We
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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
ON THE COVER:
Maier with a rescued donkey © Deep Fields Photography
Dear Tomorrow readers,
Welcome to the September edition! As summer softly tiptoes away from the Algarve, locals will tell you there’s no better time to relish this beautiful region than now. September is when the Algarve truly shines – not in blazing heat, but in warm, golden glow, gentle sea breezes, and a sense of calm that only comes once the crowds have thinned.
The weather remains delightfully warm, encouraging long days outdoors without the intense heat of July and August. The sea, still pleasantly heated from the summer sun, invites swimmers back into its embrace, while the quieter beaches offer a peaceful retreat. It’s the perfect time to enjoy nature’s bounty, with the grape harvest underway and local markets brimming with seasonal produce like figs, almonds and freshly caught seafood.
With the oppressive heat behind us, there’s more incentive than ever to take part in the wide range of activities – from hiking scenic trails and cycling through vineyards to exploring charming towns and villages at a leisurely pace. And, of course, September brings an abundance of local festivals celebrating harvests, traditions and community spirit, giving a wonderful glimpse into authentic Algarvian life.
In this issue, we dive into why so many locals consider September the Algarve’s best-kept secret – warm days, peaceful surroundings, and a calendar full of cultural delights. Don’t miss our What’s On Section, which gives you the best roundup of what to enjoy. More events are also on our website at tomorrowalgarve.com/calendar.
Flora Kouta tells us how shades of burnt orange and dusky rose in the cliffs look particularly gorgeous at this time of year as the sun gets a little lower in the sky. Her article on how to bring this colour into your home is a must-read. We are also giving you the usual eclectic range of articles, which this month ranges from donkeys to elephants, papal pilgrimages and choral music, to Boomfest and Fairy Liquid world records. And of course, September is the month when parents heave a sigh of relief as their children return to the classroom, and we have a unique insight into school-life in the Algarve from two students.
Whether you’re planning a visit or simply enjoying life here, we hope you’ll find inspiration to savour all this vibrant season has to offer.
So, as you turn these pages, perhaps with a glass of local wine in hand, embrace the magic of September – the Algarve’s golden hour.
Warm wishes for a wonderful month,
Sophie, Tom, Phil and the Tomorrow team
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Ahead of this month’s Festival F, our contributor Vaughan Willmore speaks to headline act Os Quatro e Meia and learns about their rise to fame, the bonds that bind them together, and how they combine musical stardom with full-time professional careers.
WORDS Vaughan Willmore PHOTOGRAPHY Sebastião Ferreira
There’s nothing ‘typical’ about Os Quatro e Meia. Not in how they were formed, how they dress, the wonderful music they make, or how they live their lives. Speak with any of their many fans and they’ll almost certainly tell you three things – how much they LOVE their music, how they seem ‘really nice guys’, and how, in addition to being accomplished musicians and singers, they each have their own careers away from music. I met with Tiago Nogueira and Mário Ferreira while they were holidaying with their families near Albufeira. How ‘nice’ would they be?
The formation of Os Quatro e Meia can be traced back to 2013 when Tiago received an invitation to perform at a concert to raise funds for a dance academy in Coimbra, which is where he (and lifelong friend and bandmate Mário) are from. They’d both studied at the University of Coimbra and moved in similar social circles to those who would eventually become the other members of the band. They were all connected by a love of music. As Tiago told me, “Some guys meet up on
Friday night to play football. We were guys who met up to play music.” They played seven songs and the public responded positively. On the back of that one concert, they received invitations to perform at other events.
In those days, they were so new to performing publicly that they didn’t even have a name. When they were about to go on stage and were asked how they wanted to be introduced, they looked to each other for ideas before settling on Os Quatro e Meia (The Four and a Half). At this time, they were still a five-piece band and the name was a gentle joke about the short stature of Rui, who went by the nickname ‘shorty’. Although the band has since grown in numbers, they’ve kept the name because they all like it so much (including Rui!) and it’s part of who they are.
They’ve since gone on to release three bestselling albums, compete in RTP’s flagship show Festival da Canção, and win a Golden Globe for their song ‘Na Escola’. They’ve performed to
sold-out audiences in Portugal, the UK and Brazil. In concert and often in their videos, they perform in their trademark dark suits. It’s a striking look. Tiago told me, in a playful way, “None of us have any fashion sense! The suits are a great dress code and mean we don’t have to follow any trends or worry too much about what we’re wearing.”
The band’s music is a blend of indie and pop, fused with a sense of classical music. It’s a heady and fantastic mix. Their soulful melodies, coupled with engaging live performances, make them one of Portugal's most popular and successful bands. Their fan base spans all ages and, not unusually for a band of good-looking smartly dressed guys, catches the attention of female fans. “Do you mean our moms?” said Mário with a smile. “I prefer to think everyone likes us!” he said.. Tiago and Mário are clearly comfortable in each other’s company and share a similar sense of humour and a modesty about all they’ve achieved.
As for their professional careers – Tiago is a thoracic surgeon and Mário a computer engineer – this was, in some way, a product of their founding. By the time they’d established the band, many of the guys were already pursuing professional careers. It’s led to some interesting interactions with their fans. “I was trying to arrange an appointment with a patient for an operation,” said Tiago.
Some guys meet up on Friday night to play football. We were guys who met up to play music
Tiago Nogueira
The band comprises (left to right):
Mário Ferreira (piano, accordion and vocals) , Ricardo Almeida (vocals and guitar), João Cristóvão (violin and mandolin), Rui Marques (double bass and vocals), Tiago Nogueira (vocals and guitar) and Pedro Figueiredo (drums and percussion).
They all have full-time professional careers –Tiago, Pedro and Ricardo are doctors, Mario is a computer engineer, Rui is a civil engineer and João is a music teacher.
“She told me she couldn’t make the date I’d offered. When I eventually met her, the reason she declined the date became clear – she was due to see us in concert the following day and didn’t want to miss the show!”
Based upon my conversation with Tiago and Mário, their reputation for being ‘nice guys’ seems entirely justified. Tiago said, “I think some of that comes from people seeing us perform and how we interact and support each other, and from that they feel we’re nice guys to be around. None of us are high-stress kind of guys, so that also helps. It’s true that we might not always be a band, but I’m certain we’ll always be friends.”
Tiago and Mário are looking forward to their first performance at Festival F and enjoy being in the Algarve, hence their holidaying here. “The Algarve is a special place,” said Mario. “The sea is warmer than other parts of Portugal and the weather and the scenery are so great. We’re very excited to be
performing at Festival F It’s a beautiful festival and we’re looking forward to putting on a great show.”
After Festival F, the guys have another 11 concerts programmed until the end of the year and a major concert scheduled for 14 February 2026, at Meo Arena in Lisbon. There’s no new album in the pipeline just yet; instead, they’re focusing more on releasing singles, such as their recent ‘Tiques De Rico’. If you’re new to their music, then check out their Ao Vivo no Estádio Cidade De Coimbra concert on YouTube (5 million views and counting) or, of course, go along and see them live at Festival F, on Thursday, 4 September. You’ll be in for a treat.
www.facebook.com/osquatroemeia
www.instagram.com/osquatroemeia
It’s one of Europe’s most popular musical festivals and this year it’s going to be bigger than ever. To mark the 10th anniversary of Festival F – known throughout Portugal as the ‘last great festival of the summer’ – it has been extended from the usual three days to four. Taking place from Thursday, 4 September until Sunday, 7 September, it will feature nearly 100 acts. Along with Os Quatro e Meia, there will be performances from Algarvian-born Diogo Piçarra, our own Orquestra do Algarve, plus world-renowned artists such as Ana Moura, Iolanda and Pedro Abrunhosa.
Festival F is more than a music festival. It’s a celebration of the city, with Sunday being the annual Faro Day celebration. For the four days of the festival, the streets will be alive with jugglers, dancers, street vendors, and a plentiful supply of food and drink, all enjoyed in a relaxed family atmosphere.
Tickets are available at www.festivalf.pt and cost from just €10.
Donkeys are noble and intelligent animals with a long, significant history in Portugal, primarily in transportation and agriculture. Replaced by machines, they now represent a fading rural tradition, and their population is in decline. With some folk forming strong attachments to these animals, others consider them useless, and many have been cast aside and neglected. Steffi Maier and Bao Wyers care for a drove of nine rescued donkeys on their land just outside Aljezur.
WORDS
Helen Daniel
PHOTOGRAPHY
Deep Fields Photography
Steffi, from Stuttgart, Germany, is a qualified therapeutic nurse. She arrived in Aljezur 15 years ago and worked as a carer for a woman with Alzheimer’s. Her partner Bao, from near Cologne, was visiting Portugal in 2015 when he and Steffi met. They have been together ever since.
During her first years here, Steffi, a lover of animals, volunteered at the local donkey sanctuary. She became friends with the owner, Sofia, who had been looking after donkeys for 20 years.
“Having had a lot of experience with horses in the past, I felt confident when I agreed to help Sofia with the donkey tours,” remembers Steffi. “But I had no idea how different the temperament of a donkey would be from that of a horse. At first, I was so frustrated. Donkeys are notoriously stubborn, and I was finding out how true that is.
Convinced that Sofia’s donkeys were poorly trained, I thought I would be able to get them under control. How wrong was I?” she laughs. “If a donkey doesn’t want to go a certain way, well, it won’t! They are so independent and self-contained that it can be infuriating, but in contrast, they also possess a stability and stoicism that horses don’t. A horse will run away from danger. A donkey will pause, evaluate the situation with calm intelligence and respond thoughtfully. They have a completely different energy from horses. Once I got used to their unfamiliar, quirky ways, I began to fall in love with each one of them.”
Last May, Sofia generously gave the donkey sanctuary to Steffi, who didn’t hesitate to take on all the responsibilities. For the next six months, she worked hard, managing the tours and caring for the donkeys at Sofia’s place. Bao, a skilled carpenter, became more involved and he, too, became smitten with the animals. In November, through love and a deep commitment to the animals they had grown immensely fond of, Steffi and Bao took them to their land.
“It was a disaster, though,” remembers Steffi. “I was suddenly struck down with severe fatigue from the stress and the work of the previous months, and the donkeys were agitated and unhappy. I was convinced our land was unsuitable for them. It was an awful time.”
After a terrible couple of weeks, Steffi began to feel a bit stronger, but the donkeys were still unsettled. She and Bao decided to move them to a different location, but yet again, things didn’t work out, and the difficult time continued. “We had to rely on the unpredictability of landowners, and we all felt unstable,” explains Steffi. “There was only a trickle of money coming from the donkey tours and minimal funds behind us. Things felt wrong.” Then, in June this year, on an impulse, Steffi brought the donkeys back to their land.
Something shifted within the whole family; nine donkeys, two children, two cats, two dogs and two adults felt at peace. “It’s interesting that we came full circle back to our home. We are in our rightful place here after all!” Steffi declares. “I finally feel that I am living the life I should be living, and the donkeys feel the same. They have resumed their natural playfulness and curiosity.”
The family is back on track, and now it’s full steam ahead with the plans to build the much-needed shelters for the donkeys before the rainy season starts in October. Bao, who possesses a quiet strength and stability, has begun the work. He has the help of friends and volunteers, but the rising cost of wood has stalled them. A GoFundMe fundraiser has helped cover some of the costs, as has the ACCT association in Aljezur. “Our fantastic volunteers work many hours in our shop to generate money to help animals in the area,” explains vice-president Lynda Clarke. “We are all delighted to be able to assist with the building of huts at our local donkey sanctuary.”
There is still a deficit in the amount needed to buy all the wood, so support in this area would be greatly appreciated. “We would also like to offer people a chance to sponsor or adopt one of our donkeys,” adds Steffi. “Information about that can be found on our website.”
The ongoing costs of looking after a donkey are not as high as those of a horse. Hay is needed, though, as are food supplements and mineral powder, which they roll in to prevent insect infestation. Donkeys don’t need shoes as their hooves are tougher than those of horses, but hoof care is crucial for the animals. “Bao has learnt how to trim and file the donkeys’ hooves,” adds Steffi. “We now need the farrier to come only once a year to check that he has done it correctly.”
The donkey walking tours offered by Steffi fall into the category of Tourism in Portugal and are focused on respecting the environment and culture. “Sofia spent many years exploring the west Algarve with her donkeys, and I am grateful to her for sharing her vast knowledge and experience with me,” says Steffi. The walks vary in length and can be guided or unguided. There is also an option for children under 40kg to ride the donkeys.
“Our best trekking donkey is Kiko, whom we call ‘The Silent King’. He was found 20 years ago tied to a tree, having been left to starve to death. He was less than a year old and was in a terrible state,” describes Steffi. “Over the years, he recovered well and is now a reliable walker. He is excellent with children, as is our lovely Xikito, who had spent much of his life on a rope before coming to the farm. We don’t know much else about his history, but he is sensitive to being touched on his rear end, which indicates abuse. Nevertheless, he is a steadfast companion for any adventure.”
Some of the donkeys were given to the sanctuary by the owners as they could no longer care for them. “Our Ralph, bless him, has a heartbreaking story behind him,” adds Steffi. “He arrived with us four years ago, having walked from the French Pyrenees. Despite his previous owner being unwell, they travelled together for one year through Spain and Portugal. Ralph was a loyal partner, but the owner had to give him up because of worsening illness. Ralph was really sad and waited by the gate for months, hoping that his owner would return. He never did. After a couple of years, he began to build relationships with the other donkeys. Gradually, he formed a special bond with Bao, but he remains a little bit grumpy!”
Donkey therapy
Steffi and Bao encourage people to spend time with their beautiful animals and invite volunteers to stay and help out. “We would especially like to collaborate with centres that look after people with disabilities and offer them the experience of being with the donkeys,” expresses Steffi.
The official name for the behavioural therapy where a donkey acts as a co-therapist is asinotherapy. “Donkeys are patient and docile creatures that enable individuals to form deep spiritual connections with them and experience genuine love,” explains Steffi. Donkey therapy has positive emotional effects, enhancing a person’s development of trust, improving self-esteem and regulating erratic impulses. Tests show that there is a relaxation of muscles and a decrease in heart rate and blood pressure after donkey therapy, resulting in a reduction of a person’s stress and anxiety levels.
“The older Portuguese people are very nostalgic about donkeys and are often overjoyed to see us with them,” Steffi remarks. “Many yearn for their companionship and have lots of stories to tell us about them. Donkeys are walking fertilisers, and the lack of donkey poo here in Portugal is also missed in the now nutrient-deficient soil.”
Donkeys, which originate from the North African wild ass, have a life expectancy of approximately 43 years. Steffi
and Bao’s donkeys age from two to 18. The couple’s family is large, and they are committed to many years of unwavering dedication ahead of them. On their land, an air of serenity and contentment prevails among both animals and people. “We will not rehome our donkeys as we love them all dearly. They are important members of our family. Each one has its own rescue story behind it and is unique in personality. They are gentle and beautiful souls who deserve a serene life. Donkeys are amazing.”
Instagram: burroverde_aljezur Burroverde.pt
If you have visited Lisbon, you have probably crossed the expansive Vasco da Gama Bridge that connects the south bank of the Tagus River and the areas of Montijo and Alcochete to the capital. However, this bridge is a world record breaker, not so much for its size, but for a much-loved household cleaning product and some very imaginative marketing.
WORDS
Luka Alexander
Named after one of Portugal’s most renowned explorers, Vasco da Gama (1469–1524), the bridge was constructed over three years, starting in 1995, and it opened to traffic on 29 March 1998. Its opening ceremony was just in time for the World’s Fair Expo 98, celebrating the 500th anniversary of the discoveries made by Vasco da Gama during his sea route from Europe to India.
Locally known as Ponte Vasco da Gama, the bridge was built to ease traffic congestion, which was frequent on Lisbon’s much older 25th de Abril Bridge. The cable-styled structure, flanked by viaducts, is an imposing sight as you enter the suburbs of Lisbon on its eastward side. Spanning a staggering length of 17.2 km, it is the second-longest bridge in Europe, after the Crimean Bridge, and the longest of its kind in the European Union.
DID YOU KNOW?
Fairy Liquid originated in Britain in 1898. Today, the company sells its product all around the world.
To mark its opening, a typical Portuguese lunch of feijoada (bean stew) was served on the bridge, catering for a whopping 15,000 people, and what better way to clean up and advertise this historic event? The use of the household cleaning product loved by many worldwide: Fairy washing-up liquid.
The brand, which sponsored the opening ceremony, obviously saw a unique marketing goldmine by creating an advert from the event where almost 15,000 plates were washed up after the typical lunch, using only one litre of Fairy liquid, proving the brand’s slogan “a little goes a long way” is true. The whole event was a clever publicity stunt, not only to promote the opening of the Vasco da Gama Bridge, but also to advertise Fairy Liquid – the popular brand which
is part of the Procter & Gamble group. Today, some 27 years after the opening of the bridge, the former Fairy advert is arguably one of Portugal’s most memorable TV moments.To top it all, the event even won a place in the Guinness Book of World Records for nearly 15,000 dishes washed using just one litre of the product.
If you happen to cross over the Vasco da Gama Bridge, just take a moment to contemplate not only the impressive feat of Portuguese engineering, but also the expanse that the bridge’s namesake explored over six centuries ago. Although for the most part, I’m sure it’ll be the Fairy Liquid ad that’ll be springing to mind for many.
WORDS Sophie Sadler
As the Algarve swung into its peak season, Pine Cliffs Resort played host to a very special guest, making its 22nd annual gala evening one for the history books. Ronan Keating delighted a packed crowd with his memorable tunes, charming anecdotes, and a surprise reunion. The man who once sang ‘you say it best when you say nothing at all’ certainly had everyone talking.
On 1 August, the scene was set: a balmy summer evening, the kind only the Algarve can offer, with anticipation buzzing through the air like the cicadas in the pine trees. The crowd, a lively mix of die-hard fans (myself included, though I once considered my Boyzone fandom a guilty pleasure of the 90s) and high-spirited gala attendees, had gathered in droves. The ticket price of €495 promised an evening of exquisite hospitality and entertainment, but it was Ronan everyone was there to see.
The event unfolded in the stunning grounds of Pine Cliffs, a setting that matched the star’s allure. Revellers streamed into the beautiful grounds to the ‘cheap seats’ – as Ronan referred to them – with the crowds thronging behind the barriers for a slightly less eye-watering sum.
Before Ronan took to the stage, the audience was warmed up by a series of musical acts that set their toes tapping. But the real magic began when Ronan stepped into the spotlight. With his easy charm, he joked about the audience being “a bit full” from the gala dinner, but that didn’t stop them from enjoying the show.
Navigating the throng at the gin bar – where the less fortunate among us had to queue – I secured a prime spot to watch the performance. At such close range, I can confirm that the Irish crooner
is still in very good shape, and more importantly his vocals were flawless. Ronan, ever the showman, brought on a stool at one point, humorously citing his age as the reason he needed to sit. Although he did not stand up at the key change, he remained the epitome of the dashing pop idol, sipping what appeared to be a fine Portuguese rosé bought on by a roadie between songs.
Ronan talked about lockdown, when he had turned to music to keep himself sane and had discovered Damian Rice. One of my favourite moments of the concert was when Ronan, now sat on his stool, performed ‘The Blower’s Daughter’. It must be a hard number to sing live, but he completely nailed it.
He told the crowd about his collaborations and the amazing backing singer Jo Garland, took on the role of LeAnn Rimes in a cover of their hit record, ‘Last Thing on my Mind’. He said he has been very fortunate to have worked with so many great artists. Ronan also spoke movingly about his mentor George Michael and, even though he joked George would have told him ‘Ronan, it’s not a good idea’, he performed Michael’s hit ‘Faith’.
The night was peppered with delightful surprises, not least of which was the appearance of Shane Lynch, Ronan’s ex-bandmate. As a reliable source told me, Shane’s appearance on stage was not planned. Ronan enjoyed dinner with his own and Shane’s family before he went on stage at 10pm. It was Ronan’s manager who approached Shane halfway through the show and persuaded him to go on stage. Shane and Ronan began a friendly banter with Shane joking that Ronan was invading his patch as the Algarve was ‘his backyard’. Shane’s parents have a villa in Alvor.
Their impromptu duet on hits like ‘Life is a Roller Coaster’ and ‘When the Going Gets Tough’, complete with a dance routine, sent the crowd into a frenzy and Ronan seemed to come alive when he had someone to interact with onstage. It was a reunion that felt both nostalgic and fresh, proving some friendships, like fine wine, only get better with age.
He also talked about Stephen Gately, saying it had been impossible to reform Boyzone without him, although they had tried. Gately died at his home in Mallorca, early in 2009. His death was later determined to have been caused by an undiagnosed heart condition.
Ronan’s dedication of ‘When You Say Nothing at All’ to his wife Storm was a moving moment when he said she was his “everything”. The song, which has been a crowd-pleaser since its release for the film Notting Hill, had everyone singing along, myself included – so much so that I was left quite hoarse!
Ronan and Storm met on Australia’s The X Factor and have two children together: a son Cooper and daughter Coco. Ronan said they were in the crowd enjoying the show and had been having a fantastic holiday together at Pine Cliffs. He did mention, however, that he was slightly alarmed when he called guest services and found out that the hold music was none other than his greatest hits!
As the evening drew to a close with ‘Love Me for a Reason’, my voice wasn’t the only thing that had been lost – so too had my heart, all over again, to the charm and talent of Ronan Keating. It was a night that underscored why, despite the years, he remains a beloved figure in the music world.
So, if I could whisper a word to Ronan after such a splendid performance, it would simply be this: thanks for a great night, and yes, we still love you – for countless reasons.
www.pinecliffs.com
WORDS Sophie Sadler
In a vibrant display of faith and community spirit, the Algarve’s youth recently made a significant mark at the global gathering of young Catholics in Rome, an event initiated by Pope John Paul II and passionately continued under Pope Leo XIV. From 28 July to 4 August, over 1.5 million young people from 150 countries converged in Rome, with Portugal boasting the third-largest contingent. Among them, 391 spirited young individuals hailed from the Algarve, with a notable group of 39 from Portimão’s parish church.
This pilgrimage was not just a journey of faith but also a testament to the community’s support, bolstered by the Tomorrow Charity Trust. The trust sponsored specially designed T-shirts for the Portimão group. These shirts were not only a symbol of unity but also served a practical purpose, helping the group stay visible and together amidst the vast crowds – a sea of faith and fellowship with the majestic altar backdrop where Pope Leo XIV addressed the congregation.
The week in Rome was a profound experience for these young pilgrims, filled with prayer, reflection and cultural immersion. The city’s rich Christian history provided a poignant setting for their spiritual journey.
Highlights included visits to iconic monuments and basilicas, where they walked through the Holy Doors and received Jubilee indulgences – a oncein-a-lifetime spiritual privilege.
The pinnacle of this spiritual journey was the opening mass in St. Peter’s Square, where Pope Leo XIV’s message resonated deeply with the youth. He called upon them to be beacons of hope and advocates for peace, a message that echoed around the square as he mingled with the attendees in his popemobile, sparking chants of “this is the youth of the Pope!”
A young University student describes the experience which brought young people together.
The event reached its emotional and spiritual climax at Tor Vergata, where over a million young people gathered for a prayer vigil. Here, Pope Leo XIV, carrying the jubilee cross, challenged the youth to commit to building a more humane world. His dialogue with the young attendees about friendship, courage and faith was particularly impactful, as he urged them to foster genuine relationships and make life choices rooted in the love of Jesus.
As the pilgrimage drew to a close, the Pope reiterated an invitation for the next World Youth Day in Seoul, Korea, in 2027, underlining the theme of courage and overcoming
challenges. His parting message was clear and inspiring: “Take this joy, this enthusiasm to the whole world. You are the salt of the earth and the light of the world.”
The event exemplifies how local initiatives can have a global impact, enhancing the community’s role in global events. This act of support not only provided logistical help but also strengthened the sense of community and belonging among the youth.
As Father Tiago of Monchique, who accompanied the group, aptly noted, “It is not comfort that shapes faith – it is sacrifice lived with joy.”
“The pilgrimage to the Jubilee of Youth in Rome was a unique and unforgettable experience in my life and that of all the people who participated in it. They were days full of sharing, joy and unity between people and young people from different countries and cultures. Living in Redondo, in the Évora district, I had to travel to Silves to join this group. Upon arrival, we were welcomed by the Portimão group, who received me and my two friends from Silves with open arms. Being present in times of prayer with the Pope and visiting Rome’s remarkable places has made this experience even more special."
Beatriz FariasRounddo
WORDS Julian Putley
Helena Jalles is from Lisbon. She was born into a large family with 11 siblings and this gave her a grounding in the values of sharing, coexistence, justice and self-sacrifice, all essential traits that would help her later in life. From an early age, she was passionate about painting and drawing, but she decided to follow in her father’s footsteps and study civil engineering. She graduated from the Lisbon School of Engineering in 1981. Throughout the years, some of her art has reflected this part of her education.
It was in Madrid, where she lived for eight years, that she completed her master’s degree in commercial management and marketing, studying after work to achieve this goal. She returned to Lisbon in 1992 and married in 1993. Unfulfilled by her professional career, she decided to take a course in painting at the National Society of Fine Arts. She completed her first year in 1994 and then her daughter, Carolina was born in 1995. Two years later in 1997, her son, Duarte, arrived.
Soon after his birth, Duarte was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and epilepsy. The shock, of course, was devastating. Helena was forced to reorganise
absolute dependence and need for so much and yet so little transported her to an elevated level. Her art now conveys a simplicity, with peace, serenity, tranquillity and beauty being the overriding hallmarks.
Her husband Francisco’s support, along with her daughter Carolina, has been essential and invaluable. “They are my main critics as well when it comes to my creations,” she said.
Some of Helena’s paintings show the influence of her training in civil engineering. Other influences are her passion for nature in its purest and unadorned state. She has travelled widely and includes Franz Marc, Cézanne, Georgia O’Keeffe, Chagal, Klee, Dali, Amadeu de Sousa, Cardoso, Menez and Hogan as artists who inspire her.
Jalles has held several solo exhibitions and participated in many group exhibitions. In 2016, she received the PORTO ART FEST award by the Árvore Cooperative. An exhibition in Lisbon, Places in the Heart won her another award.
As Helena looks forward to the future, she has her eye on London and Madrid for future exhibitions. Her real love, though, is Portugal. She really connects with the southwest Atlantic coast, the Costa Vincentina. Francisco originates from Alentejo and they often spend time here.
From 20 August to 19 September, 2025, the Vila do Bispo Museum, The Barn of History, will host a temporary painting exhibition entitled ‘The Tones of the Horizon by Helena Jalles’. Helena's work will be on display at the Fish Market Interpretation Centre in Sagres, which is now a museum and exhibition venue. In the exhibition, she will share some of her personal chromatic perspectives on the coastal landscapes of Sagres.
her entire life. Now all her energy was focused on family. It was a full-time occupation, but in many ways it was rewarding. “It was a period of isolation and reflection,” she explains. Many years later, when a routine had been established, she continued with the second phase of her art education and completed it in 2007 with a degree in visual arts. It was at this point that she decided to dedicate her life to painting and various visual art forms. The creativity required to create collage really piqued her interest. Her medium is acrylic and sometimes she will use dry pastel on top for the 3D effect. She uses watercolours as well and is comfortable with oil.
Amazingly, Duarte lived until he was 25 years and had a happy life according to his devoted. Even in his severely impaired state, he was always smiling, joyful and appreciative. “He wondered why he couldn’t play football like other boys but accepted his lot with a quiet understanding,” explained Helena. “He looked like an angel. He was truly an inspiration, the motor of my life.” Her son transformed Helena Jalles’ art. The
As Helena Jalles prepares for her upcoming exhibition, her journey as an artist remains a profound testament to the resilience and transformative power of the human spirit. Through her vivid canvases and intricate collages, Helena not only captures the ethereal beauty of Portugal’s landscapes but also channels the deeper currents of personal challenge and triumph. Her art, enriched by her life experiences and supported by her family, continues to evolve, inviting viewers into a world where tranquillity, beauty and emotion intermingle seamlessly.
Free entry
20 August – 19 September 2025
Sagres Fish Market Interpretation Centre +351 351 282 625 164
Monday to Friday, 10 am–1 pm | 1.30 pm – 4.30 pm
His fans often refer to him as the Portuguese George Clooney - and it’s easy to see why. At 54, Francisco Peças carries the same timeless charm and silver-streaked charisma as the Hollywood icon, albeit with a down-to-earth warmth all of his own.
WORDS Anna Alcott
Francisco Peças was born in Alcobaça, near the sacred city of Fátima. He has spent the last four years living in the quiet town of Algoz with his wife of 35 years. Together, they have raised four daughters, now aged between 10 and 27. A devoted family man, he radiates pride when he speaks about them – his eyes lighting up with every story.
Despite his ease on stage today, music wasn’t always his calling. He grew up in a household filled with melody – his family full of singers and musicians, with a grandfather who led his own band. Music was ever-present, yet he remained on the sidelines, shy and reserved. Though he dabbled with the saxophone in his youth, it wasn’t until the age of 38 that he stepped into the spotlight.
Francisco’s break came through a television talent show, where he performed Elvis Presley’s ‘Welcome to My World’. The win earned him a week in Memphis and a visit to Graceland – an experience that lit the spark for his new career as an Elvis impersonator.
Since then, he has cultivated a career that combines nostalgia and authenticity. He performs not only as Elvis but also as himself, drawing from a rich repertoire of classics by artists like Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra. His smooth vocals in both English and Italian have earned him international acclaim, with performances spanning Brazil, Poland, Africa, France and, most notably, Las Vegas.
His unique appeal has even found a home in unexpected places. Francisco is a regular performer at medical conferences, often joking that he always knows who to call if a health issue arises. In reality, the humour masks resilience. He has faced several medical challenges over the years, but says performing eases the pain. He explains, “The stage is not just a profession but a source of healing. When someone tells me I made their day, that’s everything.”
Though his shows attract a diverse audience, only about 30% are Portuguese. He notes that many locals gravitate
toward more traditional musical styles. Still, his ability to connect across languages, genres and borders is undeniable. It is not just his talent that makes him a great performer, but his ability to engage the crowd, young or old, and from all nationalities. No two shows are the same – his ever-changing performances will keep you coming back for more.
Offstage, Francisco is a quiet family man. “I love my music, but family always comes first,” he says. When he isn’t performing, he’s at home with his family, embracing the simple joys of life.
You can see Francisco perform in Albufeira at the Sport Seasons next to São Rafael beach on Sundays, on Wednesdays at the Auramar Hotel, on Thursday nights at Paladim Hotel, Frankies and on Fridays and Saturdays at the Arte Bar.
franciscobpecas01@gmail.com +351 915 299 389
www.sadlersproperty.com
(+351) 282 789 336
(+351) 919 981 196
nick.sadler@sadlersproperty.com
As the Lagos Choral Group Association approaches its 50th anniversary, it’s clear that this ensemble is more than just a collection of voices: it’s a testament to the enduring power of community and music in Lagos. I had the pleasure of meeting Vera Batista, the esteemed choral director whose deep musical lineage and passion have been instrumental in shaping the group’s legacy.
WORDS Sophie Sadler
Vera, with her warm and unassuming demeanour, might shy away from the spotlight, but her influence on the choral scene in Lagos is undeniable. She views herself primarily as a conductor and teacher, despite her considerable vocal talent, which occasionally steals the show during rehearsals. One choir member jokingly tells me, “On occasions, she will sing a phrase to demonstrate how it should be performed. It sounds so good, we look at each other and think, ‘Why are we bothering? She should sing it all’!” Vera is also the choral director of the Philharmonic Society of Silves.
The roots of the Lagos Choral Group stretch back to 1976, when Maestro José Maria Pedrosa, a former priest, moved to Lagos and founded the Lagos Choral Group. Vera’s grandmother, Deolinda Fernandes, was one of the first people to join the choir. It was the first choral group in the Algarve during a period of significant cultural and political upheaval in Portugal, when music became a vehicle for expression and protest.
Vera’s introduction to music came from her grandmother, who is now 83. She clearly remembers going to rehearsals with Deolinda. “I started singing there when I was ten years old,” recalls Vera. “That’s how I discovered choral music.” She obtained a degree in piano at the University of Music of Évora and subsequently studied for a master’s degree in choral conducting at the Instituto Piaget of Almada, near Lisbon. Vera began teaching piano and
choral music at the age of 18. After studying, she travelled in Portugal with people she met at university, taking part in concerts while always keeping her roots in Lagos.
Vera took on the role of choral director of the non-profit cultural association of Lagos with the aim of teaching and promoting music, particularly choral music. Established by public deed on 2 November 1976, its three sections include: Lagos Choral Group, Lagos Children’s and Youth Choir, and the Lagos School of Music and Arts (Conservatório de Música e Artes do Lagos). The association has produced 46 annual editions of the Algarve Choir Festival and 21 editions of the Youth Choir Meeting in Lagos, along with one opera, six plays, four CDs and countless concerts. It received the Municipal Medal of Merit – Gold Degree in October 2001.
Within its organisational structure, the Lagos Choral Group Association encompasses the Conservatory, where Vera teaches, as one of its divisions. The Conservatory is supported through a sponsorship contract with the Ministry of Education. It aims to promote the cultural and educational activities for children and young people, and about 90% of its students study there alongside their academic education with no charge.
Starting in the 2018–2019 academic year, the music school coordinates music education initiation, basic and secondary. It currently
has 21 teaching staff offering a varied range of lessons in 16 instruments in addition to classes in painting and drawing, and dramatic expression. They are supported by the administrative president, Isabel Tavares
Many musicians from Lagos, who are established in their musical careers or just starting out, began their musical studies at the Lagos Choral Association. Along with Vera herself, the following musicians stand out as a testament to the association’s success in nurturing young talent: Maria João Veloso, José Carlos Bago d’Uva, Tiago Cutileiro, Joaquim Pedro Galvão, Paulo Galvão, Maria João Cerol and Inês Lopes, among others.
Lagos Children’s and Youth Choir, which currently has 30 members, practises every Monday from 6.30 pm to 8 pm. The adult choral group with 45 members practices two days a week, Mondays and Thursdays, from 8 pm to 10 pm. I ask about the audition process. “It’s not difficult to get in the choir; mainly it’s important to have a nice voice and to sing in tune.” Vera also encourages pupils in the children’s choir to progress into the adult choir.
Choir member Michael Upton says, “I’ve been with Grupo Coral de Lagos for over three years. Having sung with various choirs in England, Singapore and elsewhere, I’ve found Vera’s leadership most inspiring. She’s meticulous in getting every phrase, every chord right; she misses nothing, but always tempers her corrections with good humour.”
Looking ahead, the choir is buzzing with excitement about their upcoming performance in Marrakesh and the celebration of World Coral Day, an opportunity that highlights members’ role as cultural ambassadors of Lagos. Despite the perennial challenges of funding, the support from the Lagos municipality and the local community continues to fuel their artistic endeavours.
”Of course, every music group always needs more funding,” sighs Vera. “But on the whole, I think Lagos municipality is supportive of our group and the arts. There is now a great community of artists in the area.”
The adult choral group is a blend of seasoned singers and enthusiastic newcomers. They practice diligently, led by
Vera’s expert hand and the melodic accompaniment of pianist Cristiana Silva. The group’s repertoire is impressively diverse, spanning multiple languages and genres – from classical masterpieces to traditional African songs –reflecting the multicultural tapestry of its members.
The choir is secular, but its practice space in the religious space of Igreja Nossa Senhora do Carmo resonates with the spirit of unity and harmony that Vera fosters. Whether they are mastering the nuances of a complex classical piece or learning the lyrics of a song in Swahili, the choir’s commitment to mutual understanding and artistic excellence is palpable.
Michael Upton highlights the eclectic range of the choirs. “Vera is very versatile and happy in any genre from Albinoni to Duke Ellington. Latin, French and Swahili are some of the languages we have sung in, and we recently performed a native Amazon song portraying a rainforest thunderstorm, which received rapturous applause from the audience.”
Over the choir’s history, it has delighted audiences with hundreds of performances in Portugal, Azores and Madeira, and abroad (Belgium, Italy, Spain, Slovenia and Holland), with highlights including: Missa Brevis K.V. 49 by Mozart, German Mass by Franz Schubert, Magnificat by Eurico Carrapatoso, Requiem by John Rutter, Encomendações das Almas by Lopes Graça and Coronation Mass KV 317 by Mozart
Vera’s belief in the choir’s social and therapeutic benefits is a sentiment echoed by many of its members. The choir not only offers a respite from the daily grind but also serves as a vital social outlet, particularly for its more mature members. It’s a place where friendships are formed, cultures intersect, and the collective joy of making music lifts spirits and strengthens community bonds.
“Singers from different countries can teach new things to the rest of the choir. So we are learning all the time. As well as Portuguese members, we have singers from Sweden, Italy, Belgium, the Czech Republic and Ireland. This makes it very interesting because it’s a mix of cultural identities. In Portuguese, we say ‘salutar’, which means it's very healthy, because we can mix them all together.” There is also a strong social element. “A few weeks ago, we went for a picnic and a walk in the forest. And then we sang together. It was really nice.”
As the Lagos Choral Group Association nears its halfcentury mark, it stands as a beacon of cultural richness and communal harmony in Lagos. With Vera at the helm, the choir continues to be a source of pride and joy for the community, a place where every note sung is a note of hope and connection. Here’s to many more years of beautiful music and shared moments in Lagos.
And you thought August was busy!
Well – the heat and busyness of August has come to an end – although fortunately, here in the Algarve we do get to enjoy the sunshine a little longer than some. During August, we saw some record high temperatures both here and in other places around the world, and, sadly, we witnessed some ‘natural’ disasters – flash floods and fires, to mention just a couple of things. For our congregation at St. Vincent’s, this month marks the beginning of a special season known as Creationtide, a period from 1 September to 4 October when we are called to pay special attention to our shared responsibility for the Earth and all its inhabitants.
This concept, with roots in both Western and Eastern Christian traditions, is a beautiful way for us to connect our faith to the world around us. It’s an opportunity to reflect on our relationship with our home – the land, the sea, and the air – that we are so privileged to share. Here in Praia da Luz, with the magnificent Atlantic on our doorstep, this is a particularly poignant time to consider our role as custodians of this beautiful environment.
Throughout September, our Sunday services will feature special prayers and liturgy that focus on this theme. It’s a journey of gratitude and mindfulness, culminating in our Harvest Festival service on Sunday, 5 October. This
traditional celebration, rooted in the principles of Creationtide, takes on a deeper meaning, reminding us that the blessings we receive are inextricably linked to the health of our planet. Our collection of food that day will go to the Mustard Seed Café in Lagos, who provide much-needed sustenance to those in need.
To celebrate the start of this season and the fellowship we share, we will be hosting an Agape lunch on Tuesday, 9 September at 11 am in the Salão – a hall located in the church car park. An Agape lunch is a simple, shared meal that brings people together in a spirit of community and friendship. We invite everyone – newcomers, old friends and all those in between – to join with us for this special occasion. (Contact Chris Wells on +351 915 634 215, or email cxwells@aol.com)
This Creationtide, our hope is to not only celebrate the harvest but also to foster a deeper appreciation for the precious world we call home. We invite you to join us on this journey of reflection, gratitude and community.
Fr Rob is the Anglican Chaplain in Praia da Luz
If you’ve ever walked past Jardim Gil Eanes en route to the train station in Portimão, you might have wondered why there is an ex-military plane mounted on a plinth, facing upwards, as if it were about to jet off on a mission to find the culprits who have graffitied it. Dominating the park, the plane in question is actually a Fiat G.91 light attack jet and serves as a reminder of one of Portugal’s most favoured military planes.
The Italian-made jet was first introduced to Portugal in 1966 as part of NATO’s military aid to align the country with NATO standards. Whilst many were donated secondhand from Germany, possibly to cut costs, the plane served as the ideal aircraft during the colonial wars between 1961 and 1974 due to its capability to operate in rugged and underdeveloped environments. Its short takeoffs and landings proved effective for airstrips in the African colonies. Soon, the Fiat G.91 became the aircraft of choice for the Portuguese military, which had 94 in its fleet.
By the 1990s, the G.91 was slowly phased out in favour of more modern aircraft, such as the Alpha Jet. Today, the Fiat G.91 in Portimão is just a small reminder of Portugal’s Air Force history.
As September arrives, nearly two million students across Portugal return to classrooms, ready to face a new year filled with academic challenges and opportunities. Having studied in Brazil, Ireland and now Portugal, I’d like to share a student’s perspective on what life is like in the Portuguese education system here in the Algarve, and explain how the system works.
In Portugal, education is mandatory from ages 6 to 18, covering the first to the 12th grade. It is structured into preschool (which is optional), primary school and secondary school. Primary school is divided into three cycles: the first cycle covers grades 1 to 4 (ages 6–10), the second cycle includes grades 5 and 6 (ages 10–12), and the third cycle spans grades 7 to 9 (ages 12–15). Secondary school is for students aged 15 to 18 and includes grades 10 through 12.
Typical school days start around 8.20 am and can go until about 6.20 pm, though younger students often have lessons consolidated into a half-day schedule. Holidays are scattered throughout the year: Christmas break runs roughly from mid-December to early January; three days are set aside for Carnival in February or March; Easter break lasts about two weeks around April; and the longest break is summer, stretching from June until mid-September, depending on the student’s grade.
Unlike many countries, most Portuguese schools do not require uniforms, though clothing must suit an educational environment. Schools here vary – for example, some focus only on preschool and the first primary
WORDS Felipe Castilho Trujilho
cycle, like Ti-Té in Portimão and Escola Básica da Ameijeira in Lagos, while others, such as Escola Secundária Poeta António Aleixo or Escola Secundária Júlio Dantas, cater solely to secondary students. Others, like Bemposta in Portimão, offer a broader range of grades but usually start from the second primary cycle.
It’s common, though not mandatory, for students to change schools at the start of a new cycle, depending on several factors, including distance from home. Once in secondary education, choosing the right school also depends on the courses and subjects available, as these vary across institutions.
In secondary school, there are two main paths: regular education and professional education. In grade 10, all subjects are mandatory, but in grade 11, students select an optional subject aligned with their interests –this might be in sciences, languages or other areas. By grade 12, students choose a specialisation subject related to the profession or field they want to pursue. Alternatively, professional courses offer specialised training in areas like theatre, music, tourism, coding and event planning, providing a practical route toward a career.
Passing exams is crucial – students must score at least 50% to pass a test, and failing multiple subjects can result in repeating a year. After finishing secondary school, those wanting to join a college take national exams related to their chosen field, held under strict supervision to prevent cheating.
One major issue currently affecting schools is teacher strikes. Many
educators protest the low salaries and limited career advancement opportunities, which place extra pressure on students when classes or exams are disrupted. These strikes can last weeks and impact learning significantly.
As for future plans, Portuguese students are divided. Some want to stay and build their careers here, while others dream of working abroad. Personally, having experienced different education systems, I find the Portuguese curriculum wellrounded and challenging, with a focus on testing – usually three exams per subject each year.
Schools also put great emphasis on inclusion, actively fighting bullying and prejudice through workshops and talks on pressing social topics. Shows like Netflix’s Adolescence sparked conversation, but thankfully, many issues depicted are not widespread in our daily school life.
As the school year begins, classrooms in the Algarve will fill again with eager students ready to learn, grow, and face new challenges. Being part of this community inspires me every day to embrace education and all it offers.
Felipe Castilho Trujilho was born in Brazil in 2007 and studied there until grade 3. After moving to Ireland, he completed up to grade 7 before relocating to Portugal for grade 8. A winner of a writing competition for Tomorrow magazine in 9th grade, Felipe is passionate about writing and currently combines his studies in an acting professional course with continuing contributions to Tomorrow.
WORDS Francisco Espinha
As I prepare to start Year 12 at Nobel Algarve British International School, Almancil, in September 2025, I’m excited to share a glimpse into my educational journey and what life is like as an international student studying in the Algarve’s private school system.
I wil be joining the school's new International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. I’ve always been drawn to the IB because of its breadth and flexibility. Unlike many programmes that force you to specialise early, the IB allows you to keep options open while still offering in-depth study in the subjects you choose. This suits me perfectly, especially as I was already preparing for IB at my previous school in the USA.
My education has spanned several countries. I began in France at Lycée International de Saint-Germain-enLaye, near Paris. This school offered dual programmes – the French curriculum and a national programme based on students’ backgrounds. As my family is Dutch-Portuguese, I followed the Portuguese curriculum. The school’s dual structure meant longer hours from preschool onward, preparing students for the Option Internationale du Baccalauréat.
At age ten, we moved to the USA, where I joined the International School of Boston (ISB). ISB offers American, French and IB programmes, giving students considerable choice. I was keen to follow the IB route there, but soon after, my family relocated to Portugal. I initially joined Nobel Algarve Lagoa which offers students English A-Levels. Nobel Algarve Almancil, its sister school, was launching the IB Diploma Programme in 2025, so I seized the chance to transfer there. This will be my final school before graduation.
Comparing schools in the Algarve to those in France and the USA, I’ve noticed big differences. For example, students’ interests here are quite different from what I saw in Boston. However, a common thread at all schools I’ve attended is a strong international character and the dedication of staff to make learning engaging. Teachers here actively involve students rather than just delivering lectures, which I appreciate.
A typical school day at Nobel has been structured but balanced. We start with a short-form teacher session, followed by two 50-minute lessons, a break, two more lessons, an hour’s lunch, and finally two last lessons. After school, students can join extracurricular activities or head home. There is a big football team which teachers put a lot of energy into.
The teaching style here suits me well. Teachers encourage questions and foster discussion, making classes more interactive than simply note-taking. Until now, the focus has been more exam-oriented, largely because the school follows the IGCSE programme that relies on final exams. But with IB coming in, I expect coursework will figure more prominently.
Homework is reasonable – usually one assignment per subject each week. I think this balance works; older students should take the initiative to practise independently rather than be overloaded with assignments.
Exams are taken in strict conditions to ensure fairness, in separate rooms overseen by teachers. While IGCSE exams influenced how tests are set (featuring multiple-choice, long answers and theory-to-practice sections in sciences), the IB will bring a new assessment style.
Regarding teenage life in Portugal, I’ve heard about the Netflix series
Adolescence, which explores challenging issues faced by adolescents. Though I haven’t watched it myself and a few peers have, it apparently resonates with many youngsters.
When it comes to career outlook, views among my classmates are mixed. Roughly half are optimistic and focused on their future goals, while others feel stressed and uncertain. Interestingly, many prefer to study abroad after graduation rather than remain in Portugal.
Currently, AI tools are not widely used in schoolwork, mainly because most assignments, especially in IGCSE, are handwritten. However, with the IB’s more varied methods and essay writing, I expect technology and AIassisted resources will become more common.
School life offers plenty of extracurricular options. Teachers often provide extra support outside regular hours – for instance, the maths teacher runs weekly sessions where students can ask questions or explore topics beyond the syllabus.
Joining the IB at Nobel Algarve Almancil is an exciting step. The private school system here combines an international outlook with dedicated staff and a range of academic and extracurricular opportunities. For international students like me, it offers a welcoming community and a chance to thrive academically while exploring diverse interests.
Francisco Espinha will begin the IB Diploma Programme at Nobel Algarve Almancil in September 2025.
Uma viagem no tempo através de peças com estilo vintage, retro e industrial, cuidadosamente selectionadas
A journey through time with carefully selected vintage, retro and industrial style pieces.
da Ponta da Piedade Lote 1, Loja A, 8600-593 Lagos info@dejavu-vintage.pt @dejavuvintage.lagos
On Friday, 26 July, Tomorrow magazine was honoured to be invited to the 139th anniversary ceremony of the Lagos Bombeiros. Phil Harding and Tom Henshaw attended the event that brought together cadets, firefighters, members of the governing bodies and community supporters to celebrate the dedication and hard work of the Bombeiros.
During the evening, various awards were presented to cadets and firefighters for their outstanding bravery and commitment, as well as to members of the governing bodies for their
leadership and service. To our surprise and delight, Tomorrow magazine was also presented with a special thank you award in recognition of our continued support of the Bombeiros through donations and fundraising campaigns organised through Tomorrow Algarve Charity Trust (TACT), and the many articles we have published over the years highlighting their invaluable work to our community.
Tom Henshaw, who founded the magazine, states, “This recognition means the world to us, not only because it comes from such a vital and
The picturesque Pestana Silves Golf Course in Silves is set to host the 8th Annual Pink Ladies Golf Tournament on 11 September. Since its inception in 2018, this vibrant event has become a cornerstone of community support, raising over €33,000 for the Algarvean Oncology Association (AOA). Organisers are looking for offers of sponsorship or prizes for the event, to support a very worthy cause.
The Pink Ladies Day is more than just a golf tournament; it’s a lifeline that funds AOA’s crucial services, including mobile screening units that travel across the Algarve. These units play a vital role in early cancer detection, offering screenings for breast, respiratory and skin cancers in the region’s smaller towns, thus facilitating timely treatment.
This year, the Pink Ladies team – Julie Barrett, Wendy Emrich, Ria Raap and Anne Webber – are determined to
respected organisation, but because it reflects the extraordinary generosity of our readers, supporters and local businesses. Everything we have been able to achieve for the Bombeiros through the Tomorrow Algarve Charity Trust has only been possible thanks to you – our community.”
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Bombeiros for their tireless dedication and for welcoming us into this milestone celebration. Here’s to many more years of community spirit, mutual support, and gratitude for our everyday heroes.
surpass previous fundraising efforts and continue their support for this essential cause. They are calling on local businesses and community members to contribute through sponsorships, prize donations and personal contributions. Every euro raised helps save lives by enhancing cancer detection and treatment services.
Participants and supporters can expect a day filled with camaraderie and competition, all in the spirit of a great cause. Sponsors of the event will receive recognition on the back of the scorecard, providing a unique opportunity for local businesses to showcase their commitment to the community and this vital health initiative.
Those interested in joining the tournament, making a donation, or learning more about the charity can reach out to Julie at pink.lady@serrademonchiquegolfclub.com.
WORDS Dan Costinas
Was he truly the only pontiff with roots in Portugal?
According to reliable historical sources, Pope Damasus I (305–384) was born in the Roman province of Lusitania, which corresponds to modern-day Portugal and part of Spain. While not ethnically Portuguese in the present sense, his birthplace undeniably links him to the region. However, today’s story focuses on the 13th-century Holy Father, who briefly served for just over eight months.
Born as Pedro Julião, the future Pope John XXI studied in Paris. A philosopher and metaphysician, he was also a brilliant logician. Pope John is unique among popes as the only one to have been a physician; in fact, he was a renowned professor of medicine and ophthalmology at the University of Siena. This intellectual background shaped his approach to the papacy. Additionally, he also holds a unique and significant place in the annals of papal history for his notable efforts towards promoting peace and global harmony among Christian nations in a politically turbulent Europe, most notably between Philip III of France and Alfonso X of Castile (aka Alfonso the Wise).
Pedro’s most famous book, Summulae Logicales, a dissertation on Aristotelian logic, soon became a standard textbook in universities across Europe and continued to be so for several centuries. The work is attributed to Peter of Spain (Petrus Hispanus). While there has been some historical debate on the author’s identity, today the prevailing view is that Peter Julião, who later in life became Pope John XXI, was indeed Peter of Spain, known for his medical and logical writings. He was also Pope Gregory X’s personal physician before being elected himself in 1276.
Pope John XXI’s unwavering commitment to lifelong learning and the importance of intellectual rigour within the Church contrasted sharply with some of his predecessors and reflected the vibrant intellectual climate of the High Middle Ages.
While Dante Alighieri famously mentions and even condemns several corrupt popes in La Divina Commedia – Nicholas III, Boniface VIII, Clement V and Celestine V to name just a few prominent examples included in Inferno – Pope John XXI is not named or placed among them or in Purgatorio. In Paradiso, Canto XII, Dante places Pietro Spano (Peter of Spain) among the great religious scholars and theologians in the Heaven of the Sun. This honour indicates Dante’s appreciation for his intellectual achievements rather than his brief and politically tumultuous papacy. It also reinforces the strong identification of the scholar Peter of Spain with the Pope.
“Ugo da San Vittore è qui con elli, e Pietro Mangiadore e Pietro Spano, lo qual giù luce in dodici libelli;”
“Hugh of Saint Victor is here with them, and Peter Comestor [the Eater] and Peter of Spain, who down [on Earth] shines in twelve books;”
Despite the brevity of his papacy and the dramatic end (he met his demise when the ceiling of the study at the palace in Viterbo fell on him), Pope John XXI left a lasting impact primarily in the realm of philosophy, logic and medicine, rather than through significant papal decrees or long-term Church policy changes during his short time as pontiff. His native heritage also makes him a unique figure in history; he is the only ethnically Portuguese pope to date. Although his legacy is often overshadowed by those of longerreigning pontiffs, it kindly reminds us of the diverse talents and intellectual depth that have graced the Chair of Saint Peter throughout history. He was a scholarly pope, a seeker of peace, and a symbol of the enduring strength of intellect in an age defined by blind faith, firmly proving that the pursuit of knowledge and spiritual leadership are not only compatible but absolutely essential.
Excerpts Translation from Italian by Dan Costinas
You might wonder why Papa João is referred to as Peter of Spain, given that he was born in Lisbon and completed his early life and initial studies in Portugal.
Portugal shares its entire land border with Spain; the latter’s geopolitical influence on its neighbour has been significantly shaped by centuries of shared Iberian geography, historical rivalry, and brief periods of union. It has always been a complex relationship, marked by both cooperation and a strong sense of distinct national identity for Portugal. Although the 13th century was a transformative period for the entire Iberian Peninsula, during which both countries achieved their final territorial boundaries, entrenched habits persisted. For those in the remote European regions, the distinction between being from Portugal or Spain often seems an insignificant detail.
Even the motto on the coat of arms from his pallium (in Catholic liturgy, the strip of white wool adorned with crosses worn around the neck by the Pope and metropolitan archbishops) clearly illustrates this confusion:
“GIOVANNI XXI
Detto prima M’ro Gio. Pietro Giuliani di Lisbona città di Portogallo in Spagna, Cardinale di s. Chiesa, e Vescovo Tusculano, fu in Viterbo creato Pontefice à dì 13 di settembre 1276.”
Which translates as:
“JOHN XXI
Previously called Master Gio.[vanni] Pietro Giuliani of Lisbon, city of Portugal in Spain, Cardinal of the Holy Church, and Bishop of Tusculum, was elected Pope in Viterbo on the 13th day of September, 1276.”
If you look at a map, you will see that the town of Olivença lies within the borders of Spain. Despite its geographical location and the reluctance of the Spanish, the town has always been claimed by Portugal as theirs, making it one of the oldest territorial disputes in Europe.
The story of Olivença can be traced back to the Treaty of Alcañices when King Dinis of Portugal acquired the town from Castile in 1297, long before the region became quintessentially Spanish.
from time to time. Most recently, the Minister of Defence, Nuno Melo, speaking at a military barracks in Estremoz, just 67 km from the disputed town, declared, “Olivença is Portuguese, of course. The Portuguese state does not recognise it as Spanish territory.”
Despite being subject to one of the longest territorial disputes on the Iberian Peninsula, Olivença still recognises its Portuguese heritage. Many residents continue to speak both Portuguese and Spanish. They have a Portuguese school, roads named after Portuguese figures, and, only this year, a statue dedicated to the legendary Portuguese poet Luís de Camões was erected on Calle (rua) Lope de Vega as part of the Portugal Day celebrations on 10 June.
Whilst the fight over the Olivença conundrum remains light-hearted between the two countries, some can’t help but remind Spain that they have something to return. On the European marker post denoting the Spanish border, someone has proudly written in Portuguese “Olivença e nossa e Portugal” (Olivença is ours and Portugal) below the ring of stars that surround the name “España”.
On an official stance, Portugal has long based its claim on Article 105 of the 1815 Treaty of Vienna, which states that winning countries are “committed to employ the mightiest conciliatory effort to return Olivença to Portuguese authority” and that winning countries must “recognise the return of Olivença and its territories must be done”. Spain, on the other hand, seems to have a different interpretation, arguing that Article 105 is not mandatory and that the territory is already integrated into Spain. Or, in other words, they aren’t too bothered about giving it back, as it was a long time ago.
Although Portugal and Spain have agreed to disagree on the subject in recent years, the citizens of Olivença enjoy both their Portuguese and Spanish heritage, with many holding dual nationality. According to Publico, 716 residents have requested Portuguese citizenship, and, not so long ago, Portugal agreed to build a bridge linking the town to Portugal. To ensure there was no Spanish involvement, Portugal paid for the bridge, thereby keeping it truly Portuguese.
Thanks to the EU’s borderless Schengen zone, in which Portugal and Spain have enjoyed since 1999, Olivença, along with its bridge, does feel somewhat part of Portugal, if not officially part of the Portuguese Republic. As for whether Spain will hand over Olivença any time soon, that is a question that is up for debate.
DID YOU KNOW?
Portuguese military maps allegedly do not show the border between Portugal and Olivença.
The name “Olivenza” likely originates from the Latin word “oliva”, meaning olive.
Remaining sovereignly Portuguese for over five centuries, the town developed with distinct Portuguese characteristics through architecture, culture and language. But in 1801, Spain, along with backing from Napoleonic France, launched a short military campaign against Portugal, which became known as the War of the Oranges. As a result, Spain seized occupation of Olivença and Spanishified its name to Olivenza.
Following the war, Portugal was forced to cede Olivença to Spain as part of the Treaty of Badajoz. However, in 1815, after the fall of Napoleon, the Congress of Vienna declared that Spain should return the annexed town of Olivença to Portugal, to which the Spanish agreed. Unfortunately, 210 years later, Spain has never fulfilled its agreement, and Olivença remains under Spanish rule to this day as part of the Spanish province of Badajoz.
Whilst Portugal has never officially submitted a claim to the town, Portuguese officials bring up the Olivença conundrum
(An ode to Lagos)
Lorena Costa
Comes the wind and you can feel the sea, becoming more touchable beneath your feet.
I can try and see what would become of this. A simple dive underneath the sea.
Or try for yourself on this land of mystic. To be a better version of a time being, Where conquerors and discoverers would leave the land to be free.
Free to vanish away, Free to fly away like a seagull That goes where it needs to be. Here and there, or a place where there’s no questions to keep you still. Reckon now a bon voyage Should do.
But first let me tell you the spot That you should go to You can mark it anywhere And I can leave a clue, It’s where the sun kisses the sea. Or how the locals like to call it Lagos, my land, here I am free.
Viveka Feder - written from her hospital bed with a broken arm because of a scooter accident.
06:00. The morning stillness is abruptly broken.
The lights come on, and the room is flooded with harsh, unforgiving brightness.
The muffled murmurs of the night around the computer screens turn into more and more distinct words.
A couple of white coats rise, each armed with a blood pressure monitor and an ear thermometer, ready to go data hunting.
The half-asleep are forced to wake – to receive a thermometer in an ear still warm and flushed from a sweaty night’s sleep on the harshness of synthetic sheets.
The noise level in the room gradually rises. Blue and white coats mingle. Everyone moves in a well-rehearsed dance between the fifty or so beds –where people have been temporarily deprived of the ability to decide for themselves when to wake, get up, eat, pee, shower, or talk to someone.
You wait your turn.
You adapt.
You don’t complain.
You’re grateful for a lukewarm coffee and a sweetened banana yoghurt you would never eat at home.
But – these blue and white coats must be a special breed. With an energy, joy of life, team spirit, empathy, stress tolerance, and a will to care that few others possess.
From morning to night – kind words and a smile: “My dear, my love, sweetie, how are you … is this okay … do you have pain? Want some water? The diaper is full …”
Diapers are changed, people are showered, fed, cuddled, and the occasional hysterical outburst is gently calmed.
You receive a glance and a thumbs-up as they pass by.
The only ones missing are the doctors – the green coats. They are reluctant to leave their screens, offer sparing smiles, and rarely come out onto the floor. From them: nothing.
The hierarchy on the floor is palpable.
And yet – laughter and chatter between the different coats (though the green ones only chat by the screens).
And we, who for a moment need care and maybe a kiss on the forehead, are not forgotten.
Two days on the emergency floor was an experience.
From my tucked-away spot, I observed these young people doing everything they can to provide dignified care – to those just there for the day or those who have been lying there for months.
2023 Portugal
Nick Darker
This is the tale of Pippa the Pig
Though at first really small, she ended quite big! She lived by herself in a grubby old sty And loved looking out at a patch in the sky.
Now Pippa was hungry, she lived for a munch
The farmer had made her a pail for her lunch. The bell was first sounded, Then all pigs would thirst
But Pippa, so nimble, was always the first!
She’d slurp through the slops and the smelly old bread Then belch rather loudly and head for her bed. Alas she grew daily, an inch or so more –She had to be slender to get through her door.
One day a bit later, she gobbled her tuck Then squeezed at the door frame and came fully stuck She grunted and hollered, the fire brigade came But push her or pull her, it wasn’t a game!
So tired and so weary she couldn’t get in
And she drowsed through the night and wished to be thin!
The farmer thought Ah!! (he said with a smirk) So her fetched his prize boar who started to work
The boar was quite busy, and Pippa was done She didn’t quite know if this was called fun! The farmer said sternly, your sty is too small You’ll now have to stay in the barn by the hall
The barn was quite spacious, well-sized for her tum She used her time wisely, for the piglets to come … She reckoned a dozen, with a squeal then a shout As all of her babies were gently eased out.
Too bad she was hungry, she needed her feed So she slurped and she gobbled with gluttonous greed Her piglets all prospered, so healthy they grew Not guessing they’d end up as bacon or stew!
So Pippa, no time-waster, ate six meals a day!
Grew fatter and fatter as she lay on the hay. Her body expanded, grew tight as a drum, Ballooned like a Zeppelin from her nose to her bum …
And then, strange to say, she floated up high And whizzed all aloft while she flew in the sky! On spying her farm, as she flew in the air
Said: “I wish I’d been thinner, then I’d still live there!”
Fresh from publishing his debut novel in 2024, Tomorrow's sports editor, David Lugg, has announced the release of his new children’s book, The Oddventures of Nomi.
After fulfilling a lifelong dream by publishing The Squirrels of Settledown Forest in September, David Lugg has now released his highly anticipated follow-up novel. The Oddventures of Nomi is set within the fantastical world of Ankoth and follows the remarkable journey of 12-year-old Nomi as she makes her way across a bizarre land of opposites in an attempt to find her way back home.
In an era where so many children’s books are focused on self-help and emotional development, The Oddventures of Nomi offers a welcome break from the norm. It is unapologetically dark and funny, with echoes of Alice in Wonderland and Roald Dahl. Along the way, Nomi meets grumpy ogres, repulsive rabbits and invisible giants as she tries to navigate a world where nothing makes sense.
Described by award-winning children’s author Clare Helen Welsh as a ‘wildly imaginative adventure’, the book is aimed primarily at 6–12-year-olds, but is equally as entertaining for adults, especially those with a sense of nostalgia for children’s books of yesteryear.
“As much as I loved writing my first novel, I wanted to create something a little darker,” said David at the launch of his book. “I wanted something that
reminded me of children’s books of my youth. So many kids’ books today follow a similar formula about learning life lessons. But Nomi is not like that – she’s a bit of a rascal and doesn’t let anything faze her. I’m not sure what lessons can be learnt from her, but she’s definitely a lot of fun.”
In 2020, David moved from Cornwall in the United Kingdom to live in Praia da Luz. He has found his newly adopted home to be an equally inspiring place to live. “Many of the characters in the book are based on Cornish folklore. When I moved to the west Algarve, I was initially worried that I wouldn’t find the same stimulation to write, but the area is full of mystique. It is a magical part of the world in every respect.”
Indeed, David has already finished another nine books so it appears that inspiration has not been lacking. “I urge anyone who has an interest in writing a book to get out there and do it. It’s not easy, but when you are surrounded by such beauty, it becomes a fun and ultimately rewarding experience.”
The novel is available on Amazon or directly from the author at info@ davidluggwriter.com www.davidluggwriter.com
by Glyn Thomas
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WORDS Liz Ryan
From the sun-kissed streets of Lagos to stages that are fast expanding across the Algarve and beyond, Cecília Pissarro is making her mark as one of the Algarve’s most exciting young voices. Born in Oeiras but raised in Lagos, music has been part of Cecília’s life for as long as she can remember. Surrounded by a family steeped in music and dance – from opera singers to accordion players – she picked up her first guitar at the age of 12 and began crafting her own songs almost instantly.
Remarkably, Cecília has had no formal vocal training, teaching herself through years of practice, observation, and pure passion. She recalls nervously stepping on stage for the first time at a youth centre concert in Lagos, frozen in place but determined to sing. Today, she performs with a confidence and joy that lights up every venue – from intimate showcases at Dano’s in Quinta do Lago to the bustling Arte Doce festival.
Influenced by icons like Amy Winehouse, Alicia Keys, Prince and Norah Jones, her style blends soulful sincerity with an infectious energy. Her songwriting, which she describes as a kind of meditation, is rooted in her personal experiences – love, loss, joy, and even moments of humour. In Brighton, she soaked up the city’s vibrant music
culture, collaborating with artists like Sam Clines and her talented sister, Inês Pissarro. Together, they have created powerful duets that showcase their shared musical chemistry.
Currently leading the multi-national ‘Pissarro Project’, Cecília works with musicians from Brazil, Italy, Ireland and Portugal, performing both reimagined classics and original compositions. An EP is planned for release early next year, and her ambitions reach far – she dreams of one day taking the stage at London’s O2 Arena. Until then, she continues to charm Algarve audiences, who know her as versatile, warm, and deeply connected to the local music scene.
When she isn’t performing, Cecília enjoys her mum’s homemade tomato soup, grilled fish, and the multicultural vibrancy of her hometown. Her advice to young musicians is simple but powerful: “Don’t stop yourself for nobody. If you love it, do it for you.” It’s a philosophy that has taken her from a shy girl with a guitar to one of the Algarve’s brightest rising stars – and her story is only just beginning.
www.facebook.com/snazzyfunkyjazzy @pissarro_music @ceciliapolerilia
The Algarve International Orchestra is inviting new members to join its popular ensemble as rehearsals resume in early September for an October concert.
Founded in 2021, this amateur regional orchestra welcomes musicians of all ages and skill levels – from intermediate players to retired professionals. They especially seek violin, cello, double bass, French horn, oboe, and clarinet players. The orchestra performs lighter classical pieces, musicals, and film music across various Algarve locations, including Carvoeiro, Portimão, Faro, Albufeira, and São Brás de Alportel, often featuring over 45 musicians on stage. Participation spans ages 11 to over 65 and includes a diverse international membership.
The orchestra provides a unique cultural and educational platform, fostering
cooperation between younger students and seasoned musicians. Rehearsals are held in Paderne, supported by the local filarmónica. Directed by Peter Fudge, a former British Army bandsman, the orchestra operates bilingually in English and Portuguese and collaborates internationally with the Poole Symphonic Concert Band from the UK. No auditions are required to join this welcoming group focused on enjoyment and musical development.
Interested musicians can contact the orchestra via email at algarveinternationalorchestra@gmail.com or phone at 00351 910 640 763 or 0044 77 757 257 58 to experience a rehearsal or learn more.
WORDS Flora Kouta
For anyone who hasn’t been to Praia da Falésia, picture the Grand Canyon on a beach. Stretching for over six kilometres, it’s a breathtaking blend of towering red cliffs, golden sand and crashing waves. The cliff formations are not only beautiful but also geologically unusual: they are composed of layers of colourful clays, red argillaceous sandstone and other sediments rich in iron oxides, which, under the erosion of wind and water, have created an array of natural sculptures that provide a unique backdrop to this part of the Algarve.
Where would the Algarve be without its fabulous cliffs? Well, it would look like Spain or France. Actually, the beaches in the Algarve are so gorgeous they would still be better than France or Spain even if they weren’t hugged by stunning cliffs. Sorry, Spain and France, you have some very dramatic landscapes, but I’ve never seen any beaches that compare to Portugal. The cliffs in the Algarve are around 400 million years old and have been shaped by centuries of erosion from wind and sea, which has exposed the iron oxide within the rock layers. The bright hue comes from that iron oxide, which, over time, has turned an orangey-red from contact with air and water.
The natural landscape of the Algarve is a great source of inspiration for interior decoration. You only have to look around you to find the most beautiful colours, textures and compositions all working in perfect harmony. The shades of burnt orange and dusky rose in the cliffs look particularly gorgeous at this time of year as the sun gets a little lower in the sky. So, as the evenings take on a golden glow this September, get inspired by the coastline and bring the colours of the sun-soaked earth into your home.
I’ve been a bit obsessed with sun-baked cliffs recently. Last week I did a painting for a lady who lives near Praia da Falésia. She can’t actually see the beach’s famous cliffs from her house, but she wanted a piece of wall art that reflected their fabulousness. It took me ages to do; I had about 20 layers of paint on that canvas before I managed to get exactly the right colours for the cliffs. After I delivered the artwork, I went for a long walk along the cliffs. I hadn’t been there for years and was bowled over by the colours just as I had been when I was a child.
According to Tripadvisor, Praia da Falésia (beach of the cliffs) is one of the best beaches on the planet. It’s number five on the list of the Top 25 Beaches in the World voted by TripAdvisor’s Traveller’s Choice (and it’s the only beach from Portugal that made the list, which is very odd – I can think of around ten beaches in the Algarve alone that should have been on it). It has been named the number one beach in Portugal and the second best beach in Europe. (I’m not interested in the name of Europe’s so-called best beach; the voters obviously got it wrong!)
If you bring the colours of the cliffs into your living space, you’ll find your whole home bathed in a warm glow. The stresses of the day will melt away the moment you step inside; it will feel like you’re drifting off into a sunset. Speaking of which, I reckon September is the best time of year for sunsets in the Algarve. I love the light nights of summer, but in the autumn the sun sets further out into the water instead of over the cliffs, creating a golden light and dramatic sunsets over the ocean.
One of the most enjoyable ways to bring the beauty of cliffs and sunsets into your home is to create your own sun-baked wall art. And these days you don’t even need to go on a hunt for a specialist art shop for materials. The ‘Hiper’ chain (they are all over the Algarve, my local one in Lagos is really big and wellstocked and the one in Lagoa is the size of an aircraft hangar) has big blank canvases for you to experiment with, and all the paints and brushes and materials you could ever need
In the artwork on this page, I’ve mixed up mouthwatering shades of papaya, saffron and burnt sienna and painted abstract wall art inspired by the cliffs. I’ve created a textured paste using ready-made wall filler, which I’ve applied to the canvas with a palette knife to mirror the texture of rock and clay. Then I’ve painted over areas of the texture with gold to look like the sun is casting a glow over the painting. Aah, it’s such fun to do. If you fancy giving it a go, check out my YouTube channel, Flora’s Coastal Art, where I give you a step-by-step guide on exactly how to do it. I guarantee that painting your own sunshine wall art will get you feeling uplifted, energised and relaxed all at the same time. It is good for the soul. It’s also the perfect thing to do in September if, like me, you feel a tiny bit down when you notice the days getting shorter. Painting will lift your spirits and turn you into a little ray of sunshine … and it’s a lot cheaper than therapy!
1. Hand-painting a piece of canvas art, A clip of Flora painting, taken from her YouTube channel
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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.
The 12th International Guitar Festival will feature national and international performers who will provide "unique sounds and musical genres, thus contributing to an unforgettable Festival."
With both paid and free shows, check out the programme and be sure to take advantage of this cultural offering from the Algarve Guitar Association in collaboration with the Municipality of Lagoa.
Tickets for each show cost €8 and are now on sale online and at the usual outlets.
Note: tickets for the Musical Theatre cost €3. cmlagoa.bol.pt
19 September–1 October
Lagoa
aguitarraalgarve.pt
Services:
•
Albufeira will come alive this September with the 26th Annual Fisherman’s Festival, a vibrant celebration of the town’s rich fishing traditions and coastal culture.
Running over several days, the festival offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience authentic Algarve life through traditional music, lively street performances and mouthwatering seafood stalls showcasing freshly caught local delicacies.
The festival not only honours the hardworking fishermen who shape the community but also fosters cultural pride and invites all to immerse themselves in the sights, sounds and flavours of the Algarve.
5, 6 and 7 September from 6 pm to 1 am
Praça dos Pescadores, Albufeira
cm-albufeira.pt
• Managing Daily Tasks
• Transportation
Join St Vincent’s Chaplaincy for a captivating evening of music at Luz church, featuring soprano Luiza Dedisin and pianist Irina Mamrici. This special benefit concert offers a beautiful journey through a rich repertoire that bridges different worlds – from arias to iconic tunes, this performance promises to enchant and inspire music lovers of all tastes. A buffet supper will follow the event in the Salão (hall behind Luz church). Go along to support this community event and bring your friends and neighbours! All are welcome.
Tickets: €22.50 per person
15 October, 5.30 pm–8. pm
Luz church, Nossa Senhora da Luz, Av. Dos Pescadores, Praia da Luz
louisecplayer@gmail.com / +351 911 552 396
This charity event promises unforgettable entertainment and heartfelt purpose, all to raise essential funds for cancer care and support in our region. Every ticket helps deliver critical services, from patient support to awareness campaigns, transportation to treatment, and access to early detection. This event is open to everyone.
Tickets: €70 per person
16 October from 5 pm until late
Thai Beach Club in Vilamoura
Secure your tickets now at: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ 1362129609329?aff=oddtdtcreator
Three days entirely dedicated to the sea, local culture, and fun for all ages. During the weekend, the sea will be the main star, with activities such as the National Spearfishing Championship, an exciting open water swimming competition, the Bodyboard and Surf Open, and a beach soccer tournament.
Inside the venue, visitors will enjoy a vibrant space full of flavours, with cooking demonstrations, talks, and a wide variety of stands featuring handicrafts, traditional sweets and much more.
One of this year’s big new features will be a dedicated food and drinks area, designed to offer comfort to all visitors as they savour local delicacies and relax between events. And of course, every night ends on a high note with live concerts! This year we’ll be joined by big names like Álcoolémia, Badoxa and many more.
On Sunday, the fair wraps up in style with the amazing Sunset Colour Party – an explosion of colour, music and energy, featuring several DJs, including the unmistakable Pete Tha Zouk!
5, 6 and 7 September
Sagres
www.cm-viladobispo.pt/pt/agenda.aspx
Marina de Lagos hosts and supports another cultural event organised by the Art Academy. The marina will be bustling with beautiful outfits – this year's subject is mermaids. The Parish Council of Bensafrim and Barão de São João will award the winners from the children's competition. There will also be live music by DJ Dom, sculptures by four artists, a fashion show and free wine!
13 September, 4 pm-7 pm
Lagos marina
www.facebook.com/lagosartacademy
The Algarve hosts the Lamera Cup 26. This unique endurance race pushes teams and drivers to their limits over an intense 26-hour challenge. Featuring 300-horsepower cars with super-sporty design, this competition offers an exciting opportunity for progression and development in endurance and speed.
Ticket with paddock access – €10 Available at the Kartódromo Shop
5–7 September
Autódromo Internacional do Algarve autodromodoalgarve.com
The Fringe, part of the Guadiana International Music Festival, taking place in Alcoutim in October, invites local writers and artists to showcase their skills in a short story competition. Entry is free and open to all in your choice of language. Word limit 1,500 maximum.
Artists are invited to create a visual interpretation or illustration of the story. These will be displayed in the library with each short story. Visitors to the exhibition are encouraged to read the stories and give a star to indicate the satisfaction and enjoyment received from each story, as well as the artist’s illustration.
To enter, please contact Carola Sprengel at debontezwaen@yahoo.de for a list of entry guidelines.
The deadline for submitting the short stories is 30 September.
Alcoutim musicaguadiana.org
The Lagos Flamenco Festival is the oldest of its kind in Portugal and celebrates its 22nd anniversary this year.
The three essential expressions of flamenco – cante (singing), toque (guitar), and baile (dance) – merge on stage to create a performance filled with innovation, fantasy, and the magic of flamenco.
Tickets: Available at the CCL reception desk or via BOL
11–13 September, 9.30 pm
Centro Cultural de Lagos – Duval Pestana Auditorium, Lagos www.cm-lagos.pt/municipio/eventos/14359-22festival-de-flamenco
If you wish to publicise a sporting event, please contact our sports editor, David Lugg: david@tomorrowalgarve.com
Manuel Reis de Sousa has represented Portugal at the World Aquatic Masters Championships in Singapore. The athlete, who competes for the Athletic Clube de Silves, competed at the 50m butterfly and 50m freestyle disciplines. Manuel also recorded a new personal best, taking a huge one second out of his previous best time. After the event, he told Tomorrow magazine that the experience was “amazing and very exciting. One of the biggest competitions that I have been to”.
Joana Schenker has won the Miss Quebramar Bodyboard Cup event for the fifth time. The athlete from Sagres took a dominant victory after winning all of her heats before a comfortable win in the final. Schenker also rode the two highestscoring waves of the entire event.
WORDS David Lugg
Cristiano Ronaldo has returned to the Algarve with his club side Al Nassr. The 40-year-old scored a hat-trick at the Estádio Algarve in a pre-season friendly against Rio Ave. It is his second successive hat-trick in the Algarve following his three goals for Portugal against Luxembourg in 2021.
Portugal has suffered a disappointing UEFA European Women’s Championship after finishing bottom of Group B. After a resilient 2-2 draw against Switzerland and an encouraging 3-2 defeat against 2017 champions Netherlands, Francisco Neto’s side lost 5-0 to Sweden to finish bottom of the group. Despite the early elimination, they can take solace from exciting performances from young stars Kika Nazareth and Diana Silva, who caught the eye. In the final, England beat Spain on penalties to retain their crown as European Champions.
The top two Algarve sides have begun their Liga Pro campaigns with a sense of optimism following a summer of player investment. Farense (Faro) were relegated from the top flight last year but have brought in seven new players in the transfer window. They are one of the favourites for promotion and started the season with a 1-1 draw. Following an underwhelming season last year, Portimonense (Portimão) have also signed plenty of new faces and began their campaign with a 2-1 home win.
The Portugal men’s basketball team have beaten Spain for the first time in their history. In an extraordinary game, the Spanish were ahead at half time by 44-31, but an inspired comeback led by top scorer Neemias Queta (17 points) saw the Portuguese pip their old rivals 74-72. The result was all the more surprising considering that it was away in Malaga, and Spain are the current world number five. Coach Mário Gomes expressed his delight in the comeback. “I’m very pleased with the team. It’s always better to build on victories than defeats.”
Inácio Isidro has successfully completed a 346 km (215 miles) ultramarathon in Scotland. The 49-year-old from Lagos only discovered the existence of the ultramarathon two years ago, but fell in love with the concept. Inácio began the event in Portpatrick at 6 am on Saturday, 9 August and completed his extraordinary journey late on Tuesday evening. Aside from pushing his body to the absolute limit, Inácio is raising money for the Cerebral Palsy Centre in Beja (CPCBeja). If you would like to contribute to a great cause, please visit:gofund.me/14795fbb
Sonia Rodrigues has become the M40 national road cycling champion. The Portimão resident described her achievement as “a goal and a dream that I finally managed to conquer”. Meanwhile, fellow Portimonense athlete Luizete Dias had won the M50 race.
The city of Portimão has held the second stage of the Liga Pro National Skate Championships. The event marked the inauguration of the newly revamped skateboard circuit at Parque da Juventude. With over 150 competitors, the competition was deemed a huge success, reinforcing the municipality’s newfound commitment to promoting sport and youth in the city.
Portugal has won 10 medals at the World Games in Chengdu, China, doubling the tally of their previous record high. The games are a showcase of all the events that are not chosen for the Olympics, such as squash, handball and lacrosse. The final medal was won by kickboxer Catarina Dias as Portugal celebrated their best-ever performance.
WORDS Becca Williams
I consider my life an experiment. Not the controlled lab coat kind – more like the “stick a fork in the outlet and see what happens to my aura” kind. So when my longtime friend Cas, a festival whisperer with years of dusty credentials, invited me to Boom – one of Europe’s largest psytrance festivals – I thought: ‘perfect’.
I’d never been to a psytrance fest. I missed Woodstock – too young (though that was a very different kind of gathering!) – and Coachella never appealed. Too commercial. Too curated. Boom felt different: 40,000 people descending on a lakeside expanse in central Portugal, all ready to dance, float, and possibly dissolve. Summer. Psytrance. Heat. Dust. Naked people. The Ritual of Dance. What could possibly go wrong?
Turns out: everything, and also nothing. Because this wasn’t just a festival. It was a planetary collision of weirdness, wellness, and woo.
The week-long dust purgatory
Cas and I camped with his van a week early in
“pre-pre-camp”, a sunbaked purgatory where people queued up for a coveted lakeside RV spot – one of only 75 blessed with shade and tolerable toilet proximity. We lived like livestock, shuffled from one dusty holding pen to another, while Cas, sunburned Gandalf that he is, navigated us to a prime lake-front camping spot. Boom luxury, baby!
I slept in my “two-second” pop-up tent with a fold-up mattress, my memory-foam chariot in the dust. Our lakeside camp became a gathering spot for seekers of stories and shade. Boomers wandered in, swapped life tales, and floated off again – sweaty, sparkly, and grinning.
Therapist in the wild
As an emotions therapist who works with emotional release and recovery, I watched this human kaleidoscope unfold with fascination, horror, and a dash of admiration. This was emotional free-range grazing, shaped by music, movement, and the strange alchemy of thousands of strangers sharing the same rhythm. Often aided by various mood-enhancing mechanisms that shall remain politely undefined.
Once the festival opened, Boomland transformed into a technicolour portal powered by rhythm and SPF 90. The lake became our sanctuary as temperatures soared past 100°F/38°C. During the day, Boomers floated topless (I tried it) or gloriously naked (also tried it), as nature intended. At sunset, the beat summoned us from the water like sequined swamp creatures to dance under stars and lasers.
Cardio, but make it cosmic
Boomers don’t sleep so much as oscillate. The psytrance beat never stops. It’s not “music” – it’s a pulsing presence that becomes your internal monologue. By day three, I was vibrating on a molecular level. The theme was “The Ritual of Dance”, and it delivered. The dance wasn’t just physical. It was spiritual. And cardio.
Through it all: the boom ethos – oneness, peace, art, love, culture, music, and environment. Lofty? Sure. But in that dust, it actually works. No flags, no borders, no phones (for a minute), and no identities beyond your dance and your glitter.
Boom takes its ethos seriously. Everyone gets a portable ashtray (please don’t light Boomland on fire). Compost toilets are everywhere. Art installations tower like neon temples. And yes, they even hand out his and hers condoms –because what’s peace and love without a little pragmatic preparation?
A “baby” no more
As a first-timer, I was called a “baby” Boomer. Hilarious, given the term’s different meaning back in the U.S. Here, it’s a sweet euphemism for “Boom virgin.” But not anymore! I met people on their eighth Boom. If they’re Jedi, I was a Padawan –sticky with sunscreen, staring at the stars.
I came here as an observer, a therapist, a sceptic. I left still all of those things. But also as someone who can sleep through trance music, navigate a compost toilet with semi-grace, and watch people remake themselves through dance, connection, and sheer endurance beneath a hot pink sky.
Will I be back? I don’t know.
But I do know this: I’ll never be a “baby” boomer again.
Becca Williams - Emotional Liberation BeccaWilliams.org algarvebecca@gmail.com
WORDS João Albano
Screens … they’re everywhere. Phones, laptops, tablets, TVs. We practically live behind a sheet of glass. Sure, technology makes life smoother, but let’s be honest: our eyes weren’t built for this kind of non-stop, close-up work. Holidays are the perfect excuse to step away. Not just mentally, but visually. Welcome to the world of the digital detox.
So … what is a digital detox? Think of it as a spa break, but for your eyes and brain. It’s about intentionally switching off from your devices for a while to give your vision (and your mind) a proper rest. The benefits? Less eye strain, fewer headaches, better sleep, and a lot more “present in the moment” time. You might need a digital detox, if you’ve ever experienced:
• Dry, itchy eyes
• Blurry vision
• That heavy ‘I’ve stared too long’ feeling
• Difficulty focusing
Why your eyes are secretly begging for time off
Here’s the thing: when you stare at a screen, you blink less. Less blinking = less lubrication. And that gorgeous blue light from your devices? It can mess with your body clock, leaving you tossing and turning at night. Add in the constant focus-switching between distances, and your eyes end up working overtime. Even when you’re in ‘holiday mode’.
How to give your vision a true break:
• Create no-screen zones Declare certain spots device-free. Dinner table, bedroom or beach walks. (Yes, the group chat will survive.)
• Go old school Take a paper book to the pool. Scribble in a notebook instead of tapping on Notes.
• Cut back bit by bit If going full digital monk is too much, start small: 30 minutes less screen time a day. Add more as you go.
• Get outside Green spaces + natural light = happy eyes. Looking at distant views relaxes your vision and your mind.
• Try the 20-20-20 rule Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. It’s that simple.
• Blue light filter glasses If you absolutely must screen-binge, these lenses soften the blow.
What you’ll notice (and love)
Fewer ‘tired eye’ moments. Less redness. More energy. Better sleep. And yes, you’ll probably feel more connected to the people and places around you. It’s not just an eye thing, it’s a whole-life upgrade.
Your holidays should recharge every part of your body, mind … and, yes, your eyes too. Switch off, look up, breathe deep. There’s a whole world out there beyond the pixels, and it’s worth seeing in high definition.
João Albano is the Chief Optometrist and Technical Director at Algarvisão, and a specialist in orthoptics, optometry, and advanced contactology.
WORDS Ann de Jongh
September brings a change of pace for golfers in the Algarve. After the quieter months of July and August, when many play less or are away, competitions start up again and the focus returns to the course. It is the perfect time to make sure the body is as ready as the mind.
Golf might not look demanding, but the forces involved in a swing are huge. The speed at which our muscles move during the downswing can be similar to a 60-metre sprint. We would never sprint without warming up, yet many golfers head straight to the tee and swing at full speed with no preparation.
Mobility is vital. If the hips or shoulders are tight, the spine often takes the strain, leading to discomfort and injury. Good mobility in the hips, spine and shoulders helps the swing feel smoother, more powerful and easier on the body.
Strength is just as important. Power comes from the ground up, starting with the legs and glutes. A strong core supports rotation and stability, and while the upper body does play a role, golf is far from an arm-only sport.
As the calendar fills with matches, take a little time for mobility drills, some strength work and a proper warm-up. If you are unsure where to start, you can find simple warm-up videos by searching Fit2loveLife on YouTube. Or join my Fit2loveGolf class. Your golf game and your body will thank you.
Youtube: @fit2lovelife
7 Min Warm up
Warm up or stiff/ tweaked lower backs
Just ten minutes from Lagos on the route to Portimão, Herdade Bonanza is a vibrant, unique destination created for all ages. It blends fun, activity and relaxation in an extraordinary setting, offering versatile spaces ideal for birthday parties, anniversaries, weddings, family celebrations, school trips, team building events and corporate challenges.
Over the past two years, Herdade Bonanza has made a real difference by providing unforgettable experiences that bring the community together. The estate boasts well-maintained pitches for tournament games, digital ball games, table challenges, and a popular go-karting track, ensuring there is something for everyone. In warmer months, guests cool off in the outdoor swimming pool, while a spacious indoor event space allows year-round use.
A key strength of Herdade Bonanza is its commitment to inclusivity and accessibility. The centre warmly welcomes special needs and disability groups, ensuring that all community members can enjoy the facilities and activities.
Food and hospitality are at the heart of the centre’s ethos. With its own vegetable garden supplying fresh ingredients, meals are served in a stylish indoor dining area with professional catering. A lively outdoor
BBQ space with ample seating complements the dining experience, encouraging social connections and community spirit.
Herdade Bonanza really does include the whole family by offering an exceptional Dog Resort. Featuring 43 private suites, a swimming pool, individual training sessions, and shaded fenced fields among fruit trees, the resort provides a first-class holiday for dogs, allowing owners peace of mind.
Visitors often enjoy joyous family events such as football tournaments and birthday parties, where children cheer enthusiastically under attentive supervision. Experienced staff welcome all guests and introduce them to the wide range of fun opportunities available.
Herdade Bonanza truly has it all – fun, friendship, celebration and care, making it a vital community hub for creating wonderful memories.
BLiP Expo – the Better Living in Portugal Exhibition –reaches a milestone 25th year of bringing businesses and residents/property owners face-to-face in one place. Between 11-12 October Portimão Arena will host over 100 exhibitors eager to welcome visitors looking to improve their lives and properties in Portugal.
Under the stewardship of afpop, Portugal’s largest association for foreign residents, BLiP is again the annual focal point for many seeking lifestyle improvements. This year, afpop continues to include community and charity organisations that work tirelessly to make life better for those in need of help and support.
There are a lot of new faces among this year’s exhibitors, including the PSP Airport Police from Faro Airport, who are eager to explain their role at the airport and give information about the EES system expected to begin across Europe later in October. Dental practitioner João Vieira will be offering BLiP visitors free tests for ‘quick vision screening’ and ‘eye pressure measurements’ for glaucoma.
A number of exhibitors return as a direct result of successful experiences from previous years, including kitchen designers, health and insurance providers, financial management companies, currency exchange, home furnishings, funeral services, greetings cards, building care, television service providers and many more. The invaluable sponsors, Medal Seguros, Tourismo do Algarve and Open Media/The Portugal Resident will also be there.
Keep checking the BLiP website www.blip-expo.com over the next few weeks for an up-to-date list of exhibitors and the promotions they will be offering. Don’t miss out!
Dog Resort: +351 925 443 162
General: +351 967 344 230 / +351 968 517 370 info@hbonanzafunevents.com bonanzafunevents.com
Estrada da Barragem, Sitio da Moira 491F, 8600-251 Odiáxere, Lagos
BLiP Expo is a vibrant event, full of energy and fun that comes from the coming together of visitors and exhibitors. It’s FREE to visit with plenty of FREE parking.
See you there!
betterlivinginportugal.com afpop.com/en/events
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If you are a foreign citizen and have already purchased real estate in Portugal, whether it be a vacation home, an apartment for rent, or even your permanent residence, it is highly recommended that you consider preparing a will that is valid in Portuguese territory. This decision can avoid legal uncertainties, family conflicts and administrative difficulties for your heirs in the future.
International inheritance in Portugal: which law applies?
Since the entry into law of European Regulation No. 650/2012, which regulates cross-border inheritances within the European Union, the general rule is that the law of the deceased’s last habitual residence applies to the inheritance.
In other words, if you are habitually resident in Portugal at the time of your death, Portuguese law will govern your succession, even if you are a national of another country.
However, this same regulation allows any foreign citizen to choose, in their will, that the law of their nationality govern their succession. But this choice must be expressly stated in the will and comply with specific formal requirements.
The risks of not having a will?
Not making a will in Portugal can entail several risks, such as confusion about the applicable law, since without a will, the law of your habitual residence will apply, which may not correspond to your wishes, especially if you are a national of a country with very different inheritance rules.
The recognition of foreign wills and their validation and execution in Portugal may require translations, legalisations, certifications, and time-consuming
procedures that will make life difficult for your heirs at a delicate time.
Finally, there is an ignorance of Portuguese rules on heirs and the concept of “legitimate heirs” (such as children and spouses) who are entitled to a fixed share of the inheritance. The distribution of assets may be limited, even with a will.
What is the practical advantage of making a will in Portugal?
By drawing up a legally valid will in Portugal, with the support of a local professional (solicitor or lawyer), you will ensure clarity regarding the applicable law, as you can expressly indicate whether you want the law of your nationality to apply, ease of execution of the succession, as it will be more easily accepted and executed by Portuguese notaries and registries, and protection of your wishes, you can ensure that the destination of your assets effectively corresponds to your wishes.
In conclusion, making a will in Portugal is a preventive, simple and inexpensive measure that offers legal peace of mind and avoids legal problems for your loved ones. If you own real estate in Portugal or reside here habitually, you should consider this possibility as an essential part of your estate planning.
Inês is a solicitor (professional licence no. 8847)
Praça do Poder Local, 8600-527 Lagos +351 924 187 339 labroinhalaw.com
My life mission, since moving to Portugal, has been to seek out amazing Portuguese wine bars, wine and inspiring people in the wine world. It was inevitable that my research would lead me to António Teixeira.
WORDS Candace Olsen
Sometime in April of 2020, my partner and I had to go to Faro for an appointment and on the way back, I said, “Let’s stop by the Rolha Wine Bar, have a glass of wine and check it out.”
When we rolled up, it looked open, hazzah! But when we walked up to the front door, it wouldn’t open. In typical Candy fashion, I then repeatedly tried to open the door that I hadn’t realised was locked. There were people inside. I didn’t understand, so I pressed my face to the door and peered in. Eventually, someone saw me and came and unlocked the door. Upon opening it, the man said quietly that they were closed for a private wine event. “Wait, I read about your wine bar and I’ve been dying to come!” I said.
My persistence paid off when the young man came back and invited us in! We ended up having an epic wine tasting with the winemaker of Quinta do Javali from the Douro. By the end of the night, we had become friends with the winemaker of Javali, whose name, coincidentally, is also António, along with António from Rolha. With our arms full of wine, we walked to our car with smiles on our faces and a new wine destination to go to.
More recently, last December, after a wine tasting António was hosting in Burgau at the restaurant Sul, I asked him if he’d sit down with me and tell me about his life, his passion for wine and how he got here. Reluctantly, with a bit of badgering on my end, in April, he met with me over dinner and told me his amazing story.
The first thing I said to him when we sat down for the article was, “You know, I did an extensive internet search on you before our meeting, but I could barely find anything.” And he replied, “I’m a secret,” with a shrug and a shy smile.
How it all started
My first question of many for António was “How’d you get here?” Starting at the beginning, he began to tell me his story.
Born in Johannesburg, South Africa and raised in Porches, where he and his family still live today, António has had the great fortune of being born to parents who love to cook and host friends and family. “My mom is an amazing host! It was only natural for me to start working in restaurants.” From the time António was 15 years old, he was spending his summers working at the beach bar located close to home, Bar Boneca in Carvoeiro. The owner Jorge Carvalho was, and still is, a mentor and friend. It is because of this longlasting relationship that the owner has always had a place for António when he needed to make some extra cash, and it was here, António admits, that he found his passion for hospitality and love for wine.
At the age of 18, he left Portugal and spent three years in Bristol working in hospitality at the Gala Casino and also at Graze, a local brewery, where he eventually became cellar master. His boss at the brewery, Steve Mason, had a penchant for fine wine and a generosity that led him to share his favourite bottles and knowledge with António. Working hard and increasing his knowledge and love of wine, he said that it was in Bristol when he was 19 that he first had the idea for Rolha, his future wine bar.
While in Bristol, António met his partner Aina and together, they took off to South America for a six-month adventure. During this trip, António realised two things: “You don’t need a lot to live a good life” and “It’s possible to have anything you want if you work for it.” The experience gave him the courage to move back to Europe and start working towards his dream.
Rolha Wine Bar
António and Aina returned to Porches with a nest egg and a plan. Together, they began searching for the perfect venue.
“The idea was to have a wine bar with simple seasonal tapas that was in a good location, but not obvious or touristic. A place where everyone could come, anytime of the year, with no formalities, just local people, supporting local businesses with local products.” Most importantly, he said, “It had to be good, and the goal was for people to leave happy.” It took time for him to find the right location but when the perfect 18th-century building in Porches became available, with the bones of a famous nineties restaurant, Rolha was born.
After António found his location, renovated and launched the bar, Rolha was finally open! In the mornings before heading to the wine bar, António would work at Bar Boneca to make extra money. He also led wine tastings once a week to a group of seniors at a local timeshare in Carvoiero, which he still does to this day.
After three years of being open, António said they were still struggling. At one point, he recalled a week when he had almost no guests. He was feeling defeated and contemplated giving up, but the very next week (it’s like the public suddenly heard him), things miraculously turned around and he never looked back!
Since António’s return to the Algarve 11 years ago, he has been discovering not just a new Portugal but a new and evolving Portuguese wine scene. Through his weekly tastings he hosts for a group that gathers at a local Time-Share in Carvoeiro for the last eight years and hosting his guests at his wine bar, António said his palate changed. His selections, pairings and the wine list that he curated transformed from being more on the traditional, well-known wine label side, to a wine list composed of new, young and flourishing wine producers with a focus on more natural wines.
Looking back, he said with a chuckle, “The first wine and food pairing we ever did at Rolha was a huge success. It went from 7 pm to 3 am and five of the seven wines were considered natural, before I even knew what that meant.”
Within the first few years of running Rolha, António simultaneously started a wine distribution company, Rolhas Vinhos Distribuição, with natural wine icon, Brian Patterson, of the Black Sheep wine bar in Lisbon. Their first signed producer was, and still is, Portugal’s most famous and iconic new winemaker from the Dão, António Madeira.
Now with both companies running smoothly, António’s primary focus became about cultivating a roster of producers that make organic, biodynamic and naturally made wines from small, family or independently owned producers all over Portugal.
This last year, with Rolha Wine Bar on firm and successful ground, António decided to sell the bar and dedicate himself fully to his thriving wine distribution company, Rolhas Vinhos.
Rolhas Vinhos is a small company with just four employees and two four-legged furry assistants, Simba and Lucky. His philosophy? “To sell wine, obviously! But really to work together with my buyers, consumers and staff. And to protect my producers by communicating well. Always leading with the best intentions, for the purpose of making wine and life better for everyone.”
António’s influence on bringing natural wines to the Algarve to the young and older wine enthusiasts is evident. As is the demand from the hip and relevant Michelin-rated restaurants and popular wine bars here in the Algarve that carry his wines.
When I asked António why he went in the natural wine direction (as the category can be somewhat controversial), he responded, “Natural wines came naturally. Natural wine is nothing new. It’s the same wine my grandfather drank, just made with different technology.”
“The most expensive (finest) wines in the world are natural. For example, Domaine de la Romanée-Conti [a world-famous winery in Burgundy, whose bottles are sold for thousands of euros].”
I agree entirely! My personal logic is that why wouldn’t we try a natural wine, especially if it categorically offers us a better, healthier alternative to industrially made wines that can potentially have over 400 different chemicals added?
António believes that we are in a wine revolution. “People are caring more about what they drink and it’s been happening for more than 10 years,
which means it’s not just a passing fad or fashion; it’s continuing. Forcing all of us to work for higher, better quality wines in this category and ensuring that the producers continue to make better wine.”
Finally, I wanted to ask António, what’s next?
“Well, I still have so much to learn and one thing I do know for sure is that I still know nothing about wine,” he said with a smile.
In a country with a dwindling younger demographic, a meagre minimum wage and deep ties to the rigid beliefs of the past, these three actualities make it hard for anyone to succeed. However, António has superseded all with integrity, kindness and a dedicated following. Now with alcohol consumption at an all-time low, what António is doing is even more radical and important for the future of wine here in Portugal. For ALL of us wine lovers. This “wine revolution” encourages all wine producers to be more conscientious and care more about how they’re making their wine.
Quietly handsome, intelligent and kind, this surprising 33-year-old young man is accomplishing extraordinary things here in the wine industry and I, for one, look forward to seeing what he does next.
Candace Olsen is a sommelier, fine wine consultant, wine educator and wine writer.
candyleacane@me.com
For more information on Rolhas Vinhos or to connect with António Teixeira for his portfolio (if you’re a business owner), you can contact him at: info@rolhasvinhos.com
For those of you who would like to try a few wines from his producers, run to Madame Wine Bar and Mosto in Lagos, Picnic and Fermento in Sagres, Casta Nova in Olhão, Sul in Burgau, or Aura Wine in Tavira.
www.rolhasvinhos.com
Situated in a quiet residential area of Lagos, this villa features a roof terrace with panoramic views. The main floor includes a bright living/dining room, fully equipped kitchen, and bathroom. Upstairs are 3 bedrooms, including a master suite, while the lower level offers a two-car garage, laundry area, and an independent one-bedroom apartment.
WORDS Peter Cruiming
When you think of the Algarve, sun, sea, and stunning beaches usually come to mind. But the 2025 Top 100 Restaurants list reveals another side to this region: its outstanding culinary scene. The western Algarve is the star this year, with 26 eateries recognised for exceptional quality and creativity, proving this corner of Portugal is a haven not just for nature lovers, but foodies alike.
Portimão boasts some real gems, including Vista, ranked second, famed for its international flair, and Numa (no. 8), offering innovative dishes that surprise the palate. Lagos shines too: Al Sud sits proudly at number six, while Avenida (no. 35) and No Pátio (no. 17) confirm the town as a top culinary destination.
Sagres and Vila do Bispo bring authentic flavours from the edge of the world. Sagres’s Villa Velha (no. 13) and Laundry Lounge (no. 77) impress with their creativity, while Pisco in Vila do Bispo (no. 36) delights with mostly vegetarian cuisine – an inventive twist on local tradition.
Along the coast, Ferragudo delivers with Beach Club Nau (no. 27) and Piano Garden (no. 33), blending relaxed beach vibes and fine dining. Nearby Alvor’s Lusitânia (no. 38) and Adega d’Alvor (no. 70) demonstrate how innovation and tradition go hand in hand.
With new faces like Abigail Brunch and established favourites such as Safari Bistro and Peppers, the western Algarve truly earns its place as 2025’s culinary hotspot. For unforgettable flavours against a breathtaking backdrop, head west this year.
Peter Cruiming is the founder and restaurant critic for Hotspots Algarve
See all 350+ restaurant reviews www.HotspotsAlgarve.com
I went to Gorilla with my husband to celebrate our 15th wedding anniversary and it delivered a special treat for a special occasion.
WORDS Sophie Sadler
On a hot night in August, you could have almost been in Thailand as we entered the welcoming space of Gorilla restaurant. Hidden in the back streets of Lagos, with people queuing outside to get in, it had a buzz and a young, trendy clientele, proving how popular Asian-fusion is amongst the in-crowd in Lagos.
Restaurant manager Kathy ushered us to our seats and introduced us to the menu. I was pleased to see it was succinct. I can’t stand lengthy menus that leave you pondering for ages. The lighting was also atmospheric; my second pet hate in restaurants is bright lighting.
Gorilla’s menu brings together dishes and influences from across Asia. It is owned and run by Barbara and her partner, Jamayne, who is also the executive chef. “Our connection is simple: we genuinely love Asian food and its balance of flavour, texture and freshness, and that passion is what shaped Gorilla,” says Barbara.
Jamayne lived and worked in Japan for about a year, training at a sushi academy and developing his skills in sushi, sashimi, ramen and Japanese cooking techniques. After living in Lagos for a couple of years, Barbara and Jamayne noticed a lack of Asian options. With a background in restaurants and hospitality, they decided to fill that gap and opened Gorilla in 2018. The goal was to offer a vibrant, modern Asian-influenced menu that felt exciting and different for Lagos. I would say she succeeded.
Nick and I shared the homemade dumplings. Mince beef and prawn, served with crispy panko prawns in tempura and panko batter, accompanied by sweet chilli dip. Both were delicious. Nick enjoyed the Pad Thai for the main course, while I salivated over the spicy
chicken ramen. The dish featured grilled chicken thigh, spicy chicken broth, spring onion and a soft-boiled egg. Both were exactly the right portion size, not too big or small (another pet hate!) My final tantalising taste of Asia was the Dragonball, a white chocolate cheesecake with homemade mango sorbet and a coconut crumb. A bottle of the house white washed it all down perfectly. The waiters were attentive over the course of the meal, but not overattentive (yet another pet hate).
Barbara and Jamayne recently travelled to Vietnam, spending time in markets and small eateries, tasting and researching. They came back with ideas and techniques that helped them refine the menu. Jamayne has successfully created a menu and vibe that delivers what diners in Lagos are looking for; he also oversees the sister restaurant Go Bao. These days, Jamayne’s main focus is on Go Bao, while at Gorilla, the kitchen team is led by François. “As you’d expect from a French chef, he has a very strong foundation in classic French cuisine and formal training. But over the years working with us, he’s chosen to apply that background to Asian flavours and techniques, which gives our kitchen a really interesting mix of precision and creativity.”
And to address my final pet hate, which is the fact that restaurant prices in Lagos seem to have risen in a disproportionate fashion to the level of service, I felt the pricing – with starters at €7 and main courses varying from €11.90 to €17.90 –represented great value.
So if you want to ‘go ape’ about good food, service at a good price, then you can’t beat Gorilla!
WORDS Joy Entry
The Szechuan peppercorn has found its own level of fame of late. Also commonly known as the Sichuan peppercorn, it packs a ton of flavour and spice. There are just so many things you can do with this humble peppercorn. The oaky, citrusy, tongue-numbing spice can very quickly transform any plain old dish. In this breakfast or brunch recipe, I’ve chosen to simply grind the peppercorns, which I typically do in a pestle and mortar, the old school way. You can also grind your peppercorns in a blender or food processor if you like. I always keep a jar of ground peppercorns in the larder, the perfect spice to add to a dish that requires an extra level of oomph.
Ingredients
• 100–120 gm Greek yoghurt
• 2–3 large eggs
• 50 gm slices of sausage or chorizo of choice
• 1 Spanish shallot sliced
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• ½ tsp ground Szechuan peppercorns
• ¼ tsp coarse sea salt
• ¼ tsp cumin
• ¼ tsp sweet paprika
• It is not actually a pepper! The numbing effect you feel on your tongue when you bite into a peppercorn is called paresthesia, caused by a compound known as hydroxyalpha-sanshool. This compound reacts with your nerve receptors to give you this sensation.
• It is one of the five spices used in the famous Chinese five-spice blend.
Tip the tub of Greek yoghurt (room temperature) onto a serving plate and put aside. Now, in a pan, fry off your sliced onions until soft and translucent in sesame oil. Add in sausages, chorizo, or even vegetables, and fry until caramelised and crisp on the edges. Set aside.
Now poach your eggs (see sidebar) and gently place them on the Greek yoghurt. Spread the sausages and caramelised onions on the top and drizzle the remaining sesame oil from the pan, all over. Now your ground Szechuan peppercorns, salt, sweet paprika and cumin can be sprinkled all over. Serve with toasted sourdough and a little bit of fresh coriander for good measure.
Bring a little pot of water to a rolling boil with a teaspoon of white vinegar (any type of vinegar will do). Crack a large egg into a little bowl, ready to drop into the pot. Swirl the water in the pot before you drop your egg in as gently as possible, using the bowl to bring the egg as close to the water as you can before you release it. Quickly set your timer. Three minutes will give you a runny yolk. Five minutes yields a slightly firmer yolk. A fully set yolk requires eight minutes. Gently lift the egg with a sieve and drain before you
• Szechuan pepper can be found in practically every dish in Sichuan cuisine, famous for its spicy hot pots, noodles and stir-fry dishes.
Instagram: @thatasianhomecook joyentry@gmail.com
On a recent trip to Algarve Shopping, I came across a stand manned by two sleeping puppies and their owner, Sofia, along with helper Jenny. Sofia, it turns out, owns the Wigglestail Animal Sanctuary, a short drive from São Bartolomeu de Messines.
WORDS David Woodward
animals the love and care they deserve, providing a healthy and fulfilling life to animals in need for the rest of their lives, with just a few being put up for adoption.
Although it can be difficult to turn animals away, Sofia ensures that the sanctuary does not take in more stray animals than it can cope with, ensuring that the animals in her care receive the support they deserve. They also have very strict rules regarding adoption and insist on home checks beforehand. All animals are sterilised, chipped, and have complete documentation before they are adopted.
As we are all aware, most shelters and sanctuaries rely on the dedication and support of volunteers in the area, without whom it would be difficult to survive. For those wishing to volunteer, the sanctuary also has parking spaces for volunteers in camper vans or motor homes, as well as tented accommodation. This comes with shower facilities, electric hook-up, wi-fi, cooking facilities and a water supply. All the sanctuary asks in return is a few hours of your support and the ability to cope with a lot of love and cuddles from the animals. The camping area, although basic, provides a wonderful oasis of calm and tranquillity, not to mention some breathtaking scenery and walks.
This wonderful sanctuary deserves our support, whether this means adopting an animal, volunteering your time, or making a financial donation. The sanctuary organises a range of events, such as quiz nights at Victoria’s bar near Silves, and welcomes any other fundraising ideas. As Sofia told me, “if you can simply come and walk just one dog, it will make such a difference”.
The sanctuary cares for over 140 rescued animals — dogs, pigs, cats, goats, sheep, horses, and a donkey.
Most of them have come from cases of abandonment, cruelty, or neglect. But right now, the small team running it desperately need your help.
Find out more about their fundraising and donate through ko-fi.
wigglestail-animal-sanctuary.pt/asecond-pair-of-hands/ ko-fi.com/wigglestailanimalsanctuary
Wigglestail was started in 2015, but only became an official charity in 2022. Having two rescue dogs myslef, Charlie and Freddie, and knowing the plight of so many abandoned and mistreated animals, I was keen to see the sanctuary for myself. Lying in my small hamlet in the Algarve, I see many dogs that are well cared for; however, it still amazes me how many are left tied up 24/7 or simply abandoned and left to starve, as ours were.
The sanctuary, although a little off the beaten track, was easy enough to find, but what struck me most was how peaceful and scenic the surrounding areas were, ideal for dog walking. Jenny, the ever-friendly helper, accompanied me and my newfound doggy companion Jasmine to a nearby stream. Given the heat, we all enjoyed letting off steam, with Jasmine probably enjoying it most of all. The family-friendly sanctuary has a whole array of animals to meet, including horses, donkeys, cats, dogs, sheep, goats and some very friendly pigs. Sofia’s vision is to give these
As for my own experience, rescue dogs require a lot of patience, but the rewards far outweigh the cons and, should they live in my house, they end up being fed far better than I am. If you feel you could give an abandoned animal a loving home, I recommend taking in a refuge dog, as the love you receive in return makes everything worthwhile. The only problem is that you want to take them all home.
When I think of the personal connection between people and dogs, I always smile at the quote by the actor Bill Murray: “I’m suspicious of people who don’t like dogs, but I trust a dog when it doesn’t like a person.”
WhatsApp: +351 937 518 946
wigglestail-animal-sanctuary.pt www.facebook.com/WigglestailAnimalSanctuary www.instagram.com/wigglestail
Let’s be honest, “Alentejo” and “elephants” aren’t exactly two words you’d expect to hear together. But a remarkable programme already underway could change that forever. A bold project is aiming to bring several elephants to a countryside haven, a thousand-acre estate near Alandroal, Évora district.
WORDS Luis de Teves Costa
This project is not a crazy idea cooked up by an extravagant billionaire like Pablo Escobar’s Hippos in Colombia – far from it. This is the work of the Pangea Trust, a UK-registered charity set up in 2017 and established as a non-profit in Portugal in 2022. Their mission? To create Europe’s first large-scale elephant sanctuary, offering a forever home to elephants retired from circuses and zoos around the old continent.
Even though most EU countries have banned the use of elephants in circuses and zoos, Pangea estimates that over 600 elephants are still living in captivity in Europe. This new sanctuary will provide a suitable relocation option for owners who no longer have the capacity or interest in keeping the large animals, which can live well into their 70s. So far, 15 elephants have been identified as priority candidates for relocation.
With the location decided and land secured, the construction of the infrastructure is now underway. Pangea is also recruiting in areas such as fundraising, project management and husbandry, and working to finalise agreements, secure more funding, and navigate the necessary red tape to, hopefully, welcome the first elephants to Alandroal before the end of the year.
It’s only natural that the arrival of the first elephants will spark public curiosity and interest. However, this project is not about creating a tourist attraction. The sanctuary is intentionally located in a remote area, with its core mission
focused on providing a safe, ecologically sustainable environment that supports elephants for the long term. To stay informed about Pangea’s progress and any future opportunities for public engagement, the best way is to follow their social media pages and subscribe to their newsletter.
For the success of this venture, Pangea counts on the help of important partners, including a number of organisations and skilled professionals focused on preserving, protecting and rescuing the lives of wild animals kept in captivity. In Portugal, one key partner is Rewilding Portugal. This non-profit organisation has been doing incredible work in regenerating ecosystems by encouraging the return of natural processes like grazing, seed dispersal and predator-prey dynamics. Altogether, this alliance will ensure that the large sanctuary is a thriving, balanced ecosystem where rescued elephants can live alongside native wildlife and flora.
How to help this project?
As a charity, Pangea depends heavily on donations, which can be made directly through its website. Another powerful way to support the project is by spreading the word, so Pangea encourages everyone to follow, like, and share their page across social media to help raise awareness and reach new potential donors.
Elephants are the largest land animals on our planet. Unmistakably recognisable for their enormous size and trunks, most people are aware that Indian and African elephants are separate species. However, the Asian forest elephant, which was once thought to be a subspecies of the African elephant, is now recognised as a distinct species too. Genetic research showed that the two diverged 2–5 million years ago and are, genetically, as different as lions are from tigers. This recent distinction in 2021, by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), may also suggest that the Asian elephant, currently with several subspecies, may soon be split into different species too, particularly the subspecies isolated on islands such as Sri Lanka, Sumatra or Borneo.
www.pangeatrust.org
www.facebook.com/thepangeatrust www.instagram.com/pangea_trust
Elephants love water and are surprisingly strong swimmers! You might wonder how such a heavy animal doesn’t just sink. The answer lies mainly in their lungs – large and capable of holding a lot of air, which helps keep them buoyant. Also, like big ships, elephants displace enough water to stay afloat. The trunks can be used as in-built snorkels while swimming, allowing them to breathe as they move through deeper water.
Why did the elephant come to the pool naked? They said it was trunks only!
NAME African savanna/ bush elephant (Loxodonta africana)
HABITAT
HEIGHT
WEIGHT
TUSKS
EARS
LONGEVITY
Open lands in Central & Southern Africa
African forest elephant (Loxodonta cyclotis)
During the 1970s and 1980s, Lisbon Zoo had an elephant enclosure that featured a special elephant: a male African elephant who would perform a simple trick enough to thrill visitors of all ages, including a very young me. For a small amount of the old escudos currency, you could buy a few peanuts and feed them to this gentle giant who, in return, would ring a bell placed in the enclosure. This little performance was very popular amongst zoo visitors and went on for years. In the end, zookeepers became concerned that the insatiable pachyderm was too focused on the treats and paid no attention to the females.
Mentalities were also changing and the zoo decided that visitors should observe the animal’s natural behaviour instead of watching him perform tricks and put an end to it. Soon after, the elephant started mating and fathered several baby elephants.
D. Manuel I had a vast collection of exotic birds, lions, apes and elephants, which arrived mainly as gifts from expeditions to Africa and Asia. In 1515, King Manuel I received an Indian rhinoceros as a gift from the governor of the Portuguese Indies. The arrival of the rhino sparked great curiosity, as very few had seen such a beast before. D. Manuel, who had read from ancient Roman texts that elephants and rhinos were deadly rivals, decided to arrange a fight to see which animal would win. Two weeks later, where Praça do Comércio stands today, the stage was set. The king and queen, along with many important guests and a large number of locals, gathered in great anticipation. The elephant and rhino were put face to face but no battle took place. The elephant, described as a young and nervous animal, panicked and fled the arena, destroying the stages and launching chaos through the streets of Lisbon’s downtown.
Going much further back in time to the last known ice age, the Pleistocene epoch, the now extinct straight-tusked elephant (Palaeoloxodon antiquus) roamed freely across the Iberian Peninsula and played an essential role in the local ecosystem.
Fossilised tracks and remains of these elephants have been found in various locations, including the Tagus Valley and also in the Alentejo region.
WORDS Lars Ramquist
Ahhhh, September. The dust is settling after the swarms of holidaymakers congesting our roads and restaurants. Bless you and see you next year!
This September is DENTAL MONTH at Lagos Vet Clinic.
In almost every physical examination I perform, I notice some degree of plaque and tartar. Mostly, the only ones I don’t see are dogs (or cats!!) that are too aggressive to let me go near their fangs, lest my blood gets spilt … again.
A bit of plaque might make for an off-tasting kiss (yuck), but as tartar continues to adhere to the enamel, tooth decay and infection ensue …
As tartar builds, periodontitis causes gum recession, infection and loosening of the periodontal ligament. From this point only extractions will cure the disease process.
Where our pets are concerned, we can’t just tie a piece of dental floss on the loose tooth and tie the other end to a closing door – in fact, I promised my seven-year-old son Ziggy that his
next tooth could be tied off to a Nerf bullet and shot at his sister. Erin is up for it, with helmet and goggles on!
Unlike removing my children’s milk teeth, extracting an animal’s teeth requires a general anaesthetic. This involves removing rotten and loose teeth, and scraping off the tartar from the ones that get to stay inside. Like my dentist in Almádena, we then do a thorough cleaning with an ultrasonic scaler and polish.
It is after dental surgeries that I implore owners to use chews or bones to keep the mouth healthy and stop the problem from recurring. We have spent a long time sourcing the best oral health products to help. One very important thing to understand is that animals with other organ diseases, such as heart or kidney disease, will get a lot worse if the animal has a concurrent mouth infection.
We all know the classic blood on the apple scenario when we haven’t been flossing enough (no one ever doesn’t floss enough, I know!). Well, diseased gums bleed even easier and, thus, the millions of bacteria involved in the mouth infection get absorbed into the bloodstream. From there, they can spread to any part of the body and set up an infection. So, it’s not just the teeth and gums. Dental health is important for many reasons. Not least of all, getting kissed
In September, we are undertaking dental checks and can give free advice about the state of your pet’s oral cavity and what
If you can’t kiss ‘em … get ‘em cleaned. If you can't seem to handle the halitosis,
There is an epidemic killing local cats.
Parvovirus is more commonly associated with dogs. The cat version is called: Feline Panleukopaenia Virus. This is currently decimating stray cat populations. Last summer and earlier this year, there were small outbreaks of panleukopaenia. Right now, there is a major one.
Lagos Vet Clinic has seen several of these cases in the last two weeks. Many unvaccinated cats have died. Our colleagues in other local vet clinics report the same. The vaccine for panleukopaenia is very protective, more so than the canine parvo vaccine. Most unvaccinated cats will die from the infection.
Please make sure your cat has up-to-date panleukopaenia virus vaccines. This virus can (and does) affect indoor cats via fomite (inanimate objects that carry infection such as clothing or bowls) transmission. So, it goes for indoor cats, too!
If you find sick stray cats, contact your vet or the organisations, so that treatments can be given. Prevention is better than a cure, with this one!
Restaurant | Take Away | Delivery
11:30 -23:30 | Fridays 17:00 - 23:30
New location, same amazing food, atmosphere and service!
Private parties (weddings, parties, events) 100+ people
Old location near the beach, open as always:
Rua da Praia 14, Praia da Luz
(+351) (+351)
