From the life of the Flamingo
Next to the bee-eater and hoopoe, the flamingo, also referred to as the greater flamingo, is one of the exotic birds visitors to the Algarve would most like to see Until the 1980s, there were hardly any flamingos in the western part of the Algarve. Nowadays, this somewhat grotesque, but also elegant-looking large bird, can be observed at various locations. Since this species prefers brackish water or salt water, larger groups...
Southern delights in Ferragudo
O Canto in Ferragudo opened just before Easter this year and is a welcome new addition to the Ferragudo restaurant scene. A joint collaboration between Jimmy Cruz (formally the head chef at Taste, in Carvoeiro) and Tony Laginha (a local restaurateur), O Canto has put together a small and balanced menu that incorporates rustic Mediterranean flavours and specialties including delicious tapas, fresh fish and Argentinean ribeye steaks....
Local photographer exhibits in Lisbon
Well-known Aljezur photographer João Mariano, whose work often depicts the Algarve’s ancient traditions and livelihoods, is exhibiting his work in Lisbon until April 16. The exhibition, entitled O Conhecido Desconhecido (The Known Unknown), is dedicated to Lagoa’s beautiful coastline. The photographic works of João Mariano, who has also published books about Alvor’s shellfish catchers and Monchique’s...
A dream come true
The recently-renovated mezzanine extension of A Vela provides a fitting venue for a magnificent baby grand piano. The piano has long been a dream of owner Antónia Cobrinha, who is thrilled to finally be able to turn her dream into reality. A pianist will perform several times a week throughout the season, accompanied by a saxophonist on Wednesdays and a singer on Friday evenings, to elevate the dining experience. The plan is to have a...
Moving in the right direction
Algarve Removals has been successfully relocating its clients’ belongings and online shopping orders with its weekly service between the UK and the Algarve for 15 years. Increase in demand has seen some major expansion developments. In addition to the present Alcantarilha warehouse, where you can arrange pick-ups and long-term storage, two convenient new collection points have opened in Almancil and Tavira, to serve the Eastern...
New outside catering service
Galo d’Ouro branches out. Near the beginning of the “in road” of Carvoeiro, Ricardo Teodoro has run his very popular take away food shop for 15 years. Specialising in succulent chargrilled chicken along with a large selection of meat, fish, vegetarian and side dishes, Galo d’Ouro also offer a delivery service for larger orders and can deliver wine or other beverages with your take away. Having worked in catering for too many...
Eco Triumph
When Vasco and Filipa Chaveca started their electric Tuk Tuk business in 2013, the future was uncertain, given the negative response they felt in Portimão. They made the wise move of crossing the bridge and adapting their original plan to incorporate unique private tours, while forging great partnerships with local vineyards and businesses. We are proud to have supported them from the outset and to share the wonderful news that they...
Best in the world
Who would have thought that this small coastal area in Portugal could attract so many prestigious awards? Rei das Praias, on Caneros beach, has made it onto the Condé Nast Traveller Gold List 2016: Best restaurants in the world. One of only 18 restaurants around the globe to make it onto the list, comments about Rei das Praias included: “Come once and it will start a habit of a lifetime”. Located on the coastal road between Carvoeiro...
A star is born
First Michelin Star for Carvoeiro. In late November, restaurateur Nuno Diogo and chef Rui Silvestre received the news that they had been dreaming of for most of their professional lives: restaurant Bon Bon, in Sesmarias, was awarded a Michelin star. The news broke just as Bon Bon was closing for its winter break, which was probably just as well, as Nuno had some major renovations planned and what better way to open in 2016 than with a...
HQ – Celebrating new beginnings
Time has flown for HQ Furnishings in Lagoa (in front of Fatacil) as they are now celebrating their 2 year anniversary. The showroom opened without fanfare and has proved to be a welcome new start for Paul and Cindy Goodchild, who lost their original business due to a flood in 2011. The couple have created a virtual treasure trove of decor, furniture and fabric samples for all soft furnishings. With a great selection of smaller items...
Peddle power
Bringing us closer together. The joint collaboration between Lagoa town council and a Portuguese “start-up”, backed by a Canadian multinational, promises to bring 21 electric bicycles and a network of charging points to the borough by the end of November 2015. The brainchild of businessman Luís Cortes, it involves a global investment of €137,000 – 40% of which has been financed by the council. The plan focuses on the areas...
Carvoeiro Clube Expansion
On November 12th 2015, Quinta do Paraiso resort, was sold to Erik de Vlieger and Andreas Stocker, the owners of the Carvoeiro Clube Group. Caroveiro Clube will add Quinta do Paraiso to their already impressive portfolio of Carvoeiro Clube, Monte Carvoeiro, Algarve Clube Atlantico, Presa de Moura, Monte Dourado resorts and the real estate company Quinta da Palmeira. With almost 200 employees and over 300 managed properties in 6...
Happy Birthday Charly’s
Charly’s Gin & Cocktail bar sits in the privileged position overlooking the main square and beach in Carvoeiro and is home to some of the best sunsets around! Run by Kenny and Sophia from Belgium, the couple took over the bar 2 years ago and have never looked back. Kenny is a keen DJ and Mixologist so he’s perfectly at home behind the bar, creating amazing cocktails, using premium spirits and playing his vast selection of...
Coworking heaven
If your office is where the wifi is, then this could be the perfect winter escape for you! Work in Paradise Carvoeiro based company CoWorkAlgarve has secured One2Seven for the 1st co-working / co-living project in the Algarve that will take place throughout February 2016. One2Seven in Ferragudo is a luxurious venue with private bedrooms and bathrooms built around impressive onsite facilities. There’s a heated infinity...
Art in Ferragudo
This autumn/winter the Real Compromisso Marítimo exhibition centre showcases five new installations. The range of exhibitions includes photography, painting, stained glass, sculpture, masks and videos. A permanent exhibition, Vida e Obra (Life and Work) by Jose Cortes, a local, self-taught sculptor, will be on show throughout autumn with temporary exhibitions running alongside. September 12-29, Compromisso Marítimo “Uma imagem...
New Doctor in town
Handing over the reins After 36 years practicing general medicine, Dr Kenneth Vieira plans to retire in the coming year. Dr Ken, as he is affectionately known, built his practice, located just behind the kiosk at the end of the taxi rank in the centre of Praia do Carvoeiro, in 2003. He opened to the public in 2004 with the help of his wife Henriette. A chance meeting with a Dutch doctor, Ronald Bakker, couldn’t have happened at a more...
Borda do Cais
Ferragudo’s newest restaurant Located on the bay of Ferragudo, you’ll find Borda do Cais restaurant. Renovated in a traditional style with modern touches, the building is designed to make the most of the wonderful vista over the estuary of the River Arade, where you can watch the fishermen go about their daily tasks. The menu offers fresh, locally caught seafood specialties with the addition of juicy Mirandesa and Black Angus steaks...
Mar d’Fora Restaurant, a piece of paradise in Carvoeiro
Mar d’Fora restaurant occupies a highly privileged position, perched among the cliffs above Praia do Paraiso in Carvoeiro. Featuring thoughtful design touches, including stylish yet comfortable seating and retractable glass doors that create a feeling of harmony with the breathtaking panoramic ocean view, it’s a noteworthy addition to Carvoeiro dining scene. The menu is based on Mediterranean classics with fresh fish, meat and risotto...
Le Crô
Pure and Simple, it’s Le Crô The offerings of Le Crô can be summed up in a few words, tasty and healthy comfort food. In a small cafe across from The Wolf Bar & Grill, husband and wife team Hugo and Marina have created a wonderfully decadent yet healthy menu. Savory and sweet homemade croissants are available with fillings, such as salmon and cream cheese or lashings of Nutella, depending on your mood. Juices are freshly squeezed...
Tearoom
Anyone for Tea? New Tea Room opens in Silves Val Walton has poured her energy into a traditional old building in the heart of medieval Silves and transformed it into Caffé Duetto. The tea room opened early in July and offers a diverse range of quality leaf teas from around the world along with speciality fruit teas and tisanes. Even the iced teas are homemade and a welcome respite from the hotter inland temperatures. Val prides...
