scene of the Battle of Buçaco, a pivotal moment during the Peninsular War in which AngloPortuguese forces successfully repelled Napoleon’s troops.
Today, the echoes of this dramatic chapter can be felt as you walk the battlefield. Visit the Buçaco Military Museum, which houses an array of artefacts, including weapons, uniforms, and detailed accounts of the conflict. Standing atop the Serra do Buçaco, with sweeping views of the valleys below, it’s easy to understand the strategic importance of this site and the courage of those who fought here.
Buçaco’s charm extends beyond its natural beauty and historical significance to its culinary delights. The region is renowned for its Bairrada roasted suckling pig, which has golden, crispy skin and tender, flavorful meat. This dish is best paired with a glass of sparkling wine from Bairrada.
For a sweet finale, indulge in Tentúgal pastries, their flaky layers enclosing creamy custard, or cavacas, light and airy sponge cakes. Paired with a strong Portuguese coffee, these treats are the perfect way to savour the region’s gastronomic heritage.
Buçaco is more than a destination; it is a journey for the soul. From its whispering forests and healing waters to its echoes of history and culinary treasures, Buçaco offers a retreat unlike any other.
For those ready to leave the familiar shores of the Algarve and venture into the heart of Portugal, this magical forest and its surrounding wonders await. So pack your bags, follow the whispers of Buçaco, and let its timeless beauty linger in your heart long after your journey ends.
