Mercusion is innovating the fashion industry by using organic and recycled materials
A fusion of worlds – December 1, 2023 | Text Beatriz Maio | Photos Renee Joppe Sarah Duemmel was born in East Germany, but it is in Praia da Luz that she spends her days and develops her work. She had already visited Portugal several times and lived in Lisbon before, but, in 2020, she decided to explore the South, and this is here where she intends to stay. She did not have an easy childhood, growing up during the Cold War and in an...
Sisters Leila and Jasmin Chouikha’s paintings explore creativity in abstract and realistic styles
From a family of talented artists, Leila and Jasmin Chouikha paint in completely different styles, from dreamy pieces to portraits and comics – November 30, 2023 | Text Beatriz Maio Jasmin Chouikha (left) and Leila Chouikha (right) Born in Switzerland, Leila and Jasmin Chouikha grew up surrounded by art, in a house where the paintings and statues of their Tunisian father, a recognised photographer, painter, and sculptor, were...
The art of making sweet and spicy jams: Cátia Santos has created “Munchi”, an artisanal brand of “unequalled flavours”
Munchi enriches every meal with its jams, chutneys, and piri-piri sauces and sweetens the heart with its cakes – November 29, 2023 | Text Beatriz Maio Lagos native Cátia Santos is the face behind Munchi Cozinha Criativa (Creative Kitchen), a dream that took shape in 2019 and has not stopped growing since. It all started with the desire to make use of leftover food which, together with her creativity, led to unequalled flavours. She...
Marie Patterson explores some local favourites and hidden gems not to be missed in Carvoeiro
A tourist at home – October 14, 2023 | Text Marie Patterson | Photos Charlotte Cockayne/Open Media Group As the holiday season starts to come to an end and the heat of the summer begins to die down, I decide to kick start a quiet Sunday indulging in a sumptuous treat for the taste buds by heading to Monte Carvoeiro for brunch. Already a renowned fine-dining restaurant, The Square by Raquel Marques has taken the concept of brunch to a...
Local artist Jérome Gay applies his multifaceted talent to sculptures, ceramics, and paintings
Turning feelings into art – September 14, 2023 | Text Beatriz Maio | Photos Charlotte Cockayne/Open Media Group Born in the UK, Jérome Gay came to live in the Algarve as a child with his English mother and Spanish father, where he grew up, made friends, and acquired a taste for the country. From an early age, he had a connection with the arts as his family had several paintings at home which, together with his good grades at school in...
From generation to generation, one family continues to pass on the traditions of locally produced regional liqueurs
A taste of the Algarve – September 7, 2023 | Text Beatriz Maio | Photos Charlotte Cockayne/Open Media Group It is in the heart of the mountains that some of the region’s most flavourful liqueurs and firewater are born, produced by a couple who have collected centuries’ worth of knowledge for their production. In this family, it is a tradition to provide for those who enjoy a drink at the end of the meal with the most distinctive...
Ferragudo is home to a trendy brunch spot that has already become a reference in the area
Brunch in Rio offers “a memorable experience for more than just the food” – July 31, 2023 | Text Beatriz Maio In a familiar, intimate and comfortable environment, Brunch in Rio offers a memorable experience, not only for the food – which is exceptional – but for its relaxed atmosphere and pleasing décor. It is a place that was missing in the Algarve and has been much appreciated by locals and foreigners who haven’t stopped...
How three friends decided to combine their skills to show the beauty of the Algarve Coast in a very particular way
Paddling away in an intimate, friendly and familiar environment, away from the crowds – July 26, 2023 | Text Beatriz Maio, Photos Xavier Madeira BrotheRootz Sup Tours was born in January of 2022 and began operating around Easter that year. It was a joint project by three friends who are passionate about the sea and, in particular, the Algarve coast. Having all grown up by the beach, since childhood, all they have always wanted is to...
Experience a breadth of emotions with ‘scenic flights’ over the Algarve coast
Explore the caves of Benagil, the Sagres Fortress, or the Vicentine Coast with the “largest general aviation company in Portugal and one of the largest in Europe” – July 19, 2023 | Text & Photos Bruno Filipe Pires / Open Media Group Getting to see the caves of Benagil, the Sagres Fortress, or the Vicentine Coast from an altitude of 1,000 feet (around 300 metres), aboard a small single-engine aircraft, is something you...
Vila Vita opens new Italian restaurant Giardino
Giardino shines the spotlight on “traditional classic dishes from Italy” – July 11, 2023 Luxury resort Vila Vita Parc in Porches, Lagoa, has a new Italian restaurant, Giardino – La Cucina Italiana. The restaurant shines the spotlight on “traditional classic dishes from Italy” and joins the selection of 11 restaurants that the resort has to offer. “Located on a covered Clubhouse terrace with an expansive ocean view,...
Marie Patterson unveils some local favourites and hidden gems not to be missed in Carvoeiro
A tourist at home – July 9, 2023 | Text Marie Patterson, Photos Charlotte Cockayne/Open Media Group Nothing screams “summer’s here” quite like a calming boat trip to the local caves, so on this particular Saturday I decide to head to the picturesque beach of Benagil for a tour with Taruga. Tickets can be purchased online to avoid disappointment and at their ticket office located immediately in front of Benagil beach. Trips run at a...
How a Local Dental Clinic helps the little ones feel at ease
Big tiny smiles – July 7, 2023 | Text Beatriz Maio Located in Lagoa, the Vitra Clinic dentist office came up with an innovative idea that arose from the need both to increase the physical space and to give children a place of their own, where they feel comfortable and break the stigma associated with going to the dentist. Not only do they have their own entrance, but also an unequalled waiting room full of joy and fun, making it...
Alvor hotel reopens under Tivoli brand
The New Tivoli Alvor Algarve Resort features 491 Rooms, five outdoor pools, one indoor pool and more – July 6, 2023 | Text Michael Bruxo The all-inclusive five-star hotel formerly known as Pestana Blue Alvor has reopened under the Tivoli brand as the Tivoli Alvor Algarve Resort. The resort is located in the tourist hotspot of Alvor in Portimão, just a short walk from the beach. In a statement to the press, the resort is described as...
Lota Cool Market returns to Portimão’s Riverside this July 5, with Crafts, Street Food, and Live Music
The summer season brings the anticipated 8th edition of the “Coolest Market in the South” – July 4, 2023 Portimão marks the beginning of summer with the riverside “Lota Cool Market” event, taking place between July 5-9 from 6pm to 1am, focusing on environmental awareness under the “Blue Fever” theme. This year’s Lota Cool Market will be “bigger and more dynamic” with the addition of the “Young Cool...
Lagoa Wine Show returns with an exciting lineup of concerts, wine tastings, entertainment and delicious local food
Celebrating the beginning of the summer season, Lagoa will bring together Fado music with delicious food and wine – June 1, 2023 The Lagoa Wine Show is back from June 7 to 10 with live music performances, entertainment, wine tastings and great local gastronomy with show-cooking demonstrations during which renowned Portuguese chefs will prepare tasty dishes using local ingredients. As the Algarve gradually gains notoriety as a...
Enjoy the real taste of the Algarve at Carvoeiro’s beachfront “Tapas da Vila”
In addition to its breathtaking view of Carvoeiro Beach, Tapas da Vila serves up a delicious and diverse menu – April 12, 2023 | Text by Patrick Stuart When local couple Toni and Maria Rebelo opened their restaurant, located on the hill up to Carvoeiro’s church just before the GNR police station, they decided from the outset to create something that the village has long been lacking, and that is somewhere to sample authentic Algarve...
Local Guide: Uncovering hidden gems in Carvoeiro and Ferragudo
In this new series, Inside Carvoeiro unveils some local favourites and hidden gems that cannot be missed in the area – April 11, 2023 Even having being granted the privilege of living in this local area for nearly 30 years, I still am constantly surprised by the amount of people who cross my path with suggestions of things to do locally that I am yet to try. Tourists are blessed yet overwhelmed with an array of things to experience...
Discover some great wildlife photography spots in the Algarve with Photographer Craig Rogers
Nature Photographer Craig Rogers reveals some of his favourite spots in the Algarve where you can practice your wildlife photography skills – April 10, 2023 I am often asked where the best locations to view and photograph wildlife in the Algarve are, and my reply is often “Anywhere!”. Whilst some of my photography takes advanced planning, camouflage and patience, some of my favourite photographs are simply from being at the right...
Portimão’s Historic Centre welcomes New Art Gallery by Algarve Artist Meinke Flesseman
Dutch-Born Algarve Artist Meinke Flesseman has started a new project in an old building which is being completely renovated – April 10, 2023 The idea to purchase the building and open her own gallery came to Meinke from the desire to create her own artistic space. “I fell in love with this place,” Meinke said. “It was big, and spooky, and had all the space that I wanted. My imagination ran wild.” The gallery opened in December last,...
Carvoeiro’s Iconic Restaurant ‘Bon Bon’ Celebrated its 10th Anniversary in Style
The Michelin-starred restaurant celebrated its 10th anniversary with two unforgettable gastronomic evenings – April 10, 2023 Ten of Portugal’s best chefs came together for a truly unforgettable set of dinners in celebration of the 10th anniversary of Carvoeiro’s Michelin-star restaurant Bon Bon. Bon Bon chef José Lopes teamed up with a different team of prestigious chefs on each night. Each chef presented one dish, with José Lopes...
