Have a wonderful Easter everyone!

Winter walks

The story of the princess and the King is well known in the Algarve. The King's beautiful Nordic Princess was crying away the long winter nights as there was no snow on the ground to give joy to her heart. The King ordered thousands of Almond trees to be planted across the realm and soon the gorgeous white blossoms fell gently to the ground, coating the earth like snow. The Princess was happy and the magic returned to the kingdom.

Today, hundreds of years later the almond trees remain to remind us of this lovely tale. And the beauty products produced from the tender almond are much sought after: aromatic soaps and oils, luscious almond creams, and almond milk. The almond itself is a special treat enjoyed best with a good glass of port.

In free maps

Fruit section

The Algarve is well-known for its delicious, juicy oranges – the EN125 being lined with dozens of roadside vendors. But next week in Portimão, and all under one roof, the citrus fruit becomes king for the ‘Festa da Laranja’ being held at the local market for the seventh year running.

Taking place between February 11 and 15, customers will be able to purchase the fruit at low prices, as well as participate in cooking demonstrations and tastings.

in The Algarve Resident

Merry Christmas

Leading golf destination

The Algarve was voted Europe’s Best Golf Destination for 2014, beating off challenges from several illustrious destinations across Europe.

The awards, staged in Tarragona, Spain are voted for by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO) from 62 different countries. They considered criteria such as customer satisfaction; quality of golf courses and accommodation; value for money; support from suppliers, tourist boards & airlines; professional conduct of suppliers; and accessibility to tee times, when casting their votes.

The IAGTO awards are the highest accolade for golfing destinations. The Algarve beat off the challenges of other nominees which included Dublin and Central Ireland, Gran Canary, the Scottish Highlands, the French Riviera, and Lisbon’s own Golf Coast.

Mediterranean diet

The Mediterranean Diet was nominated, World’s Intangible Cultural Heritage by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

The recommendation was submitted by Portugal, Cyprus, Croatia, Spain, Greece, Italy, and Morocco. The nomination took place at the 8th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, being held in Baku, Azerbaijan, this December.

According to a prepared statement by UNESCO, “The Mediterranean diet is a set of traditional practices, knowledge and skills passed on from generation to generation and providing a sense of belonging and continuity to the concerned communities.”

The Mediterranean Diet emphasizes primarily plant-based foods like fruits, vegetables, and nuts, healthy fats, such as olive oil, eating fish and poultry and limiting red meat, reducing additional salt intake and drinking red wine in moderation.

Benefits include the decrease in the risk of heart disease, increases life span, reduces internal inflammation, slows cognitive loss that leads to Alzheimer’s disease and a may prevent and help cure Type II Diabetes. 

Autumn highlights

As I make my way across the fields I can only be thankful for the late autumn that has been such a blissful time. After another busy season, it’s a pleasure to slow down and explore for the sake of witnessing the beauty of the deep tones of nature, before it slides into winter. The gold, red, and orange hues are even more beautiful when they contrast against the blue sky, throughout rows of twisted vines, and old thick posts, as well as the luscious wild grapes that the bright sun seems to illuminate. 

The greatest get-together

Loulé white night is an evening of family entertainment where the centre of town turns into a stage for a wide range of performances including live music, parades, street artists, jugglers, fire eaters, human statues, clowns, magicians and a host of entertainers.  Shops are open until late and the windows are decorated in white while the streets become a giant chillout lounge with seating spread around. This is indeed a special evening enjoyed by all generations, residents and visitors that marks the end of the summer season for tourists and where as a tradition the dress code is simply white!

Europe’s best beach destination

The Algarve has won five prestigious awards in what is now known as the ‘Oscars’ of tourism, the World travel Awards, after being nominated in fourteen different categories.

The rest of the country also made a good impression, with Lisbon taking the title of Europe’s Leading City Break Destination and Madeira taking the title of Europe’s Leading Island Destination.

The complete list of winners can be seen at: www.worldtravelwards.com

Joining the festivities

Silves returned to the past, recreating the history, culture and traditions of the centuries gone by, during the Medieval fair, which took place between the 2nd and the 11^th of August in the historical town centre. Both resident and tourists were able to step back into the sights, sounds and flavours continuing the tremendous success of previous years.

Bloom season

While looking ahead to the magic of summer, a morning walk in the fields with Rico and my little friend Lily, reminds me of how we all need to recharge our lives, every so often, and how simple pleasures can turn an ordinary routine into something extraordinary. For some of you spring does not arrive as early, but I do hope that so far everyone has enjoyed the days getting longer. All these vibrant colours certainly make me wish for time to halt so that all the flowers would remain bloomed all year around… It’s so pleasant to be able to set up the outdoor table and chairs by the garden and grill spicy piri-piri chicken served with a salad of local produce, and wine from Portugal’s best vineyards, while the sun comes down through the bougainvilleas. It’s amazing how year after year so many people return. Have you yet? I am where I want to be and hope you’ll find the inspiration for your next holiday right here in the Algarve!

When fun begins

With a tradition that is over 100 years old, Carnival at Loulé is an event not to be missed in the Algarve that will welcome once again the traditional parade of allegoric floats, street entertainers, samba schools and giant puppets with hundreds of people taking part to bring colour and excitement and sharing a general feeling of joy.

Out and about

This time of the year is truly magical. Impressive almond trees along the paths or overlooking the sea certainly highlight the scenery around. Totally immersed in nature I particularly enjoy watching the winter white and pink blooms giving way to tiny tender green leaves letting me know that spring is not too far away. If you are not a fan of short days, and bone chilling weather is not for you, get in touch for our special off season offers and join us for the intensity of the moment. You’ll be over thrilled! 

Experiencing the season

I know. Too much excitement, right? Anyway, I've just decided to go simple on the biggest event of the year. After all, ritual and tradition passed from generation to generation are the reason, and celebration is how we share that enjoyment. I love using bright reds and fresh evergreen that bring the holiday cheer, all the pine cones I've been collecting throughout the year while walking with Rico that I carefully place in silver goblets  as well as all those vintage treasures - the perfect addition to any room for something beautifully unique!

Every year my tree looks slightly different just by mixing out the same family ornaments and adding a few new ones, along with snow flakes and the twinkling lights that just like the ones in cities all over the world come to life with millions that spark!

I also filled my mantel top with greenery and natural elements until Father Christmas brings the good stuff!

May the holidays bring us a little closer. Enjoy the season everyone!

Thankful for everything

Speaking of Thanksgiving I’m thankful for so many things and so many people. My readers and my clients are among those I am most thankful for. Enjoy today and plan now for your 2013 holiday at Albufeira and see why it is consistently recognized as not only one of the most popular beach resorts in southern Europe, but a fantastic destination, with a flavour all its own. Each time can be a great escape! Meanwhile have a wonderful day of thanks!

Awaiting your arrival

The heat spell that has lasted for months is finally over, and although it has been crazy, I will really miss it. It seems that it wasn’t too long ago that we were still sitting in the sunshine firing up the barbecue and enjoying pleasant evenings outside but now grey clouds have moved in and suddenly it feels completely natural to put a cardigan on. One of the things I love the most is looking at the foliage immersed in nature and feel fully inspired. Autumn is the season for renewal and cooler temperatures, blue skies, and cozier clothing are enough to make this time of the year such a wonderful treat. If you care for a break in October join me in the Algarve. I am very happy to help and make your stay as enjoyable as possible. After the first time you will be hooked!

An experience to savour

The Portuguese national dish, bacalhau, or salt cod, has its origins on the Grand Banks of the North Atlantic, where the Portuguese once played a major role in manning the fishing boats. A flavorful fish, to say the least, there are supposedly at least 365 ways to prepare it. It’s difficult to find any restaurant in Portugal that doesn’t serve some form of it - the most popular is probably bacalhau à braz, a stir fry of cod, chips, scrambled eggs, and onions, garnished with black olives and parsley.

Don't miss out

I can’t believe how fast this summer is flying by! Personally, with temperatures like this, I'm looking forward to the cooler days of autumn. Shut your eyes. And what do you picture? Nothing, but warm and sunny days ahead, beach retreats minutes away, and the many varied shops, pubs and restaurants all within walking distance at very special prices. Look no further than our properties and savor the end of the season with us. An awesome promotion is going on right now for October from £ 180 for a week’s accommodation. Get in touch for details!

Portugal among least expensive EU countries

Overall prices in Portugal were lower than average prices in the 27 member European Union, according to its official statistics agency Eurostat. Taking all products together, costs in Portugal were 13% lower than the average. Food and non-alcoholic beverages were lower by 10%, alcohol and tobacco by 15%, clothing by 7%, and restaurants and hotels by 21%.