algarvePLUS - September '25

MORE TASTE THAN YOU EVER IMAGINED

Phew. It’s cooling down. Not a lot, yet, but we’re heading into Autumn which means easy-going days, and nights without the air con blasting, and dinners without a flurry of hand-held fans (incidentally, Vila Joya’s are the best, should you need one). One of the pleasures – the many pleasures – of a work-packed diary is staying out of the sun – I don’t remember heat like we had in August at any time in recent decades. In fact, years ago, in the middle of summer, taking a sweater or wrap with you in the evening was essential.

Autumn does mean quieter roads, fewer queues, manageable markets, last-minute restaurant bookings. Yes, we’ll miss the throngs of tourists who are vitally necessary to businesses here, but those businesses now have the time to relax, refresh, and get ready for 2026.

And we have certainly planned our year ahead. Your emails and WhatsApp messages listing your favourite topics and more-of-thatplease requests shape the direction of our editorial. Most satisfying are the comments on the lines of “Been here for years and never knew that / never been there, but going now”. That’s what we’re here for, after all –to inform, to share and at the same time to entertain. By introducing you to new places, people with opinions, and varied lifestyle possibilities, we hope to add to the pleasure your new-found home can provide. There is so much here to relish. Cool is more than just the temperature.

Susi Rogol-Goodkind, EDITOR +351 965 581 831 | susi@rogol-goodkind.com

CONTACTS

MARTIN GOODKIND

Publisher +351 963 146 398 martin@algarveplusmagazine.com

KIM COLLEY

Art Director

+44 (0)7973 426196 dk.colley@btinternet.com

(COST OF CALLS AT YOUR MOBILE PROVIDER’S RATE)

That Night In Vegas couldn’t be a better name for this new collection by Triumph’s Style Lab that is all about glamour, intense colours, striking details, and a bold attitude. Think purple, shocking pink, and lots of straps. pt.triumph.com

IF YOU

Play around. These handsculpted solid teak hanging lights from the PLAY collection stand out both individually and as a group. Natural veins in the wood enhance the artisanal character of each lamp. The new season products in the Tavira store, By Oliveira, will inspire you to rethink your decor. byoliveira.com

Beach bound or brunch ready, these silky hair scrunchies double up as stylish bracelets and yes, wear lots together. Crafted from ultra-soft materials, so no snags, no slips, but lots of budget-priced style and a choice of add-on charms. From the UK, but represented over here. emporio786.com

Achieve two decor objectives in one go. If you want to add more maritime influences to your interiors then sea life-inspired accessories are an interesting option. Want to dress up a curtain pull? There you go: pop on a Linckia Cabinet Hardware piece, inspired by starfishes. pullcast.eu

VERY BEAUTIFUL BARGAINS

Don’t miss out on a great, money-savings opportunity. From 1 September, Dunas Living in Quinta Shopping will be treating you to 30-70% discounts on swimwear and coverups for women and men. And that’s alongside the current discounts on high-fashion designer brands. This little Melissa Odabash number is a must-buy right now.

dunas-living.com

Casa Alegre by Vista Alegre has designed seven different espresso coffee cups, each with a luck symbol – the perfect gift for someone who is heading for university or starting a new job. The packaging is amazing and you never know which one you’re going to get! Best of luck! €13 each. casaalegre.com

A new villa, a beautifully-restored windmill, has been added to the Vila Vita Collection portfolio. Casa Rosa dos Ventos, located near Guia, has two bedrooms, a rooftop terrace with ocean and vineyard views, sprawling gardens and a heated outdoor swimming pool. Guests can expect five-star hotel service from the comfort of their own villa, complete with welcome hamper, complimentary toiletries, concierge and daily housekeeping. Guests can also take advantage of Vila Vita Parc’s 12 restaurants, seven bars and the award-winning Spa – which received the highest honour of three keys in the inaugural Portuguese MICHELIN Keys guide. Rates for Casa Rosa dos Ventos start at €440 per night. vilavitacollection.com

From Torres Novas comes fruity linen Mafra tablewear with watermelon, cherry, pineapple, and orange embroideries adding a touch of freshness for relaxed dining. There are napkins, cocktail napkins and placemats in the collection and every one a tasty treat. torresnovas.com

A little while ago we featured the work of João Custodio, who produces necklaces of beads made from raw materials –including newspapers and magazines. He is now using the same technique to create a range of African-style dolls, 30cm and 40cm tall, that are laden with detail and colour. Prices range from €30 to €50, depending on the complexity and craftsmanship of the piece. To find out more, call him on 965 519 570 or email

custodiobelo2@gmail.com

20 Questions

MEET ELLI TOWNSEND, FOUNDER OF PRETTY NATURAL PORTUGAL, WHO IS LOVING HER NEW LIFE IN OURIQUE. THERE ’ LL BE MORE ABOUT HER FAVOURITE PLACES, PRODUCTS AND PEOPLE IN ALGARVEPLUS OCTOBER ISSUE

1. What is Pretty Natural Portugal? From the start, my brand’s vision has been to create handmade goods and healthy food, exploring Portugal’s beautiful destinations and promoting its unique products.

2. When did you arrive in Portugal, from where, and who with? On 19 August 2024, I landed in Portugal from Canada with my boyfriend, his mother, and our three cats.

3. Where are you based here? We live in Aldeia de Palheiros, a small village just outside Ourique, in the Beja district.

4. Did you research different places? Yes. In May 2023, my boyfriend and I toured Portugal to look at properties. At first, we thought we’d settle in the Algarve, but soon realized it was too busy for us. On a whim, we visited a few properties in Aldeia de Palheiros – and that’s where we discovered the house that we now call home.

5. What made Ourique your choice? The dry climate here resembles Alberta, Canada, where we lived. We loved the smalltown feel, its proximity to nearby towns, a train station, and Faro Airport is an hour away.

6. What the locals? A welcoming expat community was also a key reason for choosing this area.

7. Your favourite things there? The wine, food, climate, friendly people, beautiful destinations, and – at long last – easy access to my beloved AlgarvePLUS magazine!

8. Where have you lived in the past? I was born in Sydney, Australia, and I’ve lived in various destinations along Australia’s East Coast. I also briefly lived in the UK, and spent 20 years in Canada, but now Portugal is my forever place.

9. And what has been your career path? My professional roots are in administration, but I’ve always gravitated toward creative and people-focused industries. Over the years, I’ve worked in interior and graphic design, hospitality and tourism, marketing, and my last role was in agricultural finance. Each role taught me something valuable that has now come together for Pretty Natural Portugal.

10. Have you continued in the same field here? These days, I work online in a mix of creative and admin roles – managing social media, posting website copy, creating e-newsletters, and whatever else comes my way. It’s a flexible setup that lets me balance work with exploring and enjoying life in Portugal.

11. How is your Portuguese? I’m still a beginner (thank goodness for translator apps!), but I’m improving every day.

12. Did the locals make you feel welcome when you arrived? Absolutely! I do my best with my broken Portuguese, and they kindly try to speak a bit of English.

13. Your chosen restaurant in Ourique? Actually, my favourite restaurant is just outside Ourique. It’s called Casa Nirvana – a beautiful hidden gem in the area and definitely a must-visit!

14. Is it difficult to make friends in a non-touristy area? I’ve found it quite easy to make new friends! There’s a wonderful, close-knit expat community here. We attend a local coffee morning once a month, which is a great way to meet people. I’ve also made friends through my volunteer work for animals.

15. So how do you spend you days? Studying Portuguese, staying active,

working online, and looking into starting a charity that benefits the stray cats of Ourique. I create social media content, experiment with new products, and visit destinations for Pretty Natural Portugal. And of course, I enjoy spending time with friends.

16. Social media – what does it do for you? Social media lets me share Pretty Natural Portugal and Portugal’s beauty with a global audience. It’s the ability to introduce sustainable practices, healthy products, and eco-friendly clothing brands that people everywhere can discover and use.

17. Your favourite platform? Instagram is my favourite because it’s user-friendly and allows me to create great content right within the app.

18. How do you do your research? I focus on content that’s often overlooked, making a point of getting out as much as possible and noticing the details around me. I also listen closely to recommendations from friends, which often lead me to discover new and interesting things.

19. Future plans business-wise? Lots! I’ll continue creating original social media content that showcases Portugal’s beautiful destinations and products, and I’m exploring whether a Pretty Natural Portugal YouTube channel is a good fit. I handmake ecofriendly, candles and plaster products, and plan to expand the line to include body care items and an activewear collection. These will be sold at Ourique’s monthly market and through the upcoming online store. And a store in the Algarve has expressed interest in selling my products, which is great.

20. Ready for a chat? Best contact? Feel free to reach out to me on Instagram.

ALCOUTIM A real surprise

THERE COMES A POINT IN THE ALGARVE WHEN YOU START WONDERING: WHAT ELSE IS OUT THERE? BEYOND THE BEACH BARS AND THE CLIFF HIKES, PAST THE GOLF COURSES AND INFINITY POOLS. WHAT IF YOU JUST KEPT DRIVING –INLAND, NORTH, INTO THE HILLS? EVENTUALLY, YOU’D END UP IN A PLACE LIKE ALCOUTIM. AND YOU’D BE GLAD YOU DID

Words: NICK ROBINSON, ALGARVE ADDICTS

ALCOUTIM DOESN’T scream for attention. It hums quietly in the background. The kind of town that takes effort to reach and then rewards you for making that effort.

Tucked up in the northeastern edge of the Algarve, it sits lazily on the western bank of the Guadiana River, staring calmly across at Spain. Literally. On the other side is Sanlúcar de Guadiana – and if you squint hard enough, you can see the castle, the church, and the odd Spanish fisherman casting off from the shore.

Getting here isn’t quick. There’s no train, and the buses are slow and sporadic. Driving from Faro takes a little over an hour. From Vila Real de Santo António, it’s about 30 minutes, depending on how easily distracted you get by the landscape. The scenery starts to change dramatically as you head north. Hills rise, traffic thins, and the Algarve you thought you knew begins to fade into something quieter. More contemplative. Less about being seen, more about seeing.

Perfectly positioned

There’s a reason this place feels different. Alcoutim is one of the most sparsely populated areas in Portugal – just 14 people per square kilometre. Compare that to the 800+ in Lisbon and you’ll

get a sense of just how off-the-grid we’re talking.

But sparse doesn’t mean dull. Quite the opposite, in fact. The town owes its very existence to the Guadiana – that slow, serpentine river that once served as a lifeline for trade, defence, and diplomacy. While the rest of the Algarve looked to the sea, Alcoutim kept one eye on the river and the other on Spain.

This strategic position played a crucial role in some fascinating historical dramas, including one of my favourite tales – the Treaty of Alcoutim. Picture this: it’s 1371, tensions are high, and both the Portuguese and Castilian kings want peace… but neither is willing to set foot on the other’s soil. So they meet on a boat. Right in the middle of the river. Envoys from both sides climb aboard and hash out a deal. No war, no bloodshed. Just diplomacy, floating calmly between two castles.

Today, those castles still stand, locked in a silent standoff across the water. Alcoutim’s own castle may not be as high or swishy as its Spanish counterpart, but it has presence. You climb up through the old town – past faded façades, orange trees, sleepy dogs — and the castle suddenly opens up in front of you. Inside, the worn stone and weathered battlements tell stories that no tour guide ever could. Look out across the river, and you’ll feel it. That sense of history – tangible, silent, and somehow still alive.

Despite its size – or maybe because of it – Alcoutim feels surprisingly complete. There’s a school for the kids, a government-run health clinic, and a modern elder care facility that could put many urban centres to shame. It’s not flashy, but

I sat by the river, watched the current slip past, and just… listened. To the birds. To the wind. To the soft clang of a boat mooring somewhere downstream.

it functions. There’s a small pharmacy in the old town, and the nearest international clinic is a 35-minute drive away in Vila Real. You won’t find a petrol station in the town itself (the nearest one is about six minutes out), and if you’re craving a supermarket run, brace yourself – Mértola is the closest, normally about 30 minutes away (currently 45 minutes though, thanks to a temporary bridge closure). But those minor inconveniences start to feel more like features than flaws. Alcoutim isn’t meant for rushing.

Boosting small businesses

That said, it’s not stuck in the past either. Thanks to EU-funded rural development projects, the region’s had a quiet little renaissance. Over 200 small initiatives have been supported –from honey farms and carob cooperatives to local tourism outfits like Fun River. One of the most impressive achievements is the GR15 hiking trail, a 65-70km footpath connecting Alcoutim to Vila Real de Santo António. I haven’t walked the full thing (yet), but I’ve seen parts – and let’s just say it’s on my list.

There are a few places to stay, from the recently reopened

Hotel d’Alcoutim to the riverside youth hostel complete with pool and view. Accommodation options are simple but charming – much like the town itself. And when it comes to food, you’re surprisingly well looked after. Restaurants cluster around Rua Primeiro de Maio in the old town, with O Camané dishing up hearty pork cheeks and local wines that warm you from the inside out. There’s also Beira Rio, O Soeiro, and more on the way – including a quirky little spot called Cascas e Marés.

And then there’s the beach. Yes, you read that right. Praia Fluvial do Pego Fundo – a gentle river beach tucked just upriver from the main town. Calm waters, no waves, and not that many people around. It’s the antithesis of the Algarve’s crowded coastal stretches. Throw down a towel, dip your toes, and let the silence soak in. If you time your visit right (Tuesdays are a good bet), the little bar at the beach does live music and a proper meal for under a tenner – wine and dessert included.

Flying by

One of the most memorable things you can do here – and I mean this literally – is fly back to Portugal. The world’s first

cross-border zipline, Limite Zero, launches you from Sanlúcar and zips you across the Guadiana into Alcoutim in about 60 seconds flat. You travel 720 metres and gain an hour in the process thanks to the time difference. It’s the most fun I’ve ever had with a passport in my pocket (which you don’t actually need!).

During my visit, I met Becky Santos – a lovely Irish acupuncturist who lives right in town. She arrived here in 2017 by boat (her husband built it himself), and they ended up falling so hard for the place that they bought a house in 2020. Becky now runs a wellness clinic offering acupuncture, massage, gua sha, moxibustion – the full menu. She had loads of local tips, including a legendary lunch spot at the top of town with no sign and no fuss. Just food. She’s at alcoutimacupuncture.com if you fancy a treatment – or a chat.

Go slow

By the end of the day, I found myself doing something I don’t often do while filming: I stopped. I sat by the river, watched the current slip past, and just… listened. To the birds. To the wind. To the soft clang of a boat mooring somewhere downstream. In Alcoutim you’re reminded of something you didn’t know you were missing. Space. Stillness. A slower rhythm. If you’re the kind of traveller who wants to tick off ten towns in a weekend, Alcoutim might not be your cup of tea. But if you want to feel a place – to let it seep into your bones a little – then this little riverside gem might just surprise you. It did me.

Dreaming of moving to Portugal? From relocation tours to long-term rentals and buying support, you’ll find everything you need at algarveaddicts.com

Time to party

While Alcoutim is usually the picture of stillness, once a year, it absolutely comes alive. It’s called the Festival do Contrabando –the Contraband Festival – and it’s one of the quirkiest, most imaginative events I’ve ever stumbled into. For one weekend every spring (usually late March or early April), Alcoutim and its Spanish sister town, Sanlúcar de Guadiana, join forces to resurrect a slice of shared border history. Not the royal treaties or castle sieges – I’m talking about smuggling. The not-so-legal kind.

Back in the day, the locals on both sides of the river were masters of getting ‘things’ across the border without too many questions being asked. Coffee, tobacco, salt, sugar – you name it. Times were tough, borders were blurry, and necessity breeds creativity.

So, for one weekend a year, the whole town transforms into a kind of living history museum. Locals dress in period garb. Market stalls line the cobbled streets. Actors re-enact midnight crossings and shady deals. You’ll find smugglers hiding behind olive trees, border guards turning a blind eye, and music echoing off both riverbanks.

But the real showstopper? They build a floating pedestrian bridge linking Portugal and Spain just for the festival. It’s like something out of a fantasy film. One moment you’re sipping a Sagres, and the next you’re wandering across the river into Spain without a passport in sight. No need for a zipline – though that’s still an option, if you’re craving the adrenaline. This temporary bridge only exists during the festival, and when it’s gone, it’s gone – until next year. If you ever needed a reason to time your visit to Alcoutim, this is it. Spring sunshine, costumed contrabandistas, cross-border camaraderie, and a little splash of theatre and time travel. It’s fun, it’s oddly moving, and it’s one of the best examples of two small towns celebrating their intertwined past – with zero pretence and plenty of heart.

18th September 2025

art

digital

explained

AS A PHOTOGRAPHER, DIGITAL ARTIST AND A FOUNDER MEMBER OF AN ART COLLECTIVE IN THE ALGARVE, BOB TIDY SHARES THE SAME PASSION OF MANY OTHERS TO RECORD SOME OF THE THINGS THAT INSPIRE HIM. HE JUST TAKES A DIFFERENT APPROACH. WE ASKED HIM TO SHARE HIS JOURNEY

WHEN TALKING about digital art, an obvious starting point is to state what it is. Art produced with a computer is the direct answer. The more expansive version is not so simple. The very concept of computer-generated art often represents a challenge, partly because it is seen by some as an imitation of the real thing, or as something new that needs time to adjust to, but also because it can result in work that cannot be created with the conventional way of ‘painting’. Although the opposite is also true.

The important word to stress here is ‘with’ a computer, and not ‘by’ one. Like a conventional painter using brushes, or a sculptor using hammers and chisels, artists like me, who use a mouse and a graphics program, are simply adopting their preferred tools in the process of creating their art. A computer does not create my art. I am in complete control of what it does and the direction it takes.

Before I briefly outline the processes involved, I feel that it needs to be put into the context of today’s digital environment.

The very first results of simple computer-generated art was being presented to us back in 1965 by pioneers like A Michael Noll. As the technology evolved, the first commercial programs for image editing came to us in 1990. Since then, illustrators, graphic designers (like me), animators, desktop publishers and others have been using software to produce their work. This is when my journey began. Digitalizing images simply means converting them into electronic information so that they can be edited, transported, and shared.

Our lives have been saturated with all this for so long that we don’t question its value. Every image you see on a website, mobile phone or printed in magazines is digitalized. In many of the world’s cities there are dedicated galleries for digital art and it has become an accepted category in most international art galleries.

The creative process

Starting with a blank screen (this is my canvas), I load my own photos in layers on Photoshop, literally one on top of the other. Then I blend, change opacity and erase areas to create multi-image compositions. At this stage, I am only thinking graphically about how images work together to tell a visual story or to combine associated themes. This could mean being realistic or completely abstract, or mixing the two, which is something I love to do.

The second stage is digital painting. With a mouse in hand, I can select from a huge range of ‘brushes’, then select from a palette of thousands of colours, and do the same as any painter. The difference is, I am doing it electronically.

Digital brushes are created by scanning a brush stroke of organic paint, or a pencil line, a pastel stick or anything else. They also include textures and graphic effects and they are just images converted to electronic information (known as pixels) that can be edited.

Sounds confusing? Yes, it is, but there lies the essence of creative art as well as the fun of experimentation and assessing how the potentially endless combinations can work together, whilst also allowing accidents to have a say.

However, I always have complete control to edit or delete any action I have taken, and very quickly. Forget the idea of this process being mechanical or systematized, because the opposite is true. The computer presents a limitless opportunity to explore and exercise my

Technological progress is inevitable and new boundaries of what art really means will be redrawn in the future, as they have done with every new generation

imagination. I can work on different versions of the same artwork without ever losing anything, unless I choose to. And the result can be entirely photographic, entirely painted, or a fascinating combination of the two. This is where my journey continues.

On many occasions, potential buyers comment that they really love an artwork but unfortunately find it is just too small (or too large). Whilst the traditional painter can only suggest producing a copy to a new size, I don’t have that problem. My ‘original’ is a computer file and therefore it can be printed any size (in proportion) they would like, without losing quality, and it will be exactly the same. The next potential barrier can be that living in another country makes it unpractical to transport, or expensive to mail. This is not a problem either. The digital file can be emailed and they can arrange the printing in their own country.

Future concerns

Having pointed out above that it is the artist who should be in control of what a computer is producing, I am hoping that some readers will be questioning this, due to the advent of AI. We have already reached the point when anyone can type a command and AI will write them a letter, create some new music or present them with a ‘painting’.

The newest version of Photoshop has already incorporated AI and anyone can use a set of recorded steps that can be replayed to automate repetitive tasks and apply effects to images. Essentially meaning that, with one click, a photo can become a water colour painting, for example!

The idea of an automated creative process sounds like a contradiction to me, and I can only echo the resistance of many song writers and other creative professionals who feel that their creative rights, artistic identity and even their livelihoods are being threatened. Technological progress is inevitable and new boundaries of what art really means will be redrawn in the future, as they have done with every new generation. We have to be prepared.

My sincere hope is that digitally created art, in any form, will never become the only adopted artistic discipline of the future, and that it will find a comfortable place alongside all other approaches towards creating art – a future where traditional water colours will still be made with paper, paint and water, and computers remain as simply tools of the trade.

If you are interested in seeing Bob Tidy’s work alongside that of his fellow artists, they have a permanent display at the Quinta da Tor winery, above Loulé, and portfolios to view on their website artlinkcollective.com which also announces exhibitions and pop-up events.

HOW A MOTHER AND DAUGHTER DUO TURNED A LOCKDOWN HOBBY INTO ONE OF THE ALGARVE’S BEST-LOVED ARTISAN BRANDS – A STAR THAT IS NOW PERFORMING ON THE INTERNATIONAL STAGE

Words: SALLY DIXON

TUCKED ALONG PORTUGAL’S sundrenched southern coast, a family-run candle company is quietly transforming homes and hotels. Algarve Candle Company is a homegrown brand that has quickly become one of the region’s favourite names in fragrances. But behind its success isn’t a social media influencer or a slick marketing firm. It’s a former Navy warfare specialist, her creative mother, and a Covid-19 lockdown that ignited it all. Prior to 2020, creating candles hadn’t even crossed Lauren Slater’s mind, “We’d never made a candle in our lives actually,” she shares with a laugh, “I used to be in the Navy. Mum had worked in a post office, and my dad had a chip shop in the UK. Our family has an ice cream shop in the Lake District that’s been around for over a century. Candles were definitely not on the radar!”

The Algarve Candle Company journey began not with a business plan but with boredom. When the 2020 lockdown shut down Portugal’s sun-soaked cafés and slushie bars (Lauren’s dad owns one in Albufeira), Lauren’s mum Pamela turned to candle making to while away the days. “My mum’s quite creative,” Lauren says, “She’s always messing about with pottery or doing something, like giving a cupboard a makeover. So, she started making candles, and honestly, I didn’t get involved at first. I thought, ‘oh I’ll leave her to it, it’s going to keep her occupied for a couple of days!’. But then she brought one down, and I lit it… it filled the whole room with the aromas that those really expensive candles create. I was stunned!”

A self-confessed candle lover, Lauren used to buy the

Very nearly there! This AI-generated image gets the message over... the new Algarve Candle Co. headquarters will be sharp, chic and packed with favourites new and old. The product range promises to be the best yet, which is why the brand collects round after round of applause

The original shop, right, in Boliqueime was product-laden with the newest additions to the range.The big, new space, above, which will be ready soon, on the EN 125 at Quatro Estradas, combines sleek design in a custom-designed setting

expensive brands (not naming any names), but as many of us do (me included) would save them for best and then never end up burning them. Classic dust gatherers. So, when Pam started creating candles that could rival the big brands, it sparked Lauren’s interest. While everyone else was furiously baking banana bread in lockdown, the twosome were churning out candles and wax melts, experimenting with different fragrances. Giving them out to close friends, the pair soon realised that the candles were a hit and the rest, as they say, is history.

Candles that smell like home (and holidays)

Algarve Candle Company charm is more than just wax and wick, it’s about place, story, and feeling. Their signature scents are entwinned with the region and its familiar fragrances. One of their most popular scents? Pastel de Nata. “Everyone loves a Pastel de Nata,” Lauren laughs. “So, we made sure it has that buttery richness with a hint of cinnamon. It’s fun and giftable and smells amazing.”

From Algarve (a breezy, citrus fresh blend) to Amber & Orange, Cashmere & Peach, and even a daring Basil & Dark Tomato, every fragrance is lovingly tested and hand-poured in their factory. “We do everything ourselves,” Lauren adds, “We test each scent for months before it ever hits the shelves.”

What started as a lockdown pastime has evolved into currently stocking 21 fragrances, including Black Velvet, Lauren’s favourite since day one. She smiles: “We’ve not made a scent I love more. Still. Six years on!” As we chat, the creative in me can’t help but get

People ask me how we’ve done it. I tell them we just make what we love. You can’t sell something you don’t believe in.

caught up in the dreamy world of concocting scent ideas. Cherry candle, anyone? I joke, though secretly, I’m serious. I’ve been on a cherry obsession lately (bemoaning the ridiculously short season to enjoy them), and who doesn’t want their home to smell like juicy, sun-warmed fruit?

A new space, a new chapter

The business, having started on the kitchen table, has grown beyond imagination. Their first move was to a corner of Lauren’s dad’s warehouse. Lauren laughs, “My mum was testing all these fragrances from the kitchen table, and my dad was like: ‘this needs to leave here, the smells are driving me mad!’

“So, it was just me and my mum for the first few years. Now we’ve got my husband helping, plus two amazing girls we’ve brought on. And we’re just about to move into a new space, five times bigger! With a huge shop front. We’re so excited,” she beams.

The expansion isn’t just physical; the website is currently undergoing a makeover to tell the stories behind the scents. Lauren says: “It used to be just the product and a list of fragrances. But fragrance is emotional, it’s hard to convey online. The new website has pop-ups with scent stories, so it’s more intuitive.”

Crafted with consciousness

Lauren and Pamela’s brand isn’t just about pretty packaging (though they do that beautifully too – their stunning Christmas bauble candles being a prime example). They’re guided by values

of quality, affordability, and wellbeing. Lauren comments: “I used to love the famously branded candles, but they were so expensive I’d never burn them. I wanted to create something people could actually enjoy. Candles that are beautiful, affordable, and safe to use.” They even offer refills for glass soap and home fragrance spray bottles, and reuse packaging where possible. For the gorgeous leopard print candle jars, customers can return them for discounted refills.

A clean burn

From the start, Algarve Candle Company has used vegan soy wax, meaning no paraffins or nasty phthalates lingering in the air. While scents and aesthetics matter, their commitment to reducing toxins is central to their mission. “From day one, we were very aware of the toxins in traditional candles,” Lauren says. “We didn’t want paraffin. We wanted something safe, something people could burn every day without worry.”

This part of the conversation resonated deeply with me. As someone studying nutritional therapy, I’m acutely aware of the toxins we’re constantly surrounded by, from the food we eat to the air we breathe. I’ve avoided standard candles and synthetic fragrances like the plague for years now.

Paraffin wax, still commonly used in many commercial candles, is a petroleum by-product. When burned, it can release known carcinogens such as benzene and toluene and contribute to indoor air pollution. Even more concerning? Many standard paraffin candles may act as endocrine disruptors, meaning they interfere with the body’s hormonal system. By choosing soy wax, a natural, biodegradable alternative, Algarve Candle Company ensures a cleaner, slower, and healthier burn.

Scents that travel

Although based in Portugal, Lauren and Pamela’s candles have found admirers across Europe, particularly in the UK, Germany and the Netherlands. Lauren says: “People couldn’t travel during the lockdowns, but they still wanted a piece of the Algarve. They’d buy them as gifts, and luckily for us word of mouth just spread. We’ve never done any big marketing or anything like that.” Thanks to that word of mouth and support from the local community, their candles can be found in luxury hotels like W Algarve, Conrad Algarve, and Viceroy at Ombria Algarve. Personal branding is also an option for local businesses who want to make a lasting impact.

The future burns bright

What’s next for the mother and daughter duo? Aside from Christmas production being in full swing, there’s the possibility of franchising, UK-based distribution, even bigger candles, and perhaps a few playful surprises. I tried to convince Lauren to create a talking piece sardine candle for a true scent of the Algarve. She laughs: “Maybe for April Fools!”

Gimmicks aside, as the business expands the core remains unchanged – family, fragrance, and a whole lot of heart. “People ask me how we’ve done it, and honestly, I don’t really know,” she says. “We just make what we love. You can’t sell something you don’t believe in.”

Check out Algarve Candle Company at algarvecandleco.com and on Instagram @algarve_candle_co. Want to shop in person? They’re currently based in Boliqueime at and will be making the big move to Quatro Estradas Roundabout very soon.

WINE AND DESIGN

PORTUGAL IS KNOWN FOR ITS ANCIENT WINEMAKING TRADITIONS, BUT WHAT IS CAPTIVATING TODAY IS HOW THE COUNTRY IS BLENDING ITS DEEP-ROOTED VITICULTURE WITH BOLD, CONTEMPORARY ARCHITECTURE. ACROSS THE REGIONS – FROM THE LUSH DOURO VALLEY TO THE WINDSWEPT AZORES – A NEW GENERATION OF WINERIES IS DEFINING ITS OWN SENSE OF STYLE

Words: LÍVIA MOKRI

QUINTA DO VALLADO

Douro Valley

Where modern architecture meets centuries of winemaking. quintadovallado.com

Located just outside Peso da Régua in the heart of the Douro Valley, Quinta do Vallado is one of the region’s oldest and most iconic estates. Founded in 1716, it blends centuries of wine heritage with bold contemporary architecture.

In 2009, the estate commissioned Portuguese architect Francisco Vieira de Campos to design a new winery building and wine hotel. The result is a minimalist slate-and-glass structure that reflects the schist soil of the Douro. The winery is sleek, and stunningly integrated into the terraced vineyards. Inside, production areas are state-ofthe-art, while tasting spaces offer a refined atmosphere. The onsite wine hotel, combines rustic charm with design elegance.

WINE TO TRY:

Vallado Reserva Field Blend Made from 80-year-old vines. cavelusa.pt/en/store/ wine/portuguese/valladoreserva-field-blend-red/

Alentejo

A vision of white serenity in the plains of Campo Maior. adegamayor.pt

In the sun-drenched plains of Alentejo, near the Spanish border, Adega Mayor rises like a modernist sculpture. Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Álvaro Siza Vieira, this winery is a shining example of how minimalism can speak volumes.

The long linear structure appears to float above the vineyards. Inside, the spaces are airy and pure, flooded with natural light. The rooftop terrace offers breathtaking views over the landscape and is often used for events and cultural gatherings.

Everything about Adega Mayor epitomises balance, calm, and precision – it’s a cultural experience where art, architecture, and wine are in harmony.

WINE TO TRY:

Adega Mayor Reserva Red A rich and structured blend that reflects Alentejo’s generous character. portugalvineyards.com/ en/alentejo/2412-adegamayor reservered-20225607623012882.html

Vinho Verde (Minho) Nature-inspired architecture in the birthplace of the Alvarinho grape. soalheiro.com

Tucked into the green hills of Melgaço, near the Spanish border, Quinta do Soalheiro is a pioneer in the Vinho Verde region and a benchmark for Alvarinho lovers. While known for its fresh, mineral-driven whites, the estate is also making waves with its thoughtful approach to design and sustainability.

The new visitor centre and winery expansion blend wood, cork and stone to reflect the surrounding forested landscape, like a natural extension of the land. Soalheiro’s philosophy – respect for nature, low intervention, and innovation – is embodied in its architecture. From the panoramic tasting room you can admire the stunning scenery all around.

WINE TO TRY:

Soalheiro Alvarinho

Primeiras Vinhas A refined expression from the oldest vines on the estate. garrafeiratiopepe.pt/loja/ garrafeira/vinhos/brancos/ vinho-soalheiro-primeirasvinhas-branco-2023/

Whether you’re touring the green valleys of the north, the windswept islands of the Atlantic, or the golden plains of Alentejo, take a moment to appreciate the buildings as much as the barrels.

Alentejo (Redondo, Serra d’Ossa)

A winery hidden beneath the earth.

herdadedofreixo.com

We’ve already featured an Alentejo property, but Herdade do Freixo, located in the Serra d’Ossa subregion, deserves a separate mention for its groundbreaking architectural concept. Designed by architect Frederico Valsassina, this winery is one of the most innovative buildings in the entire Iberian Peninsula.

The winery is built underground – three floors spiraling down into the earth in a helix. From above, all you see is a circular opening and the vineyards. This not only minimises visual impact on the landscape but creates perfect conditions for winemaking –stable temperature, humidity, and natural gravity flow.

The descent into the winery is almost spiritual. Visitors slowly walk down the spiral ramp, observing each stage of the winemaking process, turning a simple tour into a journey of discovery.

WINE TO TRY:

Freixo Family Collection Red Powerful, polished, and reflective of the estate’s terroir. winesandco.eu/ product/freixo-familycollection/

AZORES WINE COMPANY

Azores (Pico Island)

Volcanic design on the edge of the Atlantic.

antoniomacanita.com/pt/ adegas/azores-wine-company Few wineries in the world offer a setting as dramatic as the Azores Wine Company on Pico Island.

Perched between the Atlantic Ocean and the island’s black volcanic vineyards, this winery is a bold and beautiful ode to isolation and resilience.

The building, designed by SAMI Arquitectos, uses local basalt stone and concrete to mimic the traditional currais (dry stone vineyard walls) of the region. The structure blends harmoniously with the lava fields and ocean cliffs, creating a sense of timelessness and place.

This winery is all about honoring Pico’s extreme terroir. It’s not just a place to make wine – it’s a celebration of human perseverance in one of the world’s most unique winegrowing environments.

WINE TO TRY:

Arinto dos Açores

A salty, mineral-driven white that captures the wild essence of the Atlantic.

dourado.com.pt/arintodos-acores-antoniomacanita-branco

QUINTA DA BACALHÔA

Setúbal Peninsula

Art, wine, and a palace with Moorish flair.

bacalhoa.pt/en

Quinta da Bacalhôa is perhaps the most eclectic and surprising winery in Portugal. Near Azeitão, it combines a Renaissance-style palace, a sculpture-filled garden, a world-class art collection, and a high-tech winemaking facility.

While the palace itself dates back to the 15th century, the modern winery and visitor centre are carefully integrated into the landscape and designed to complement the estate’s historical architecture.

Contemporary tasting rooms sit alongside traditional azulejos, Moorish-inspired windows, and curated art installations.

This is a winery where aesthetics are taken seriously.

From the bottle design to the landscaping, it’s a complete sensory experience that caters to both wine lovers and art enthusiasts.

bacalhoa.pt/en

WINE TO TRY:

Quinta da Bacalhôa

Red A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, elegant and structured, with a touch of exotic spice. portugalvineyards. com/en/setubal/1374quinta-da-bacalhoared-2021-5601237011224. html

THREE DECADES OF EXPERIENCE IN ADVANCED BEAUTY THERAPY WITH THE MOST INNOVATIVE NONINVASIVE AND MEDICAL AESTHETIC TREATMENTS AVAILABLE, HELP YOU AGE BEAUTIFULLY, NATURALLY AND CONFIDENTLY. TAKE A LOOK AT THE TREATMENTS ON OFFER, WHO THEY ARE BEST SUITED FOR, AND WHAT KIND OF RESULTS YOU CAN EXPECT

TOP ANTI-AGEING TREATMENTS

Words: MANUELA OLIVERA OF MAGIC BEAUTY

12D HIFU & DEP TECHNOLOGY – THE ULTIMATE NON-SURGICAL LIFT

This powerful duo is one of the most advanced treatment combinations in non-invasive aesthetics today.

12D HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound) targets the deep structural layers of your face – especially the SMAS layer, which is usually only addressed during surgery. It stimulates collagen production, tightens sagging tissue, and creates a visible lifting effect over time.

Following the HIFU, DEP Technology (Dermoelectroporation) uses a painless current to deliver active serums (such as peptides or stem cells) deep into the dermis for hydration and cellular repair.

Best suited for:

Sagging cheeks and jawline

Drooping eyelids or neck

Loss of definition and elasticity

Expected results:

Firmer, more lifted skin over two to three months

Contour improvement without downtime

Results lasting up to 12 months depending on age.

RF MICRONEEDLING – SKIN RESURFACING MEETS DEEP COLLAGEN BOOST

A favourite for skin refinement, RF Microneedling combines microneedle technology with radiofrequency heat to stimulate both the surface and deeper dermal layers of the skin.

It remodels collagen, tightens pores, and improves texture in a highly effective yet gentle way.

Best suited for:

Fine lines and wrinkles

Acne scars and large pores

Mild skin laxity and sun damage

Expected results:

Improved texture, tighter skin

More even tone and reduced scarring

Redness for one to two days followed by a radiant glow

PE-FACE – FACIAL MUSCLE LIFTING WITHOUT NEEDLES

PE-Face is a revolution in facial toning. This needle-free treatment uses electromagnetic stimulation to activate facial muscles, while radiofrequency simultaneously firms the overlaying skin. As a workout for your face – with visible lifting.

Best suited for:

Loss of facial definition

Drooping brow or jawline

Fatigue or early signs of ageing

Expected results:

Sculpted facial contours

Lifted cheeks, brows, and jawline

Immediate freshness with cumulative results

SQT BIO MICRONEEDLING PEEL – THE NATURAL COLLAGEN ACTIVATOR

For those who prefer a more natural approach, the SQT Bio Microneedling Peel uses microscopic freshwater spicules (not actual needles) to create a natural micro-injury in the skin, triggering collagen production and renewal.

Best suited for:

Dull, uneven, or rough skin

Clients seeking a gentle, needle-free peel

Sensitive or acne-prone skin

Expected results:

Light peeling over 2–3 days

Smoother, brighter skin tone

Fewer imperfections and fine lines

MEDICAL INJECTABLES – IN COOPERATION WITH AESTHETIC DOCTOR

To complete the anti-ageing spectrum, I offer exclusive injectable treatments in cooperation with a licensed lady doctor who visits Magic Beauty on selected dates. With her expertise, we’re able to provide subtle enhancements that complement the non-invasive work I do.

Available treatments include:

Botox – Ideal for smoothing forehead lines, crow’s feet, and frown lines by relaxing overactive muscles.

Hyaluronic Acid Fillers – Restore volume in the cheeks, lips, or under the eyes, with natural-looking definition.

Biostimulators – Encourage your skin to rebuild collagen from within for gradual, long-term firming. Polynucleotides – The newest generation of regenerative injectables. Derived from purified DNA molecules, they deeply hydrate, improve elasticity, and repair damaged skin – especially effective for thin or crepey areas such as under the eyes.

Why combine with non-invasive treatments?

While injectables give targeted and visible results, noninvasive treatments like HIFU, RF Microneedling, and PE-Face enhance skin quality, firmness, and hydration. Combining both approaches allows for a natural, layered result that addresses skin on every level – from structure to surface.

MAGIC BEAUTY

Rua do Comercio 28 8315-15 Almancil

T: 927 599 283

W: magicbeauty.info

BETWEEN EARTH AND FABRIC, A DECADE OF CONSCIOUS BEAUTY

Founded in 2015 by Cecília Telo and Nuno Coelho e Campos, Kozii was born from a dynamic synergy between anthropology, ecology, and design. Inspired by a shared passion for artisanal cultures and a deep commitment to fair, sustainable practices, the Portuguese brand found its roots in India — and its place in the world.

More than clothing, Kozii creates pieces with soul. Every fabric, every print, every cut carries a narrative — of beauty, of craft, of respect. Over the years, the brand has immersed itself in the rich, vibrant universe of traditional printing and weaving, becoming a living archive of techniques and processes. Block print, batik, ikat, clamp dye, hand screen printing, natural indigo, or mud resist are more than techniques — they are voices of communities, of places, of times that still live through the hands that create.

All these stories take shape in Kozii’s collections — and can be explored in detail on the official website (www.koziishop.com), where the brand documents, with rare transparency, every step of its creative and ethical journey.

And for a deeper full-on experience, know that stepping into a Kozii store is more than visiting a fashion space. It is a sensory experience: the aromas, the textures, the natural pigments, the architecture designed as both a refuge and a stage for the beauty of craftsmanship. The stores in Tavira, Olhão, Loulé, and Lagos invite you to pause — to reconnect with slow time and what truly matters.

This summer of 2025, Kozii celebrates not only 10 years — but a way of being in the world. Fashion that embraces the planet, that values the human, that honors the gesture. Fashion that dresses the soul.

WOOD WORKS

HORTICULTURALIST, ADVENTURER, AND FACER OF ALL CHALLENGES, TURNING RECLAIMED WOOD INTO WORKS OF ART GIVES PADERNEBASED IAIN BENNETT-HOBBS AN INORDINATE THRILL, ESPECIALLY CONSIDERING HE IS PROFOUNDLY COLOUR BLIND

Words: DEBBIE REYNOLDS

Iain marks his paint colours carefully to ensure all details in his finished pieces come together. He has not let his colour blindness hinder his work

ESTEEMED HORTICULTURALIST by day, Iain Bennett-Hobbs’ ‘empty nest’ some years ago spurred him to turn his hand to creating wood art in his spare time, forging a perfect balance between work and play.

Passionate about sustainability, the Algarve and travel, Iain has found his sweet spot in Paderne where his varied skills have created a beautiful and unique home complete with landscaped garden, a workshop and a studio.

Iain’s love affair with horticulture began by accident. “I’m originally from the Portsmouth area in England, and during school I worked at a nursery in my holidays,” he says. “That sparked my interest, and when the company I was working for asked me to consider managing an exciting new project while going to college at the same time, I jumped at the opportunity.

“We started by setting up a business growing Hebe, a species of evergreen shrubs from New Zealand, and then were the first to grow tomatoes in water. From there we moved onto pioneering new technology for garden plants.”

Roll on a few years and, while the company was very successful, Iain’s travel bug bit big time.

Digging in

“I loved being in the plant world where everyone helped everybody, so I didn’t want to give that up,” he explains. “I decided to apply for a position with the International Plant Propagation Society, a global organisation that aimed to

share plant knowledge around the world. I hoped that it would allow me to travel while keeping my career going.”

He laughs as he remembers writing several letters –“It was long before the days of emails and WhatsApp” – introducing himself and asking for any available opportunities. The first offer was from an area in the Loire Valley. “I sold everything I owned, bought an old VW Kombi, said goodbye to my family and friends and headed off with no plans of ever going back.

“In the meantime, a nursery in California offered me a scholarship to work for them for a year while studying at Ohio State University, so back to the UK I went to sort out work permits.”

As luck would have it, Iain stumbled up on a temporary job on a strawberry farm in Herefordshire. “I got on very well with the owner who had huge plans to expand, and after a couple of months he offered me the job of production manager with the proviso that I worked in summer but got three months off in winter to travel.

“So that was the end of the US job, and the start of an exciting chapter in modernising and developing soft fruit production. I was then working around 14hour days and loving it, until a I met a young lady who wasn’t crazy about my working hours.”

Rethinking the plan

To keep her happy, he put his feelers out and was snapped up by Hillier Nurseries, one of the oldest plant families in the UK, to take over their plant propagation unit.

It was there that he met Nick, whose family owned a nursery in the Algarve where Iain would land up some years later, in 2004.

“I had been going to the Algarve for holidays and loved it, so when Nick told me his father was retiring and asked me to work with him, I jumped at the chance.”

Once again Iain packed up his life in the UK and moved to the Algarve with his then wife, a two-year-old daughter and a three-month-old baby boy.

All was good until the financial crisis in 2007 when the business started battling, but Iain’s luck remained when he was offered a position with Syngenta, a leading global agricultural technology company specialising in crop protection and seeds.

“I was assigned their old-fashioned Moncarapacho site and after quite the rollercoaster ride, I got the business turned around,” explains Iain. “Sadly, however, my wife had fallen out of love with Portugal, we agreed to go our separate ways, and she went back to the UK with the kids.”

Iain then worked between the Netherlands, Portugal and the UK, but kept his feet firmly in the Algarve.

“I literally lived at a Rotterdam Airport hotel for three years, because I had no intention of integrating anywhere else but here. When Covid came along, it had its plus side for me because I could work from home.”

But it was then that Iain realised that being in a big empty house, where he was no longer a husband or father, meant he had time on his hands. After seeing a wooden light fitting, he was inspired to make one of his own.

“I started with a light fitting in my living room and then I became obsessed,” he laughs. “I really just started making things for my house as a hobby and was surprised when my friends said they were really nice.”

We are not afraid to leave nails, holes or imperfections which tell their own story and add to the history of the materials.

It was when Iain decided to add colour to his creations that things got a little trickier, owing to his colour blindness. “Spending much of my working time travelling to flower farms in Europe, Africa and the Americas, I was inspired to try my hand at colours – something I’ve always been scared of.

“But I have a system of using numbers to mark my paints, so I suppose, you could say I paint by numbers! I still get stressed, however, especially when it gets to the end and I’m not sure what it really looks like.”

From bespoke wall art pieces and lighting to bird homes and clocks, Iain’s repertoire has been enhanced by his ‘significant other’, Marcia Campos, who loves creating decorative pieces with recycled items, usually scavenged on Portugal’s beaches.

Theirs is a love affair that was a long time in the making. “We found each other on Tinder and then became Facebook and Messenger friends, but we never actually met until three years later,” laughs Iain. “Marcia was working in Lisbon, and I was still in the Netherlands, but finally we physically met on a beach in Lagoa. A few more dates later, and they have been together ever since.

Marcia works in Lisbon as a financial manager for a development company and Iain still travels for work, so weekends are their catch-up and create time.

“Marcia, like me, is mad about sustainability and she loves collecting shells and driftwood from some of the more remote beaches around Lisbon,” says Iain. “She also loves macrame and manages to find time to create some of her designs when she’s on the exercise bike at five in the morning before work.”

Together they are the formidable team behind The Wood Revival Company with the promise to “create individual designs using reclaimed materials to beautify living spaces sustainably.

“As you would expect, using recycled materials means that each creation is individual, even if the design is similar,” says Iain. “We select individual items to add features and texture to each piece and are not afraid to leave nails, holes or imperfections which tell their own story and add to the history of the materials.”

Iain says very few businesses recycle more than they consume, whereas materials used by The Wood Revival Company are around 80% recycled. “We’re looking for natural treasures all the time,” he says.

“On a recent trip to Scotland we came back with rucksacks full of driftwood and pinecones.”

With his house and garden reflecting both his horticultural career and his “side hustle” creating beautiful wooden art, Iain has found his forever happy place.

“I get such a buzz and a deep internal joy when people like our work and want it in their homes or offices. It’s a satisfaction I can’t quite explain.”

ANTISOCIAL, Praia do Galé

DAVID CAMPUS OF AUSTA IS ALWAYS ON THE LOOKOUT FOR NEW MORNING RITUALS TO ADD TO HIS EVER-GROWING LIST OF EPIC ADDRESSES IN THE ALGARVE, AND LAST SUNDAY WAS NO EXCEPTION. THE DAY WAS BUILT AROUND THE LURE OF FRESHLY-BREWED POUROVER AND STILL-WARM, PILLOWY BREAD

THE PLAN was delightfully straightforward: wake up late (aching from weeks of summer service), smear on some suncream (still blinking ourselves awake), and sink into the cosy cove beaches at the far end of Praia da Galé for a day of unapologetic lounging.

But, as is often the case with our food-driven adventures...

Step forward Antisocial, a place perfectly named for how we felt after a week of entertaining hungry guests at austa in the high season. We imagined grumpy waitresses, no smiles or chitter chatter, the type of place where you hide in a corner with headphones on. Thankfully, our IRL experience was the total opposite.

The door underneath the funky façade was propped open, the sound of milk steaming and coffee cups gently clinking floated outside, and there was that unmistakable feeling that those sat outside watching the

world go by had already decided to slow the pace for the day, feeling equally in need of cared for, thoughtful sustenance and a little injection of sunshine.

The interiors feel uplifting, tongue-in-cheek bright colours and zingy graphic tees (‘We are Antisocial’ they read, but in fact this place is not sombre or antisocial at all). It feels put together by someone who understands how to make you stay longer than you meant to.

Stripes of sunlight pooling on the floor, and big open windows to lean out of. It’s fun and happy, but serious about quality – and that’s the combo we’re after.

We started with coffee because, well, priorities. KOYO beans, roasted right here in the Algarve, are the star of the show – smooth and rich, with a balance that makes you take that extra moment before the next sip. Jéssica and João know their way around an espresso machine – he still works as a barista at the nearby five-star Vila Vita Parc, and in fact he trained our barista at austa.

FOOD

Made with love and the freshest ingredients. Breakfast, brunch and lunch DECOR

Fresh, fun, with bold colours and sharp signage, big windows to let the sun in

Then came Jéssica’s focaccia. Deeply satisfying sandwiches stuffed with high-quality ingredients and homemade condiments that make you question why you ever wasted carbs on anything less. Antisocial created their own recipe, and they work with a local bakery to deliver it daily. Golden and crisp on the outside, soft and pillowy inside, and soaked in good olive oil, sometimes topped with herbs, sometimes with cherry tomatoes that taste like summer.

€15–€20 for drinks, savoury and sweet

The counter is lined with freshlybaked treats – gooey brownies, abundant tarts, slices of cake. Everything tastes like someone actually cared when they made it, which, judging by the way Jéssica and João move around the space, is exactly the point. Jéssica says: “We value honesty and transparency, good ingredients, local businesses and friendship”. They chat to guests, remember faces, and check in without hovering. The total opposite of what the name suggests. It’s clever. Eventually and reluctantly, we slope toward the beach, tummies full. The day’s plan was about lazy lounging, but now it had a proper opening act, which is often so hard to find in a world where capitalist consumerism takes over real quality. Some places you visit once and move on. Others become part of the way you do days off. For us, Antisocial is now the latter.

BASTIAAN WOUDT

A GEM TO TREASURE

THE NEWEST HIDEAWAY AT THE TOP OF THE WATCHLIST FOR AFTER THE SUMMER, HELDER FARM STUDIOS IS A TREAT YOU DESERVE, A PLEASURE YOU WILL APPRECIATE, AN EXPERIENCE THAT WILL HAVE YOU COMING BACK FOR MORE

Words: EMMA CAMPUS, DESIGN ESCAPES PORTUGAL

AUGUST IN THE Algarve can feel like a beautiful kind of madness. Roads buzzing with traffic, beaches packed shoulder to shoulder, and dinner reservations that seem to vanish before you even click ‘book.’ In the height of the season, as much as I adore the energy, I find myself quietly pining for the gentler days – the slower pace, the sound of cicadas instead of car horns, and places where time feels wide open.

That’s why Helder Farm Studios has stolen the top spot on our watchlist this month. A creative retreat just north of the Algarvian border into Alentejo, nestled in southern Portugal’s sundrenched, wild west landscapes, created by a young Dutch couple, Esmee and Laurens.

Recognising something special I first met the twosome, who are in their twenties, at austa’s mushroom foraging event back in April, when they were tying up the final touches to what would soon become their dream project. Even then, between the baskets of chanterelles and shared stories, I could tell they were working on something special – something grounded, thoughtful, and brimming with heart. I immediately followed Esmee on Tiktok and spent time with my morning coffee being transported into their ‘day in the life’ video diaries –ducks puddling hurriedly behind her as she goes to feed them in the morning, while Laurens worked on patching up the once-ruined farmhouse.

Fast forward a few months, and Helder Farm Studios has now opened its doors as a living, breathing sanctuary in southern Portugal: a pair of

lovingly-restored Portuguese farmhouses set on 7.5 hectares, offering six unique studios. Each one invites guests to slow down, live a little more gently, and sink into the rhythm of the land.

The story of this creative pair reads like a dream carefully sketched into being. Both once city dwellers – Esmee restless for something more, Laurens yearning for the wild – their connection to nature slowly grew into a shared vision. It began with a trip to Portugal in the early days of dating and a simple, stirring dinner conversation: “Imagine what it would be like to buy land here?” From playful thought to plan, the seed of Helder was planted.

Bringing the vision to life

Back in Amsterdam, Esmee created endless Pinterest moodboards –tangible sparks of possibility. Meanwhile, Laurens faced a personal turning point when his father’s death reminded him that waiting for the ‘right moment’ often means compromise. He resolved instead to leap forward and take a chance.

By March 2022, property hunting in Portugal was official – and in May, Laurens discovered exactly the right place. A drenched first visit under rain made it unmistakable: this land on the Costa Vicentina, anywhere near the ocean, was home.

The following months were a blur of renovation, logistics, and letting go –selling homes, travelling back and forth, and gathering courage from friends and family. “If it failed, we’d figure it out,” they say on their website.

No pursuit of luxury, just freedom crafted by their own hands. More than just cosy places to stay, their idea is to blur the lines between retreat, home, and creative haven – bright, welcoming spaces with personal kitchens, terraces, and thoughtful interiors that Esmee lovingly curated. And lots of activities and workshops on offer, from cooking to ceramics, painting, yoga and craft.

In my moments of downtime in between heady August chaos, I’m dreaming of waking to chickens and ducks scuttling nearby, gathering fresh eggs with Esmee for breakfast, and picking peaches, figs, and pomegranates from the garden to sprinkle into my yogurt. The central kitchen is open and communal – perfect for their retreats and workshops where Esmee plans to cook meals together, lighting a fire, sharing stories under the sky. All accompanied by the characters who roam here: a white horse named Zahid, a mule named Jenny, and two lively Australian Shepherd mixes, Ruuf and Yoshi.

Amid August’s crescendo of noise and movement, Helder Farm Studios seems like a whisper of what travel can be – deeply rooted, vibrant, and soulful. It invites you to slow down, breathe in possibilities, and leave bit by bit with clarity, stillness, and the subtle echo of a place that feels like home.

From yoga retreats to culinary workshops, Helder is designed for meaningful connection and grounded rest. A story of bravery and heart, Esmee and Laurens have turned a wild idea into a home, one built on intuitive trust and creative risk, for this is more than lodging – it’s garden, studio, kitchen, and canvas for creative inspiration.

Beyond the farmland, wild coastal trails beckon, from beautiful Odeceixe to Alteirinhos beaches – ideal for hikes, early-morning dips, or sinking into a book on a yoga deck close to the sea. If this is what we can look forward to come the Autumn, I’m ready to push fast forward.

also on the watchlist...

Amaria, Odeceixe

Perched just beyond the village bustle of Odeceixe, Amaria feels like it was designed for the soul to breathe again. The property, run by Nuno, ex-banker now surfer, stretches into rolling fields that spill towards the Atlantic, with trails leading you straight to wild, untouched beaches. Mornings here begin with the scent of eucalyptus drifting in on the wind, the sound of distant waves, and breakfasts built from local produce. It’s the kind of place where days naturally slow, your shoulders drop, and the horizon becomes your constant companion.

Casas da Quinta de Cima, Tavira

On the edge of the Ria Formosa Natural Park, these restored farm cottages hold a rare kind of quiet. Whitewashed walls and terracotta tiles give a nod to the Algarve’s heritage, while the surrounding orchards and gardens hum with life. Here, you can walk barefoot through citrus groves, pick figs straight from the tree, or sit beneath ancient carob trees as the afternoon light softens. Casas da Quinta de Cima invites you to tune into the rhythm of the land – unhurried, fragrant, and deeply restorative.

Companhia das Culturas, Castro Marim

A stay at Companhia das Culturas is like stepping into a conversation between past and present. Rooted in the traditions of an old organic farm and shaped by a philosophy of minimal intervention, the space blends modern design with the raw textures of stone, wood, and earth. Surrounding you are olive trees, organic vegetable plots, and salt pans that shimmer under the sun. Days are filled with walks through the nearby nature reserve, cooling dips in the eco-pool, and long, lingering meals where the flavours are as local as the stories shared around the table.

Finca La Donaira, Andalusia

Just across the Algarvian border into Spanish territories, road trip into the Andalusian hills to La Donaira, the epitome of luxury eco-retreat. Relax on a working organic farm, an equestrian haven, and a sanctuary for those seeking complete immersion in the wild beauty of southern Spain. Horses graze in wide open pastures, lavender fields sway in the breeze, and the Sierra de Grazalema stretches out in every direction. Guests can forage for herbs, join beekeeping workshops (or meditate on the beebed!), or simply soak in the silence from a hammock strung between olive trees. Every element here – from the biodynamic vineyards to the natural spring-fed pool – invites you to reconnect, replenish, and leave carrying a little more light than you arrived with.

The finest art in the Algarve is now available in two fabulous locations

Tavira Gallery: Travessa Jacques Pessoa 8, Tavira, 8800-374, Algarve Email: taviradartes@gmail.com

Vale do Lobo Gallery: Vale do Lobo, Resort Turístico de Luxo, S.A, 8135-864 Faro Email: VDLdartes@gmail.com Call: 962 012 111 Website: taviradartes.com

PEDAL POWER

MORE ROUTES AND TRAILS, DEDICATED CYCLE LANES AND DOCKING STATIONS ARE BEING MADE AVAILABLE FOR THOSE WHO WOULD PREFER TO EXPLORE THE ALGARVE ON TWO WHEELS, AND RESORTS LIKE QUINTA DO LAGO ARE ACTIVELY ENCOURAGING PEOPLE TO GET ON THEIR BIKES AND GO

Words: LUCY MAYER Photography: SERGIO MORAIS

SPORT HAS long been a big business in the Algarve, and with the likes of golf, tennis and water sports well established, it’s no wonder that cycling enthusiasts are getting in on the action. This is where Velopod Cycling Hub comes in. It’s a ‘one-stop-cycling-shop’ or rather, website, curated by cyclists for cyclists. Founded by Luiz Moreira and Dani Valbuena, the goal is to seek out and promote highquality and reliable bike-friendly businesses, services, and professionals on the Algarve.

In return, the platform is there to connect cyclists with these businesses, helping them to increase their visibility.

So, firstly, who are Dani and Luiz? Luiz is a designer and entrepreneur who has worked mostly with athletes and sports clubs in branding and the digital world. Having left Brazil in 2009, he did a Master’s in industrial design in London at Central Saint Martins before moving to Canada for ten years, and finally settling in the Algarve in Vilamoura in 2020. Luiz has experience having already designed an app for athletes to find and connect with training colleagues.

He met Dani, his partner in business and in life, in 2023 and Velopod is their first project together. Dani was born in Caracas, Venezuela, and studied psychology in Buenos Aires, before moving to Madrid and Lisbon. Right now, Dani is part of Modak, a US-based fintech (financial sign up, no matter what their level of proficiency. company and wears several

hats from data analysis to people operations. Both say their curiosity led them to cycling and happily, each other.

So, what is Velopod? Dani and Luiz give me this example: imagine you just moved to the Algarve, and you are looking to socialise, join rides and find the best bike shops or cycling clubs. Well, information on bike tours, rentals and cycling events has already been curated for you and can be found in one easy place at velopod.cc – bike shops will soon be joining the website listings, too.

So, what about the name? Why Velopod? I’m duly told that the name was carefully chosen because ‘Vélo’ means bicycle in French and is also widely associated with cycling in Europe, and ‘pod’ because the idea of the business is to have clusters or groups of similar products and services to help the user find specific information.

But Dani and Luiz’s idea goes further than just creating their own platform; they want other associated business to be part of their story. At the moment, they are working hard to curate all of the businesses that they have researched and discovered connected to the cycling world on to the website. But the dream one day is to allow others to create their own ‘pods’ and share them with other cyclists.

The cycling community, in any region, is a big one, and if Velopod takes off in the way this couple hopes it will, it will become one giant word-of-mouth, encouraging others to sign up, no matter what their level.

The vision

I asked Dani and Luiz how they came up with this exciting concept and they tell me it’s all rooted in personal experience from being cyclists in the Algarve. They say they faced certain challenges when searching for information like how to find cycle-friendly coffee shops and essential bike fitting, and even how to join cycling groups. Frustratingly, they say, information on Google was incorrect, or out of date, or the businesses had no online presence, biased reviews, and the information was dispersed on different websites rather than collated in one place.

To be blunt, it was confusing and time wasting for two people who just wanted to be out on their bikes socialising with others in the outdoors. The duo are quick to tell me that this is an ongoing process, and every day is a learning curve. One of the biggest challenges is the curation process itself because of its time-consuming nature – Dani and Luiz visit every business they want to promote on their platform to make sure they understand exactly what’s on offer and how a partnership with Velopod will work.

It also requires a high technological investment to develop all the features that they’d like to eventually include. But crucially, they say, the easy part is that they love cycling, and that makes the whole process “super enjoyable” and there must be some fun in work.

There is no set demographic of people that Velopod appeals to – it’s simply for anyone who loves cycling and wants to share that love.

A brilliant start

The recent official launch of Velopod was impressive. For the event, Dani and Luiz partnered with Almancil restaurant, austa. They stopped there for breakfast after a bike ride last year and met founder David. A little background on austa is pertinent here because like Velopod, Austa is doing something similar but in the culinary sector. Austa is a restaurant, coffee shop, kitchen and community whose mission is to provide a platform for small, independent projects and producers on the Atlantic and Andalusian coasts.

Luiz and Dani shared their idea for Velopod Cycling Hub and, with David’s support, began developing the idea and later organised a 50km bike ride to promote the launch of the platform. That ride started at austa, where the cyclists had coffee and some treats, then went to Loulé, stopping at Café Central in the Ombria Viceroy Resort for another coffee, eventually returning to austa.

The first Velopod event was a massive success and very rewarding for Dani and Luiz as they got to know more about the riders and their needs. They say they also learned interesting things which are helping to guide them in the right direction with the platform. That first ride saw a very diverse group of people come together; beginners, enthusiasts, and also people of different ages and nationalities. However, the main thing was that they shared a love of cycling.

As with any initiative, there has to be benefits and incentives to encourage participation. Dani and Luiz say the benefits for cyclists are numerous and list off many including easy access to information, unbiased content, reliable information, community belonging and the sharing of knowledge and experience. But there are equal benefits and reasons why businesses should want to sign up, too; visibility and promotion with a strong online and aesthetically pleasing presence are by far the biggest pros.

Luiz and Dani’s own research shows that they are definitely on to a winner; cycling tourism is expanding in Portugal, with the Algarve recognised as an outstanding destination due to its diverse landscapes and favourable

Luiz and Dani, founders of Velopod, have plenty to smile about

climate. The Portuguese Government has set a target to increase the share of journeys made by bicycle from less than 1% to 10% by 2030, supported by the National Strategy for Active Mobility and investments in cycle paths. The modal share of bicycle use in Portugal also stood at 1.7% in 2021. In 2024, the Algarve achieved a record 5.2 million visitors at tourist establishments, representing an increase of 2.6% compared to 2023 (residents +1.3%; non-residents +3.0%).

It’s also estimated that there are over a thousand cyclingrelated businesses based in the Algarve. That’s a lot of business that, at the moment, not all cyclists are able to find, be it down to a lack of their online visibility or being based in a remote part of town that doesn’t see much through-traffic. This is why, if you are a cycling-orientated company, being on a platform where cyclists can access all of your information in one go is probably vital for you.

For restaurants and cafés, it’s slightly different. You may know these places exist as there is an abundance of restaurants and snack bars on the Algarve, and people are loyal to their local ones. But do you know which ones are cycle friendly or have the amenities cyclists need for a quick pit-stop or leisurely lunch? Not all eateries are accessible by bike, and it’s important to know the ones that are.

The website itself is visually pleasing, easy to navigate, userfriendly (which, let’s face it, can be a struggle these days), wellorganised and professional. You wouldn’t know by looking at it that this is a new venture – it’s easy to see Luiz and Dani’s love of cycling and eye for detail. There’s an easy filter of town names so that you can immediately jump to the location that you are interested in.

I click on Alte, and am immediately directed to Germano BiciArte, a café and bike shop that’s able to do repairs and sells sports gear and accessories. I then try Tavira, where two cafés are listed for attributes that cyclists needing a pit-stop may find appealing.

There are four further filters for each town, which you can decide to apply or not to help you narrow down or expand your search. They are Bike Shop, Outdoor Seating, Restaurant, Specialty Coffee.

I select Almancil and ‘Outdoor Seating’ and hey presto, austa appears. It’s definitely a work in progress, but I have no doubt that Luiz and Dani will make a success of Velopod Cycling Hub. With their determination and love of cycling, it’s clear to see they are destined to go far.

For info on events, email hello@velopod.cc and visit velopod.cc

WHICH ONE... AND WHERE

HOW TO PICK A PERFECT PAINTING AND PLACE IT IN THE PERFECT SPOT. FOR THE PURPOSE OF THIS EXPERIMENT, FOUR PAINTINGS FROM GALERIA CÔRTE-REAL HAVE BEEN CHOSEN. WITH TWO GALLERIES LOCATED IN PADERNE AND OLHÃO, THERE IS A MYRIAD OF OPTIONS FROM A MULTITUDE OF INTERNATIONAL ARTISTS

Terry Moore takes a distinctive approach when creating images of the ramshackle fishermen’s huts on the islands of the Ria Formosa. This painting, taken from his collection, The World Through My Eyes, matches the subject with suitable mixed media materials by layering acrylic paint, pastiche, montage and found objects collected from the islands’ beaches.

JUAN GALAN

This fine artist’s love of ceramics is characterised by this bold example.

Filled with a bouquet of newly-picked countrygarden flowers, his loose brushstrokes create gleaming surfaces and beautiful impressions. A resident of the Spanish border town of Ayamonte, he has the ability to catch the freshness of early morning light and the gathering shadows of dusk.

PAUL WADSWORTH

Widely travelled, Paul Wadsworth and his paintings are intoxicated by the traditions and ambience of the Middle East and India. The softness of his colour palette and the gentle tones of the surroundings immerse the viewer into a soothing state of mind.

Making those decisions

It is not an absolute science, but having chosen one of the four paintings now work out where to hang it. If you are a traditionalist you will likely opt for the room where the existing décor and furnishings best suit the painting you have picked. Colours in the painting that match or echo the room’s colour scheme will give a cohesive look.

Finding a spot where there is natural or artificial light is perfect but the most attentive of art collectors will keep the painting out of direct sunlight so it cannot be bleached. Placing the focal point of the painting at eye level will show it off to its best advantage.

Taking all of this into account, have you reached a conclusion? If not, remember there are many choices. Take an outing to either of Côrte-Real’s galleries to stimulate your artistic senses. And remember, sometimes picking a contrasting painting and putting it in an inappropriate room gets attention.

JENNIFER IRVING

Jennifer Irving depicts the contrasting effects of sunlight and shadows as they fall upon the façades of buildings and the surrounding foliage. Taking a typical Algarve village scene she is drawn to extra quirky details such as shadows thrown by a gnarled tree trunk or a deep blue sky. She has developed an unusual technique, enabling her to imitate the intensity of colour as seen in local flowers such as hibiscus and bougainvillea

a very special SEAFOOD RICE

CHEF DAVID LUISA OF RESTAURANT SOMBRA, AT THE KIMPTON ATLÂNTICO ALGARVE, USES LOCALLY-SOURCED INGREDIENTS TO ENSURE A PERFECT BLEND OF FLAVOURS AND TEXTURES IN THIS WONDERFUL DISH THAT BRINGS TOGETHER MANY DIFFERENT BUT TOTALLY COMPLEMENTARY TASTES. TOP-OF-THE-MARKET FOOD STORES LIKE APOLONIA AND SUPERMARKETS WITH AN INTEREST IN INTERNATIONAL INGREDIENTS WILL ALWAYS CARRY THOSE AUTHENTIC EXTRAS THAT ARE PART OF A DISH ’ S DISTINCT PERSONALITY

SERVES 2 COOKING TIME 1 HOUR 30 MINUTES

INGREDIENTS

FOR THE LOBSTER BISQUE

 300g lobster heads

 ½ diced carrot

 ½ chopped onion

 ½ diced fennel

 ¼ lemon grass

 5g ginger

 2 tbsp olive oil

 1 tbsp Pernod

 ½ clove of garlic, chopped

 1 tbsp tomato paste

 100ml white wine

 500ml fish stock

 3 threads saffron

FOR THE RICE

 150g Carolino rice

 ½ chopped shallot

 ½ clove garlic, chopped

 1 bay leaf

 300ml fish stock

 200ml bisque

 500g lobster

 150g shrimp

 120g crab meat

 100g zucchini pulp purée

 Togarashi, to taste

 Fleur de sel, to taste

 Balchão, to taste

FOR THE SEAWEED OIL

 14g Kombu seaweed

 6g Nori seaweed

 90ml Grape seed oil

METHOD

BISQUE

1 Thoroughly wash the lobster heads, drain, and dry well. Cook them in olive oil for five minutes, pressing to extract all the juices. Remove the shells and set aside to drain.

2 In the same pan, add the chopped vegetables and cook for three minutes. Deglaze with white wine and Pernod, allowing the alcohol to evaporate.

3 Add tomato paste and saffron, stir well, then add the fish stock. Simmer gently for 40 minutes.

4 Add the reserved seafood juices and strain through a fine chinois, extracting all the flavour from the vegetables.

SEAWEED OIL

5 Bring the seaweed and grape seed oil together in a blender for a few seconds. Let it rest for about ten minutes, then strain.

RICE

6 Sauté the shallot, garlic, and bay leaf. Add the rice and fish stock. Cook over low heat. Add the bisque, and finally stir in the zucchini purée for creaminess.

7 Season with fleur de sel, a bit of togarashi, and a few drops of balchão.

8 Lightly grill the pre-shelled seafood on a Yakitori grill, finishing with fleur de sel.

9 To serve – Plate the rice on a flat dish. Arrange the lobster medallions on top, along with the shrimp and crab meat. Finish with fresh seaweed and the seaweed oil.

ABOUT THE RESTAURANT

Sombra, led by Alentejo-born Chef David Luisa, is located at the Kimpton Atlântico Algarve, near the stunning São Rafael Beach. This fine dining restaurant offers a sensory ode to the connection between the mountains and the sea. More than just a gastronomic space, Sombra is a manifesto – each creation reflects an intimate dialogue with nature, celebrating seasonal ingredients and local traditions, with a strong focus on regional producers.

INSTEAD OF MOURNING THE DEMISE OF SUMMER, LET’S WELCOME AUTUMN BY ENJOYING THE BLISS OF LOWER TEMPERATURES AND INDOOR(ISH) ACTIVITIES. LET ’ S GO ON A JOURNEY OF DISCOVERY AND FIND PLACES THAT ARE NEW TO US

Words:

SANDRA GATO

KEEP YOUR

S COOL

OME OF US are ‘autumns’. Calling all code orange lovers out there! We anticipate the drop of temperature as an opportunity to spend more time inside the house (cooking, reading with a cup of tea as company or just enjoying our sofa). And, when going outside, the pleasure of discovering new art or restaurants gets highlighted with a few drops of rain to clean the air...

In September, from centre to south, we say goodbye to all of the summer season excesses and welcome the newest cosy season wonders.

LISBON NEW FINDS

Being the capital, Lisbon is never short of novelties, and that is precisely why regular visits are totally necessary. In the art department, two museums recently opened that are an absolute must: MACAM – Museu de Arte Contemporânea Armando Martins (macam.pt), which was featured in AlgarvePLUS August issue, displays an incredible private collection in a historic building located close to the Tagus River – the Palace of the Counts of Ribeira Grande, an 18th century architectural jewel now turned into a hotel and a museum to enjoy masterpieces signed by big – huge! – national and international names (280 in total) such as Julião Sarmento, Paula Rego, Vik Muniz or Marina Abramovic.

Not far from Lisbon, in beautiful Sintra, the Albuquerque Foundation (albuquerquefoundation.

pt) is a new cultural institution that aims to promote and research ceramic production. The collection of Chinese ceramics – considered one of the most relevant of its kind – is truly amazing, with more than 2,500 pieces under the same roof. The foundation also has a nice café, which adds to the pleasure of a visit.

Not new, but totally updated, is Cervejaria Liberdade (tivolihotels.com). Located right in the middle of Avenida da Liberdade, it is one of the favourite restaurants of many locals (me included). Classic but not formal, serving food that you can always count on being exactly as you want it – I tend to go for the oysters, beef tartar and, for dessert, strawberry soup (the last two dishes prepared at the table) but there are many delicious options to choose from.

Besides being even more comfortable thanks to the renovation, it now has a bar if you just want to go for snacks and drinks after hours of frantic shopping.

And talking about shopping, for some other kind of retail therapy, the new Paris Sete store (paris-sete. com) is a haven for design lovers. With 40 years of experience in architectural and design projects, it is the home of some of the most prestigious international design brands. A place to browse, to admire great design and to buy that special piece for your (or someone else’s) home.

And in case you didn’t know that Salsa Jeans (salsajeans.com) is a Portuguese brand that has the most perfect fit – especially for women – go visit their new flagship store in Colombo Shopping Centre. The 304m² recently redesigned store is where you can customize your favourite piece, turning a denim jacket or a pair of jeans into a unique garment.

To end the day in the best of moods, head to a

Previous page, top: The Soul Garden at the Corinthia in Lisbon; below: Cervejaria Liberdade. This page, top: Cervejaria Liberdade’s plush dining room; centre: Paris Sete; left: Albuquerque Foundation in Sintra: Opposite page, top: the Salsa Jeans store in the Colombo Shopping Centre; centre and bottom:

place where Asia meets Latin America without leaving Lisbon. It’s called Soul Garden (soulgardenlisbon. com), and although it us surrounded by the city’s skyscrapers, the lush vegetation, the happy vibe and the delicious drinks and food make it a spot to where we’re always willing to come back. The friendly staff will advise on the best cocktail according to your tastes and, as for the snacks, the baos, the gyozas and the tacos are wonderful. The Japanese offer is also larger than it used to be, so staying for dinner, and trying a selection of hot rolls, nigiris or gunkans, is a sensible decision.

ALENTEJO MODE ON

Once you fall in love with the Alentejo, there’s no turning back. The pace is slower there, the locals are gentle and have time to live – not only exist, as so often we feel we are doing in the big cities – and the sky is full of stars, thanks to the lack of air pollution. And the good news is that it’s even better come the autumn!

Too hot during summer months, even for those who love it with all their heart, the Alentejo feels like the perfect destination with the arrival of the first chilly days. It’s common knowledge that the region is big, with plenty of incredible places to choose from, but for a “before-going-back-to-work” weekend I recommend Moura. Located in the most interior part of Alentejo, right next to Spain, it is a traditional village, with its white houses and clean streets, perfect for lazy strolls. Please go check Igreja de São João Batista with its famous balcony (there are only two in Portugal with exterior balconies) so mass could be attended by the

prison inmates across the street. And to find out more about olive oil production – Moura is well known for its high quality olive oil.

A visit to Lagar das Varas do Fojo, the olive oil museum, (cmmoura.pt) is like travelling in time to an era when hard work was the only way to survive. Now we are lucky enough to just be able to buy a couple of bottles of one of the best olive oil produced in the country while staying for one or two nights and enjoying Moura’s warmth.

Amada Moura (amada-moura.com) is the place to stay. A boutique hotel that welcomes you with lemonade and freshly baked cake and makes you feel right at home. A recently-renovated 19thcentury house with just eight rooms where disconnecting is as immediate as wishing you could stay longer. Having a homemade breakfast in the terrace (or in the lovely room inside), overlooking the small pool, and enjoying the silence is pure therapy.

But if you still have some holiday days left, book Cenoura-Brava (cenourabrava.com), near Évora. The whole house can be rented (four rooms and a separate two-bedroom apartment), in the middle of the Alentejo countryside but close to Convento do Espinheiro (conventodoespinheiro.com), a historic building turned into a luxury hotel. The recommendation here is to have the full immersive experience: stay with friends and/or family at Cenoura-Brava (service provided by Convento do Espinheiro), go visit local farmers and producers, enjoy the tranquility, book a yoga class by the pool for everyone, have a dinner in the house prepared exclusively for your group by the chef, Duarte Batista, who is also in charge of Divinus (the main restaurant of Convento do Espinheiro) and focused on bringing a new approach to both local and national flavours. Expect tuna from the Azores on the menu as well as passionfruit from Madeira and, of course, pork from the Alentejo. Since it is just a small walk away from CenouraBrava, a dinner at Divinus surely is a must: also an ideal excuse to check the Alentejo’s unique sunset.

AU UMN FAIR

Mediterranean Gardening

Saturday 18 & Sunday 19 October

10h - 17h Entry €1

Parque Municipal (FATACIL) Lagoa

Free Talks, Workshops and Demonstrations

Organisers

APEJECM / MGAP

With theSupport of Camara Municipal de Lagoa mgapfairs@gmail.com www.mgaportugal.org MedGardenersPortugal

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GREAT BOOKS

LAST MONTH, BEN FRAMPTON PICKED FIVE READS HE WOULD RECOMMEND TO OTHERS. HIS FEATURE GOT A HUGE RESPONSE – FROM THOSE WHO ENJOYED HIS SUGGESTIONS, THOSE WHO ABSOLUTELY DIDN’T, AND THOSE WHO WANTED TO SHARE THEIR OWN FAVOURITES. WE APPROACHED A FEW OF OUR CONTRIBUTORS FOR THEIR THOUGHTS AND YES, THIS IS THE START OF A NEW SERIES!

LAURA SHEA RECOMMENDS... TOUCHING EARTH

By Rani Manicka

Published by Sceptre

I first discovered Touching Earth nearly 20 years ago when the striking cover caught my eye in a local bookshop. The exotic image and serene colours of soft teal and purple drew me in closer, and after a quick read of the synopsis on the back page I was hooked. The intricate descriptions of people and their inherent flaws is addictive, and the travelling between countries as well as the past, present and future makes this a read that you just cannot put down.

The obvious yet incredible dichotomy between cultures, the tranquil beauty of Bali and the grey harshness of England is a great backdrop for the duality of people, both honest and false at the same time. The descriptions of familial love and the complexities of expectation is easily laid out by a writer who has such skill to make you feel both deep fondness and extreme anger at the characters.

It is a dark and gritty tale, but so beautifully true, woven with spirits and magic and longing and pain. This is a novel that I come back to year after year, and it is always just as good as the first read.

NICK ROBINSON SUGGESTS... CONQUERORS

by Roger Crowley

Published by Faber & Faber I opened Conquerors  a month ago and–boom – I was instantly adrift on the high seas with a bunch of gutsy Portuguese explorers who had absolutely no down time. This is not your average dusty history book. It reads like a Netflix series that forgot it was supposed to be fictional. The characters? All real. The stakes? Global domination.

Crowley’s gift is making you feel like you’re right there on deck, choking on salt air and wondering if your pilot actually knows how to get around the Cape of Good Hope. Spoiler: often, he didn’t.

What grabbed me most was how this tiny sliver of a country, perched on Europe’s edge, carved out a worldwide empire before most nations had figured out where India was. From cannons blasting in Calicut to tense standoffs in the Spice Islands, it’s a brutal, brilliant, bloody tale. And yet, Crowley doesn’t sugar-coat the dark side – greed, slaughter, and religious fervour all sail alongside.

If you’ve ever wondered how Portugal went from salted cod to global superpower, this is your ticket. Just brace yourself – it’s not all glory and gold. But it is one hell of a ride. Anchors aweigh.

SALLY DIXON APPRECIATES... LISTENING WELL

by William R. Miller

Published by Wipf and Stock

Full disclosure, I’m not a book reader in the traditional sense (either I don’t have the time, or I don’t make the time). I’m currently in the middle of a part-time degree in nutritional therapy, so on the rare occasion I find time to sit and read something it’s generally to do with nutrition or wellbeing. Feel free to call me a geek. So, my best read is actually from my Uni reading list (never thought I’d say that!).

Most of us think we’re good listeners, right? We nod and say “yeah” at the right time, maybe even put our phones down for a second and maintain eye contact. But according to Professor of Psychology and Psychiatry, Willam R. Miller, that’s just scratching the surface. In this book he shows us where we’re going wrong, and how we can do so much better.

Listening Well is a punchy, compelling read that makes it clear the way we listen matters. A lot. His message is simple but powerful – empathetic listening (leaving your judgement and agenda at the door) can change the course of conversations, relationships, and even lives. With under 100 pages it’s a quick read but with a profound message that will leave you thinking about it long after. Whether you’re talking to a partner, a co-worker, your boss, or your teenager who only communicates in shrugs, the insights and skills Miller offers in this book are invaluable.

PETER KAIN ENJOYED... ENEMY COAST AHEAD

By Guy Gibson VC

Published

by Greenhill Books

Guy Gibson wrote his wartime memoirs when he was ‘grounded’ after leading the Dams Raid in May 1943. A highly-decorated pilot before the raid, he had been deemed too high an asset to lose on operations, by then having flown over 170. After moraleboosting visits to Canada and the USA, part of the Air Ministry’s PR drive was for him to write this book in his own hand.

A complex individual is revealed between the lines of what can be described as a ‘Boys Own’ adventure of daring deeds. In its delivery, the words seem to press on regardless, but underneath it shows the way a young man in his early 20s deals with the stress of leadership and loss of fellow aircrew.

He was born in India in 1918, the

highpoint of Colonial Rule, and on return to England sent to a boarding school. Onto St. Edwards in Oxford from where he joined the RAF in 1936. This background leads him to befriend fellow officers but he is distinctly ambivalent about non-commissioned airmen and ground crews.

Having completed the final draft of the book in the summer of 1944 he insisted on returning once more to operations.

On the night of 19 September he flew a Mosquito, an unfamiliar aircraft to him, on a sortie from which he never came back – aged 26 years old.

PAUL REES IS READING, IN PORTUGUESE...

CASIMIRO FREIRE O REPUBLICANISMO E A INSTRUÇÃO POPULAR

By Joaquim Pintassilgo and Isabel Freire Ferreira

Published by Colibri

The April power outage in Portugal compelled me to stop scrolling and to pick up a book that had been on my shelf for months, a biography of Casmiro Freire.

One of Rural Properties’ historic houses in Pedrógão Pequeno lies in a road named after this businessman and inspirational educationalist who was born in the Central Portugal town.

In 1882, Casmiro Freire established an educational association but despite this innovative initiative, by 1890, still only one in five Portuguese could read and write, fewer in rural areas where only sporadic teaching was available at some convents, churches and parishes which sometimes set up classes, often just for boys.

Over the ensuing years and relentless fundraising by the well-connected Freire, the association’s teachers brought the basics of reading, writing and arithmetic to tens of thousands of Portuguese children and adults in remote rural areas.

Freire’s Lisbon-based grain business eventually went bust and he had a decreasing number of backers of his work, but a 1911 decree law made these popup schools official until, in the 1930s, the Estado Novo started to take the education of Portugal’s children seriously and Freire’s innovative solution no longer was needed.

An unsung hero, Freire’s name and legacy are not forgotten.

For Coffee Lovers

Discover bean17 in Loulé Market! Savour house-roasted Speciality Coffees like espresso or cappuccino, indulge in organic kombucha, and treat yourself to heavenly homemade cakes. Take the magic home with freshly-roasted organic Arabica beans from Peru and Ethiopia. Craving more? There are healthy breakfasts, light lunches, and a curated selection of premium products, including Portuguese olive oil, flor de sal, and more. Come for the coffee, stay for the joy!

New term starts September, sign on now for:

Resident groups now re-forming

New riders

Riding

Special deals for Residents for 10 hours

Picture perfect

TESSA SCHACK IS LIVING PROOF OF THE ADAGE THAT AFRICA GETS IN YOUR BLOOD. HER TESTAMENT TO HER LOVE AFFAIR WITH THE CONTINENT IS THE GLORIOUS COFFEE TABLE BOOK, PASSIONATELY AFRICA

Words: DEBBIE REYNOLDS

FROM THE SMALL gold-mining town of Nigel in South Africa to the bonhomie of Belgium, the bright lights of Paris and, for the last 11 years, the tranquility of the Algarve, Tessa Schack has come a long way.

The day we meet at her cosmopolitan Quinta do Lago home, Tessa is a month shy of her 80th birthday. I’m literally gobsmacked that this eloquent, stylish and effervescent woman is not at least 15 years younger.

If she has a secret, it’s probably her lust for life which began at the tender age of 19 when she left Johannesburg in South Africa headed for new adventures in Europe.

“My grandfather was Italian, but he had bought a small farm in Nigel where I was born in August 1945,” says Tessa. “My father was in the Royal Airforce at the time, but we later settled in Johannesburg where I completed my schooling.”

It was Tessa’s parents who unwittingly encouraged her to seek new horizons. “I’d been to Europe when I was 16 to visit family, but after I heard my parents saying how spoilt we were, I got the urge to go and prove myself.”

Finding direction

She started off in Belgium, where she learned to speak fluent French, and then, thanks to a job offer from a popular woman’s magazine in Paris, she relocated to France.

“You’re probably going to laugh, but one of my main responsibilities was managing the magazine’s pictures stories – you know those ones with pictures and then bubbles with words?

“A lot of my time was spent travelling to various locations where the pictures were shot to negotiate with tourist offices to get filming permission from the relevant authorities.”

She said visiting places such as Ireland, Scotland and Guadalupe was great, but she felt she hadn’t had the chance to really experience Paris, so she switched to working as an advertising rep for various Paris-based magazines.

“Then in the 80s, I was headhunted by a French beauty company to be their international head of public relations,” says Tessa. “It was amazing to work for such a big company, but once again I was travelling a lot, so when I met my husband Bernard it was time to settle down a little bit.”

Her next move was as ad manager for Cosmopolitan magazine in Paris. “It sounds glamorous and it really was, but I also worked so very hard.”

Her escape during those heady days was to Africa and on safari. “I loved being back in Africa among its incredible wildlife and culture, and I started taking photographs, like you do on safari holidays.”

Choosing the Algarve

Another favourite holiday hangout was the Algarve, where Tessa and Bernard had been coming for 36 years before finally deciding to move here 11 years ago.

“We fell in love with the Algarve, the lovely people and the

climate,” she says. “It’s a privilege to live here. And it’s a great place to spend your older years.”

It was also in the Algarve that Tessa’s new ‘career’ took off. With more time on her hands, she took up painting and used her African photographs to paint her trademark zebras, elephants and lions.

“I had two exhibitions of my paintings, but as an amateur photographer I would never have thought to display those publicly in any way,” she laughs.

But then along came renowned art gallery owner, Gillian Catto. “I’d returned to the Algarve from a trip to Kenya and had a dinner at our home to which Gillian was invited.

“Someone asked if they could see some of the photos, so I brought out my laptop and everyone had a look. Two days later, Gillian called and asked if she could look at my photos on my large screen because she wanted to exhibit me.

“I said, you must be joking because I am just a ‘Sunday photographer’. Her answer was: ‘Not true, I don’t exhibit Sunday photographers’.”

On April 14, 2022, Tessa’s first photo exhibition graced the ArtCatto Gallery in Loulé. “Gillian’s endorsement gave me the encouragement to learn more and get better,” explains Tessa. “I had no formal training, so I went onto the internet and started teaching myself online. My next step was to hire a photographic guide on my safaris, which really improved my knowledge and confidence. Four years ago, I decided it was time to go solo.”

“Often, when I’m on safari, I put my camera down and just observe. To be a good wildlife photographer you have to know your subjects’ habits and take the time to watch and learn.”

Getting into print

The seed for her epic book was germinated by her children Kevin and Sandra (who live in Lisbon), suggesting that she do a photo book of her African travels for the family, which includes grandkids Jeremy and Paloma.

“Then about two years ago I went to Zambia where I visited the Conservation Lower Zambezi (CLZ),” says Tessa. “Through my photography I became passionate about conservation, and I loved what CLZ was doing, particularly in the field of protecting wildlife and educating future generations.”

The idea for a family book then grew into a plan to publish a coffee table book, with a portion of the proceeds going to CLZ. The biggest problem was choosing which of Tessa’s thousands of photos would be included in the book.

Enter Angolan-born Algarve-based photographer Vasco Celio who offered to work as a ‘curator’.

“I wanted it to be about the wildlife, people and landscapes of Africa, but it was too hard to do this on my own,” Tessa explains. “You can imagine – it took two years to dribble around 60,000 pictures down to only 360. Did Vasco and I fight! He was seeing the artistic merits, while I was remembering the emotional moments, like the picture of a leopard leaving a tree with its prey that took me three hours to shoot.”

Asking Tessa to choose a favourite wild animal is like asking a parent to choose a favourite child. “I love them all, except crocodiles,” she laughs. “Often when I’m on safari, I put my camera down and just observe. To be a good wildlife photographer you have to know their habits and take the time to watch and learn.”

She still marvels at the animals’ social lives... how wild dogs operate in packs and how elephants live together and protect their babies. She also especially loves encountering

Tessa Schack adores elephants and her images demonstrate that love and a true appreciation of the ‘family’ that look after each other

leopards, because they are so shy and elusive.

She remembers one of her scarier moments was while she was photographing a lion. “I was in a vehicle without any doors, lying down on my tummy with the lion about 12 meters away in the grass. He suddenly turned and looked directly at me with that intense ‘yellow’ stare and I thought my time was up. It was all fine, of course, and I learned that it’s about respecting the animals and their space and having good guides who know the animals’ behaviours.”

Subject matters

When it comes to photographing people, Tessa says, again, it’s all about respect. “When you’ve got a camera, there is no language barrier and generally the local people are warm and welcoming. You have to remember they are not models, so being patient and catching the right moment is important.”

She says the culture of the countries she visits is indelibly intertwined with its wildlife, which is why conservation is so important to her. “People need to learn how to exist with wildlife and how important responsible ecotourism is for future sustainability.”

She uses the CLZ with its focus on wildlife protection, community engagement and environmental education as her yardstick. She also is not afraid to put her money where her mouth is. Horrified when she heard that CLZ had lost its funding from the United States because of the USAID cuts by the Trump administration, she decided to donate the full profits from her book to the conservation organisation.

With Bernard, who she says is her greatest supporter, turning

80 recently and her 80th a few months after, the Schacks threw a party, but asked guests not to bring gifts, but rather give donations to the CLZ.

Tessa’s gorgeous limited-edition ode to Africa, Passionately Africa, was launched at the Conrad Hotel in June to widespread acclaim. Most would think, that would be a fitting ‘The End’ to Tessa’s adventures, but she’s no ordinary octogenarian.

“I’ve already got four safaris planned, Zambia in September, then next year Kenya in March and September and Zambia in May. The day I can’t lift my camera is the day I suppose I will have to stop.”

She laughs: “Will I then also have to give up my African sundowner gin and tonic – my compensation for a long day in the trenches?”

She reiterates how blessed she is to have such an understanding and supportive husband. “It’s a lot of travelling, but he knows it’s my passion, so he happily lets me go. He’s the perfect foil for me.”

Tessa is also toying with doing a children’s book about wildlife. “I would like future generations to know more about Africa’s beautiful wild animals, how they live, their habits and how vital it is to save these creatures from extinction.”

For now, she hopes her photographs speak for those who can’t. “I hope they convey both the wonder and fragility of nature and inspire a deeper appreciation for the world we share.”

Passionately Africa can be ordered at tessaschack.com

How volunteering transformed my life

ELISABETH LEONARD , A PORTUGAL

CHARITY NETWORK MEMBER,

IS SETTING UP A WEBSITE TO HELP CONNECT VOLUNTEERS TO CHARITIES. SHE EXPLAINED TO ALGARVEPLUS HOW SHE GOT INVOLVED IN VOLUNTEERING AND THE DIFFERENCE IT HAS MADE TO HER... AND TO THOSE IT HELPS

WHEN I FIRST moved to Portugal four years ago, my focus was survival – the joyous yet exhausting task of creating a new life in a new country.

No single challenge was insurmountable: registering for residency, opening bank accounts, navigating grocery stores, deciphering utility bills. Yet, the sheer volume of ‘firsts’ left me emotionally and mentally drained.

Once the dust settled, I had time – a great, unstructured expanse of it. I wandered around th cobblestone streets through my town and its rolling hills, attended expat gatherings, enrolled in Portuguese classes, and idled far too long on social media. But beneath it all was a faint, persistent restlessness. I had retired upon moving here, only to realise that so much of my identity had been defined by my work. Without it, I was adrift.

Then, one ordinary afternoon, I saw a post from Refood: “Volunteer for two hours a week. Help others.” I leapt at it.

From my very first shift – rescuing surplus food and delivering it to those in need – I was captivated. It fulfilled something I hadn’t known I was missing: connection, contribution, and a deepened understanding of my adopted community. My Portuguese improved vastly, my circle of friends expanded, and my heart felt… fuller.

But my appetite for service was growing. I began searching for other opportunities – scouring Google, posting in Facebook groups, asking everyone I knew. I quickly

discovered a paradox: Portugal is rich in charities needing help, and equally rich in people eager to volunteer – yet they often can’t find each other.

That’s when I stumbled upon the Portugal Charity Network. In conversation, I asked whether there was a central directory of volunteer opportunities. There wasn’t. Instead, I was told warmly: “If you care about this, why not create it?”

ABOUT VOLUNTEERING PORTUGAL

Volunteering Portugal is a nonprofit project dedicated to connecting individuals and charities across Portugal. By providing a centralised, searchable database of opportunities, it facilitates the matching of skills, interests, and availability with the needs of community organisations. The initiative seeks to strengthen local communities by making volunteering easier and more rewarding.

Challenge accepted. My former careers as a librarian and market researcher suddenly felt tailor-made for the task. I launched a survey to understand the landscape – and the results were revelatory. Volunteers overwhelmingly seek opportunities close to home, both in geography and in purpose. Many prefer causes aligned with personal passions, from animal welfare to environmental protection, or with professional expertise, such as medical skills. Yet, they often struggle to find clear, up-todate information. Language requirements, time commitments, and the ability to volunteer for short periods were also key concerns.

The takeaway was undeniable: Portugal needed a simple, elegant bridge between those who can give and those who need help.

So I created Volunteering Portugal, a Facebook page where individuals can post the roles they’re seeking, and charities can share opportunities in real time. This month, its companion website – volunteering.pt – will launch, bringing purpose within everyone’s reach.

For me, this journey began as a search for deeper connection in my adopted home. It became something greater – a personal mission to weave together the threads of generosity, one act of service at a time.

What began over a decade ago as a fascination for the beauty and craftsmanship of Portuguese ceramics, has now taken form — seven handpicked pieces that mark the beginning of my very own ceramic journey.

The result of an alliance between professional mastery and and my imagination led to pieces that play with matt and glossy contrasts and the elegance of subtle colours.

I feel a deep sense of happiness in opening box after box and seeing each piece reflecting the harmony of shapes and tones I had envisioned — and now hold in my hands.

OPEN: Monday - Friday 10.00 - 18.00; Saturday: 10.00 - 14.00

T: +351 964 222 612 INSTA: martina.loule / martina-loule.com

LET’S GET COOKING

TAKING A COOKING CLASS IS SO MUCH MORE THAN LEARNING RECIPES – IT’S AN INVITATION TO CONNECT, DISCOVER, AND SAVOUR LIFE’S ORDINARY PLEASURES THAT BOTH FEED US AND ROOT US. STEPPING INTO A HANDS-ON PORTUGUESE CULINARY EXPERIENCE WILL BE A DELIGHT TO BOTH THE NEWCOMER TO THE KITCHEN AND THE PASSIONATE HOME COOK

Words: CHRISTINA MORENO

AS JULIA CHILD once wisely said: “You don’t have to cook fancy or complicated masterpieces – just good food from fresh ingredients.” There is an everyday magic in being able to wander into a local ‘mercado’ for freshly-baked bread and simple ingredients like vine-ripened tomatoes, sweet onions, glistening sardines, and fragrant herbs – then with just a splash of good olive oil, a squeeze of lemon and a pinch of the region’s famous sea salt create a meal to remember. The very best part is sharing that dish – and a piece of this way of living – with friends and family.

Cooking in Portugal is an ode to slowing down, to deeply savour, not just food, but life itself. Whether you’re craving some different conviviality, fresh inspiration, or just the joy that good food brings, there is an Algarve cooking class for you. From rustic farm-to-table lessons to polished gourmet masterclasses, you’ll find an

experience for every appetite. And some blend Portuguese tradition with global flavours, encouraging you to explore and invent along the way.

INSIDER TIPS

For cuisines beyond Portuguese classics (like French cuisine or Indian curries), many local chefs and schools offer private or customised lessons – just ask or book ahead, especially for international or custom experiences.

Advance booking is always a smart idea, especially in the busy season or for group classes.

VISITOR TIP

Cooking classes offer a truly unique souvenir – rather than something tangible, you can take home a gift that keeps on giving: authentic recipes, hands-on techniques, and the confidence to recreate your Algarve holiday flavours in your own kitchen. It’s a memorable way to share local traditions and delicious experiences with your favourite humans, wherever you are.

COOKING IS A CREATIVE ACT

As Ferran Adrià, the renowned and sometimes controversial experimental chef, famously said: “Remember that a very good sardine is always preferable to a not that good lobster.”

This quote perfectly captures the essence of Portuguese cooking, where fresh, high-quality ingredients like sardines are celebrated over luxury or extravagance. In Algarve cooking classes, you learn to appreciate and prepare these humble yet flavourful staples, embracing simplicity and authenticity in every dish.

Incorporating creative activities into your daily life can significantly boost mood and overall wellbeing by reducing stress and maybe even promoting a sense of accomplishment. Whether you’re transforming leftovers or inventing something new, cooking invites creativity – and every meal is an opportunity to make memories. It is a chance to improvise, experiment fearlessly, and express yourself.

COOKING SCHOOL CLASSES

ALGARVE CUISINE ACADEMY, FARO

Welcoming both professionals and keen cooks, Algarve Cuisine Academy offers a formal, immersive experience with executive chef José Domingos in a range of workshops and culinary courses focused on both Portuguese classics and creative and international cuisines, including Italian, French and Indian.

Cost: Depends on course, email for info. Contact: 289 147 551 algarvecuisineacademy@gmail.com algarvecuisineacademy.com/

LOULÉ CRIATIVO, LOULÉ

Among the many creative classes and courses presented by local experts as part of this important initiative, there are always cookery options worth investigating. They could be anything from fig gathering and learning the traditional preservation and drying techniques, to bread making, to a full cataplana-creating experience. Check the website to see what is on offer, where and when.

Cost: Depends on course, email for info. Contact: 289 400 829 loulecriativo.pt/en/turismocriativo/ experiencias

TASTE ALGARVE, TAVIRA

If a beautiful rural setting with a farm-to-table philosophy is what you are craving, then this women-owned Algarvian culinary school at Monte do Álamo might just be what you are looking for. Offering private, hands-on cooking classes, you will find yourself immersed in the region’s delicious gastronomic heritage.

Taste Algarve has been recognised for sustainable gastronomic tourism in Portugal. Most classes begin with a trip to Tavira’s vibrant market with your local chef. You’ll then learn to prepare a three-course menu –from iconic dishes like Cataplana to regional desserts – using authentic recipes and techniques.

Classes are tailored to small groups (group rates available) and can be booked as lunch or dinner sessions. Options include both day classes and longer multi-day retreats with accommodation. Private and alternative menus, as well as visits to local producers, are also available on request.

For a more intimate and personalised experience, private cooking classes are the perfect choice for families or small groups. These sessions offer the opportunity to cook together at your own pace, choose your preferred menu, and enjoy quality time in a relaxed and beautiful setting.

Cost: Cooking classes with lunch, and guided visit to Tavira Market, start at €150pp; Cooking classes with dinner from €125pp.

Contact: 924 422 882 mariana@tastealgarve.com tastealgarve.com

ON THE FUNCHO

taste, explore at this awardwinning riverside retreat in the Algarve.

The Ottolenghi-inspired, plant-forward feasts champions fresh local produce, with occasional fish dishes in the signature Portuguese Spice Route –a flavour journey inspired by Portugal’s seafarers.

Hands-on workshops, vibrant village markets, and regional wine tastings complete the experience.

The three proudly-held titles are: Best Culinary Boutique Retreats 2024 –Portugal; Mediterranean Style Cooking Holiday of the Year – Portugal; and Most Idyllic Riverside Retreat 2023 –Algarve.

Cost: Workshops are from €55pp; culinary holidays from €990.

Contact: 912 595 539 hello@figsonthefuncho.com figsonthefuncho.com/workshop/cooking figsonthefuncho.com/holiday/cooking

MIMO ALGARVE, ALBUFEIRA

Set within the luxury Pine Cliffs Resort, Mimo Algarve hosts a variety of classes on Portuguese classics and specialties taught by expert local chefs, all in their state-of-the-art kitchen. This culinary school will be reopening soon, with a variety of cooking workshops, not limited to Portuguese food. Workshop topics in the past have included world cuisines such as Italian, French, Mexican, and Indian, in addition to plant-based and gluten-free classes. Group and private options available –check their schedule for international cuisine offerings or contact directly to request a specific cuisine class.

Cost: Depends on course, email for info. Contact: 300 509 188 concierge.algarve@pinecliffs.com pinecliffs.com/en/dining/mimo-algarve/

PRIVATE COOKING LESSONS IN YOUR OWN KITCHEN

GOSTO, LAGOS

Gosto offers private, hands-on cooking experiences at your villa or apartment for small groups of threeto-eight people, though couples can make special requests. In Gosto’s most in-demand class, you can learn to make a Caldeirada de Peixe, a Portuguese stew with fish, seafood and vegetables, two traditional appetizers, such as Bacalhau com Grão and Roll de Beringela, and a dessert.

Classes include: appetizers, a main course, dessert, wine pairing, and the guidance of a professional chef. Sessions are available Tuesday to Friday, and bookings must be made at least two days in advance to ensure fresh, local market ingredients. Gosto also offers Asian cuisine instruction.

Cost: Classes, €59pp. gostocooking.com/

TABERNA

Between pots and pans, seasonings and tastes, the flavours and aromas of the region are waiting to be discovered with Master chef Lucia Ribeiro, whose restaurant Taberna is in Rua Vale Formosa in Almancil. Her message is simple –challenge yourself and embrace Algarve cooking and cook your own meal.

At the Saturday workshops visit Loulé market and then learn to prepare a starter, main course and dessert, and create a spectacular dinner treat.

Cost: Saturday workshop with market visit €125pp. During the week classes €75pp. Contact: 968 567 373 reservas@tabernabylucia.pt tabernabylucia.pt/en/

PRIVATE COOKING LESSONS

PRIVATE COOKING CLASS WITH MARKET TOUR WITH PAULA, LOULÉ

With a 5-star rating on Viator.com, Paula offers an authentic market-to-table experience in the comfort of her private home kitchen. You will begin with a guided shopping trip through the Loulé market, where you’ll select the finest Algarvian ingredients together before returning to her welcoming kitchen to cook delicious, traditional dishes. Food tours and farm experiences are also available.

Cost: From €190pp (group discounts available).

Contact: 927 183 385 info@algarvefoodexperience.com algarvefoodexperiences.com

Above: At Gosto, Lagos, Caldeirada de Peixe, is one of the keen cooks’ favourite dishes, which you can learn to prepare in your own home kitchen. Left: Lucia Ribeiro runs workshops at her restaurant, Taberna in Almancil and include cataplana

Sheer chaos

WHEN CLAIRE FROM THE OGTEN S Ã O BR Á S POD POSTED AN ARTICLE FROM HOUSE & GARDEN ABOUT CHAOS GARDENING, SUBTITLED ‘HORTICULTURE WITH MAD ABANDON’, IT SPARKED AN IMMEDIATE RESPONSE FROM LOCAL GARDENERS – BOTH POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE

Words: BURFORD HURRY

CHAOS GARDENING is certainly a concept that I find attractive – although I would have suggested ‘spontaneous’ or ‘serendipitous’ as better descriptions, but probably those are more of a mouthful and carry too much élan and cheerfulness.

I wonder whether the label ‘chaos’ was settled on by horticulturists who felt a little uncertain about what their future role in gardening might be? The label certainly suggests that chaos gardening is something destructive and should be avoided, but the irony is that, far from being chaotic, it is fuelled by an orderly natural spontaneous pattern of growth. Furthermore, the growth doesn’t just happen, the weather and the position of plants dictate when and where they will make their appearance. Nothing chaotic about that. Random growth has nothing to do with horticulture, which relies on precise selection and artificially-controlled gardening with only an occasional nod in the direction of spontaneity. Cleve West, a prominent gardener in the UK, puts it rather well: “What’s amusing is how we perceive nature going about her business as chaotic, and our eclectic mixes of plants as normal. Shouldn’t it be the other way round?”

Of course, caught on the back foot, horticulture does try to get into the act and organize the way we garden. So, if we would like a chaos garden, the article offers suggestions on how to go about it in a particular and fashionable way.

To begin with, we must be aware of the limitations of our garden in terms of drainage, soil and sun. We are advised to copy nature, but our gardens shouldn’t look like an untidy roadside

pages:

Sometimes nature can intrude unexpectedly into our gardens. It happened one year with me when a band of hungry caterpillars denuded my capers so effectively that just a collection of bare stalks remained. I had watched their activity with concern, wondering if I should step in and pick off the caterpillars by hand. I did nothing. That paid off as the following spring there was an even more enthusiastic celebration of caper leaves and flowers and pods. No sign of the caterpillars again so nature must have sorted that out for me.

verge. Once all this is accepted we should start by giving the garden a wild look by buying suitable seeds such as poppy or chicory and include some colourful vegetables and self-seeding plants.

The seeds should then be mixed with sand and strewn around particular areas in the garden. After that has been done, we should step back and allow areas to become ‘untidy’ but edit certain plants that come up. In addition, we are told that we should allow parts of the garden to become dilapidated. It could be a wall or a small building, a pile of broken tiles or bricks or clay pots.

Thoughtfully, the article also gives us a list of ‘bullies’ to be avoided, such as bind weeds, brambles, dandelions, crown daisies (Chrysanthemum coronorium), vincas (Vinca major) and nettles.

Tips

for creating a chaotic garden

Interestingly enough, no mention is made of how we can improve our chaos with or without herbicides, fungicides or insecticides. I think back to the earlier days when swathes of ‘weeds’ were destroyed with Roundup. Is it perhaps because chaos gardening does not recognise the value of the ‘cides’?

However, having been given these guidelines, I would like to suggest that chaos gardening cannot be directed. By definition there can be no guidelines. Every garden is as individual as the gardener. If we want chaos in our garden wouldn’t it be more sensible to just wait patiently and to watch each of our gardens grow, to see which volunteers arrive and see which plants will do best? And then decide which plants we want to leave.

And while we are doing that, remember the plea than Jan made earlier in the year to stop calling our wild flowers ‘weeds’.

Many gardeners in the Algarve are already changing their garden to be less formal. Not, I might add, spurred on by the fashion of chaos but

simply because their gardens seem to be better suited to a Mediterranean way of life.

There are many approaches. In his wild area, Bas has left his existing pistacias – both lentiscus and terebinthus – and other wild shrubs and trees. More native plants are being planted and encouraged. Wild thistles, however, are given short thrift and removed by hand as he feels they tend to dominate the area.

In his garden area, Bas is encouraging clusters of asphodels (Asphodelus fistulosus), one of my favourites, to grow. He also keeps an eye open for other attractive volunteers from his wild area. He has lots to choose from tiny blue convolvulus (Convolvulus humilis) to dagger plants (Mantisalca salmantica) and everything in between.

My way

In my garden, after winter, I wait for the arrival of my blood red poppies in the calçadas and elsewhere. My poppies come in all shapes and sizes – some really tiny and solitary, others tall and almost shrubby. Their numbers depend on the year. Lately, I haven’t had many. It happens.

I also have the occasional opium poppy, and over the years I have become fond of the Silver dandelion (Andryala omtegrifolia). Their tall generous heads of little, pale lemon yellow flowers, held above dry papery leaves, last for a week or more and they grow in profusion. I also look out for Buglos (Anchusa azurea) with her violet blue flowers. No luck so far but I am optimistic as she grows along the road near me.

The most amazing and most welcome volunteer in my garden was a thornless caper on the top terrace. Her seed must have been carried up by an ant from the lowest terrace. Like her parent next to the river she bursts into exuberant bloom in June and her fragile white blooms are buzzing with black bumble bees and other insects.

Oh, and I just happen to have an accidental abandoned area with old roof tiles which is home to a snake and geckos.

Every year Margo has tall mauve larkspurs growing in a scree of small rocks under her carobs. This year they looked particularly handsome after our excellent winter rains. She normally has a bank of nasturtiums growing there too, but this year there were none, possibly eaten by her resident family of rabbits. Wisely, they didn’t nibble the larkspurs as they are poisonous to animals.

On the edges of Margo’s garden a couple of white gaura (Oenothera lindheimeri) were left to go to seed and later to have a beautiful patch of snowy white blossoms after the rains. There was more. Little red lettuces bolted and seeded so their progeny popped up in the paths.

And new-time gardeners Debbie and Drew encourage lavender to germinate in the spaces between the calçadas and to volunteer on the edges of their paths.

Gardening in this way we are blurring the boundaries between our garden and our environment. Whether we label our gardens chaotic or spontaneous or serendipitous, it is a welcome move towards a more natural way of gardening. In doing so, we will be harnessing many of the eco-resources around us. In addition, the garden will remind us of the strength of the mato’s exuberant and lovely wild look, provide a home for many of our other residents and give us yearlong relaxed pleasure.

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Dancing for joy

FITNESS TRENDS AND HEALTHY DIETS ARE ALL WELL AND GOOD BUT THE KEY TO LIVING A HEALTHIER, HAPPIER LIFE MIGHT JUST BE SHAKING YOUR HIPS LIKE NO ONE IS WATCHING

Words: SALLY DIXON

EVER SINCE lockdown, I’ve had a Kitchen Dancing playlist on my Spotify. Back in those early days of not knowing what was going on, my New Zealand-based friend and I would share songs that just make you want to move your body. It was our way of infusing positive energy into what was a confusing and sometimes lonely time away from friends and loved ones. Music is more than entertainment; it has the power to energise, inspire, and shift your mood in an instant. Dancing isn’t just a great form of exercise; it’s therapy in motion. And science is backing it up!

The feel-good factor

You can’t deny the buzz you feel after dancing. Who doesn’t love a good wedding disco? Back in the 90s, I was a regular at Danceworks (opposite Selfridges in London), and Pineapple dance studios. Every week I would crave the social connection and happy vibes that radiated out of those studios.

Learning choreographed dance routines to the likes of Janet

Jackson, Jennifer Lopez, and Salt-N-Peppa was like therapy for my overworked student brain. Heck, I even got into break-dancing. I was spectacularly rubbish at it, but I thrived on the energy and buzz of the class.

I wasn’t bothered about going to the gym, but dancing, that was on my schedule every single week without fail. One of the biggest barriers with any health intervention is sticking to it. But this is where dance truly shines! Dance can be performed without any equipment, making participants more likely to continue with it.

The science bit

Dancing is a fantastic full-body activity that offers significant benefits. Studies show that dancing improves cardiovascular health, reduces cortisol (stress hormone), increases serotonin (happy hormone), and enhances cognitive function, especially in later life. And, unlike going to the gym, dancing never feels like a chore. It’s joyful, spontaneous, and social – making wellness fun. And you don’t have to be Strictly-worthy to get involved. From boosting bone density to reducing the risk of dementia, research increasingly points to dance as an effective and fun path to better health.

Bone health A 12-month study looking at senior dancing programmes found that, while dancing didn’t significantly affect bone density in the overall group of female dancers, it did show a significant increase in lumbar bone density for dancers with osteoporosis, suggesting that dance could be a targeted yet enjoyable way of combatting bone loss in later life.

Heart health Moderate-intensity dancing has been associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease mortality, even more so than moderate-intensity walking. Researchers reckon it could be because dance helps buffer the effects of psychosocial stress and includes short bursts of vigorous intensity exercise.

Weight management If you’re looking for an effective way to manage your weight, dance might just be your new best friend. For those who are overweight or obese, dance interventions have proved successful in improving various body composition indicators, such as body mass, body mass index, waist circumference, and body fat percentage. Plus, the fun nature of dancing means participants may stick with it for the long haul, creating long-lasting health habits.

Dance for the mind

Blending physical movement with cognitive and emotional engagement, dance is a powerful workout for your brain and emotional wellbeing, too. Combining wellknown stress-reducing elements such as listening to music, social contact, and physical movement, dance is like a giant sigh of relief for your nervous system. Its neuroprotective effects are also vital for preventing age-related degeneration of the areas of the brain responsible for memory and cognitive functions. For optimal cognitive and psychological benefits, dancing twice a week (with sessions of 40-60 minutes) for at least two months is most beneficial.

Easing anxiety and depression The social nature of dance, particularly with a partner or group, is thought to be crucial in managing mental health challenges. Emerging evidence suggests dance may even top trump other physical activities when it comes to boosting motivation, certain aspects of memory, and social cognition. Maybe those trending Tik Tok dance sequences are serving a useful purpose after all!

Boosting brainpower and battling dementia A 21-year prospective study on leisure activities and dementia risk in older adults found that dancing was the only physical activity associated with a reduced risk of dementia and slower rates of cognitive decline. Activities like reading, playing board games, and playing musical instruments also showed this protective effect. Additionally, other studies have found that choreographed programmes like Zumba (blast from the past!) can have positive effects on working memory.

Get on your feet

So, there you have it, dance is far more than just fancy footwork. It’s a joyful, engaging, and highly effective way to boost your physical health, sharpen your mind and make meaningful social connections. Find a local class, put on your favourite tunes, or let loose in your living room. Just make sure you dance like nobody is watching!

Where to get your groove on in the Algarve

Algarve Dancing

Private and group classes in salsa, bachata, and burlesque with Naomi. algarvedancing.com

Portimão Dance Studio

Ballet, hip-hop, contemporary dance, and jazz for kids and young adults. facebook.com/portimao. dancestudio

Emotion Dance Academy, Armação de Pêra

Offering ballet, contemporary dance, hip-hop, and more.

Instagram @emotion.danceacademy

The Movement Lab, Lagos

Adult beginners jazz, beginners and intermediate contemporary dance, and mixed level ballet are just a few of the classes on the timetable. themovementlablagos.com

La Casa del Corpo, Lagos

Wellness and creative studio offering dance classes, wellbeing workshops, and personal development events.

Instagram @la_casa_del_corpo_lagos

Dancexpression, Portimão

Founded by a graduate of Laine Theatre Arts, adults can take part in ballet and tap dance classes. dancexpression.pt

Urban Dance Studio, Lagos

Offering a diverse array of dance classes for all ages and skill levels. udslagos.com

Academia Salsa Algarve, Faro

Internationally recognised Latin and African dance school. Offering group lessons (Salsa, Bachata, Kizomba, Mambo, Samba, Rueda de Casino, Cha cha cha, Afro, Rumba, and Wedding Waltz), private dance tuition, and wedding choreography. salsa-algarve.com

And for something a bit different… Gerry Flynn Events is hosting a week-long dance and music holiday at Real Marina Hotel in Olhão, 3-10th October 2025. gerryflynnevents.com/ chance2dance

and Care Home

The tranquil village of Monte da Palhagueira in the sun-dappled Portuguese hills has elevated luxury retirement living to new heights.

A traditional development of beautiful villas, houses and apartments, Monte da Palhagueira offers luxury independent retirement living with the added reassurance of qualified medical assistance on hand should it ever be required.

Our English Nursing and Care Home offers a wide range of professional services. From convalescent and respite to full residential care with 24/7 Nursing safety. We offer tailored Person-centric holistic care: it is all about you and your needs.

Contact: Alexandre Neves

mdpmanager@amesburyabbey.com

montedapalhagueira.pt

Tel.: +351 289 990 900

From dictatorship to democracy

IN APRIL 1975, ON THE FIRST ANNIVERSARY OF THE CARNATION REVOLUTION, ELECTIONS WERE HELD IN PORTUGAL APPOINTING A PROVISIONAL GOVERNMENT TO DRAFT THE NEW CONSTITUTION. SMOOTH GOING... OR ROCKY ROAD?

Words: CAROLYN KAIN

THOSE ELECTIONS attracted voters in large numbers, particularly those who followed left-wing parties, but the outcome generated confusion and dissatisfaction. The period that followed, as mentioned last month, has been referred to as the ‘Hot Summer of 75’.

The following year, the Constitutional draft was approved by the Assembly. The role of the President was to be head of state and the Armed Forces with additional ceremonial duties. The Prime Minister would be the head of the government and leader of the party who had gained most seats in the Parliamentary Assembly. The draft also contained many ideological phrases that sounded as if they had been taken from Karl Marx’s Communist Manifesto.

When it came to the election in July 1976, the PS (Socialist Party) won 35% of the votes, but in order to create a government its leader, Mario Soares, was obliged to form a coalition with a right wing party, the CDS (Democratic Social Centre). It seems that the wording of the new Constitution had been too far to the left for some middle-of-the-road voters. They either did not vote or changed their allegiances. In the space of a year the voting numbers for all parties dropped from 92% to 83%.

The PS and CDS, at opposite ends of the political spectrum, were often at loggerheads. The economy began to suffer and Soares had to request a loan from the International Monetary Fund. Austerity measures were imposed, the Escudo dropped in value, and interest rates began to rise.

Soares and his time in office were doomed. In 1979 more elections were called, and on 3 January 1980 a new and popular Prime Minister took office. Francisco de Sá Carneiro was the first leader of the SDP (Social Democratic Party) and he offered a change of direction.

In the short space of 11 months, he and his Defence Minister were dead. Their plane, a Cessna 421, took off from Lisbon airport and almost immediately crashed. A conspiracy theory, backed by eye-witness statements and a parliamentary enquiry, suggested there was evidence that a bomb had been planted on the plane and that Carneiro had been assassinated. Some wondered if Portugal was destined to never become a democracy.

The loss of such a well-regarded Prime Minister depressed the country, fresh elections had to be called and only a further loan of finances from the International Monetary Fund kept the treasury afloat.

Fortunately, the nation’s situation gradually improved as many Portuguese who had fled the country during the period of Salazar’s repression started to return. Filled with enthusiasm and fresh ideas, young men who had left to avoid conscription into the colonial wars began to come home. Many had acquired good qualifications and experience whilst living abroad and this resulted in the creation of

new industries, businesses and building projects. The country’s rate of economic growth increased and careful management of the national debt helped Portugal on its way to being accepted into the EEC (European Economic Community).

The austerity of the early 1980s was in the distant past when in 1986 both Portugal and Spain joined and received generous funds to help them catch up with the rest of the European Community. (Renamed the EU (European Union) in 1993).

The EEC funds were used to improve Portugal’s economic infrastructure – roads, factories, towns and shopping centres, railways and ports. The government changed employment laws to increase competitiveness and foreign investment. Like Ireland, Portugal experienced a huge economic boom, but it was not to last as Europe began sliding into recession. Foreign investment fell as did wages and industrial disputes rose in numbers.

Worse still, early in the 1990s there were accusations of the misappropriation of funds and that the public health system was failing. There were scandals, strikes, charges of corruption and political resignations.

This only came to an end with elections in 1995. A new leader of the PS António Guterres became Prime Minister and Jorge Sampaio, the President. For the first time both were from the same party. Most people viewed this as a hopeful sign of cooperation between the head of state and head of government and that stability would be guaranteed. Throughout the next three decades a level of predictability prevailed with a two-party dominance by the PS and PSD but there hasn’t always been harmony between the Prime Minister and President.

As Commander of the Armed Forces in 2003, President Sampaio intervened to limit Portuguese participation in the Iraq War. Overruling the government of Manuel Barroso, the only course of action the Prime Minister could take was to send instead the GNR (National Republican Guard). Despite being a military force, the GNR is not part of the Armed Forces and is therefore under the control of the Prime Minister not the President.

THE CURRENT STATE OF PARTY PLAY

PS Socialist Party, centre-left

PSD Social Democratic Party, centre-right

CDS / PP People’s Party, centre-right to right-wing

Ch Chega, Enough far-right populism

IL Liberal Initiative centre-right to right-wing

PCP Portuguese Communist Party, left-wing to far-left

L LIVRE, centre-left to left-wing

PAN People Animals Nature centre-left, environment

And there are many more...

The most recent general election in May 2025 returned Luis Montenegro of the PSD as Prime Minister in coalition with the CDS (Centro Democrático Social – Partido Popular). The coalition is known as the AD (Aliança Democrática).

The result was overshadowed by the further and significant growth of the populist Chega party. This was largely concentrated in a few electoral districts, notably Faro and various rural areas in the south of the country.

The centre-left in Portugal is following the same downward trajectory as its other European counterparts and it seems likely that this trend will continue in the forthcoming local elections to be held this month, on 21 September.

Worth knowing: The Irish artist Patrick Swift, founder of Porches Pottery, was commissioned by Carneiro to paint his portrait shortly after his inauguration.

C elebrations

FRED BOS

TEA TOTAL

Loule, June 2024

Camera: Canon 80D

RS: “I love this image!

Everything is right. I especially like the tight cropping. If you study the portraits of Paul Strand, you will find a consistency in his camera height in relation to the face – it is always subtly low, about neck level, and this photographer has done that. You are looking up slightly but almost not enough to be noticed. The face is slightly off centre and the eyes are slanted at about the same angle as the tea cups. The only suggestions would be to brighten the face a little and darken the white cloth below the face. Also, brighten the dark eyes so that the highlights in the eyes show more.”

1st place

Richard Sprengeler, a professional commercial photographer since 1984, transitioned into his current speciality, architectural photography, in 2000 while indulging his passion for fine art photography. Architects, interior designers, and national construction firms all call on Sprengeler to showcase their award-winning projects, document their work-in-progress, and for his expert Photoshop retouching. See more at richardsprengeler.com

PÁSCOA

Tavira, June 2025

Camera: iPhone 13 Pro

RS: “This is a good example of recognising the importance of camera position. The cropping is very sophisticated – it is tight but not too tight and the far right and left edges frame the composition. On the left there is a vertical strip of stone on the edge and the right has the two windows placed perfectly. One of the greatest difficulties in street photography is to catch a group of people all in the perfect position. It happens in an instant and then is gone, and the photographer has to be alert to the changing scene before them.”

2nd place

DARYL GABIN

MUSIC FESTIVAL

Almancil, August 2024

Camera: One Plus 11

RS: “A great example of catching the excitement of the moment. The composition can be improved by cropping all four sides, which will eliminate unimportant information and bring the stage closer. The three performers on the left could be carefully brightened. This might be unconventional, but copying the stage scene, shrinking it down, and dropping it into the cell phone screen at the bottom left would be exciting!”

3rd place

GYNN PARRY QUARTEIRA FISHING FESTIVAL

Quarteira, May 2025

Camera: Nikon D850

RS: “I was attracted to the vibrant colour of the fisherman’s red shirt and how all the figures in the boat are looking at the net. I think that it could be cropped tighter – lose a lot of the left side and some of the bottom water. This will help focus the eye on the action in the boat. The colour is off in the sky and water, the sky is too yellow and the water needs more blue and less cyan/green.”

5th place

MARIJKE McBEAN CHOURIÇO FESTIVAL

Alte, February 2025, May 2025

Camera: Sony 6000

RS: “This is a good example of what Henri Cartier Bresson termed ‘The Decisive Moment’– a photograph where the photographer pressed the shutter at the optimum moment to describe the action. I like the colour association between the brown sweater and grill, as well as the blue water bottle and blue shirt. Darkening the bright object in the bottom right would improve the picture.”

4th place

Manuela, a German beautician with 30-years experience, offers the latest technologies at her Almancil salon, including:

COLOURING BOOKS

E-READERS ARE BRILLIANT FOR BOOK LOVERS WHO DIVIDE THEIR TIME BETWEEN HOME AND ABROAD BECAUSE THEY CAN HOLD YOUR ENTIRE LIBRARY IN A DEVICE THAT CAN BE EASILY PACKED IN HAND LUGGAGE OR POPPED INTO A HANDBAG OR POCKET. SO WHAT ’ S NEW ON THE MARKET?

Words: CHRIS PARTRIDGE

E-READERS even enable you to buy books wherever you have an internet connection. There is something guiltily satisfying about seeing a book you fancy in WHSmith in the airport and slyly downloading it off Kindle as you read the first couple of pages standing in the shop. Until recently, one of the slightly off-putting aspects of e-readers was the stark monochrome of the displays. Of course, real books are strictly black and white but illustrations, charts and tables always benefit from a bit of colour. And children’s books and comic books such as manga are not the same in monochrome.

This has changed with the arrival of E Ink’s Kaleido family of colour e-paper panels. Kaleido displays are not as vivid as the LCD or OLED screens of mobile phones or tablets, but the restrained pastel colours are attractive in their own way. The other limitation is the restricted refresh rate common to all e-ink displays, so watching video is a dispiriting experience. But who watches video on an e-reader anyway? That is what your smartphone is for.

There is much to choose from on the market right now; check them all out and go through online reviews before making a decision

NEW AND WAITING

Amazon – historically the company that defined the mainstream e-reader – has joined the colour party with its Colorsoft range. Amazon’s take focuses on a balanced reading experience: a 7-inch panel tuned for higher contrast and paper-like colour, long battery life and the usual extensive Kindle bookstore. That matters because Amazon brings the massive Kindle ecosystem – Kindle Store, WhisperSync WiFi downloading, and plenty of device polish – to the colour E Ink category.

Kobo has been one of the quicker mainstream adopters of Kaleido colour panels, offering compact colour devices aimed at readers who want something small, light and connected to an open market rather than the Kindle’s walled garden. Kobo’s Clara Colour and Libra Colour use E Ink Kaleido-3 panels and lean into the idea of colour for browsing, cover art and illustrated content rather than full on multimedia.

Kobo also stresses repairability and an open EPUB ecosystem, so if you like sideloading or staying off a single bookstore, the Kobo colour models are an attractive option. For many readers, the Clara Colour hits a particularly sweet spot – compact, affordable and very readable in sunlight.

MORE CHOICES

If you want flexibility rather than a closed reading environment, Onyx Boox is the brand that keeps pulling interest. Boox devices run Android, support third-party apps (including Kindle, Kobo, and virtually any PDF app), and scale from pocket readers to large 10-inch note-taking slates. The tradeoff: Boox tablets are larger, more expensive and typically sacrifice the plain-Jane battery life of smaller black-and-white readers, but they also give you the flexibility of an Android device with a paper-like screen and robust note-taking tools.

Meanwhile, a wave of Chinese manufacturers is making the category interesting by experimenting fast and at low cost. Companies such as Bigme and Boyue (Likebook) have pushed larger Kaleido-3 colour devices and Android-powered ‘e-ink

tablets’ that blur the line between e-reader and low-power tablet.

The Bigme B1051C, for example, is a 10-inch Kaleido-3 Android tablet (with pen input, Play Store access and a beefier CPU) that reviewers say demonstrates what a colour e-ink tablet could be – decent performance for reading and note-taking, but with software polish and battery management that still lag behind mainstream tablets. These Chinese entrants are valuable because they iterate quickly: bigger screens, styluses, Android versions and experimental UIs appear there first and then often influence western models.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM COLOUR E-INK RIGHT NOW?

A few practical points:

Colour limitations: current Kaleido-class panels deliver many more colours than early colour e-ink, but they trade saturation and refresh speed for battery efficiency and eye comfort. Colour renderings look best for cover art, comics with moderate tones, highlights and charts – not for high-motion video or vivid photos.

E Ink’s own specs show a disparity: ~300ppi for grayscale text vs ~150ppi for colour.

Battery and performance: small colour e-readers still have very long battery life (weeks) compared with LCD tablets, but larger Android colour tablets (10-inch Kaleido devices) burn battery faster and can be noticeably slower on page turns or app use. If you read mainly novels, a compact colour e-reader will still outlast a tablet by an order of magnitude.

Ecosystem and openness: Amazon’s colour Kindle gives you the familiar Kindle Store and features (great for heavy Kindle users). Kobo offers openness and EPUB friendliness. Boox and Chinese brands give you Android flexibility and larger screens, which suits researchers, students and heavy PDF users. Pick the software/ecosystem that matches how you buy and manage books.

WHO SHOULD UPGRADE?

If you read a lot of illustrated or children’s books, manga or comics, colour is a real benefit. If you’re an academic, researcher or note-taker who needs large screens and stylus support, Boox and Bigme-type devices are compelling. If you only read prose novels, a monochrome Paperwhite or Kobo Clara BW still offers the best contrast, fastest performance and longest battery life.

EXPERT

FINANCIAL SERVICES FOR EXPATS AND BUSINESSES IN PORTUGAL

Our dedicated team offers personalised, professional accounting and tax solutions tailored to your specific needs. With deep expertise in Portuguese tax law and international fiscal matters, we ensure your finances are managed with precision, integrity, and care.

Accountancy

Tax advice

Tax Relocation Services (including the

Fiscal Representation

Property Rental Compliance

Personal Income Tax

FIRST EDITIONSHARRY POTTER

Do you have a valuable early-edition Harry Potter gathering dust on a bookshelf or under your bed? According to online booksellers Abe Books if you bought an early copy of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone shortly after its first publication back in 1997, you could be sitting on, if not a fortune, at least a nice little nest-egg! It’s apparently quite unusual for modern children’s books to be worth a lot of money, but that’s not the case with the Harry Potter series, published between 1997 and 2007. Author J.K. Rowling is, of course, still very much in the news and copies signed by her are sought after. As with all collectible books though, condition is important. The first printing of the first edition of the first Potter could be worth as much as US$40,000 to US$55,000 as only 500 copies of this edition were printed and 300 of those were sent to libraries. Intrigued? If the print line in your copy reads 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 and it’s credited to “Joanne Rowling” you could really be in the money. Apparently, again according to Abe Books, even paperback Firsts of the first Potter books, as well as first printings of first editions of the later books in the series, can be worth fourfigure sums. Take note, too: after Book Four, J.K. Rowling didn’t do as many book signings, so signed copies of the later titles can be worth something, too. Happy hunting!

Where are they now?

J.K. ROWLING ’ S HARRY POTTER TOOK LITTLE-KNOWN CHILD ACTORS AND TURNED THEM INTO INTERNATIONAL SUPERSTARS WHOSE CAREERS HAVE CONTINUED TO BLOSSOM OVER THE DECADES. IT ’ S A LONG TIME SINCE THE DAYS AT HOGWARTS SCHOOL OF WITCHCRAFT AND WIZARDRY, BUT TODAY ’ S KIDS CONTINUE TO LAP UP THE MAGIC THAT FIRST ENCHANTED THEIR PARENTS

Words: JILL ECKERSLEY

When the first Harry Potter film, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, was being cast back in 2000, J.K. Rowling insisted that her bespectacled hero should be played by an ‘unknown’ actor. Twelveyear-old Daniel Radcliffe was chosen. The last film in the series, Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part Two was released in 2011, and Daniel has said that he is proud to be associated with the films forever! He was born in West London. His mother was from South Africa and his Dad from Northern Ireland. Daniel always wanted to act and got his first real break in the BBC’s David Copperfield in 1999. His school days were troubled after the first Potter movie – he says ruefully that schoolmates liked the idea of having a go at Harry Potter!

In between filming he made his professional stage debut in London’s West End and on Broadway, where he won a Tony award in the Stephen Sondheim musical Merrily We Roll Along. A film version of this show is set to be released later this year. He appeared in the horror film The Woman in Black in 2012 and has subsequently appeared in science fiction and independent films as well as stage plays.

Daniel now has homes in West London and Manhattan, where he lives with his American actress partner Erin Darke. The couple had a son in April 2023, who Daniel describes as: “the best thing that ever happened to me”. The experience, he says, “taught me that women are incredible!”. When not working he listens to hip-hop music and plays ping-pong.

EMMA WATSON

Emma, Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter films, was born in Paris to British lawyer parents who divorced when she was five. Emma moved to Oxford with her mother, where she joined the local branch of the Stagecoach Theatre Arts organisation – having decided at the age of “about six” that she wanted to be an actress. She went to no fewer than eight auditions for her role as Hermione. After Deathly Hallows to study at Brown University in the USA, graduating with a BA in English Literature in 2014. Her first non-Potter role was in BBC TV’s version of the children’s classic combined her studies with acting roles including playing Meg March in Greta Gerwig’s film of Women some modelling for sustainable fashion brands and now says that she hasn’t retired from acting, but is happy to wait for the next ‘right thing’ to come along. In 2023 she began a course in creative writing at Oxford University and this year she announced that she is studying for her doctorate.

Emma is an outspoken feminist and is interested in promoting girls’ education in developing countries. She has spoken out against bullying and sexual harassment, and in support of the Black Lives Matter movement and transgender rights. She believes that feminism is about giving women choices about the way they live their lives, and says that the idea of being a role model for young women puts the fear of God into her!

RUPERT GRINT

Essex-born Rupert Grint was cast as Ron Weasley in the Potter films after appearing in school plays and local theatre productions. He remembers that his earliest ambition was to become not an actor…but an ice-cream man.

He now says that after Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part Two: “it was suddenly all over… and it was really emotional

He soon obtained work in both TV and films and made his West End stage debut in 2013 in the Jez Butterworth play Mojo at the Harold Pinter Theatre, where he won the What’s On Stage award for the Best London Newcomer. Even more of a thrill for him was carrying the Olympic torch during the relay prior to the 2012 London Olympics, an experience which, he says, will stay with him forever. He has also worked on Broadway and in the Apple TV psychological horror series Servant.

Rupert is a supporter of the RNLI and the hospice movement as well as Cancer Research UK’s Little Star awards, which recognise and reward the courage of youngsters facing cancer.

He lives in a quiet Hertfordshire village with his partner, actress Georgia Groome. The couple have two small daughters, Wednesday and Goldie. He is a keen Tottenham Hotspur fan and recently recorded a music video with his friend Ed Sheeran while he considers his plans for the future. However, he has already fulfilled one childhood dream... he actually

Your money

RICARDO CHAVES OF ALL FINANCE MATTERS IS HERE TO HELP PEOPLE UNDERSTAND WHAT IS ALLOWABLE – AND NOT – WHEN IT COMES TO FINANCIAL MATTERS IN PORTUGAL. AFM EXPERTS CAN ADVISE YOU ON THE BEST WAYS OF DEALING WITH BOTH BUSINESS

AND PERSONAL TAX MATTERS TO ENSURE YOU ARE IN THE BEST POSSIBLE POSITION

QWe live in the countryside and are considering returning to Scotland at the end of this year, when our NHR expires. My question is this – are we allowed to keep the property in Portugal or do you advise that we sell? Will we be able to reinvest in another property?

If you sell your property while you are a tax resident in Portugal, you will be able to reinvest the proceedings of the sale into another property or pension fund in order to mitigate the capital gains tax. This is possible, providing the property has been your main residence within the past 12 months before you sell.

So, although the NHR has no impact on the capital gains tax due, reinvestment will have impact and this is only possible if you sell the property while you are still tax resident.

As you are planning to move to Scotland, which is outside the EU, the reinvestment in a property in Scotland is not acceptable, but you can still reinvest in a financial product. This is possible provided that you are retired or older than 65 years of age.

There are a number of options open to you. You can choose to purchase an insurance contract, or an individual membership of an open pension fund, or contribute to the publicly-funded scheme. What is essential, regarding the latter, is that the purchase of this product must be made within six months of the date of sale of the property.

There is no benefit for excluding capital gains tax if the reinvestment is not made within the referred six-month period, or, if in any year, the value of the benefits received exceeds the limit of 7.5% of the invested amount. Please note that if you fail to meet the reinvestment declared on your tax return or reinvest a lower amount, the tax will be re-assessed, and you will pay interest.

If you are not willing to reinvest or perhaps you are not yet certain that you want to sell the property, please keep in mind that if you sell the property as a tax resident or as non-tax resident, the taxation is the same. The only benefit is to be able to reinvest if you sell while the property is your main residence.

QCan you clarify how the Council Tax IMI works in Portugal? We have a property in São Brás and this year we received a tax bill that was higher than the one we had last year.

The council tax IMI (Municipal Property Tax) rate in Portugal for urban properties varies from 0.3% to 0.45% of the tax value of the property, and 0.8% for rural plots.

You should be aware that the tax is always paid in arrears, and despite being due in 2025, it is paid by the party who was the owner of the property on the last day of 2024.

In São Brás, the rate in 2024 is the same as the previous tax year, so if there was a change on your tax bill, this is more than likely due to a revaluation of the tax value of the property itself.

It is important to remember that the IMI is arrived at by the combination of three distinct factors. These are:

– The Taxable Value (VPT) of the property, calculated and updated by the Tax Authority

– The location index, which defines the value based on the area where the property is located. This often means that, despite a low tax rate, the final amount may be higher. This index is also determined by the Tax Authority

– The applicable tax rate, the only element defined by the municipalities and approved each year

Therefore, any increases observed in the IMI amount paid in 2025 may result from an automatic reassessment of the taxable value of properties carried out by the Tax Authority at the end of 2024. This would have been assessed in accordance with the legally-established technical criteria, which neccessarily include real estate market appreciation, location, and characteristics of the property in question.

For your reference, please note that here in the Algarve there are a total of 15 councils, nine of which apply the lowest rate of 0.3%. Vila Real (0.45%), São Brás (0.41%) and Castro Marim (0.39%) are amongst the councils with the higher council tax rate.

In the next issue, we look at personal income tax and how progressive rates work.

Send questions you may have to info@afm.tax for possible inclusion in AlgarvePLUS. To consult directly with the experts at AFM, email info@afm.tax

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• Villa to villa moves within the Algarve

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QI have heard in the news that if my siblings and I inherited property and decide to sell our shares before dividing the estate, we might not have to pay capital gains tax. Is this true? Because my estate agent tell me he has heard nothing about it.

AFirstly, it might be important to understand how capital gains tax usually works:

Normally, if you sell a house, land, or any real estate in Portugal and make a profit, you have to pay capital gains tax.

This is covered by the Portuguese Individual Income Tax Code (IRS Code). The profit is calculated as the difference between the sale price and the value of the property when you received it – for inherited property, this is usually the value declared at the time of inheritance, which varies enormously, and often doesn’t match the market value.

Also, one needs to know what Undivided Inheritance means:

When someone passes away, and their succession is governed by Portuguese law, their estate (money, property, land, etc) is inherited by the heirs. Before everything is officially divided among them, the estate is considered undivided. This means no one owns any specific item yet, but rather each heir owns a percentage share of the estate. So, if you decide to sell your part before dividing the inheritance, you’re not selling anthing specific, but rather your overall share in the estate, which includes all the assets left by your parents.

GOING LEGAL

LEGAL

EXPERTS NELSON RAMOS AND ROBERTA RAMOS WHO, TOGETHER WITH THEIR SPECIALIST TEAM AT RAMOS & ASSOCIADOS IN ALMANCIL, ADVISE CLIENTS ON VARIOUS ISSUES. THIS MONTH, THEY DETAIL THE SITUATION FACED BY HEIRS TO AN ESTATE REGARDING CAPITAL GAINS TAX

Is selling your undivided share the same as selling real estate?

This is the main issue. The Tax Authority (AT) says yes. In a binding response dated 12 May 2025, the AT stated that selling your undivided share is still like selling a piece of property because your share includes real estate.

According to the Tax Authority view, you’re indirectly selling part of a house or land, so you should pay capital gains tax as if you were selling actual real estate.

But the courts have a very different view on the matter:

The Supreme Administrative Court (STA) strongly disagrees. In a Ruling issued on 29 April 2025, the court decided that selling your share in an undivided inheritance is not the same as selling real estate.

The reasoning is simple: until the estate is divided, you don’t own any specific house or land, just a right to a share of the estate. Therefore, the court said that this kind of sale should not be taxed like a property sale, and no capital gains tax should apply.

This is our opinion as well, since legally you should be taxed on what you actually sell, not on what the Tax Authority deems you are selling.

This decision is very important. It gives heirs a strong legal argument that they can sell their undivided share without triggering capital gains tax, even if the inheritance includes property.

However, your estate agent might be right, and you may still have to pay tax: This has unfortunately happened in other

situations in Portugal, and even though the court has made this clear, the Tax Authority has not yet changed its official position. That means if you sell your share, the AT might still try to tax you.

You have the legal right to challenge this, and many people have already done so successfully, but it may take time, effort, and you will need legal help.

The readers may find it strange that a court ruling is not obeyed by the Tax Authority. But in Portugal, even if the Supreme Administrative Court issues a ruling, it doesn’t automatically change how the Tax Authority applies the law in all situations.

These rulings apply in court but they don’t bind the AT until either the law is changed or the AT updates its own interpretation. So, if you’re taxed, you’ll have to appeal the decision and use the STA ruling in your defence.

Our advice is that:

If you and your siblings plan to sell your shares in an undivided inheritance, be aware of the legal risks. The Supreme Court supports your position, but the Tax Authority might still try to charge you.

To protect yourself, it’s best to talk to a tax lawyer or advisor before making any sale. They can guide you through the process and help you challenge the tax if needed. In many cases, it’s worth the effort, especially if you’re being taxed on something the court has already said should not be taxed.

Email questions for Ramos Associados to martin@algarveplusmagazine.com

The Algarve’s premier Italian restaurant — and your local reference for tasteful living, in collaboration with our interiors and lifestyle shop.

SEATY

ArtCatto, Loulé, 289 419 447, info@artcatto.com, artcatto.com

Xi'An. Mixed media on canvas, 150x117cm.

VOKA

ArtCatto, Vila Vita Parc Porches, artcatto.com

Marilyn, acrylic on canvas, 100x140cm

WILL SWAYNE

Galeria Côrte Real, Paderne 961528 679, corterealarte.com

On now

Serra Do Caramelo. Oil on canvas, 100x100cm

ANTONIO BARAHONA

Tavira d’Artes, Tavira, 962 012 111, taviradartes.com

Luz de Verano, oil on panel, 80x100cm

Visit Vale do Lobo d’Artes, too, for more wonderful artworks.

BASTIAAN WOUDT

In The Pink Praça da República 69-75, Loulé in-the-pink.com

Until mid-November

For this special exhibition, works from several of Woudt’s major series – Rhythm, Champions, Peak, Karawan, and Echo from Beyond –offer collectors and audiences an indepth look at his evolving practice.

GAMA RAMA

Rua do Prior 13, Faro, 961 371 891 Until 1 November

A new exhibition, Cartilha para Desajustar o Mundo (Handbook for Misaligning the World), by Lisbonbased artist Bisner that offers an ironic, affective and fragmented view of contemporary reality. Through analog collages and sculptural compositions, Bisner draws on imagery from the past – vintage magazines, cartoons, childhood characters.

ARTLINK POP UP

Quinta da Tor Winery

artlinkcollective.com

19-21 September, 11h00–18h00

The principal artists of ARTLINK collective will be presenting digital compositions, intuitive abstracts, ceramics and new artworks indoors and also by the pool, and will chat about their work. Wine tasting available.

PAULO

BRIGHENTI

Municipal Museum, Faro in collaboration with Artadentro 919 328 019, artadentro.com

Until 12 October

The exhibition The Union of Unequal Things, by Paulo Brighenti, brings together a collection of paintings and sculptures that assert themselves as places of spirituality and homage to people, moments, and memories – personal, collective, and historical.

WORKSHOPS

LIGHTHOUSE COURSES

Art & Adventure 910 410 268 info@lighthouse-artcourses.com lighthouse-artcourses.com/ book-a-sketchwalk

Workshops held in English. All materials included. Portas e Janelas de Olhão 13 September, 14h00-19h00

Learn how to simplify form, master light, and keep your brushwork bold and expressive. €125 Barcos de Olhão 14 September, 14h00-19h00

The iconic fishing boats of Olhão. €125

Email for details of other art courses.

Figs

on the funcho

912 595 539 hello@figsonthefuncho.com figsonthefuncho.com

20-26 September

Painting with Yoga

Six-night retreat with workshops led by experienced tutors and suitable for all skill levels.

21–25 September

Mixed Media Art Five-day mixed media painting holiday with 18 hours of expert tuition.

26-30 September Botanical Watercolour Painting & Yoga Retreat. Under the guidance of local artist Ana Rita Afonso.

27–29 September Botanical Watercolour Painting Workshop

Ana Rita Afonso teaches different techniques, from classical approaches to spontaneous watercolour methods.

ALICIA M RODRIGUEZ

Galeria Meinkeflesseman

R. Infante Dom Henrique 126, 8500-639 Portimão 917 937 564

meinke-flesseman.com

25 September 16h00–19h00

Unwritten Journeys: A Masterclass on Creativity and Memoir. This workshop is for anyone longing to explore their own story – whether they are seasoned writers or simply curious about self-expression. Book via eventbrite. And Alicia’s new book Everyday Epiphanies: Uncovering Wisdom in Ordinary Moments, is absolutely worth a read.

Loulé Criativo

Promoting the revitalisation of culture, heritage handcrafts, art and design. E: loulecriativo@cm-loule.pt, FB: @loulecriativo, IN: @loule_criato Palácia Game Lobo, Loulé

Macramé: Decorative Panel 20 September, 10h00–13h00 or 15h00–18h00 Learn the macramé technique exploring different types of knots and compositions and create a decorative panel. Oficina dos Têxteis, Loulé Partner: Desi Cornelisse Registration: jomohandmade@gmail.com

€50

Five senses walk 16 September, 10h00–13h30

A walk between vineyards and the Tôr Biodiversity Station, culminating in a wine and tapas-tasting overlooking the Algarve

This is just a small selection of September events. Check the website for more. mountains.

Quinta da Tôr, Loulé Partner: Joana Banha Registration: j.banha. almeida@gmail.com €40

República 14, Olhão

republica14.pt, Reservas@republica14.pt

13 September, 21h00

MACHADO FLAMENCO

with José Luis Montón, Inma La Carbonera, and Lara Carrasco.

Machado Flamenco is a performance where guitar, literature, singing, and flamenco come together to tell the story of the life of poet Antonio Machado. This show was born from the desire to pay tribute to the poet and to the influence of flamenco on his poetry.

20 September, 21h00

CHARLOTTE ALGAR TRIO

Charlotte Algar is a London-born musician with an international career and a sensitive approach to Brazilian music. A classically trained guitarist and expressive singer, she is known for

her refined and emotionally striking interpretations.

Cruz do Sul, her latest project, is named after the constellation visible in the Southern Hemisphere that features on the Brazilian flag. The repertoire blends samba with MPB, chamamé with chacarera, as well as her own compositions.

The trio includes Argentine musicians Franco Dall’Amore (seven-string guitar) and Amarú (bombo legüero).

2 September, 21h00 FUSHI

A musical journey created by André Fernandes, Sara Badalo, and Alexandre Frazão presents a unique blend of sounds infused with pop, beat, and rock, with a strong emphasis on electronic exploration resulting in music that is both innovative and accessible, shaping a distinctive and original sound universe.

Candlelight® is a series of live concerts presented by Fever. This innovative format offers a unique musical experience through a diverse selection of programmes catering to all tastes. Performed by talented local musicians in iconic venues illuminated by thousands of candles, Candlelight creates an immersive and intimate atmosphere, drawing in a broad audience, including those who may have never considered attending a classical music concert. Connect with the masterpieces of composers like Vivaldi, Mozart, and Chopin, while enjoying fresh interpretations of popular hits from artists like Queen, ABBA, Coldplay, and Ed Sheeran.

Tickets from feverup.com €21 to €45

Queen vs ABBA, 5 September, 21h30

Hotel Vila Galé Lagos Coldplay vs Imagine Dragons

6 September, 21h30

Hotel Vila Galé Lagos

MELCHIOR SESSIONS

Galeria Meinkeflesseman

R. Infante Dom Henrique 126, 8500-639 Portimão 917 937 564 melchiorsessions@gmail.com

3 September, 18h00–20h00

Brazilian Bassist Ney Conceição will wow you. Call 938 956 812 or email to book.

Amigos do museu

Museu do Traje, São Brás 966 329 073 amigosdomuseu.com

Quiz, Helping Hands

Algarve

9 September, 19h00

To take part, €3.50

Collective Art Exhibition

Opening 13 September, 17h00

Documentary Film (in English)

19 September, 18h00

Mr Nobody against Putin by David Borenstein

€4/€2 Amigos

Aqua ria Band (in the garden)

20 September, 19h00

€12 /€10 Amigos

Book Sale

25 September. 10h00–12h30

Photographic exhibition Minimalism

26 September, 19h00 on until 27 November

Fado

28 September, 21h00

€5 926 354 516 to reserve

Amigos de Música

Os Agostos, Santa Bárbara, amigosdemusica.org reservasconcertos@gmail.com

23 and 25 September

Doors open at 18h15, concerts begin at 19h00

The new Amigos concert season opens with two performances by Australian pianist Piers Lane.

Book by email – tickets are €30 and include refreshments and drinks.

For more information about the Amigos de Música and concert programmes, visit the website: for membership enquiries email helga.hampton @gmail.com

DON’T MISS

WINDOWS TO NATURE

Jali, Rua Candido dos Reis 87, Silves, ze.manoli@gmail.com, 27 September, 18h00

An expo of upcycled fashion from three stylists: Konceito.R, Libelinha and Sensilhemp, staged by Manoli Ortiz de la Torre and Jean Davis. Limited places, €15 entrance includes one drink and food.

And finally

GETTING TOGETHER WITH YOUR YOUNGER GENERATION IS A DELIGHT, SAYS ANTHONY MARTIN . THERE IS SO MUCH TO SHARE, COMPARING THE WAY THINGS WERE AND, IMPORTANTLY, THE WAY THINGS ARE TODAY

ON WAKING up a few days ago my first thoughts were: Have they gone? Did they get to the airport in time? Did they strip the beds? Did they have breakfast? Did they tidy up the mess? If I get up now will I find beach balls in the bougainvillea and frisbees in the ficus? Wet swimming trunks over the backs of chairs and Nutella-stained sheets waiting to be washed? Have they, left windows open and air-con on? Is there anything left in the fridge?

As you have probably guessed, my three teenage grandsons, together with their parents, have been spending time with the family elders... namely us.

Us, who as we are constantly being told, know nothing about bringing up children and are totally out of touch with modern parenting methods; but then we have been told that since the first one was born.

We have, in the proverbial sense, bitten our tongues so many times we are close to having proverbial speech impediments. However, we have always loved them very much and, after the first couple of days of clearing up, rescuing empty water bottles from under beds and painting over the squashed mosquitoes on the walls, we will certainly love them again. And we will also miss them and the noise that constantly followed them around. For the house is now quiet, no one is calling from one floor to another, and once again we have high-speed internet, as there are no longer five iPads on continuous FaceTime.

They cannot understand why, when we were kids, we played games on the streets and in bombed out buildings, using homemade bows and arrows and lawn sprinklers as pretend rifles. They were horrified to learn that my parents, their great grandparents, did not have a television until I was 11 years old, and that it had an oval screen that showed moving images in blue and white on the one available channel and had a programming break between 6 and 7pm to allow parents to put young children to bed. Broadcasting stopped at eleven o’clock, when we would insist on watching as the white dot in the centre of the screen became smaller and smaller until it finally vanished, only then would we turn the set off and pull out the plug.

The house is now quiet and once again we have high-speed internet, as there are no longer five iPads on continuous FaceTime.

The grandchildren, who are delightful and funny and super intelligent, were surprised to hear that we were once teenagers ourselves and they were in thrall to stories mentioning wind-up car windows, emergency crank handles that start cars from the outside, telephones attached to the wall, telegrams and the writing of letters.

The grandchildren didn’t believe that there were houses with tin bathtubs hanging on an outside wall next to a window, and in order to buy certain foods you had to take a stamp out of your ration book. Or that all boys wore short trousers, and had a friendly local copper who knew your name. You could also, if you weren’t careful, be given a Chinese burn from schoolfriends. But there were upsides, as you could get five bites out of a Mars bar and buy sherbet-filled flying saucers for a penny.

But that was our time, now it is theirs and I worry about them and their peers. How will they learn to get stones out of horses hooves, put a new inner tube in a bike tyre and attach a piece of cardboard to the wheel forks so it sounds like a motor bike, or pack an aluminium cigar tube with a firework to use as a grenade when the cowboys are attacking the red Indians (sorry, native Americans).

I wanted to teach them these essential disciplines, but they countered this with trying to teach me how to use artificial intelligence in today’s world and writing computer code. Their disciplines are definitely more useful than mine. Not so much fun, though.