Zoomarine celebrates baby dolphin Neo
The Algarve’s marine theme park Zoomarine celebrated International Day of the Child (June 1) by presenting Neo – its latest addition to the much-loved family of bottle-nosed dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) which have characterised the complex for the last 30 years. In fact, 2021 is the year in which Zoomarine celebrates its 30th birthday (on August 3 to be precise) and, to this end, the team hopes Neo’s birth, on the very last day...
Lagoa unveils plans for Espaço Gamboa
The project is set to honour the life and work of local painter Manuel Gamboa On May 24, the day master Manuel Gamboa would turn 96 years old, the Municipality of Lagoa publicly presented the project for the creation of a space dedicated to the life and work of the painter. The “museum” will contribute to the recognition of a renowned figure in Lagoa, inserted in a cultural policy of continuity, promoted by the Municipality, focused...
Promenade Concert Cycle continues in Lagoa
The Promenade Concert Cycle continues on June 13, with the concert Histórias D’Encantar, at 4.30pm at the Carlos do Carmo Auditorium, in Lagoa. The OCS Algarve orchestra will be joined by maestro Élio Leal and Rui Baeta as presenter and interpreter. Together they will perform works by Johann Strauss, Carl Nielsen, Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy, Engelbert Humperdinck, and Gioacchino Rossini. Starting at 4.30pm, with limited seating...
UK media spotlights Carvoeiro in report about British holidaymakers
The Algarve’s charming village of Carvoeiro was the main setting for a three-part news report this week by the UK’s Channel 5 News about the return of British tourists to Portugal. Led by reporter Peter Lane, the first video was filmed aboard a Manchester-Faro flight and explored why Brits are choosing the Algarve for their holiday. “We just enjoy socialising, and it has more to do with being able to sit, enjoy a drink, watch the...
Sand City brings “mythological creatures” to Lagoa
Lagoa’s Sand City, described as the “largest sand sculpture theme park in the world”, opened its doors to the public in late May and is promising another season of impressive sand sculptures, this year themed around ‘Mythological Creatures and Monsters’. Located on the EN125 opposite the Nobel International School Algarve, the exhibition is still being put together. In other words, visitors will have the opportunity to not only see...
Algarve artist wows again with giant painting of F1 legends
– April 30, 2021 Algarve street artist HUARIU is making a splash yet again after having unveiled on Thursday night a giant painting that pays tribute to British F1 racing driver Lewis Hamilton, who is back to track action in Portimão this weekend, and late F1 pilot Ayrton Senna, who tragically died in 1994 after crashing during the San Marino Grand Prix at Italy’s Imola circuit. Titled ‘Even Legends Have Heroes’, it was painted onto...
Welcome back
Amendoeira Golf Resort shows off its brand new, family-friendly facilities As golf courses reopen, Amendoeira Golf Resort in Alcantarilha (Silves) is showing off its brand new, family-friendly facilities to complement the existing, award-winning golf offering. The resort, set over 270 hectares of gently undulating land, has just undergone an extensive redevelopment, with owners Kronos Homes focusing on providing a “luxurious and...
Arade River’s centuries-old cannons gain “National Treasure” status
Portimão Council has announced that the 17th century cannons that were recovered from the bottom of the Arade River between 1992 and 2006 have been given “National Treasure” status. The 10 cannons finally obtained the new status last Thursday (April 22) after the proposal was approved by the Council of Ministers. In fact, the cannons’ classification as a “National Treasure” had already been approved by the Museum, Conservation,...
Calling all birdwatchers
The Portuguese society for the study of birds (SPE) is looking for volunteers to join Portugal’s 2021 common bird census The nationwide bird census is described by SPEA as a “citizen science project” which relies on the contribution of volunteers to gather important information about the country’s common bird population. “It is important because these common species are a large part of our ecosystems, but because they are not...
Lagoa’s Convent’bio hosts paintings exhibition by Inna Hawker
On February 26, Local artist Inna Hawker inaugurated an exhibition of several paintings at Lagoa’s Convent’bio store. The exhibition will run until the end of April and will be open for individual viewings only due to the Covid-19 pandemic. An opening ceremony with food and drinks is planned for when the ongoing lockdown is lifted. Inna is a self-taught artist who was born in Ukraine in 1981 and moved to Portugal over 10 years ago....
Lagoa among “safest destinations in Europe in times of pandemic”
The Algarve municipality of Lagoa has been named one of the safest destinations to visit in Europe in 2021, in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic, according to online portal European Best Destinations (EBD). Destinations were selected based on criteria such as “the number of active cases of Covid-19 per 100,000 inhabitants, the number of deaths, health measures, recommendations put in place by the authorities to welcome you in...
Anke Punt unveils new art series
Fifty percent of proceeds will go to the Alvor children’s home Lar de Crianças Bom Samaritano German artist Anke Punt will be exhibiting her new art series at Lagoa’s Convent’bio from January 1 to 31, 2021. “It all started with my passion for art and learning from the old masters. This, combined with a love for nature, was the beginning of a new series,” said Anke Punt. “Convent’bio is a beautiful place and they supported my idea of...
Vila Vita Parc launches food delivery service
‘Home & Away’ is the name of a new food delivery and take away service launched by Vila Vita Parc resort in Porches. “Apart from the wide selection of dishes created by the team of chefs at the resort, creative Christmas hampers are also available to be ordered for the festive season,” the resort announced. The menu includes “ready-made Asian bites, prime meat dishes and a wide variety of cakes, petit fours and cookies, as well as...
Carvoeiro’s iconic Alfanzina lighthouse turns 100
Farol de Alfanzina in Carvoeiro (Lagoa) celebrated its 100th anniversary on Tuesday, December 1. To mark the milestone, the Association of Lighthouse Keepers and Lagoa Council are planning to carry out a series of activities at the iconic lighthouse throughout the coming year, including exhibitions, lectures, talks, artistic performances and guided tours. The programme is to be revealed soon. Set along the stunning coast of Carvoeiro,...
Algarve named Europe’s Leading Beach Destination at tourism ‘Oscars’
Portugal has emerged as one of the winners of the European edition of the World Travel Awards. The country has brought home 26 ‘tourism Oscars’, including the prizes for Leading Destination (Portugal) and Leading Beach Destination (Algarve). It is the fourth year in a row that Portugal has been elected Europe’s top destination. “It is with great pride that we receive this award in this atypical year,” said Secretary of State for...
Lagoa to celebrate Wine Tourism Day with tuk-tuk tour
Lagoa Wine Experiences is the name of a new initiative that aims to shine the spotlight on locally produced wines. Launched in celebration of Wine Tourism Day, the initiative will start with a tour of three wine estates on Saturday, November 7. The tour will begin at 10.30am at the wine cellars of the Adega Cooperativa do Algarve, one of the oldest in Portugal, followed by a tuk-tuk ride to the historic Quinta da Palmeirinha estate...
Lagoa artist’s giant painting of Lewis Hamilton goes viral
– October 29, 2020 Formula 1 icon Lewis Hamilton was “totally blown away” by a giant painting in his honour that was painted onto a private football pitch in Mexilhoeira Grande, Portimão, by Algarve street artist HUARIU. The British racing legend, who last weekend celebrated his record 92nd F1 career win at the Algarve International Racetrack, shared a video of the massive work of art on his Instagram page, which, at the time of...
Lagoa to host first Wine Cities Competition in November
It’s official – Lagoa has been selected to host Portugal’s first Wine Cities Competition, which will take place between November 26 and 29 at the town’s São José Convent. Around 600 Portuguese wines are to be judged, all of which will automatically enter the European wine competition ‘Città del Vino’ to be held in Italy between May 20 and 23 next year. “The Wine Cities Competition is the only such initiative in the world that...
Local project wins silver medal at architecture awards
Ferragudo studio Marlene Uldschmidt Architects was awarded the silver medal in the category for Residential – Single-family Houses, at the Prémios Lusófonos de Arquitetura for their project Villa Petra Located in Carvoeiro, Villa Petra is a renovation project set in a low-density area and features several amenities such as pool and a tennis court, along with stunning landscape with palm trees and tropical plants. The Prémios Lusófonos...
Expressions of colour
From October 3 to November 28, the Celas Conventuais do Centro Cultural Convento S. José will welcome an exhibit from artist Ana Sota titled “Expressions of Colour”. Creating vibrant pieces with acrylic on canvas and wood, the artist seeks to blend the bright with the opaque whilst playing with strong colours and monochromatic tones. Looking to create a simple and vibrant universe that awakens different emotions in...