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TSS Design

CONTEMPORARY ELEGANCE I N T E R IOR DE S IGN . SHOWROOM . A R T GA LLERY Estrada de Vale do Lobo . 8135-107 Almancil . Algarve . Portugal T: +351 289 397 059 Chamada para rede fixa nacional . info@equilibriointeriors.com

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START OFF PLUS

Welcome AlgarvePLUS is all about YOU. Your life here, your dreams, your plans to broaden horizons and expand your portfolio of experiences. We spend our time on a constant journey of learning so that we can supply the answers to your questions, tempt you to get out there and discover more, and introduce you to all that life on the Algarve has to offer. Our formula is not just tried and tested, but tried and tested over and over because ‘new’ is embedded into the Algarve’s personality. Talking to people who have been living here for decades and asking them to share their stories of yesterday and today, and you soon realise just how much has changed. Being part of that story is an honour, and one we can all celebrate. Everyone involved with AlgarvePLUS shares the same passion. Some have lived here for years; some were born and raised here; some have come and gone and come back again. Many are top-flight communication specialists – journalists who work with international newspapers and magazines and focus on the value of in-depth research before putting pen to paper, or rather fingers to keyboard. And all, without question, appreciate being able to work remotely today. That has been life-changing for many of us who used to travel back and forth to our various publishers, balancing deadlines with flight times. Now we can sit in the sunshine and work effectively in the place we call home – your home – providing you with new stories every month. And this month we are serving up more than ever as the heat eases, the evenings become more magical, the roads less busy and the beaches quieter. People will say that this is their favourite time of the year to get out and adventure, and in this issue we look to inspire and encourage you to do just that.

Susi Rogol-Goodkind, EDITOR

+351 965 581 831 | susi@rogol-goodkind.com

C O N T A C T S MARTIN GOODKIND

KIM COLLEY

Publisher +351 963 146 398 martin@algarveplusmagazine.com

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

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

Vale Telheiro 94, 8100-334 Loulé. Printed by Jorge Fernandes Ldª AlgarvePLUS is published monthly. 6,500 copies are made available through a hand-picked distribution network of 150 outlets from Tavira to Porches, Almancil, the Golden Triangle, Loulé, São Brás, Santa Bárbara and Silves. Copyright 2026. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any written material or illustration in any form for any purpose other than short extracts for agreed review purposes is strictly forbidden. AlgarvePLUS does not accept liability for loss of or damage to any materials submitted for publication, or claims made by advertisers. The views expressed by interviewees or contributors do not necessarily reflect those of the Editor or AlgarvePLUS.

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ESTABLISHED FOR OVER 20 YEARS IN THE ALGARVE

JUST A FEW OF THE GALLERY ARTISTS

The very best place in the Algarve to find contemporary and decorative art, fine ceramics and so much more.

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NEW THINGS PLUS

F R O N T COV E R : Planning to celebrate the harvest? Would you go feet first?’

IF YOU HAVE ANYTHING YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE, EMAIL susi@rogol-goodkind.com

l ALGARVE P L U S

 Get glowing. Experience a new level of relaxation at ZenGlow Studio in Almancil. Japaneseinspired Head Spa rituals, Tsubo facial massage and mindful treatments create the perfect escape from everyday life. And right now you can get 10% off your treatment if you visit zenglow.studio and use code algarveplus-zen

Cooling down just a little? Cathy is a soft and luxurious light grey handmade hoodie in 100% certified cashmere, from Care by Me. Simple and gorgeous. From Martina in Loulé, €259. martina-loule.com

The Municipality of Tavira is calling on the community to help achieve the goal of gathering memories and personal accounts about a unique local pastry – the Folhado de Tavira – in order to establish its history and the establishments where it was sold – specifically old cafés, pastry shops, and specialty grocery stores. Call 281 320 558 or email museu@cm-tavira.pt if you have any ideas.

Woof. Does your dog need a toy of their own? They will befriend and love this woven cotton rope pet frog in certified recycled polyester. €12.99, from Zara Home. zarahome.com

Feeling blue? Hand-blown decorative glass pieces, in different shades and sizes, €195–€650. From Equilibrio, Estrada de Vale do Lobo, Almancil. equilibriointeriors.com

Handcrafted and hand-painted porcelain boxes from the Blue Ming collection designed by award-winning Dutch designer Marcel Wanders for Portuguese luxury brand Vista Alegre. This versatile collection features symmetrical parts with sculptural elements, reinventing the century-old tradition of Delft porcelain, called Delft Blue. In case you didn’t know, Vista Alegre was founded in 1824 and is one of the oldest porcelain workshops in Portugal and one of the most prestigious manufacturers in Europe. vistaalegre.com/pt

Handsome heads. Exceptional fragments of faces from the Hellenistic period. Carved in stone and measuring approximately 60x38cm. €240. From a selection at Côrte-Real in Paderne. corterealarte.com

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NEW THINGS PLUS

#KOZIICARE

#KOZIILOVE

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

Just for you. Beatrix Anton-Groenemeyer, the ubertalented designer behind B.AG, will custom-make you a bag from her stunning limited-edition collections. Some are multifunctional, all use the best possible leathers, and enjoy exceptional craftsmanship. We love this model – Bilbao Leo – in leopard print calfskin. It measures 17x12x4.5cm and the strap can be removed and used as a belt. €350. the-b.ag

 If you could own a beach... CV Villas have been doing the maths to reveal the world’s most valuable beaches and what it would cost to own one (if you could!). And our own Praia da Falésia in Albufeira came in as Europe’s second most valuable beach, worth an estimated €573.2 million. Think about that when you’re walking the sands.

CMY

 Velopod has officially launched its newest version this August, and it is set to change how cyclists experience the Algarve. Built as a smart, all-in-one hub for routes, tips, and local cycling knowledge, Velopod makes it easier than ever to plan your next ride and uncover the region on two wheels. Whether you are visiting or riding locally, it is the ultimate companion for discovering the Algarve by bike. To celebrate, Velopod is rewarding the first 100 users who sign up with an exclusive gift, so now is the perfect time to get on board. velopod.cc

 Ilona at Bean 17 and More, shop 17 at Mercado do Loulé, has created a delicious new drink with fresh Portuguese oranges, carrot and ginger juice. Have one and you’ll be back for more, to have with her wonderful apple cake. It’s a great place to read the latest copy of AlgarvePLUS, too.

HELPING PLUS

The purr-fect place T H E C A R VO E I R O C AT C H A R I T Y C A R E S F O R M O R E T H A N 2 4 0 C AT S A N D K I T T E N S AT I T S S H E LT E R I N T H E A L G A R V E , P R O V I D I N G DA I LY C A R E , M E D I C A L S U P P O R T, R E S C U E S E R V I C E S , F O S T E R I N G , R E H A B I L I TAT I O N , A N D A D O P T I O N OPPORTUNITIES FOR ANIMALS RANGING FROM VULNERABLE KITTENS TO LO N G -T E R M R E S I D E N T S W I T H O N G O I N G N E E D S

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Wo rd s: E L I S A B E T H L E O N A R D

HIS LAGOA-BASED

charity carries out sterilisation and community programmes, but much of its work centres on the day-to-day operation of the shelter itself and the wellbeing of the cats in its care. The initiative works with stray, abandoned, and feral cats across the central Algarve and regularly responds to calls involving injured cats, abandoned litters, pregnant cats, and nursing mothers. Members of the public frequently contact the charity directly, even in situations where municipal services would normally be expected to intervene. “We are always available 24/7, and whilst the first port of call should be the local Canil for cats that are injured, appear to be lost, pregnant with no indication of a home or a stray nursing mother, we are usually the ones to get that call,” said David Fraser. Caring for more than 240 cats requires a continuous cycle of feeding, cleaning, veterinary care, monitoring, and socialisation. Some animals remain in the shelter only briefly before moving to permanent homes, while others stay much longer because of medical conditions, age, or behavioural challenges. Volunteers spend much of their time maintaining living areas, replacing bedding, cleaning litter trays, ensuring food and water are available, and helping cats become more comfortable around people. The shelter also provides long-term care for cats with particular needs. For example, white cats, identified during rescue or colony work, are integrated into the shelter because their lack of pigmentation can leave them vulnerable to skin cancer; several

resident cats have previously required ear amputations because of the condition. The shelter’s work extends beyond longterm residents and into emergency rescue situations. Recently, the charity rescued a feral nursing mother and her five kittens – the first litter of the current kitten season. The family will remain in care while the kittens undergo health checks and eventually become eligible for adoption, while the mother will later be sterilised before returning to her original area. Alongside operating the shelter, the charity also runs a Trap-Neuter-Release (TNR) programme for feral colony cats, helping control growth in the local stray population. Ongoing sterilisation efforts remain important – female cats can become fertile at four to five months old and may produce several litters each year. The charity works with local veterinarians and a veterinary practice in Parchal. It also partners with the Royal Veterinary College, bringing veterinary students to the Algarve for practical experience in animal husbandry and shelter medicine. International volunteers play a major role in the shelter’s operations, many taking part in the ‘Help for Holidays’ initiative in which visitors can stay on site in exchange for helping with daily tasks. Volunteer responsibilities include cleaning, feeding, transporting cats, and helping socialise animals that may have had limited positive contact with people in the past. “Volunteers are the lifeblood of the shelter and we simply couldn’t run the charity without them,” says David. The work itself can be physically demanding, particularly during busy periods. Weekends and kitten season can place additional pressure on the shelter, particularly when volunteers are away or

when orphaned kittens require fostering and around-the-clock bottle feeding. “It is physical and sometimes challenging work, but the rewards are tremendous,” says David. “When a feral cat becomes accustomed to the volunteers and starts to display friendly and eventually loving actions, the pride is heart-warming.” The emotional demands can be just as significant. While volunteers experience the rewards of seeing cats thrive and become more trusting, they also face the difficult reality of becoming attached to animals in their care. David recalls one long-term resident, Valentino, who had lived in the shelter for five years and had become a ‘friend’ to many volunteers. Valentino had Feline AIDS and developed life-threatening tumors. “The kind thing was to end his suffering, but the volunteers who knew him were in tears as a result,” he said. People can support the charity through sponsorships, volunteering, donations, and fundraising events, all of which help sustain a simple mission: to rescue cats at risk, find them loving homes, and ensure that, with dedication, perseverance and patience, almost any cat can become adoptable, regardless of their start in life.

T: 918 552 788 W: carvoeirocatcharity.com Visit the website to book an appointment

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VISIT PLUS

R E C E N T LY I F O U N D M Y S E L F D O I N G S O M E T H I N G I H A D N ’ T D O N E F O R A W H I L E : T R AV E L L I N G A L O N E . A F T E R Y E A R S O F F I L M I N G F O R A L G A R V E A D D I C T S , I WA S H E A D I N G N O R T H O N A M I S S I O N T H AT W O U L D E V E N T U A L LY TA K E M E T O P O R T O . B U T B E F O R E T H E C I T Y O F B R I D G E S A N D P O R T W I N E , T H E R E WA S S O M E W H E R E T H AT H A D Q U I E T LY S AT O N M Y L I S T F O R Y E A R S : V I A N A D O C A S T E L O

Wo rd s: N I C K R O B I N S O N , A L G A R V E A D D I C T S

VISIT PLUS

O BE HONEST, I wasn’t even that enthusiastic when I left home. The forecast was dreadful. Rain, wind and grey skies were expected across northern Portugal. Yet the moment the aircraft rotated off Faro’s runway, something changed. Travel has a funny way of doing that. Looking down at the Ria Formosa between Faro and Olhão, glowing beneath a high tide, reminded me exactly why I love exploring Portugal. Even after living here for more than two decades, there are still moments when this country surprises me. The lagoons shimmered beneath the wing before disappearing under a blanket of cloud. A few minutes later the aircraft burst into brilliant sunshine above the weather, and suddenly I couldn’t wait to see what the north had in store.

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Outsmarting the travel system One thing that did surprise me was Porto Airport. Despite its name, it’s actually a fair distance north of Porto itself. Following the official route would have meant catching the Metro all the way into Porto, only to board another train heading back north towards Viana do Castelo. That felt completely illogical. Instead, I opened Uber, drove roughly 15 minutes across to a nearby railway station on the northern line and completely bypassed the city. It saved both time and hassle and gave me an extra hour simply watching Portugal slide past the train window. Sometimes the best travel tip isn’t in any guidebook. While the Algarve often steals the headlines, Viana do Castelo quietly gets on with being one of Portugal’s most beautiful cities. Situated near the Spanish border, overlooking the mouth of the River Lima, it feels wonderfully different from southern Portugal. The houses are more

colourful, the air smells of the Atlantic, and there is an unmistakable maritime pride running through the city. It has around 36,000 residents in the city itself and roughly 86,000 across the municipality, making it large enough to feel lively but small enough to explore comfortably on foot. This trip also forms part of my growing Portugal Unlocked series. Having spent years unlocking every corner of the Algarve, it felt only right to begin opening the door to the rest of Portugal. My first glimpse of the city came as the train crossed the broad River Lima. It looks peaceful enough today, but 2,000 years ago Roman soldiers were terrified of crossing it. The Romans called it the River Limia and believed it was actually Lethe – the mythical River of Forgetfulness from Greek mythology, one of the five rivers flowing through Hades. According to legend, anyone who crossed it would lose all memory of who they were. Imagine trying to convince an army to march across that! Eventually, a Roman commander reportedly crossed first, then called each soldier by name from the opposite bank, proving he still remembered every one of them. Only then did the army continue. Whether entirely true or not, it’s a wonderful story and gives this tranquil river an unexpectedly mysterious past. The Lima actually begins in Spain before weaving through northern Portugal, passing picturesque towns such as Ponte da Barca and the much-loved Ponte de Lima before finally reaching the Atlantic here at Viana

do Castelo. The railway station couldn’t be more convenient. Unlike many Portuguese stations stranded on the edge of town, Viana’s sits right beside a shopping centre and just a few minutes from the historic heart. The grand Avenida dos Combatentes da Grande Guerra leads directly towards the river, lined with cafés, elegant buildings and plenty of opportunities to simply slow down. It immediately feels like a city that is built for walking.

A church you cannot ignore There is one landmark impossible to miss. High above the city, perched dramatically on Mount Santa Luzia, sits one of Portugal’s most spectacular churches. The Sanctuary of the Sacred Heart of Jesus dominates absolutely everything. Even if you’ve never heard of Viana do Castelo before, you’ve almost certainly seen photographs of this extraordinary basilica. Its enormous circular rose window immediately reminded me of Paris’s famous Sacré-Cœur. That’s hardly surprising because the architects intentionally borrowed inspiration from the French masterpiece. Construction stretched from 1904 until 1959, using locally quarried granite that gives the building its imposing yet somehow elegant appearance. The climb up is rewarding, but if your legs object, the century-old funicular carries visitors almost effortlessly to the summit. And what a summit it is. Standing beside the sanctuary, you can see the Atlantic Ocean stretching endlessly westwards, the Lima River winding inland and the rooftops of Viana spreading beneath you like a perfectly arranged model village. It is one of the finest viewpoints in Portugal. Most visitors understandably focus on the church, and I nearly made the same mistake. Just behind the sanctuary lies one of northern Portugal’s most fascinating archaeological sites: the Citânia de Santa Luzia. Long before Christianity arrived, people had already chosen this hilltop for protection. This fortified settlement dates back to the late Bronze Age and Iron Age and belongs to a network of ancient castros that once covered northwest Iberia. Stone circular homes still emerge from the hillside, while excavations

have uncovered Roman pottery and coins, showing that when the Romans expanded westwards, they simply absorbed many of these communities into their empire. Standing among these ancient walls, with the Atlantic breeze blowing across the mountain, you realise people have admired this exact view for thousands of years. That’s a humbling thought.

Portugal in granite Back in the old town, Praça da República remains the city’s beating heart. Portugal does town squares exceptionally well, but this one feels particularly refined. The Paços do Concelho, completed in 1502, stretches gracefully along one side beneath a series of Renaissance arches. Nearby stands the Igreja da Misericórdia, completed in 1589 and regarded as one of Portugal’s finest Renaissance churches, displaying beautiful Flemish influences. Then there’s the magnificent granite fountain. Built in 1535 by João Lopes the Elder, it has quietly watched almost five centuries of everyday life unfold around it. Markets, celebrations, wars, weddings... thousands upon thousands of conversations have taken place within earshot of those granite carvings.

Ships that built an empire One thing quickly becomes obvious in Viana. This city has salt water flowing through its veins. During Portugal’s Age of Discoveries in the 15th and 16th centuries, Viana became one of the country’s great shipbuilding centres. Skilled craftsmen were

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Page 12: from the sanctuary at the summit, views that take your breath away. Opposite page, far left clockwise: Citania de Santa Luzia dates back to the Bronze Age: dancing in the streets during the August Festa de Nossa Senhora d’Agonia; the funicular up to the summit; interior of the Main Chapel of the Sanctuary of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. This page, above: quiet street in the city centre; right: Sanctuary of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, inspired by the Sacré-Cœur in Paris. Page 16: the Gil Eannes, absolutely worth a visit

employed to build vessels that would help connect Europe with Africa, Asia and South America. Remarkably, shipbuilding hasn’t disappeared. The West Sea Shipyards still operate today, producing modern commercial and specialist vessels only a short walk from the historic centre. It is rather satisfying seeing centuries-old tradition continuing in exactly the same place. One of the most unusual attractions in Portugal sits quietly beside the docks: the Gil Eannes. At first glance she looks like an ordinary ship. She isn’t. Launched here in Viana do Castelo in 1955, Gil Eannes served as a floating hospital supporting Portugal’s cod fishing fleets operating in the freezing waters off Newfoundland and Greenland. Imagine spending months at sea in those conditions. Doctors, surgeons, dentists and nurses all lived aboard, treating injured fishermen hundreds of kilometres from land. Today visitors can explore the operating theatres, cabins, engine room and bridge, offering an unexpectedly moving glimpse into one of Portugal’s toughest maritime professions. It’s far more fascinating than I expected.

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Thinking ahead If you’re planning your visit, timing can make all the difference. Yes, there is so much to see and learn from and appreciate year-round, but if you are thinking of next year then consider this: every August, Viana explodes into colour during the Festa de Nossa Senhora d’Agonia. To call it simply a festival almost feels unfair. It’s a celebration of faith, culture, tradition and identity unlike almost anywhere else in Portugal. Women wear astonishing quantities of traditional Minho gold jewellery, embroidered regional costumes fill the streets, giant processions weave through the city, fireworks illuminate the river, and one of the most moving events sees the image of Nossa Senhora da Agonia carried towards the sea during the Procissão ao Mar. It’s spectacular. If you’ve only experienced Portugal’s summer festivals in the Algarve, this is an entirely different world. Many people don’t associate northern Portugal with beaches, but that’s a mistake. Praia do Cabedelo sits just across the river and has become something of a paradise for surfers, kitesurfers and windsurfers thanks to the reliable Atlantic winds. Even if you’re not interested in watersports, the vast sweep of golden sand makes for a marvellous afternoon escape after wandering the historic centre. It feels wonderfully wild compared with many of Portugal’s southern beaches.

A city founded on courage Officially, Viana do Castelo was founded in 1258 when King Afonso III granted the settlement a charter under the name Viana da Foz do Lima. But, as with so many Portuguese towns, the paperwork arrived centuries after people first chose to live here. Iron Age settlers built hilltop fortifications. Romans crossed mythical rivers. Medieval kings established trading ports. Shipbuilders launched vessels that helped shape world history. Fishermen sailed into Arctic waters. Generations left their mark. And somehow all of those stories still coexist within a remarkably walkable city. Sometimes the places with the biggest reputations don’t leave the strongest impressions. Sometimes it’s somewhere you hadn’t really thought much about. Viana do Castelo quietly worked its way under my skin. Perhaps it was the extraordinary views from Santa Luzia. Perhaps it was wandering around an Iron Age settlement that predates the Romans. Perhaps it was standing aboard the Gil Eannes imagining doctors treating fishermen in the icy North Atlantic. Or perhaps it was simply the atmosphere. The city feels authentic. It doesn’t seem to be trying too hard. It isn’t shouting for attention like some of Portugal’s destinations. Instead, it gently rewards curiosity. If you’re planning a trip to Porto, I’d strongly encourage you to keep travelling another hour north to discover a city of saints watching over mountains, ancient ships that changed the world, mysterious rivers once feared by Roman armies, and stories hiding around almost every granite corner. And for me, that’s exactly what travel should be about.

10 Things to Do in Viana do Castelo

VISIT PLUS

Visit the Santuário de Santa Luzia – One of Portugal’s most spectacular churches, with arguably the finest panoramic view in the north. Explore the Gil Eannes Hospital Ship – Step aboard this fascinating floating hospital that once cared for Portuguese cod fishermen off Greenland and Newfoundland. Discover the Citânia de Santa Luzia – Wander through the remains of a 2,000-yearold Iron Age fortified settlement overlooking the city. Stroll through Praça da República – Admire the Renaissance architecture, historic fountain, cafés and elegant heart of the old town. Ride the Santa Luzia Funicular – Portugal’s longest funicular railway is a charming way to reach the summit. Relax at Praia do Cabedelo – A huge Atlantic beach famous for surfing, kitesurfing and beautiful sunsets. Walk the River Lima waterfront – Enjoy the marina, riverside promenade and views of the bridge, port and Atlantic Ocean. Visit during the Festa de Nossa Senhora d’Agonia – In August, it is one of Portugal’s greatest festivals, featuring colourful parades, traditional costumes, fireworks and religious processions. Experience Viana’s Maritime Heritage – Visit the working West Sea Shipyards and learn why Viana became one of Portugal’s most important shipbuilding centres during the Age of Discoveries. Sample Minho Cuisine – Enjoy fresh seafood, Bacalhau à Viana, Vinho Verde and finish with a Bola de Berlim from Pastelaria Manuel Natário, considered by many to be the absolute best.

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ANNIVERSARY

An important exhibition to celebrate this achievement from 19th September

Viewpoint A P R I VAT E R I V E R B E A C H , AN UPSIDE DOWN POOL OR SITTING ON TOP OF A WINE CELLAR? YES, YES AND YES. LODGINGS WITH A STRONG CHAR AC TER ARE TRENDING

Wo rd s: S A N D R A G A T O

HEN BOOKING time out, the main idea is to break the routine and get away – be it for a night or a month – as far as possible from what feels familiar. There is scientific data to prove that travelling is powerfully anti-ageing, keeping us alert in unknown ground and stimulating our brains with novelty. But if flying to far-off lands to let your mind be astounded is not a possibility, there are several places in Portugal that do the job. Creative (a bit on the crazy side, even), original or straightforwardly beautiful, here are some suggestions of stays that will amaze you or put a smile on your face. Either way, they will make great memories.

UP NORTH

Heading to Porto is a good idea – whether you know the city well or hardly at all, there is always an abundance of new things to see and do. Located

There is never any shortage of reasons to spend a few days in Cascais either. This time, the suggestion is to book a ‘room with benefits’ for a physical and mental reset. Recently opened, with the sea literally across the road, Longevity Senses – Cascais Boutique Hotel & Clinic (longevitycascais.com) is a wellness retreat in itself. Imagine checking in – the rooms are spacious and offer all the comfort expected of a ‘holiday home’ in Cascais – and having at your disposal a clinic that will assess which treatments are best suited to your needs. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, the wellness centre offers body and facial options designed to ease existing concerns and help prevent future ailments. But although targeted for helping

right in the heart of the city, Chic & Basic Gravity (chicandbasic. com) is, as its name suggests, a hotel where gravity seems to have disappeared and everything is upside down: the swimming pool – just for decorative purposes, of course – is attached to the wall and the flowerpots are stuck to the ceiling. Guests of all ages will have fun discovering objects in the most unexpected places... Still on the theme of ‘challenging the obvious’, we recommend a visit to Wondersense Museum (wondersensemuseum.com). Next to the famous bookstore Livraria Lello, it is a burst of colour. The idea is to explore the lively rooms that make up this openminded museum and say yes to the various challenges presented. Without revealing too much, because at Wondersense the guiding principle really is the element of surprise, get ready for plenty of exclamations and laughter as you test your five senses in the most unexpected ways. And don’t think this is a museum aimed at younger visitors... fun is guaranteed for just about everyone, regardless of their interests. And because laughter also works up an appetite, book a table at

RIGHT AT THE CENTRE

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Valentina’s (grupoisabellas.com), the restaurant at Chic & Basic Gravity. In the wonderfully unconventional setting that characterises the entire hotel, cocktails and Italian dishes are served, inviting you to linger over good conversation while enjoying Onion and Mozzarella Ravioli, Beef Tagliata or an always-irresistible Tiramisu. On a totally different – more grown-up – vibe, Tivoli Kopke Porto Gaia (tivolihotels.com) has many surprises in store. Okay, starting with the view: facing the Douro River and the iconic Ponte Luís I, the setting couldn’t be more perfect – imagine lounging by the pool with the bridge right before your eyes. But what makes Tivoli Kopke really special is what lies underground: amazing ancient wine cellars. From your room, just down the stairs, you can access the barrels of the oldest Porto wine company in Portugal, founded in 1638 by Cristiano Kopke. What a privilege it is to sleep just a few metres away from all that history. For sure a wine tasting is in order – they arrange for Port wine pairings at the hotel bar – and also unmissable is dinner at 1638 Restaurant & Wine Bar by Nacho Manzano, the hotel’s fine-dining restaurant where the Spanish chef who got three Michelin stars for Casa Marcial in Astúrias, is in charge. Expect a perfectly crafted Iberian menu.

GET AWAY PLUS

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GET AWAY PLUS

Page 18: The amazing Chic & Basic Gravity, Porto. Page 19: The Wondersense Museum, Porto. This page, top left, clockwise: Tivoli Kopke, Porto, with astonishing views and artworks in the grounds; A private terrace in Longevity Senses, Cascais; Tivoli Carvoeiro, set atop the cliffs; Moagem Industrial Lodge, Viana do Alentejo

us to have a long and better life, Longevity Senses invites you to enjoy yoga classes in the ‘dome’ on the main lawn, long swims in the outdoor pool (with the Atlantic waves just a stone’s throw away), and comforting meals – with special emphasis on the fish and seafood dishes – at the Sea Senses by Longevity restaurant.

TO THE SOUTH First stop: Alentejo, of course. Off the beaten track is Viana do Alentejo, a quiet village not far from Évora that now has a big reason for a longer stay: Moagem Industrial Lodge (moagem. thevolumes.pt). Once upon a time, the impressive industrial–style building was called Moinhos de Santo António, a factory dedicated to the milling of cereals. All that past was kept but evolved into a hospitality project where local memory was respected and enhanced. The essence of the place was maintained – you still have the old milling instruments and cereal bags all around – but comfort and refined details were brought into the new aesthetics. Staying in one of the 17 rooms is like sleeping in a hipster loft inside a milling factory, surrounded by all the immense tranquillity of Alentejo. Foodwise, it all happens around the kitchen area (from breakfast to dinner), where chef Pedro Dias’s main rule is to use simple local products and cook them over the fire. When going to Évora – just a 30-minute drive away – Forno da Telha (formodatelha.pt) is a true Alentejano restaurant that serves traditional dishes (the best bread, olives or Cozido de Grão) together, on specific days, with live music from the region – such as the famous and always moving Cante Alentejano. Further down, in lower Alentejo, is Castro Verde. Another

village that has been able to keep the tourist hordes away although it has such incredible points of interest such as the ‘viola campaniça’ (the biggest Portuguese string instrument); it is home to the ‘abetarda’, the biggest flying bird in Europe, which needs to be protected to survive; and it is the location of Museu da Lucerma, the biggest collection of Roman oil lamps in the world. While checking all this out, the place to book is Monte Vale – Nature Resort (montevale.pt). Why? A private sand river beach. That is what makes the six villas of this resort the perfect family destination: the sense of having a whole Alentejo property and a beach just for yourself. After enjoying the homemade breakfast, the only decision to make is whether you want to go explore Castro Verde or just stay in the seclusion of this remote farm, swimming in the dam or admiring the unique sunset. If it is rest and silence you’re looking for, this is the place. Arriving at the far south of the country, we have our astonishing Algarve. Tivoli Carvoeiro (tivolihotels.com) is a well-established institution, a 5-star resort that has been running for decades now, but that is always able to amaze upon arrival and for all the days of the stay. A hotel sitting right on top of a cliff – looking from the balcony it is impossible to miss the traffic of boats that visit the caves on top of which the hotel stands. The best way to acknowledge how lucky one is to be able to sleep in such a magnificent location is to respect it to the full, including the presence of the sassy seagulls, always waiting for our food. From the windows or terraces, it is possible to see part of the Sete Vales Suspensos trail, a beautiful hiking route that goes through Praia da Marinha and Benagil. After a day of trekking, Sky Bar Carvoeiro awaits on the top floor of the hotel, with nice cocktails and freshly made sushi.

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FOOD PLUS

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SABORES do CAMPO, São Brás de Alportel WHEN YOU DISCOVER A RESTAURANT RIGHT OFF THE USUAL RADAR THAT SERVES UP WONDERFUL DISHES WITH A TWIST ON TRADITIONAL PORTUGUESE CUISINE, YOU’LL UNDERSTAND WHY THOSE DINING THERE ALL SEEM TO BE REGULARS. FIND THIS ONE – IT’S UP A NARROW WINDING TRACK JUST OUT OF TOWN – DELIGHT IN BOTH THE DECOR AND THE MENU AND YOU, TOO, WILL BE BACK FOR MORE, TIME AND TIME AGAIN, SAYS MAX CHADDERS

XPERIENCED

in hospitality, Ricardo Gomes and João Aleixo opened Sabores do Campo back in 2005, bravely picking a location that, despite its closeness to the heart of São Brás, is not the easiest to find. On our first visit we were taken by friends who had been going there for years; otherwise I am not sure we would have discovered this little treasure. Using your phone for accurate directions is a must. Inside, polished woods, soft lighting, interesting artworks and furnishing highlights have been put together to work naturally, rather than to make style statements. And that makes the atmosphere relaxed and welcoming. On the terrace that runs around the building, the vibe is laid back... a bit like being over at a friend’s place. Usually, the restaurant is packed – by family groups, by

loving couples, by friends looking to enjoy a really good meal. And we are here to talk about food, after all. The bread alone is a huge treat. Chef Marcio has created a rustic brown loaf, stuffed with dried figs that you’ll want to take home. It is outstanding... but beware, also filling. Márcio and his small team are passionate about flavour and making the most of locally sourced ingredients. The menu changes over the year, introducing new dishes and ambitious combinations, but the all-time favourites are there to stay. So what about those favourites? Oven-roasted octopus is definitely one of the top choices. Flavoured with garlic – lots of it – olive oil and coriander root, it is far removed from the usual octopus dishes on offer in the Algarve. The sea bass roll is another special that fishlovers return for again and again – Marcio’s trademark vegetable accompaniments here include a

FOOD Portuguese with an adventurous contemporary twist. Flavour comes first

DECOR Warm, welcoming and individual, far from the usual design-driven eateries

€ PRICE Lunch, from €15, dinner €25–€35

purée of carrot and sweet potatoes. If you’re in the mood for a pasta dish, squid ink linguine with shrimps and sweet chilli will have your taste buds tingling. And when it comes to meat mains, roasted javali (wild boar) with homegrown thyme takes a lot of beating. Yes, of course there is chicken piri piri – made Marcio’s way rather than just dipped in sauce and barbecued, duck magret with the essential orange sauce (guess where the oranges come from) and various pork options, including filet mignon of pork served with a fig sauce. Black Angus grain-fed sirloin steaks, always a family favourite of ours, comes with a choice of sauces – three peppers, four cheeses, or mushrooms, and a number of potato options. Have the gratin, please, you’ll thank me for the suggestion, and may well order a second helping. Puds... what can I say? The best baked apples ever. Seriously the best. Cheesecake with orange and kumquats, fig pudding, and more. Everything is homemade in the kitchens, and served by a team of five or six who share an enthusiasm for the food and are quick to explain dishes and make recommendations. And that makes you feel at home with a knowledgeable friend. They’ll also introduce you to accompanying wines. Carefully picked, well-priced, Portuguese and satisfying.

S A B O R E S D O C A M P O , R . d e P o ç o d e F e r r e i r o s , 8 1 5 0 - 0 5 4 , S ã o B r á s d e A l p o r t e l / T: 2 8 9 8 4 9 3 4 6 / reservasaborescampo@gmail.com / saboresdocampo.com

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VERITY THENARD

Spreading the word

W H AT D O E S I T TA K E T O B U I L D A N AUTH E NTI C O N LI N E CO M M U N IT Y ? WE INVITED NICK ROBINSON OF A L G A R V E A D D I C T S , PA U L A F R A N C O FROM LUZ EDITIONS , VERIT Y THENARD FROM MY ALGARVE LIFE , AN D L AU R E N T WE NT Y MAN O F A L G A R V E C A N D L E C O M PA N Y T O SHARE THEIR THOUGHTS

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OVE IT or loathe it, social media has become an undeniable part of modern life and one of the world’s most influential storytelling platforms. What began as a way to share photos now shapes where we travel, what we buy and even where we choose to live. Nearly 5.8 billion people use social media, spending an average of more than two hours each day scrolling, sharing and engaging with content. Every minute, around 16,000 videos are uploaded to TikTok, more than 3.3 million Snaps are sent, and almost 140 million Facebook and Instagram Reels are viewed. As artificial intelligence makes it increasingly difficult to distinguish fact from fiction, authenticity has become one of the most valuable forms of digital currency. While countless creators chase algorithms and viral trends, some have earned something far more enduring: trust. Their content inspires journeys, supports local businesses and encourages visitors to experience Portugal through a more personal lens. Yet behind each feed is a person with a story of their own. Few set out to become ‘influencers’; many simply began documenting the places they love, the businesses they’ve built or the lives they’ve created after making Portugal their home. In doing so, they have built loyal online communities. Although each creator’s journey has been different, their motivation is surprisingly similar: a genuine desire to connect, inform or inspire. Nick’s journey began with a simple question. Encouraged by a friend, he created a YouTube video titled Where to Live in the Algarve for Americans considering a move to Portugal. It became his most-watched video, proving that successful content begins with a genuine desire to help others. Lauren built an Instagram account to grow Algarve Candle Company and later expanded that vision with Algarve Social Club, helping fellow entrepreneurs find their voice online. For Verity, My Algarve Life remains a passion project, celebrating destinations and Algarve’s quieter corners. Much of the work happens behind the scenes in everyday moments, with ideas often emerging during her morning workout. Paula, meanwhile, balances two complementary accounts: Lisbon by Light, a celebration of the city’s beauty, artists and artisans, and Luz Editions, where thoughtful design and storytelling showcase her lighting business.

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Creativity is a deeply personal process, and each creator has developed an approach that works for them. Nick thrives on structure. His weekly YouTube series, Algarve Unlocked, began as an ambitious journey through 50 towns in 50 weeks and has since grown well beyond its original scope. While he carefully plans each episode, he leaves room to follow unexpected stories. Lauren takes a different approach, drawing inspiration from Instagram Reels, TikTok and creative brainstorming tools before filming and sharing content often on the same day. Verity finds many of her best ideas while exercising in the morning. Although she plans ahead during the busy summer months, she’s just as happy to abandon those plans if she discovers somewhere her audience will appreciate. And Paula’s creative process varies between her two accounts. Everyday life, people and Portugal itself inspire her lifestyle content, while her professional posts are guided by a simple question: what will best serve her audience? Although she’d prefer to plan further ahead, balancing social media alongside her business means she instead focuses on creating thoughtful content that reflects her community’s interests and values. Different as their approaches may be, they all share the same philosophy: create content that is useful, meaningful and true to their own voice.

A DEFINED APPROACH

and photos. You have such a short amount of time to grab someone’s attention, and if a restaurant, shop or attraction goes viral, it really can transform that business overnight.” Yet social media’s influence is not without its drawbacks. Verity believes platforms like Instagram have made it easier than ever to discover new places, but they can also encourage people to follow the crowd rather than seek out experiences that truly suit them. Paula has witnessed that transformation firsthand. When she arrived in Lisbon in 2004, the city felt relatively undiscovered. Today, many visitors have carefully curated lists of places saved on their phones. While she welcomes Portugal’s growing popularity, she believes some of the spontaneity and quiet charm has inevitably been lost. Nick shares a similar view. Although social media has introduced millions to Portugal’s culture and landscapes, it has also drawn overwhelming attention to destinations like Benagil Cave, turning remarkable places into little more than another box to tick.

ALGARVE P L U S

LAUREN TWENTYMAN

Connection, not perfection, is what sets content apart. Verity shares honest experiences and introduces followers to places they might otherwise overlook. Paula believes people are drawn to beauty that feels real and attainable, whether it’s a quiet Lisbon street or a handcrafted ceramic lamp. Lauren agrees that trust is the foundation of lasting engagement, crediting the success of Algarve Candle Company to its products and the family story behind the brand. And Nick has built his audience on the same principle. His popular YouTube series explores every town in the Algarve and asks: “Is it a good place to live?”, alongside giving practical advice to those moving to Portugal. More people now discover Portugal through social media than through travel brochures, guidebooks or tourism campaigns. A single post can inspire a holiday, influence a move abroad or turn an unknown attraction into an overnight sensation. “People aren’t searching through blogs like they used to,” says Lauren. “They want to see real experiences through videos

NICK ROBINSON

STANDOUT CONTENT

PAULA FRANCO

IT HAS TO BE REAL If there’s one lesson these creators agree on, it’s that credibility begins with authenticity. For Lauren, that means inviting people behind the scenes and sharing the successes and the moments when things don’t go to plan. Verity believes the same principle applies online as it does in life – people connect with those who are sincere. Paula’s attitude is equally simple: create for the one person who truly needs to see what you’re sharing. Through her work, she encourages others to slow down, appreciate the beauty in everyday moments and recognise how the places we inhabit shape the way we live. “Authenticity isn’t a strategy; it’s what’s left when you stop performing,” she says. Nick believes authenticity is only the beginning. While shortform platforms such as Instagram are invaluable for capturing attention, lasting trust is built through long-form content such as YouTube and podcasts, where audiences have time to form a genuine connection. His guiding goal has been to earn the confidence of people making one of the biggest decisions of their lives – relocating to another country – by providing honest and reliable information. That same appreciation for depth extends beyond the digital world. Despite the rise of social media, these creators believe print still offers something unique. Nick sees magazines as complementing online content rather than competing with it, pointing to the Algarve’s magazine scene as proof that readers value the experience of a printed publication. Paula describes Instagram as immediate – a platform that captures a fleeting moment – while magazines provide space for context, reflection and lasting inspiration. Verity believes that the two work together, with Instagram offering a glimpse of a destination and print revealing the history, culture and stories behind it. Lauren agrees that social media may introduce readers to a story, but a magazine invites them to slow down, immerse themselves and return to it. In a world of endless scrolling, the opportunity to pause makes print more relevant than ever.

If there’s one lesson these creators agree on, it’s that credibility begins with authenticity.

ALGARVE P L U S

NOTICED PLUS

VALUES COUNT Perhaps the biggest surprises weren’t found in follower counts, but in the unexpected ways people responded. For Verity, it’s the heartfelt messages from followers that keep her motivated whenever she questions whether to continue. Paula was delighted when she discovered that a carousel celebrating Portugal’s traditional crafts resonated not only with foreigners, but also with younger Portuguese audiences who were eager to reconnect with their own cultural heritage. Lauren learned that honesty can be one of the most powerful marketing tools. After receiving a one-star review, she openly explained exactly what had happened and how the issue had been resolved. Rather than harming her business, the post she produced strengthened it, earning widespread support from followers who valued her transparency. Nick has found social media equally unpredictable. While some videos on popular topics such as immigration, perform exactly as expected, others ssomehow seem to take on a life of their own, reminding him that predicting what will resonate with audiences is often impossible. Social media has transformed the way we explore the world, but one thing becomes clear: the most meaningful experiences begin when we put our phones away. These ‘accidental influencers’ see social media not as a destination, but as a starting point – a way to spark curiosity and inspire conversation beyond the screen. Whether it’s finding a neighbourhood café, supporting a local artisan, wandering unfamiliar streets or simply pausing to appreciate the beauty of everyday life, they believe life’s richest moments happen offline. After all, social media is only the invitation. The real story begins when we step away from the screen. That’s the true measure of influence.

‘A thoroughly enjoyable evening’

Four Seasons Fairways, Avenida André Jordan 37, Quinta do Lago. www.amararestaurant.pt

Reservations: + 351 289 357 500

@amarafairways

SLOW SEASON

ALGARVE P L U S

HIDEAWAY PLUS

STAYS IN THE A F T E R S U M M E R , I ’ M R E A D Y T O T R A V E L A G A I N . N O T B E C A U S E I ’ V E S P E N T J U LY A N D A U G U S T E X P L O R I N G ( FA R F R O M I T W H E N W E A R E T I E D T O O U R R E S TA U R A N T, A U S TA , I N T H E B U S I E S T M O N T H S ) , B U T B E C A U S E T H I S I S W H E N M Y FAV O U R I T E V E R S I O N O F P O R T U G A L B E G I N S T O E M E R G E A S T H E H E AT A N D H E A D I N E S S SUBSIDE AND A GENTLER RHYTHM MAKES FOR CALM

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Rockrose

Casa Cedo

ALGARVE P L U S

Melides has, of course, become one of Portugal’s most talked-about destinations with the opening of Christian Louboutin’s Vermelho hotel in recent years. However, five-roomed RockRose seems determined to remain quietly under the radar for now. But I first discovered it on receiving my regular newsletter from Wallpaper* Magazine so I know it’s already on the design lovers’ radar. Created by interior designer and creative director Marta Alvim, the architecture at RockRose is striking, but rather than opulence, curvaceousness and colour, the rammed earth buildings blend almost invisibly into the surrounding landscape. Every object looks considered without feeling staged, balancing vintage finds, contemporary design and handcrafted pieces collected over the years – personal rather than performative. What appeals to me most is that it seems to celebrate a slower, more analogue way of travelling. Long meals, sandy feet, linen left unironed and afternoons with nowhere to be. Autumn is my favourite time here, when the Atlantic still carries summer’s warmth but that 72-kilometre stretch of beach begins to empty once again. rockrosemelides.com

Casa Cedo

CASA CEDO

ROCKROSE

Melides  

 Porto Like most Portuguese cities, Porto seems to breathe differently once the summer subsides. The pace softens, the light turns golden and the streets belong a little more to the people who live there. This city rarely needs an excuse to pull me back (don’t tell Lisbon, but it’s my favourite of the two) but with newly opened design-hotel, Casa Cedo, on the block, now I need even less of one. Designed by one of my favourite studios in Portugal, Queit Studios, the hotel is set inside an elegant and curious townhouse with just eight rooms and seems to deliberately blur the line between hotel and home. Mary Lussiana, a friend who lives in the Algarve (and coincidentally also writes regularly for Condé Nast Traveller) told me that when she had her ‘sneak peek’, she loved how she didn’t arrive at a grand reception desk; instead, her first impression was a flower and lifestyle shop at street level, before the house gradually unfolded into hidden gardens, intimate living spaces and a rooftop overlooking the city. I’d happily spend a morning wandering Cedofeita’s independent galleries before lunch at Nuno Mendes’ Cozinha das Flores and an afternoon siesta before sunset over the Douro river. That’s increasingly the kind of city break I’m looking for. Less seeing everything, more finding somewhere that makes you want to stay put. casacedo.com

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Tavira 

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PALÁCIO DE TAVIRA

HIDEAWAY PLUS

Less than an hour from our home near Loulé, Tavira is one of those towns I think I know well, until I wander down a street I’ve somehow never noticed before. I imagine that’s exactly what a night or two at newly opened Palácio de Tavira would feel like – a staycation to rediscover somewhere familiar from an entirely different perspective. The hotel occupies the former palace of the Tavares family, one of Tavira’s historic noble households, and what appeals to me is that the owners seem to have embraced restraint, allowing the original architecture, courtyards and quiet corners to speak for themselves. I’d save this for late September to be sure the summer crowds have dispersed, when the Algarve heat on the islands nearby begins to soften but evenings are still warm enough to linger outside on the river with a glass of wine, mornings cool enough to inhale a cinnamon bun on a bench at Xisto before raiding the Saturday flea market before coffee by the river at Formosa Café. palaciodetavira.com

I am yet to set foot in the Açores, but a place on São Miguel island, where volcanic landscapes tumble into the Atlantic may be the reason that soon changes. Straight out of a Martin Parr photoshoot, the almost kitsch-coloured Moinho da Areia (windmill on the sand) occupies the site of a restored coastal windmill overlooking the sea and, rather than treating the mill as a historical curiosity, the restoration allows it to remain the heart of the experience, combining traditional Azorean architecture with quietly contemporary interiors. The appeal here isn’t luxury in the conventional sense. It’s waking to the sound of the ocean, watching people on the sand and weather systems drifting across the island from your terrace, and feeling entirely connected to the landscape and those who inhabit it. The Azores are often described as wild, but autumn seems to soften that wildness. Visitor numbers fall away, hiking trails become quieter and the islands return to the rhythm that locals know best. Moinho da Areia feels like the perfect place from which to experience that gentler side of the Atlantic. moinhodaareia.pt

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MAYBE OCTOBER MOINHO DA AREIA

São Miguel 

 Aljezur Even the name of this spot on the Watchlist feels like an invitation to postpone a trip here until the season is just right. Created by creatives who wanted to escape the relentless pace of city life, the retreat sits quietly among umbrella pines and cork oaks near the Alentejo coast. Rather than creating a conventional hotel, they imagined a collection of cabins where the landscape takes centre stage. I’ve saved images of the interiors to my Pinterest interiors where windows frame the trees, interiors remain deliberately uncomplicated, and the days are left blissfully unprogrammed. I imagine it’s the kind of place where breakfast stretches into lunch, afternoons disappear into a book beneath the pines, and the temptation to check your phone gradually gives way to watching the changing light instead. Perhaps that’s why the name resonates so much. It reminds us that Portugal’s coast isn’t only about August. A reminder that some places reveal themselves most beautifully once summer has packed its bags. maybeoctober.com



A SOCIEDADE RURAL

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Marvão

There are plenty of rural hotels in Portugal that borrow the language of ‘slow living’, but having stalked them on Instagram now for a few weeks, the softly-opened A Sociedade Rural near Marvão in the Alto Alentejo feels different. This is the project of a tech-industry husband and journalist-writer wife who created it with a desire to restore not only the buildings, but the rhythm of rural life itself for their Lisbon-based family. Rather than transforming the estate overnight, they allowed it to evolve naturally, and now what was once an abandoned agricultural property has become a hotel where vernacular architecture, farming and hospitality coexist without competing for attention. They’ve also rewilded the surrounding landscape with native wildflowers, nurtured a flourishing horta and centuries-old olive groves, taught themselves to produce their own olive oil, and even developed a range of beautifully scented natural products using ingredients from the estate. Their olive oil has already found its way onto the tables at Fago in the village nearby. Add that to your list, too; it is one of my favourite restaurants in Portugal. Perched among the remarkable granite monoliths of the Serra de São Mamede, the property feels deeply rooted in its surroundings. Whether or not you believe landscapes carry their own energy, this seems like the sort of place where it’s impossible not to feel connected to them. I’d save this for October, when the chestnut forests begin to turn, mist clings to the monoliths at first light, and crisp walks give way to evenings beside the fire after a long soak in the heated pool. asociedaderural.com

Perhaps the common thread amongst all of these isn’t the architecture, the interiors or even the locations. It’s that every one of these places seems to encourage the same thing: slowing down enough to actually notice where and who you are. So, if like me you’re already planning post-summer escapes, consider this your sign. These are certainly the places I’ll be checking into first.

I N S E P T E M B E R , T H E S U M M E R H E AT S O F T E N S I N T O A G O L D E N G L O W , T H E B E A C H E S G ROW Q U I E TE R , AN D ACROSS TH E CO U NTRY A LOW H U M O F E XCITE M E NT B EG I N S . WELCOME TO A VINDIMA – THE HARVEST SE ASON

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HE ANNUAL harvest

is not just a commercial industry; it is a cultural celebration rooted in centuries of tradition. It is about community, music, incredibly hard work, and, without question, exceptional wines. The vindima is best experienced through a lifestyle lens, and a focus on long lunches, beautiful landscapes, hands-on fun, and great stories. Whether you want to roll up your sleeves and stomp grapes in a stone trough or simply toast the season from a luxury terrace, here is your ultimate autumn harvest bucket list.

STOMP LIKE A LOCAL IN THE DOURO VALLEY

If you only do one traditional harvest activity in your life, make it lagar treading. In many parts of Portugal, particularly the Douro Valley, grapes are still crushed by human feet in large granite troughs called lagares. This ancient method is not just for show; the gentle pressure of human feet extracts maximum colour and flavour from the grape skins without crushing the bitter seeds. During September, many prestigious estates open their doors to visitors for a full day of work and play. You will be handed a pair of shorts, a straw hat, and a pair of pruning shears. After a morning of picking grapes on the

steep, terraced hillsides of the Douro, the real fun then begins. You step into the cool, sticky lagar, link arms with your neighbours, and march to the rhythm of local folk songs. It is messy, hilarious, and deeply satisfying. THE DESTINATION: Quinta da Pacheca This stunning estate in Lamego (Douro Valley) is famous for its luxury wine tourism and offers immersive harvest experiences. THE EXPERIENCE: Join their official Harvest Programme, which includes picking grapes, foot treading in the historic lagares, a traditional winemaker’s lunch, and a comprehensive wine tasting. pacheca.com/pages/quintadapachecaexperiences

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HARVEST BUCKET LIST

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THE BOTTLE TO TRY: Quinta da Pacheca Superior Tinto A rich, robust red that beautifully reflects the complex terroir of the Douro. pacheca.com/pt/ products/vinhopacheca-superiortinto-2024

ALGARVE P L U S

INDULGE IN AN ELEGANT HARVEST FEAST IN THE ALENTEJO

If the idea of sticky purple feet sounds a bit too intense, you can opt for the more epicurean side of the harvest. In the Alentejo, a vast region of rolling plains, cork oaks, and world-class wineries, the harvest is celebrated with grand culinary traditions. During the vindima, wineries host long, lazy outdoor lunches right in the middle of the vineyards. Imagine sitting under the shade of a pergola, a cool breeze blowing across the plains, as platters of black Iberian pork, local cheeses, and fresh bread are served. The winemakers often join these lunches, pouring their latest vintages and sharing stories about how the current crop is shaping up. The whole experience is the perfect blend of rustic charm and understated luxury. THE DESTINATION: Herdade do Esporão In Reguengos de Monsaraz, it is one of the most sustainable and visually striking estates in Portugal. esporao.com/pt THE EXPERIENCE: Book a vineyard tour followed by a farm-to-table lunch at their Michelin-starred restaurant, which features creative seasonal harvest menus that are paired perfectly with their estate wines. esporao.com/en/tourism?origin=alentej o&type=all THE BOTTLE TO TRY: Esporão Reserva Branco A gorgeous, barrel-aged white wine with notes of white peach and subtle spice. Perfect for warm autumn afternoons. esporao.com/pt/vinhos/ esporao-reservabranco/2024

EXPLORE THE ANCIENT AMPHORA TRADITION

For history buffs and adventurous drinkers, the harvest is the time to explore Vinho de Talha. This is the ancient Roman art of making wine in massive clay pots, a tradition that has survived uninterrupted for over 2,000 years in the Alentejo region. During the harvest, the grapes are crushed and put directly into these gigantic clay amphorae (talhas), which are coated internally with beeswax and resin. The wine ferments naturally inside the clay. The pots are traditionally sealed and left until late autumn. Visiting a traditional talha cellar in September lets you see these giant clay vessels filled to the brim and bubbling with life. Memories are made of this. THE DESTINATION: Herdade do Rocim in Cuba in the Alentejo, they are pioneers in preserving and modernising the Vinho de Talha tradition. THE EXPERIENCE: a specialised Talha Tour where you can learn about this UNESCO-recognised winemaking heritage and taste wines straight from the clay pot. rocim.pt/en/produto/ amphora-wine-tour/ THE BOTTLE TO TRY: Amphora Tinto by Herdade do Rocim. An incredibly unique, rustic red wine with deep earthy notes and pure fruit flavours. rocim.pt/en/produto/ amphora-red/

KEEP IT LOCAL: A BOUTIQUE HARVEST DAY IN THE ALGARVE

You do not have to travel far to experience the magic of the season. The Algarve wine region has been experiencing a massive quality renaissance over the last decade. Our local grape varieties, like Negra Mole, are gaining international recognition, and boutique wineries are popping up all across the coast. Experiencing the harvest in the Algarve means enjoying a more intimate, laidback vibe. Because the wineries here are smaller, you often get to interact directly with the owners. September is a fantastic time to visit our local estates, as you can see the hustle and bustle of the sorting tables and smell the

fermenting juice in the air, all while staying close to home. THE DESTINATION: Quinta dos Santos Near Carvoeiro in the Western Algarve, this beautiful, family-run boutique estate combines a winery, a craft brewery, and a fantastic restaurant. quintadossantos.com THE EXPERIENCE: take a relaxed walk through their vineyards to see the picking process, followed by an alfresco tapas lunch on their stylish terrace overlooking the vines. quintadossantos.com/ THE BOTTLE TO TRY: Quinta dos Santos Tesouro Arinto A stunning local white wine made from the Arinto grape, offering crisp acidity and beautiful minerality. cantarinhadoguadiana. com/product-page/quintados-santos-tesouro-arinto

HOST A SUNSET PICNIC ON THE COAST

Can’t make it out to the vineyards this month? Bring the spirit of the harvest to your own terrace or local beach. Gather your friends, head down to your favourite cliffside spot, and host a casual tasting of unique Portuguese harvest wines. Pair them with a simple board of Queijo de Azeitão, cured ham, and local figs. It is a simple, beautiful way to honour the season without leaving the comfort of the coast. THE DESTINATION: Your favourite Algarve beach viewpoint such as the cliffs at Praia da Marinha or the peaceful sands of Praia da Fábrica in the Eastern Algarve. THE EXPERIENCE: a DIY coastal wine picnic. Pack a cooler, grab some highquality crystal glasses, and watch the sun dip below the Atlantic horizon. THE BOTTLE TO TRY: Soalheiro Alvarinho Primeiras Vinhas A premium Vinho Verde that is incredibly fresh, vibrant, and bursting with citrus – the ultimate pairing for an wonderful ocean breeze. soalheiro.com/en/pages/ soalheiro-primeirasvinhas-alvarinho

slick licks

E’VE GONE from Tavira in the east to Lagos going west and picked some favourites from the many icecreameries in the region that focus on developing new flavours as well as classics.

GRAN SORVETE Vilamoura Marina

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Bringing a blend of London glamour and Italian tastes, Gran Sorvete is hard to beat for the aesthetics it serves up, combining beautiful views, stunningly presented desserts and some incredible ice creams. Famous for the eye-catching floral displays outside, this is all about experiencing the joy in life and those extraordinary moments as often as you can. John, who is the brains behind this set-up is passionate about celebrating happiness every day, as well as the perfect art of gelato, saying: “The Italians simply do it best.” Using traditional methods and top-notch ingredients, the challenge comes when filling the cabinet, as only 24 flavours can be displayed at one time! With comfortable seating and the idyllic views of the marina, why not work your way through a few flavours on each visit and try to narrow down your favourite! Ave. Cerro da Vila 2G gransorvete.com

MOMENTOS GELATERIA Loulé

CASTELO DOS SABORES

Easy to miss, behind a small frontage and seating on the street, is a hidden gem for delicious gelato. Offering the classic favourites along with some more unique and locally inspired flavours, this little shop is praised for serving some of the best pistachio ice cream in the area. Praça da República 59, Loulé

CREMA DI GELATO Lagos

Found in the historic centre of Lagos, this shop serves up that kind of visually stunning gelato that you would expect to see in cities across Italy. One of their defining features is their incredible range of sorbetti, made using water, sugar and fruit. Ideal for vegans and those needing to avoid dairy, the selection of flavours is impressive and also constantly evolving to add new varieties. For those who enjoy an authentic Italian experience, the stracciatella is a must-try, loaded into your cup or cone with a spatula, exactly how it should be done! R. Marreiros Netto 17 instagram.com/cremadigelatolagos

SÃO GELADOS Olhão

Sao Gelados offers more than a sweet treat; this experience is about emotion, memories and a journey through flavours. Nelson, who was raised in France and Italy, trained at the Carpigiani Gelato University, so he understands the importance of this art, blending the finest ingredients with a true passion for taste and texture. Having moved to Olhão, the vision was clear: “to create a gelato that could only exist here, inspired by the landscapes, the ingredients and the seasons of southern Portugal.” Focusing on local producers for things such as almonds or mangoes from Pechão, everything is gluten-free – most are available as lactosefree, too – and all celebrate the seasons. Nelson says: “Our philosophy is inspired by a sentence from the French gastronome Anthelme BrillatSavarin: ‘Animals feed. Man eats. Only the intelligent man knows how to eat’. “For us, eating well means understanding where ingredients come from, respecting the seasons and discovering that a simple gelato can become a way of experiencing a place.” Rua Gaibeu 24, Olhão saogelados.com

T H E DAY S A R E G E T T I N G S H O R T E R B U T T H E SUN IS SHINING, THE SKIES ARE BLUE, AND A P E R F E C T A R T I S A N I C E C R E A M I S A W O N D E R F U L LY R E F R E S H I N G T R E AT. A N D T O DAY T H E S P E C I A L I S T S C AT E R T O D I S T I N C T D E M A N D S , O F F E R I N G G L U T E N F R E E A N D L AC T O S E - F R E E O P T I O N S , A S W E L L A S THE CONE/TUB CHOICE

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DELICIOUS PLUS

GELATARIAS DELIZIA Cabanas de Tavira

This shop is the place to visit if you want to experience something completely new. The dried fig gelato is an award winner; the poejo and citrus a taste revelation; the chilli chocolate great for spice lovers; and the carob and orange is Portugal in a scoop! Rua Dr. José Pires, Padinha Mercado da Ribeira

GULA FOODLAB

N'ICE CREAM Armação de Pêra

This popular ice cream shop pulls in the crowds, and its seating area overlooks the sweeping coast. Known for its large portions and friendly service, it offers a wide range of artisanal ice cream flavours, plus candyinspired tastes like Kinder and Ferrero Rocher. Vegan-friendly sorbets and dairy-free options are served in cups. Sitio Da Torre, Armação de Pêra ice-cream.pt

CASTELO DOS SABORES

GRAN SORVETE

Silves

A real charmer in the heart of the old town, the homemade icecreams here use the best of local ingredients. With no less than 30 flavours of icecream, from the traditional to the adventurous (think pavlova, tiramisu and pastel de nata), and ten fruity sorbets, new tastes are introduced monthly, and there are lots of kids’ specials. Boss Antonina’s almond and fig option is a bestseller, and her orange ice cream is wonderful. (Worth knowing, and adding to your bucket list, is the Silves Orange Festival, a three-day event held in February, that celebrates the region’s citrus industry, local farmers, and orange-based gastronomy with local food, wine, live music, and agricultural activities.) R. 25 de Abril 14 facebook.com/groups/158030113605605 1/?ref=share_group_link

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Offering iced coffees, milkshakes and the Italian classic affogato Gula Foodlab also provides a fantastic range of sorbets and vegan options such as watermelon, lime and basil and even mojito (for those of us over 18!). The flavours change frequently, but if you see it on the menu, the ginger and hibiscus is a taste-bud triumph. Gula Foodlab is a favourite for those who enjoy the exotic but also appreciate the fine art of creating that perfect ice cream. R. Vasco da Gama 27 instagram.com/gulafoodlab/

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Faro

Rented out A S S A N DY B L U E M A R K S I T S 2 0 T H A N N I V E R S A R Y, W E L O O K AT H O W P E R S O N A L S E R V I C E , O W N E R T R U S T A N D L O C A L K N O W L E D G E H AV E S H A P E D O N E O F T H E A L G A R V E ’ S S P E C I A L I S T L U X U R Y V I L L A R E N TA L C O M PA N I E S

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STAY PLUS

Taking on the challenge Sandy Blue was established in 2006 by Erika Mountain, who saw an opportunity for a more professional approach to villa management and holiday rentals in the Algarve. What began as a relatively small, family-oriented business has grown into a company managing more than 120 exclusive properties, with a team of around 30 and, since 2022, a place within the Awaze Group, Europe’s largest villa rental group. But perhaps more interesting than the numbers is what hasn’t changed. Some owners have been with Sandy Blue since its first year, a continuity Anastasia sees as one of the clearest measures of the company’s approach; its deliberately exclusive model means its villas are not simply listed alongside competing agencies. That gives the company a stronger reason to understand each property in detail, invest in its presentation and build the kind of owner relationship that supports long-term management rather than one-off bookings.

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holidaymakers that are difficult to forget. One Sandy Blue guest, apparently looking at the landscape surrounding their villa, wondered whether the company could drain the nearby swamp. Another was concerned that their villa, which faced east, didn’t have direct views of the August sunset. Then there was the guest who wondered if, during an exceptionally hot Algarve summer, the pool could somehow be made cooler. These are the sorts of situations that might test the patience of a holiday rental company. At Sandy Blue, they seem to be regarded rather more philosophically. The swamp, as the guest was diplomatically told, was part of a protected natural ecosystem rather than an extension of the villa’s landscaped gardens; the sunset problem was solved by arranging an evening dinner reservation overlooking the coastline. And the pool? Well, sometimes the Algarve sun simply wins. It is an entertaining way to introduce a company celebrating its 20th anniversary, but the stories point to something central to Sandy Blue’s appeal. Luxury villa rental is not only about beautiful houses, swimming pools and prime locations; it is about the response when a guest asks for something impractical, an owner faces an urgent problem, or a carefully planned holiday needs saving at short notice. Two decades on, Sandy Blue’s story is not simply one of portfolio growth, but of turning personal attention into a luxury proposition: reassuring owners, anticipating guests’ needs and preserving a local, human service model in an increasingly professionalised rental market. For Managing Director Anastasia Takield, that personal service remains at the heart of the business. “We’re constantly looking at our proposition, evaluating and taking all the feedback on board,” she says. “It’s a continuous journey for us. We don’t stop.”

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HERE ARE some requests from

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With more than 120 exclusive luxury properties on their books, Sandy Blue has a magnificent portfolio and handles every detail for owners renting out their properties and for clients choosing to stay there. The company’s focus is on knowledge and on delivering service that is unrivalled. Previous page: Vila Palmeira. This page, above: The Waves. Opposite page: Villa Summer Bay

“For us, each villa matters,” says Anastasia. And that human response remains the thread running through the business, from owner relationships to guest services.

The focus Sandy Blue now concentrates heavily on properties in the Golden Triangle, particularly in the prestigious Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo areas. The ideal Sandy Blue villa is generally a four- or five-bedroom property with a swimming pool, good outdoor space and facilities that work for families. At the top end, its portfolio extends to larger luxury properties, including a sevenbedroom villa in Quinta do Lago. The average weekly rental is around €8,500, with high-season prices ranging from approximately €3,500 to €35,000. The company’s ethos is that actively managing how a property is presented, maintained and experienced makes the difference by setting standards. That means preparing properties well before the season starts, carrying out deep cleaning and maintenance, checking presentation and, increasingly, advising owners on the improvements that will keep their villa competitive. Because, as Anastasia points out, guests usually make their decision on where they want to spend their time here before they have seen the property in person. “The photos are extremely important,” she says. “People need to feel: ‘I want to be in that swimming pool. I want to stay in this garden.’” It is an observation that perhaps sounds obvious, but it reflects how much the luxury rental market has changed. Expectations have risen considerably, both from owners and guests, and presentation has become part of the experience itself.

The challenge Yet Sandy Blue’s real test begins after the photographs have done their job. Its guest services team is available around the clock, while additional services can include private chefs, catering, transfers and a host of other arrangements. Anastasia describes the luxury experience today as fundamentally “hassle-free”. “From the beginning, once a client enquires with us, we really stay in touch and try to arrange everything before they stay and during their stay,” she says. “For luxury travel, it’s extremely important.” One of the most elaborate examples came when a guest arrived with only four days to organise a marriage proposal. Sandy Blue arranged the restaurant, decorations and photographer, then coordinated a small aircraft to fly overhead with the proposal message at exactly the right moment. Everything had to happen discreetly and on cue. “And she said yes!” Anastasia laughs. It is the sort of story that makes a good holiday anecdote, but it also illustrates the importance of local relationships. Sandy Blue has developed a network of trusted suppliers and partners over many years, allowing its team to make arrangements that would be considerably more difficult for an owner or guest to organise independently.

STAY PLUS

families also an important summer market. Families are at the heart of the business, often with grandparents, parents and children travelling together. The company’s high repeat rate is particularly revealing: more than half of its guests return, sometimes progressing from childhood holidays with their parents to bringing their own children back to the Algarve.

Technology has transformed how the business operates, and Sandy Blue has invested heavily in digital marketing and new systems. But Anastasia does not see artificial intelligence replacing the human element that sits at the centre of luxury travel. “We’re already integrating AI in our day-to-day activities,” she says. “But I think people will always want that personal touch.” The distinction seems particularly important at the luxury end of the market. Technology can answer a question at two in the morning; it cannot necessarily understand why a guest is disappointed that an east-facing villa does not have an August sunset. And sometimes the answer isn’t to explain why the request is impossible, but to find another way to make the guest happy. Sustainability is one area in which expectations are changing. Sandy Blue is looking at measures such as energy efficiency, local suppliers and electric vehicle charging, while encouraging owners to consider improvements that make their properties more environmentally responsible. The company is also part of a UK sustainability organisation and has been working to reduce the impact of its own operations. When talking about the future, Anastasia is surprisingly measured about growth. The ambition is not simply to accumulate more villas. The company wants to grow its portfolio with quality properties in the Golden Triangle while maintaining the standards and relationships that have been developed over 20 years. It feels like an appropriate philosophy for a company whose reputation has been built on selectivity as much as scale. The Algarve has changed enormously since Sandy Blue began in 2006. Villas have become more sophisticated, guests more demanding and the competition considerably more international. Yet the basic attraction remains remarkably constant: sunshine, space, privacy, family time and the freedom to experience the Algarve on your own terms. Perhaps the secret of Sandy Blue’s longevity is that it understands that the villa itself is only part of the experience. The pool may be spectacular, the kitchen beautifully designed and the view worth thousands of euros a week. But when the tree comes down, the rain comes through, the guest wants to propose, or somebody decides that the local swamp would look better drained, it is the person on the other end of the phone who matters. Twenty years on, that personal connection appears to be Sandy Blue’s most durable asset – and, judging by the owners who have stayed from the beginning, the one that matters most.

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E: listwithus@sandyblue.com

/ sandyblue.com

Looking ahead

And it is not only guests who benefit from that network. Angie Wiles, one of Sandy Blue’s long-standing owners, describes the relationship in strikingly practical terms. When flooding affected one of her properties, and later when a large tree fell during a storm and caused damage, Sandy Blue coordinated the response, managed the urgent work and kept her informed. But Wiles’ experience also includes the smaller, more personal touches. The team has helped organise celebrations, dealt with unexpected problems and even assisted her with an issue involving her car. “They sometimes know the villa as well as, if not better, than us,” she says, describing a team that treats the properties almost as though they were their own. For an owner who may spend much of the year away from the Algarve, that is arguably the real value of professional management. There are practical considerations, too. Sandy Blue assists owners with the administrative requirements surrounding local accommodation, including licences and safety requirements, and manages security deposits and damage issues. Owners can also block out periods when they want to use their own properties, meaning a villa can provide rental income without preventing the family from enjoying it themselves. The business has also evolved with the changing nature of Algarve tourism. Traditionally, the great rental prize has been the summer season, but Sandy Blue is increasingly looking at longer stays and the opportunities presented by travellers escaping colder northern European winters. Smaller properties can work particularly well out of season, although Anastasia says there are couples happy to rent a five- or six-bedroom villa simply because they love the house and the location. The guest profile remains predominantly British and Irish, with Portuguese

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Providing constant support

STATEMENT PLUS

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Sole mates CO M B I N I N G A LOV E FO R T H E O C E A N , S H O E S A N D FA S H I O N S O U N D S L I K E A C R A Z Y C O N C E P T, B U T P O R T U G U E S E B R A N D ZO U R I G E T S I T A B S O L U T E LY S P O T - O N , E V E R Y S T E P O F T H E W A Y

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RAWLING THE streets of Braga on a recent trip up north, I was instantly drawn into the chic coolness of a boutique shoe shop called Zouri From The Ocean. Totally entranced by the aesthetics of the fuss-free but fashion-forward shoes, I then fell completely in love with the brand’s ecological ethos. Zouri’s buzzwords are eco-vegan, sustainability, ethical and fair trade, but as an avid scuba diver and ocean lover, it is the fact that Zouris are partly made from plastic trash from the Portuguese coast that absolutely floated my save-the-sea boat. Adriana Mano is the creative powerhouse and mastermind behind the brand, which combines her 15 years of experience in the footwear industry with her passion for preserving the planet. “Zouri is an eco-vegan footwear brand that uses plastic trash together with ecological and sustainable materials,” she explains. “I was involved in a beach clean-up action and started to think about reusing the plastic waste in my know-how area of footwear. “It started off as a simple idea, but the more I thought about how it could make a difference, the more I wanted to make it happen.” She spent two years researching how she could use plastic waste in shoemaking and then launched the project with crowdfunding in 2018. “The driving force has always been about activism for the ocean, sustainability for the planet and empowering communities,” says Adriana. “Every year, about 22 million tons of plastic end up in the

ocean. Zouri’s mission is to collect the plastic from the Portuguese coast and reuse it.” So far, working with schools and NGOs, Zouri has removed 16 tons of plastic from local beaches. “This is transported to Ecoiberia in Vila Nova de Famalicão, where we shred and prepare it for the sole producer in Felgueiras that mixes natural rubber with plastic waste from the ocean,” says Adriana. The next step in the arduous process happens in Barcelos, in northern Portugal, in a factory where artisans have produced handmade sandals for more than 90 years. “Apart from the natural rubber and plastic waste soles, we use local cork left over from the wine industry and recycled linen from the Iberian Peninsula,” Adriana explains. To live up to the ‘100% handmade in Portugal’ promise, Zouri works with small companies that need support to resist the fast-fashion industry, and Zouri is honoured to work with local craftspeople with enormous knowledge of handmade shoes. Using the same skills created centuries ago, the Barcelos shoemakers now combine old-craft techniques with modern sustainability improvements, such as replacing polyurethane glue with water glue and creating zerowaste packaging with no glue included. “Our factory respects all artisans, some of whom have worked with the same team for decades,” says Adriana. “The horizontal management style creates a family spirit, and each person is incredibly proud of the work they do, guaranteeing that every pair of shoes has the same detail and perfection. “In fact, when you buy your Zouris, you will get a letter with all the materials used, the location of the plastic and the names of people who made your Zouri.” One of the newer Zouri collections is the Special Edition Heritage Weavers, a collaboration with the artisans and weavers from Almalaguês near Coimbra. A small village with only around 3,000 residents, half of whom women, Almalaguês also gives its name to a weaving technique dating back to the 13th century. It is said that the technique is linked to the formation of the territory by the arrival of the Mozarabs during the 11th century. In the 21st century, local teacher Maria Emilia Pereira fought to keep the tradition alive and organised for the village’s derelict school building to be turned into a space where weavers could work again. To top it all off, Zouri also guarantees that all its footwear is made with vegan, sustainable and fair trade materials. Those include: Pineapple Leather: Piñatex is an innovative upper material which is made from leaves of the pineapple plant, considered to be a waste product. Through repurposing agricultural waste into nature’s textiles, Piñatex creates social impact by introducing new jobs in rural areas, while providing a second income stream to pineapple farmers. It also provides low-impact textile solutions that support sustainability targets.

Every year, about 22 million tons of plastic end up in the ocean. Zouri’s mission is to collect the plastic from the Portuguese coast and reuse it.

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STATEMENT PLUS

Corn Leather: Developed by Coronet, corn leather is an animal-friendly alternative to traditional leather. The corn used for making the base material is a nonfood-grade crop, so it doesn’t divert resources from human food or supply chains. Organic Cotton: Since 1855, Elmer and Zweifel, located in Germany, have offered uncompromisingly ecological and fair organic cotton fabrics manufactured according to the world’s most demanding standards for natural textiles. Recycled Linen: Located in Spain, Poveda Textil offers a wide range of ecological fabrics, recycled and certified organic. Zouri offers sandals, sliders, sneakers, mules and bags, with bestseller collections repeated in various colours, materials and patterns, and also special edition and seasonal collections for men and women. Two special edition ranges include Circus and Caravan. Circus, in ocean blues, coral oranges and sunny yellows, embodies heritage and uses 100% natural linen woven on traditional handlooms. The Caravan range is an eco-luxury ode to refined handmade heritage featuring 100% silk with superior comfort insoles. When I congratulate Adriana on her vision and beautiful product, she is quick to point out that none of it would be possible without her team. “This project has never been about me, but more about every person that participates in every little step along the way,” she says. “Every person, from those who collect the plastic to the artisans, creatives, suppliers and salespeople, helps me make this dream come true. Thanks to the team we are sailing high!”

THE STOCKISTS IN THE ALGARVE Mar d’Estórias, Lagos Cobblestone, Lagos Catwalk, Faro Handcolour, Cabanas Tavira

zouri-shoes.com

TH E A LGA RV E I S A B R I LLIA NT P L AC E TO TRY SO M E TH I N G N E W. W I T H I T S M I L D C L I M AT E , VA R I E D L A N D S C A P E A N D S T R O N G O U T D O O R C U LT U R E , I T M A K E S P E R F E C T S E N S E T H AT M O R E P E O P L E I N T H E I R 3 0 S , 4 0 S A N D WAY B E YO N D A R E S WA P P I N G “ M AY B E O N E D AY ” F O R “ W H Y N O T N O W ? ”. A R E YO U R E A DY ?

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WATER LOVERS

NEW SPORT NEW YOU If you are drawn to the sea, the Algarve gives you plenty of options, and water sports can be calming, energising but also very technical (depending on just how far you want to go). They are also a brilliant reminder that sport does not always have to feel like hard work; sometimes relaxation is just as rewarding as those hard-earned drops of sweat. SWIMMING is one of the easiest sports to begin because access is simple and the equipment is minimal. A pair of goggles, a swimsuit and a lap pool are enough to get started! The downside is that pool laps can feel repetitive, while open water

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brings extra variables such as waves, currents and visibility. Personal tip: If you’re an aspiring triathlete, the open-water swim is a must! Learning curve: Easy to moderate. Fitness needed: Low to medium. Where to practise: Piscinas Municipais de Faro e Quarteira, and Praia de Faro for open water. Top pick: Adamastor Swim Adventures / 965 551 899 / adamastor-swim.pt  STAND-UP PADDLEBOARDING, SUP, sits nicely between leisure and sport. It is one of those activities that looks calm from the shore but works your core, balance and shoulders

more than you might expect. The main drawback is that it depends on conditions, and wind or chop can make a peaceful outing suddenly feel like a small battle. Personal tip: SUP is a good choice if you want exercise without too much pressure. You can go at your own pace, enjoy the scenery and keep the experience fairly low-cost at the beginning. Learning curve: Easy to moderate. Fitness needed: Low to medium. Where to practise: Ria Formosa and the Alvor estuary. Top pick: Centro Náutico de Faro 289 870 898 / nauticalfaro.com/ atividade/parceiros/centro-nauticoda-praia-de-faro/

 CLIMBING is physically demanding but extremely rewarding. It builds strength,

 SAILING is rewarding; there is no question about that. It is elegant and deeply enjoyable, but it is also one of the more technical water sports. It usually needs lessons, a club or school, and a willingness to learn the basics properly. That said, for people who enjoy systems, strategy and the sea, it can become a lifelong obsession. Personal tip: The great advantage of sailing is that it mixes skill, nature and patience in a way few other sports do. Learning curve: Steep. Fitness needed: Medium. Where to practise: Vilamoura and Lagos. Top pick: CIMAV in Vilamoura 969 102 791 / cimav.org/

SCUBA DIVING is one of the most adventurous choices on the list. It opens up a different world, but it also comes with a technical learning process, equipment needs, and a higher cost. This is the sort of sport that tends to attract people who are naturally curious and prepared to commit to the necessary learning curve. Personal tip: The reward is obvious: diving offers a sense of wonder that very few sports can match. It is immersive and quite unique. Learning curve: Steep. Fitness needed: Medium to high. Where to practise: Lagos and Portimão. Top pick: WeDive Lagos 916 959 233 / wedive.pt/

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HORSE RIDING has a different rhythm from most sports. It also appeals to people who want something more graceful and less repetitive than a standard workout. The drawback is that riding can become expensive. Personal tip: One of the best things about riding is how it connects you with nature, and it´s a lovely way to explore rural parts of the Algarve. Learning curve: Moderate. Fitness needed: Medium. Where to practise: Silves, Tavira, Almancil. Top pick: Albufeira Riding Centre 913 024 716 / albufeiraridingcentre.com

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CYCLING is one of the easiest sports to fall into in the Algarve because the region already lends itself so well to it. You can start gently on calm road routes, build confidence over time, and then move towards gravel or MTB. It is flexible, scalable, and easy to make social or solo. Personal tip: Cycling works particularly well because it can be as serious or as relaxed as you want it to be. The upfront investment can be higher than people expect, but once you have the kit, the sport itself is relatively accessible. Learning curve: Easy to moderate. Fitness needed: Low to high, depending on the style of riding. Where to practise: the whole of the Algarve. Top pick: For more information on where to ride, visit, eat and stay head over to velopod.cc

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coordination and confidence. Whether indoors or outdoors, it offers a very clear sense of progress, which is one of the reasons many people get hooked after their first few sessions. Personal tip: Climbing is great for people who like problem-solving as much as exercise. Each route feels like a small puzzle, and that keeps things interesting. Learning curve: Moderate to steep. Fitness needed: Medium to high. Where to practise: Aljezur and Monchique. Top pick: Vertical Escalada in Estômbar / 914 097 203 / verticalescalada.pt

For those who prefer land, movement and fresh air, the Algarve offers plenty of ways to stay active outdoors. These sports often appeal to people who want fitness with scenery, and a bit of challenge without being tied to a screen or a gym wall.

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OPEN-AIR CHASERS

DO IT NOW PLUS

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SOCIAL BEES

Walking football is gaining popularity. It is none too challenging and very social

Some sports are not just about fitness; they are about meeting people and enjoying the social side of exercise. These are often the ones people return to because the session itself becomes part of the reward. They are especially appealing if you want to combine activity with conversation, competition, or community.  GOLF remains one of the most popular sports for adults who want a mix of concentration, fresh air, and social time. It can be wonderfully relaxing, but it is also more technical than it first appears. Personal tip: Golf is a good fit for those who enjoy patience and precision. It is not the quickest sport to master, but it rewards consistency. Learning curve: Moderate. Fitness needed: Low to medium. Where to practise: Vilamoura and Quinta do Lago. Top pick: Quinta do Lago Golf Academy / 289 394 368 / quintadolago.com/en/golf/academy/  TENNIS is energetic, competitive, and easy to enjoy socially (you can

find a great club atmosphere). It offers a great workout, sharpens coordination, and can be picked up gradually. Personal tip: It gives you cardio, timing, and a competitive edge. The downside is that it can be tough on the body if you jump in too quickly. Learning curve: Moderate. Fitness needed: Medium. Where to practise: Vilamoura and Portimão. Top pick: Algarve Tennis & Fitness Club (ATF) / 289 385 028 / algarvetennisandfitness.com PADEL has exploded in popularity for a reason: it is accessible, fun, and highly social. The format also makes it a great option for people who prefer a shared experience to a solitary workout. Personal tip: Padel’s biggest strength is that it gets people playing quickly. You do not need years of technique before you start enjoying yourself, which makes it very adult-friendly. The only real downside is that the sport’s popularity means courts can be busy, so book in advance.

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Learning curve: Easy to moderate. Fitness needed: Low to medium. Where to practise: Loulé and Almancil. Top pick: Padel Blu in Albufeira / 911 157 234 / Insta: @padelblu.albufeira HYROX is ideal for people who enjoy structured effort and measurable progress. It combines running with functional fitness exercises, and it suits people who like training with a goal. Personal tip: Hyrox is appealing because it feels modern, social, and goal-driven. It is also easy to track progress, which motivates many people, but a certain level of fitness is recommended. Learning curve: Moderate. Fitness needed: Medium to high. Where to practise: Faro and Loulé. Top pick: Algarve Total Fitness / 961 928 793 / algarvetotalfitness.com/

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WALKING FOOTBALL There is also room in the Algarve for those who want something gentler but still social. Walking football is a strong example: lower impact, easy to join, and very much about enjoyment as well as movement. It is ideal for anyone who wants a team atmosphere without the pace or contact of the full game. Personal tip: This kind of activity matters because it keeps people involved, active and connected. It also shows that sport does not need to stop being fun with age; it just needs to be the right version of fun. Learning curve: Easy. Fitness needed: Low to medium. Where to practise: Olhão, Tavira and Lagos. Top pick: East Algarve Walking Football / eastalgarvewf.com / stuart.meakin@eastalgarvewf.com 

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Earth to fire

W H E N M A K I N G F I N E Q U A L I T Y C E R A M I C S T H E I M P O R TA N C E O F U S I N G T R A D I T I O N A L T E C H N I Q U E S , C L AY S A N D G L A Z E S C A N N O T B E O V E R E M P H A S I S E D . B E A U T I F U L O B J E C T S C R E AT E D B Y B E N A N D N A D R A L I C A N B E F O U N D AT G A L E R I A C Ô R T E - R E A L I N P A D E R N E

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N EXTRAORDINARY find on Hadrian’s Wall was a large terracotta container manufactured in Portugal during Roman times! To discover such an ancient object so far away came as a complete surprise. When the pieces were reassembled it had two handles and the vessel was recognised as the type used for transporting garum, a fish sauce made in Portugal and popular across the Roman Empire. It was identified as Portuguese due to its design and the clay that had been used to make it. Today, using hands, heads

and hearts, Ben and Nadrali utilise blends of Portuguese clay to create practical and inimitable objects. They explain the importance of materials and why they settled in the Algarve, “We travelled widely and to help us fund our journeys we made and sold ceramic objects such as beads, buttons and small pieces of jewellery. Because we couldn’t carry materials with us we had to utilise what the local environment provided. “Eventually we came to the Algarve and there were so many natural items that were readily available we decided to stay. We set up a studio workshop in the countryside and because our ceramics are so obviously distinctive we have been successful. We have taught some itinerant workshop classes and our enthusiasm for ceramics seems to have excited others.

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“We have access to different blends of clay and they provide us with a variety of textures and colours. To add interest to the ceramic surface we will sometimes mix the clays with ash made from almond, vine and olive wood or roughly textured grog. Experimenting makes our daily work very creative. “In a highly individualised process we also make our own glazes using cobalt and copper oxides to create distinct shades of ocean blue and tranquil tones of green and turquoise.”

Individual touches These enchanting glazes on elegant forms create stunning and always different effects. Hand-shaped with skill, no two items

are ever alike, nor can they be replicated. Any pattern or design that might be needed is dextrously applied and the object is then fired in an outdoor wood-burning kiln. At the end of the process, if necessary, pieces are sanded to give the finished surface an organic look or, for an extra dimension, enhanced with splashes of gold that are applied to newly inspired forms. It might be a cliché to say so, but by making ceramics in this way, like snowflakes, no two items ever turn out to be exactly the same. The couple work closely with Galeria Côrte-Real and specialise in jewellery, body ornaments, sculptural homeware, decorative wall art and garden pots.

G A L E R I A C Ô R T E - R E A L i n P a d e r n e i s s i g n p o s te d f ro m B o l i q u e i m e , F e r r e i r a s a n d P a d e r n e . O P E N : T h u r s d ay to S u n d ay, 1 1 h 3 0 – 1 6 h 3 0 / T: 9 6 1 5 2 8 6 7 9 / W : c o r t e r e a l a r t e . c o m

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THE HEAT IS GONE, BUT THE PARTIES CONTINUE September is still a busy month for festivals and concerts. Festival F, held in Faro (3–5 September), is one of the Algarve’s biggest contemporary music and culture festivals, featuring top Portuguese artists, art exhibitions, and food. Other highlights of the month include: Feira da Dieta Mediterrânica – Tavira Algarve Nature Fest – free outdoor and nature tourism activities across five different municipalities. LoveJam – Albufeira, a multi-day house and hip-hop festival. Check out our Agenda pages, 97–100, and have your diary at the ready.

Let’s start with the obvious one: the August rush is over. As soon as August, or even July for that matter, arrives in the Algarve, so do the crowds. You can’t get a table at your favourite restaurant, the supermarket is chaos, and the extra heat just adds to the tension in the air. Roll into September and the days turn slightly cooler while the skies stay blue. The crowds start to thin out, and you can head back to your favourite beach spots without needing a booking.

THE AUGUST RUSH IS OVER

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We all love the Algarve year-round, but the end of the summer signals a real slowdown, when life takes on a whole new low-key vibe and days are filled with new experiences. Yes, September is the best

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TIME OUT PLUS

GUAJA

YOU CAN ENJOY THE OUTDOORS AGAIN I love a good walk, but if you’re not heading out first thing in the morning, it’s tough to go at all in peak summer. Thankfully, with slightly cooler temperatures, you can venture out without the risk of the heat cutting your adventure short. Some great walks and hikes to try: Passadiços Barranco do Demo, in the hills of Monchique. 7 Valleys Hike (Percurso dos Sete Vales Suspensos). Carvoeiro Boardwalk (Passadiços do Carvoeiro) for a shorter stroll. Ludo trail for something nice and flat.

IT’S HARVESTING SEASON September marks the tail end of the peak fig harvest, especially the sweet purple varieties that thrive in the region’s hot southern climate. Grape harvests (uvas, destined to become wine) are also in full swing across the region. Some local wineries in Silves and Lagos hold harvest parties. It’s worth checking out Morgado do Quintão and Cabrita.

END-OF-SEASON SALES, BUT YOU CAN ACTUALLY WEAR WHAT YOU BUY I love a sale, but the dopamine hit is so much stronger when you can wear the piece you bought straight away, rather than waiting until next season. The flip side: it can feel next to impossible to find a summer dress in the shops by October, even though the weather is still perfectly warm enough for one. Here are some Portugal-based designers and stores worth checking for the sale season: +351 BEHEN Gandaia Guaja Isto The Fleeting Room

BONUS REASON:

THE KIDS ARE BACK AT SCHOOL This one’s a bit more niche — and not Algarve-specific — but it ties back to the drop in crowds all the same. School’s back in session, which means a return to routine, and a little more freedom for parents.

S O M E T I M E S , T H E B E S T- L A I D P L A N S U N R AV E L F O R R E A S O N S W E D O N ’ T U N D E R S TA N D AT T H E T I M E A N D C E R TA I N LY D O N ’ T E X P E C T. F R U S T R AT I N G Y E S ; A N N O Y I N G , Y E S ; B U T T H E N E E D F O R A R E -T H I N K C A N L E A D T O S O M E T H I N G B E T T E R T H A N O R I G I N A L LY E N V I S A G E D

Wo rd s: S A L L Y D I X O N

F YOU’VE been following my Portuguese adventure over the past few issues, you’ll know that this journey to creating my dream farmhouse in the Algarve has been anything but straightforward. Luckily, I’m no stranger to a challenge. What began as a fairly romantic notion of swopping 30 years of London life for olive trees, sunshine, a slower pace, and possibly a couple of donkeys, has, in reality, involved preferential rights, topographical surveys, seismic reports, and enough paperwork to start a small library. But after what felt like an eternity (read three years), the land was finally registered as the correct size, the pre-planning meeting had gone well, and for the first time since buying the ruin, it felt like I was moving forward.

Close by

I’d also come up with what I thought was the perfect solution to one of the biggest practical problems – where do I live while renovating a ruin? I looked at mobile homes, converted containers, prefabricated houses, Starlink satellites and mobile solar panels, the main hurdle being that the council is cracking down on temporary accommodation. Plus, at the time I had a cat, and I knew Ted (the cat) wouldn’t be happy living 24/7 in a small box with little in the way of home comforts. Then, by complete chance, a lovely house some five kilometres away came onto the market. It was ready to move straight into and close enough for me to oversee the build every day; and once the farmhouse was finished, I could rent it out. It was one of those

rare occasions when everything seemingly falls neatly into place. But I should know by now that my life rarely does straightforward. I took a trip out to view the property, and had my offer accepted. The legal work progressed, the survey was completed, and I was a week away from completion in midJuly when the septic tank threw a spanner into the works. Not exactly the glamorous part of buying a house, but one that, as it turns out, is rather important. If you have a similar dream of finding a property that’s a little off the beaten track in Portugal, then expect a septic tank to come with it and know that if it isn’t watertight it falls under different regulations and may require licensing.

Watered down To cut a long story short, the tank at the property I wanted to buy hadn’t been emptied in ten years and it wasn’t licensed. Once it

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A CHANGE OF STRATEGY

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Suddenly, it is happening: work has started. First come the soil tests, which are vital to confirm that the planned extension is going to be in precisely the right place

had been emptied, asking for an okay for an inspection felt like a perfectly reasonable request. Apparently not. The sellers refused. Not only did they refuse the inspection, but they withdrew from the sale altogether. Just like that, the purchase I’d spent two months working towards disappeared over a septic tank. At the time I found the whole thing almost surreal. After everything I’d been through with the ruin itself, from losing it briefly due to preferential rights to incorrect land registrations and endless delays, I never imagined that a perfectly habitable house would be the one that fell apart. I’d already started imagining where I’d put my furniture and how nice it would be to wake up each morning with the farmhouse just a short drive away. But if there’s one thing this whole Portuguese adventure has taught me, it’s that whenever something doesn’t work out, there’s usually a reason. Every setback has gently (sometimes forcefully) redirected me somewhere better. A few weeks later, I understood why this particular redirection had happened. Ted (the cat) was diagnosed with a tumour in his bladder. He’d been by my side for close to 17 years – through heartbreak, infertility, losing both my parents, career changes, moving house, and all the twists and turns life has thrown my way. Had that house purchase gone through, I would have been trying to organise an international

move whilst caring for a poorly cat. I’d have been packing boxes, dealing with admin, and getting incredibly stressed trying to establish a new life in another country. Looking back now, I honestly believe the universe was steering me away from something that simply wasn’t right at that moment in time. Back in July, I thought I’d lost a house for a seemingly ridiculous reason. But really, I was given something far more valuable – time. Time that would prove all too short, as five weeks later Ted passed away.

The next stages Thankfully, here in Portugal things were proving more positive. One of the first physical milestones finally took place at the end of July with the breaking of ground for a soil test dig to establish foundations for the new extension. Seeing machinery on site for the first time felt incredibly exciting (who knew a soil test dig could be thrilling!). Until now, everything had existed either on paper, in my mind, or on Pinterest. Suddenly there were people on site, soil samples being taken and the first tangible signs that my dream might actually become a reality. With things moving in the right direction, my attention has, predictably, started drifting off to the parts of the build I’ve been looking forward to the most – designing the interior. From the outside it looks deceptively simple,

Leila Monteiro, Founder & Creative Director of Atelier Sabiina Design, posted a picture titled Five Things You Should Know Before Designing a House in Portugal and I was instantly drawn in.

ALGARVE P L U S

PROPERTY PLUS

yet redesigning the inside has proved to be something of a puzzle. Traditional Portuguese farmhouses weren’t planned for modern living. The original building is made up of a series of small rooms that step down across different levels. As tempting as it would be to knock through walls (I’m sure the structural engineer would have a meltdown) and create large open spaces, doing so would strip away much of the character that made me fall in love with the house in the first place.

Expert advice The challenge has been finding the balance between respecting the building’s history and creating a home that feels liveable. There are beautiful original features that I couldn’t bear to lose, including an old kitchen fireplace and a traditional bread oven. Rather than seeing them as obstacles, my architect has carefully reimagined the spaces around them. It’s been one of the trickiest parts of the project so far, which is why I was keen to chat to an interior designer who understands how to work with older Portuguese properties. Leila Monteiro, Founder & Creative Director of Atelier Sabiina Design, posted a picture titled Five Things You Should Know Before Designing a House in Portugal and I was instantly drawn in. Leila works on residential and hospitality projects across Portugal, elsewhere in Europe and in Cape Verde. Her approach starts with something that is surprisingly easy to forget when you’re knee-deep in Pinterest boards and Instagram interior trends – a house needs to be an extension of those who live in it. “Design starts with understanding people long before choosing colours, furniture or finishes,” she says. “For us, it begins with understanding how they live, what they value, how they want to experience a space and, ultimately, how they want to feel within it.” As she puts it, “each space should reflect the personalities of the people, rather than simply following whatever happens to be fashionable at the time.” As a self-confessed Pinterest addict, I’ve saved enough pictures of rustic kitchens, terracotta-tiled floors, and earthy-hued rooms to furnish several houses, let alone one. But Leila’s advice is that there can be nods to trends, of

course, but only when they make sense for the person and the property. Leila’s advice is to look carefully at what gives an old house its identity and, wherever possible, to restore details, making them a signature of the property.

Thinking it through For me, using materials and craftsmanship that have a genuine connection to Portugal is high up on my priorities list. Leila talked about the wealth of traditional Portuguese materials and how to incorporate them into a home, from handmade tiles and cork to locally crafted furniture and artisanal pieces. “Rather than recreating a stereotypical ‘Portuguese’ interior, the idea is to use these elements thoughtfully, mixing traditional craftsmanship with more contemporary pieces so that the house feels rooted in its surroundings without becoming old-fashioned,” she says. And then there’s the advice I’m going to find hard to follow – “don’t decorate or buy interior things too soon.” Making all the big styling decisions before the house is finished is one of the common mistakes Leila sees. The temptation to start buying things is enormous, and I’m afraid to say I’ve already fallen into that trap. Luckily, it’s only been a few ceramics and a Luz Editions tea towel, not an entire threepiece sofa set. Interestingly, Leila says the best time to bring an interior designer into a renovation isn’t when the builders have packed up and you’re standing in an empty room wondering where to put the sofa. “The perfect moment to join the project is at the beginning,” she advises. “The interior isn’t simply the final layer; decisions about lighting, electrical points, built-in furniture, wall finishes, and how rooms will function all need to work alongside the architecture and construction from the outset.” I’m fully with her on this one – figuring out where and how many electrical points to install is definitely going to give me anxiety having lived in a previous house with a distinct lack of them! Perhaps the best piece of advice I’ve taken from Leila is to stop thinking about what a beautiful Portuguese farmhouse should look like and instead think about how I want to live in mine.

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Outside in

L E AV I N G O U T D O O R F U R N I T U R E I N S I T U O N C E T H E W E AT H E R TA K E S A T U R N I S N O T A D V I S A B L E . W E ’ V E TA L K E D T O S O M E O F T H E A L G A R V E ’ S B E S T- L O V E D S P E C I A L I S T S T O F I N D O U T H O W W E C A N G I V E O U R C A R E F U L LY S E L E C T E D P I E C E S T H E T L C T H AT W I L L

ALGARVE P L U S

P R E PA R E T H E M F O R T H E C O O L E R M O N T H S

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L U C Y M AY E R

UDY AND SIMON Clayton founded Dunas Living more than 20 years ago. The luxury outlet is set in a 6,000-squaremetre garden along the route between Almancil and Quinta do Lago. They are known and admired for their outdoor furniture from well-known, internationallyrespected, high-end brands. Judy’s first and most important tip is to make sure your furniture has protective covers, and this is something that each of their pieces is sold with. The bespoke covers provide perfect protection during the winter months from rain, and in the spring from pollen dust and scattered showers. An important bit of advice is that furniture made with teak can be gently cleaned with a dedicated cleaning product once a year and then finished with a teak protector that helps preserve the wood’s natural colour. However, Judy recommends that this is done just after winter covers are removed ready, for the spring and summer months, so you might want to store this handy piece of information for early next year. Ceramic tables and synthetic wicker furniture, she says,

can simply be washed with soapy water, so there’s no need for elbow grease, and because all their brands’ cushion fabrics are washable at 30 degrees, they can be cleaned as required, eradicating the need for a costly dry clean. Parasols should be dry and closed for the winter months with their winter covers in place, and in very windy areas it is sensible to move them to a protected location, such as against a wall. All canopies can be removed and cleaned professionally, but it’s not something that the team at Dunas Living would say is necessary annually. Judy says with the right care, outdoor furniture can last a long time, and she’s had her own for almost 15 years. dunas-living.com Slings Outdoor Living in Quarteira, on the E125, is a family business led by brothers Max and Sem. Originally from the Netherlands, they made the move to the Algarve at the end of 2023. All of the furniture they sell is designed and manufactured for outdoor use with the selected materials able to cope with rain, strong sunlight and changing temperatures. But like Dunas Living, they say caring properly for outdoor furniture will make it last so much longer. Sem says their main advice is to think practically, which means that if furniture is not going to be used for a full season, you should cover it properly and store the loose cushions

Wonderfully stylish pieces designed for outdoor living from top suppliers in the Algarve. These are investment pieces and need looking after during and after the summer season. Opposite page: Dunas Living. This page, top left clockwise: Slings; Oliveira Décor; Dunas Living; Curiosa Living; Slings

indoors. This will help prevent unnecessary exposure to the elements and, importantly in the Algarve, sand and sea salt, which can speed up rust on certain materials, like metal. They also advise that dirt, dust and sand are regularly removed with a soft brush or cloth. They say you can clean frames and surfaces with lukewarm water and a suitable mild cleaning product – nothing too harsh – so avoid aggressive chemicals, abrasive brushes and pressure washers. It is Slings’ recommendation that fabrics are treated with a protective coating to make them more water- and dirt-repellent and also to allow any pesky spills from food and drink to be removed more easily and prevented from leaching into the fabric. Another top tip from the brothers is to allow furniture and cushions to dry completely before covering or storing them to stop mould from forming; the company offers a range of maintenance products and can supply protective covers for around 75% of the furniture it sells. Slings also says that colour trends for outdoor furniture are moving away from the classics such as beige, sand, taupe and bronze, and matt finishes. Coming up in the popularity stakes are more polished and glossier finishes,

shades of saffron, bordeaux, green and mustard-yellow, and the return of glass elements. slingsoutdoorliving.com Outdoor living is an essential part of life in the Algarve. With more than 300 days of sunshine a year, terraces, gardens and pool areas become extensions of homes. But the Algarve climate, as we all know, can also be demanding on outdoor furniture. Wanda Crawford from Curiosa Living in Almancil recommends custom-made covers for furniture that is to remain outdoors throughout the year. For a convenient ready-made solution, Curiosa Living offers protective furniture covers from Garden Impressions, with options available for many different types and sizes of outdoor furniture. A benefit of modern outdoor furniture is that fabrics have improved enormously, and many are designed to withstand sunshine and occasional rain. However, Wanda maintains that protecting cushions when they are not in use will keep them looking fresh for considerably longer. A weather-resistant cushion storage box is also one of the most practical additions to any outdoor space. These boxes can remain conveniently in the

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garden or on the terrace throughout the year, making it easy to put cushions away at the end of the day. Outdoor furniture, as we all know, inevitably collects dust, pollen, sunscreen residue and dirt, which means that regular light cleaning is much better than waiting until furniture becomes heavily soiled. Different materials also require different care, so you need to make sure that you use cleaning products appropriate for the surface. Teak and other woods, aluminium, outdoor fabrics, rope, ceramic and synthetic materials all have their own maintenance requirements. Curiosa Living carries a range of specialist cleaning and maintenance products designed specifically for outdoor furniture and can advise customers on the correct products for their particular pieces. Rain is often what people think about when protecting outdoor furniture, but in the Algarve, UV exposure is just as important. Constant strong sunlight can gradually affect fabrics, finishes and colours. So, wherever possible, use parasols, pergolas or shaded areas, particularly during the hottest months, and cover furniture during longer periods when it is not being used. Quality outdoor furniture is designed to be enjoyed for many years. The secret is not complicated, Wanda says: “Protect it, store cushions properly and clean it with the correct products. With a few simple habits, your outdoor furniture can continue to look beautiful season after season – leaving you more time to enjoy what outdoor living in the Algarve is really all about.” curiosaportugal.com Oliveira Décor is a quality, design-led furniture and home décor store based in Tavira. Lloyd Booker, the owner, tells us that natural materials need extra care when outdoors. For example, natural popular woods like teak – often investment pieces – will benefit from very high-quality covers, such as a PU-coated textile for ultimate protection. If you want the teak wood to retain its natural colour, Oliveira recommends covering it when not in use, not just through autumn/winter. The sun will fade teak wood (which some of Oliveira’s clients like) and it takes on a grey colour. For those who want to retain the original warm honeybrown tone, applying more teak oil will counter this ageing. For those who are not keen on natural materials, Lloyd says that his aluminium range requires much less maintenance and protection. Powder-coated in tough finishes, aluminium outdoor furniture is highly resistant to moisture and UV. But although the maintenance is lower, Lloyd says regular cleaning should be on the agenda so that salts in the air or animal droppings do not corrode the surface of the furniture. The same applies for synthetic materials such as ceramic, stone, rope and microcements. Although more durable than natural woods, clients are always advised by Oliveira that basic maintenance and protection will give a much longer life to their furniture. byoliveira.com

In 2004, Swedish company IKEA launched its first store in Portugal in Lisbon. Since then, it has opened in the Algarve, in MAR Shopping, The chain is known for its easy-to-assemble furniture and that includes outdoor furniture. IKEA’s focus is on aluminium, plastic, plastic rattan and steel which it describes as “maintenance-free outdoor furniture materials.” The chain’s only advice is to make sure to keep the pieces clean with a mild soapy solution and cover or store them away at the end of the season in a cool, dry place like a garage, carport or basement, especially plastic and plastic rattan pieces that can crack in freezing temperatures.

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The studio-gallery of painter Corine Thinon in Lagos is open to visitors, offering an authentic and welcoming space where the artist works daily. Guests can experience her creative process up close, watching her bring each piece to life. Her paintings, created in oil and acrylic, move between realistic, abstract and impressionistic styles. Visitors are also invited to enjoy personal artistic guidance, helping them find the perfect pieces to complement their homes and individual style, with the option of works tailored to their preferences.

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P O I N T S , M A K I N G T H E M F I R S T C H O I C E F O R M A N Y R E A D E R S . S O W H AT D O W E R EC KO N O N FO R N E X T M O NTH – A B IT O F RO M A N C E , PER H A P S , A N D TH E O D D B I O G R A P H Y. K E E P T H E M C O M I N G – W E ’ R E E N J O Y I N G E V E R Y S U B M I S S I O N

THE DIRTY SOUTH

By John Connolly Published by Hodder and Stoughton Having started reading John Connolly’s Charlie Parker series several years ago, I decided to pick up where I left off in the series which took me to The Dirty South. While this is the 18th book in the series of 23, it unfolds near the beginning of Parker’s story working as both a series prequel and a standalone thriller. It is also less about the supernatural evil that pervades most of the series, focusing more on morally corrupt real-life villains. Set in 1997 rural Arkansas, it follows a grief-stricken former NYPD detective, Charlie Parker, who drifts into Burdon County while hunting the killer responsible for the brutal murders of his wife and daughter. Instead of finding the answers he wants, he discovers a different horror: young black women are being slaughtered, and the town’s powerful Cade family and local authorities are determined to bury the truth rather than risk losing a lucrative corporate deal. Connolly excels at atmosphere, painting Cargill and Burdon County as places weighed down by poverty, history and corruption. The Southern Gothic setting, with its toxic lake and decaying small-town politics, adds a constant sense of unease. Parker’s personal obsession give the book a strong emotional core; his willingness to risk everything, because he feels he has nothing left to lose, makes him compelling. The plot is intricate without becoming confusing, and the mix of procedural detail, sharp dialogue and bursts of violence make the pages turn quickly. Overall, this is a dark, satisfying thriller that combines a gripping mystery with a powerful exploration of racism, power and revenge. If you enjoy well-written crime fiction with real moral weight and a strong sense of place, this novel is a standout read.

By Jon Stock Published by Harper Fiction Dead Spy Running is a fast-paced espionage thriller that offers a refreshing alternative to the glamorous world often associated with spy fiction. The novel follows Daniel Marchant, an MI6 officer whose life is thrown into chaos when he is accused of betraying his country. Forced to flee while trying to uncover the truth, Marchant must decide who he can trust in a world filled with deception and hidden agendas. Jon Stock creates a believable and tense atmosphere, drawing on his experience as a journalist to add authenticity to the story. The plot moves quickly, with plenty of twists that keep the reader guessing until the final pages. Unlike many action thrillers, the novel focuses as much on psychological tension as it does on dramatic chases and violence, making the characters feel realistic and complex. Daniel Marchant is a likeable and intelligent protagonist. Rather than being an invincible hero, he makes mistakes and faces genuine danger, which makes him easy to relate to. The supporting characters are equally well developed, and the shifting loyalties between them add to the suspense. The writing is clear and engaging, making the book easy to read despite its intricate plot. Readers who enjoy authors such as John le Carré or Mick Herron will appreciate the realistic approach to modern espionage. Overall, Dead Spy Running is an exciting, intelligent thriller that combines strong character development with an absorbing plot. It is an excellent choice for anyone who enjoys spy novels filled with suspense, political intrigue and unexpected twists. I would highly recommend it.

DEAD SPY RUNNING

ANTHON DREYER

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ROD PITTAM

READS PLUS

STEVE MAFFITT

IGNORE THE FEAR

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By Fiona Quinn Published by Lemon

This is the inspiring true story of an ordinary woman achieving something extraordinary. Having no previous paddleboarding experience and a chronic fear of open water, she set herself the seemingly impossible challenge of paddleboarding the length of Great Britain, from Land’s End to John O’Groats – an unforgettable journey of resilience, determination and personal transformation that proves our greatest limitations are often the ones we place on ourselves. Throughout the book, Fiona Quinn shares the physical and emotional highs and lows of her expedition with honesty, humour and humility. She doesn’t pretend that the journey was easy. Instead, she reveals how fear, selfdoubt, exhaustion and setbacks became part of the adventure – and how choosing to keep moving forward, one paddle stroke at a time, ultimately led to success. Her story is a powerful reminder that courage is not about being fearless but about refusing to let fear have the final say. Her writing is warm, authentic and relatable – I have been a ‘recreational’ paddler for about seven years and occasionally stretch myself to a longer paddle, so I can completely relate to the pains of endurance that one sometimes has to go through to complete the journey. Throughout her book, you feel as though you are travelling with her. Ignore the Fear is an uplifting testament to the strength of the human spirit and the remarkable things that become possible when we dare to begin before we feel ready. Fiona’s journey inspires readers to embrace discomfort, believe in their potential and discover that the impossible is often simply waiting to be attempted. It is a truly memorable, inspirational and empowering read.

LAURA SHEA

HALF OF A YELLOW SUN

By Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Published by HarperCollins Known for her seamless blending of tough topics such as race, heartbreak and conflict with beauty, fashion and passion, Adiche’s novel focuses on three main characters in Nigeria during the civil war in the 1960s. The vibrancy of the Igbo culture is woven through the story like golden threads and adds an extra

dimension to the tale. The realness and detail of the Biafran conflict make this gut-wrenching at times, especially when so many of the devastating elements come from her family’s lived experiences. The characters are complex, and all at once can swing from likeable to infuriating. You become invested in each one and have to suffer alongside them as they deal with devastating losses and brief moments of optimism, walking through the eruption of war and how quickly life can change. Half of a Yellow Sun is an intense read and one best enjoyed when you have time and space to fully commit to it. The switching between perspectives, people, places and time keeps you on your toes and you will be hard-pushed to pick your favourite from the characters as each one adds such magic to the story. The addition of the Igbo language and history makes this such a rich read and creates a need to know more about those cultural references, so you will come away feeling deeply educated and humbled. This is a truly fulfilling novel.

MELISSA VAN MAASDYK

LESS

By Andrew Sean Greer Published by Lee Boudreaux Books Less is definitely more in the case of this clever, funny, engaging novel, which takes the reader on an epic journey around the world in the company of protagonist Arthur Less. A disappointed novelist, we meet Less as he is facing his 50th birthday with a fair amount of trepidation, having just found out that his ex-boyfriend is about to get married. This prompts him to accept every writerly invitation that comes his way, no matter how bizarre or far-flung, in order to avoid humiliation and heartbreak. So begins a trip that takes him from New York, via writing assignments in Mexico, Morocco and Europe, to India and Japan. Along the way, things inevitably go horribly wrong, but as he dodges, surmounts and sometimes collides with various obstacles, he journeys deeper inside himself, all the time getting closer to discovering his raison d’être. And because it’s hard not to love his quirky, self-deprecating self, one roots for him more and more and hopes that, when he does find his answer to happiness, it will be a one-sizefits-all type of discovery. Beyond the storyline and its laugh-outloud twists and turns, the book is beautifully written with evocative descriptions and quirky observations aplenty, making it totally worthy of the gold sticker proclaiming it Winner of the 2018 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction.

One of Portugal’s most enduring textiles is Burel, a remarkably resilient fabric woven from 100% sheep’s wool. Traditionally crafted into shepherds’ capes and blankets, it originates from the rugged landscape of the Serra da Estrela, where the craft has been preserved for generations. My selection of blankets brings together vibrant reinterpretations of vintage patterns, alongside plains in refined, muted tones. For warmer months, a lightweight cotton version offers the same timeless aesthetic in numerous colours and patterns. The choice is yours...

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Rosemary and carob-glazed lamb loin J O N N I E P R AT T O F T R I B U L U M H A S C R E AT E D A S E P T E M B E R S P E C I A L W I T H T H E F L AV O U R S O F THE SEASON , GL AZING L AMB LOIN WITH A SYRUP MADE FROM ALGARVE CAROB PODS . THE FINISH E D DISH COM E S TOG E TH E R WITH CHAR R E D AN D PICKLE D G R APE S , SMOKE D AU B E RG IN E , P R E S S E D P O TAT O , A N D A R E D W I N E A N D G R A P E J U S . PA R T N E R T H I S D I S H W I T H N E G R A M O L E W I N E F R O M M O R G A D O DA S E R R A D E M O N C H I Q U E . F O R R E C I P E S F O R T H E AC C O M PA N I M E N T S , E M A I L M A R T I N @ A L G A R V E P L U S M AG A Z I N E . C O M

P R E PA R AT I O N T H E D AY B E F O R E , T H E N 3 0 M I N U T E S

of the month...

I NG R E DI E N T S

RECIPE

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SERVES 4

For the carob syrup 200g dried whole carob pods 1 litre cold water For the lamb  700g trimmed lamb loin, divided into four portions  8g fine sea salt  1 tsp crushed black pepper  2 garlic cloves, lightly crushed  2 large rosemary sprigs  20ml extra virgin olive oil For the carob glaze  60ml homemade carob syrup  20ml red wine vinegar  15ml extra virgin olive oil  1 tsp finely chopped rosemary  ½ small garlic clove, finely grated  A pinch of fine sea salt  Freshly ground black pepper To cook the lamb  A little neutral cooking oil  A small knob of unsalted butter  1 fresh rosemary sprig  

M E T HO D 1

The day before Make the carob syrup. Wash and dry the pods and break them into pieces around 2–3cm long. Spread the broken pods over a baking tray and toast at 180°C (160°C fan) for 12–15 minutes. Transfer the pods to a saucepan, add the cold water, and bring to a simmer. Partially

cover the pan and cook for 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally and pressing the softened pods against the side of the pan. Remove from the heat, infuse for 30 minutes, then strain through a fine sieve. 2 Put the liquid in a clean saucepan and simmer, uncovered, until reduced to 180–200ml. The syrup should lightly coat the back of a spoon – it will thicken further as it cools. 3 Mix together the salt, black pepper, crushed garlic, rosemary and olive oil and rub over the lamb. Place it in a covered container and refrigerate overnight. 4 Make the glaze. Place 60ml of the carob syrup in a small saucepan with the red wine vinegar, olive oil, chopped rosemary, grated garlic, salt and black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring continuously. Cool, cover and refrigerate overnight. 5 On the day. Remove the lamb from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking. Remove the garlic and rosemary from its surface, then pat the lamb dry with kitchen paper. Heat an ovenproof frying pan and add a small amount of oil. Sear the lamb until well coloured on all sides. Lower the heat slightly and add the butter and fresh rosemary. Baste the lamb with the foaming butter for around one minute. 6 Brush the lamb generously with the carob glaze, then transfer the pan to the oven and cook at 200°C (180°C fan) until the lamb reaches your preferred degree of doneness. For beautifully pink lamb, remove it when the centre reaches approximately 54–56°C. 7 Brush with a thin layer of glaze and leave to rest for 8–10 minutes before slicing.

RENE SORENSEN

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MAKE IT PLUS

T R I B U L U M R . C r i s tóv ã o P i r e s N o r te , A l m a n c i l T: 2 8 9 3 9 7 7 8 4 / W : t r i b u l u m a l g a r ve . c o m L u n c h : 1 2 h 0 0 – 1 5 h 0 0 ; D i n n e r : 1 8 h 0 0 –2 2 h 3 0 . C l o s e d M o n d ay s

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AROUCA AROUCA IS ONE OF THOSE D E S T I N AT I O N S T H AT F E E L S W O N D E R F U L LY U N H U R R I E D , E V E N AT I T S M O S T D R A M AT I C . I T I S A P L A C E WHERE THE LANDSCAPE DOES MOST O F T H E TA L K I N G : D E E P R I V E R G O R G E S , G R A N I T E M O U N TA I N S , W O O D E N WA L K WAY S C L I N G I N G T O C L I F F S AND ONE OF THE WORLD’S LONGEST PEDESTRIAN SUSPENSION BRIDGES, ALL SET WITHIN A UNESCO GLOBAL G E O PA R K . T I M E TO A DV E N T U R E . . .

Wo rd s: P I P PA O ’ K E E F E , P I P PA R O S E T R AV E L

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48 HOURS IN

GO THERE PLUS

EPTEMBER IS a particularly good time to

experience the best of Arouca without the intensity of summer crowds. The weather is still warm and bright, but the temperatures are kinder for hiking, the river feels more inviting and the trails are noticeably calmer. For a 48-hour escape, Arouca works beautifully because it gives you two distinct moods in one place. You have the adrenaline of the Passadiços do Paiva and the 516 Arouca Bridge, and then the quieter, more contemplative side of the region: monasteries, mountain villages, geological museums and slow meals centred around local beef and traditional recipes. In September, that balance feels especially appealing: active days, restorative evenings and a landscape that is at its most photogenic.

For a stay with real character, MS Collection Arouca – Mosteiro de Arouca is the obvious choice. Opened in 2025, this is a new fivestar hotel set in the south wing of the 10th-century Monastery of Arouca, combining history with contemporary comfort in a way that feels entirely appropriate for the town. With 53 rooms, a restaurant, bar and outdoor pool, it places you right in the historic centre – just steps from the monastery church, the Sacred Art Museum and

DAY ONE: Walkways, bridge and river views Begin with Arouca’s headline act: the Passadiços do Paiva and the 516 Arouca Bridge. The Passadiços make up an eight-kilometre wooden walkway that winds along the banks of the Paiva River, through a gorge of waterfalls, rapids and steep cliffs. The 516 Arouca is one of the longest pedestrian suspension bridges in the world, spanning the gorge and offering dizzying views over the river below. September is one of the best months to tackle this combination. Temperatures are comfortable, typically between 16–24°C, the crowds are lighter than in July and August, and the risk of wildfire is lower, which makes the whole experience more relaxed. If you want to avoid the busiest periods, aim for a weekday morning or an early start, and consider parking at Espiunca and transferring to Areinho so you can walk downhill towards your car. After the walkways and bridge, spend the afternoon exploring

ALGARVE P L U S

WHERE TO STAY

within easy reach of the geopark’s main trails. If you prefer something more rural and retreat-led, Hotel Rural Vale do Rio is another strong option. Set in Palmaz, Oliveira de Azeméis, about 13–14 km from Arouca Geopark, it offers a spa, restaurant and rooms inspired by the four elements, all surrounded by rolling hills and the Caima River. It suits travellers who want a quieter, more nature-focused base and don’t mind a short drive into Arouca for the walkways and the bridge.

Pages 70-71, top left clockwise: Stones in the river of the UNESCO Arouca Geopark; Regoufe village in the valleys of Serra da Freita; The famous 526 bridge; waterfalls along the way; The Mosteiro de Arouca hotel; Posta Arouquesa, as served in the hotel restaurant; An old church in the hills. This page, top left clockwise: Calvary of Arouca; the town square; the Sacred Art Museum; the harvest festival. Opposite page: Passadiços do Paiva

DAY TWO: Monastery, mountains and local flavours Your second day is best spent leaning into Arouca’s quieter, more cultural side. Start in the historic centre with a visit to the Mosteiro de Santa Maria de Arouca and the Museu de Arte Sacra, both right on the doorstep of the MS Collection hotel and deeply tied to the town’s identity. The monastery dates back to the 12th century and is an important monument in the region, while the museum holds a rich collection of sacred art that helps to frame the local history. From there, head up into Serra da Freita, one of the most distinctive mountain areas in the geopark. This is where you find rare flora and fauna, dramatic granite formations and the famous Pedras Parideiras, the ‘birthing stones’ that are a geological phenomenon of international interest. The mountain is also a good base for hiking, mountain biking and, in the right season, water sports on the Paiva Rapids, including rafting and canoeing. If you are visiting in late September, you may also catch the Feira das Colheitas (Harvest Fair) in the historic centre, a long-running event that celebrates regional delicacies, handicrafts and folklore. It is a lovely way to experience the local community and to taste traditional sweets that originally come from the Arouca Monastery. This month, the fair takes place from the 24th to the 27th. For lunch or dinner, choose a restaurant that highlights Posta Arouquesa and other local products. The region’s gastronomy is simple but deeply satisfying, with an emphasis on quality beef,

WHY SEPTEMBER WORKS September is a strong month for Arouca because the destination is at its most active and accessible. The weather is still warm and sunny, but the extreme heat of midsummer has passed, making long walks and outdoor activities much more comfortable. The river is clearer after winter and spring rains, the gorge is lush and the trails are less crowded, which means you can enjoy the landscape without feeling rushed. With MS Collection Arouca – Mosteiro de Arouca – or Hotel Rural Vale do Rio as your base, a day on the Passadiços do Paiva and 516 Arouca Bridge, time in the Arouca Geopark and Serra da Freita, and meals focused on Posta Arouquesa and local specialities, it becomes a 48-hour escape that feels both adventurous and restorative.

THINGS TO DO NEARBY One of the strengths of Arouca is that it gives you access to a wider corner of northern Portugal without making you feel as though you need to drive endlessly from place to place. A few particularly good options include: Rafting or canoe-rafting on the Paiva rapids for a more active take on the river. Hiking the geosite routes within the UNESCO geopark, which connect geology, landscape and local stories. Visiting the Trilobites Museum (Geological Interpretative Centre of Canelas) to see some of the largest trilobite fossils ever found. Exploring the Romanesque bell tower of Urrô Church and other small heritage sites scattered through the territory. Taking a guided tour that combines the Passadiços do Paiva, the 516 Arouca Bridge and a selection of geosites with a local guide.

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mountain herbs and traditional recipes. If you want to be in a contemporary setting, the restaurant at MS Collection Arouca is a natural choice, especially if you want to end your stay with a meal that mirrors the hotel’s blend of history and modernity.

ALGARVE P L U S

the wider Arouca Geopark. This UNESCO-listed territory is an open-air geological museum, with 41 geosites, trilobite fossils, ‘birthing stones’ and a network of walking trails that weave through mountains, rivers and villages. A good option is to follow one of the shorter geotourist routes or join a guided walk that combines the Passadiços with the bridge and includes a snack of local products. For lunch or dinner, restaurants near the bridge and walkways specialise in regional cuisine. Restaurant Semblano, close to the 516 Arouca and Passadiços do Paiva, is a practical choice for a meal before or after your walk. Back in town, the historic centre has several traditional restaurants serving the Posta Arouquesa, the local beef that is one of the region’s culinary signatures.

FEELING EUPHORIC?

consider euphorbias

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GARDENING PLUS

TIM E TO CONSIDE R INTRODUCING S O M E T H I N G N E W I N TO YO U R G A R D E N ? EUPHORBIAS, IN THEIR MANY FORMS, BRING SHAPE AND TEXTURE AND WO N D E R F U L CO LO U R C H A N G E S TO YO U R OUTDOOR ENVIRONMENT AND YES, THEY RE SPON D TO TH E CON DITIONS H E RE

Wo rd s: B U R F O R D H U R R Y

VERYONE will know the scarlet Christmas poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrima) and Christ thorns (Euphorbia milii) in pots. You will know, too, that they have a sticky poisonous white sap which will hurt your eyes and your skin. Ironically, it was this sap that gave the family its title when Carl Linnaeus, the Swedish botanist and taxonomist, named them after Euphorbus, a first-century Greek physician who served King Juba II of Numidia and Mauretania and who found the sap had certain medicinal uses. This toxic latex is found in all euphorbias and it has advantages for us gardeners, too, as the sap has an insect and disease deterrent built into it. Another characteristic of euphorbias is that their ‘flowers’ are pseudoflowers, called cyathia. If you look carefully at a single ‘flower’ you will see that it consists of cup-like fused bracts that contain a single central female flower surrounded by several male flowers. Be that as it may, euphorbias – often called spurges – are a rich and interesting family and there are specimens that will grow and flourish in our Mediterranean climate. They can be tall and architectural, small or even tiny, so it was no surprise to find a couple of euphorbias, some local and some immigrants from the USA, volunteering in my garden. Here they are either tiny ground-hugging purple spurges or an upright green one, all of which are easily pulled out. I have also found other more attractive native spurges in the mato with typical lime green inflorescence (cyathia). Some had such showy bracts that I thought they would look good in the

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Page 74: Euphorbia milii (crown-of-thorns confetti), a thorny succulent tropical shrub. Page 75, top: Red pencil tree, Euphorbia tirucalli; below: Carissa carandas. This page, top left, clockwise: Euphorbia, often found in Indonesia; candelabra tree, Euphorbia ingens; bracts of Euphorbia dendroides in full bloom; decorative bordered spurge, Euphorbia marginata

garden. However, I had to wait for a plant from Bryony before I had the very handsome local Mediterranean spurge (Euphorbia characias) in my space. I like her arching blue-green foliage, and large, round, lime-green cyathium heads. As she is low-growing, I planted her at the foot of a large Kleinia. Mediterranean spurges are often short-lived but hopefully she will produce seed. She is not the only lovely bushy variety. I find the Tree spurge (Euphorbia dendroides) very attractive, although I think they should be more aptly described as a large, two-metre shrub. Also from the Mediterranean, its green leaves shoot from the tips of the branches to eventually form a rounded canopy. In autumn this neat dome of leaves changes colour from wonderful glowing red and orange to biscuit brown, before dropping. They like limestone soils and are easy to grow but grow them in full sunshine. In shade they become straggly.

Fragrant flowers Another similarly sized, but very different looking euphorbia is the drough-resistant Baja spurge (Euphorbia xanti) from Mexico which has clouds of fragrant white to pink flowers which are well liked by insects. She loves sunshine and grows easily from cuttings. And here I would like to digress for a minute. In June, on the way to see Lotta in São Romão who has a Baja spurge, I passed a cluster

of Natal plums (Carissa grandiflora) growing wild in the dry mato along the road below her. The carrissas had more than a sprinkling of cheerful white flowers above their dark green leaves. They looked so pretty and I suggested to Lotta that she take cuttings later in the year and plant them beside her Baja spurge. Strangely enough, although the Natal plums are not euphorbias, they do have a milky sap and once established take our dry summers very well. Caroline Davies of the Mediterranean Garden Society (Greece) has favourite spurges. One I particularly like is Euphorbia rigida which she describes as having “silvery-blue leaves arranged attractively on stiff upright stems. Blooming in early spring, the inflorescences take an intense pink then red hue later in the season. Native to Greece and eastern Mediterranean.” Another one she mentions that I am interested in is Euphorbia amygdaloides var. robbiae, which forms colonies in her garden and like dry shade – something I have quite a lot of in my garden. In addition, in late spring and early summer, Robbiae has the complex green-yellow inflorescence, typical of Euphorbia which I find so attractive. One of my favourite euphorbias is the Reindeer spurge (Euphorbia enterophora) from Madagascar. I have mine leaning rather drunkenly out of a large square pot but if planted out she makes a very handsome erect trub or tree because of the lyrical

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shape of her branches. My cutting came from the small trub in John Lavranos’ garden above Loulé which in turn was grown from a cutting he had obtained in Madagascar.

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A striking, fast-growing semi-succulent native of East Africa is the red-leafed African Milk Bush (Euphorbia grantii ‘Rubra’). Grown for its crimson-purple leaves, it requires four to six hours of direct sunlight, infrequent watering and well-drained soil. C O M M E R C I AThe L S tall E R Vimposing I C E S Candelabra Tree (Euphorbia ingens) is firmly Southern African. I got to know her better when I lived in Gweru, Zimbabwe. She usually grew in a copse of different shrubs and plants. Zimbabwe has summer rainfall and although a Candelabra Tree looks as if she belongs in a desert she grows in the veld. She does best in the open sun, needs very little water and can therefore withstand periods of drought. Because of her poisonous latex/sap no pests seem to bother her. Mary and Diarmuid had one growing in their garden just outside Santa Bárbara de Nexe in a grove of shrubs and she was definitely very happy – so happy that bits of her would be sawn off periodically and given to other gardeners. Diarmuid took precautions when cutting and distributing the branches as candelabra trees have a Shopping Centre) copious amounts of the poisonous milky sap. Glasses and gloves were worn, and the bleeding end of the cut branch would be plunged immediately into a bucket of water to stop the bleeding. Then the new owner would wrap the branch in newspaper and leave it in dry shade for a couple of weeks for the wound to seal before planting it in the soil. A handsome plant, the Candelabra tree is well suited to Mediterranean climates and her dark green trunk and branches and her yellow-green flowers followed by dark red to purple fruits are eye-catching. However, she does need a large garden as she can grow into a fairly substantial tree. Like the Candelabra tree, the Pencil Euphorbia (Euphorbia tirucalli) is from South Africa and enjoys exactly the same growing conditions. Normally green, there is a variety called Firesticks whose stems vary in colour in winter from yellow green through to orange, red and pink which would create a splash of fiery colour in your garden. As a postscript and returning to Christ thorns (Euphorbia milii) which are usually grown in a pot, it is worth mentioning that both the ordinary red ones and the more colourful and dramatic Siam hybrids are also very useful in rockeries; the trick is to cut them back hard when planting and then again periodically as they develop to encourage them to fill spaces and snuggle into crevices between the rocks.

ise?

Are you ready? Armed now with some background information, have you enough courage to start growing euphorbias? Whether small or imposing, they are well worth having despite their toxic latex. Water-wise, they are easy to grow, and relatively disease-free, and their lime green or colourful bracts or architectural branches will introduce a handsome look to a shrubbery or a garden.

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Wo rd s: S A L L Y D I X O N

AST MONTH I had to say a painful goodbye to my beloved cat around us and the moment that is now. Ted. Sixteen and a half years of love and life together ended Meditation isn’t always about sitting in the perfect abruptly on a sunny Sunday in July. In the grief-filled days that cross-legged yoga pose, hands in Gyan mudra, followed, the only thing that would calm my shattered heart desperately trying to empty your brain. “Just quiet your was to go out and walk in the countryside. No phone, no mind, open your heart” is something you can do wherever distraction, just one foot in front of the other along country you are. And science is finally beginning to explain why those roads, the sun on my face drying the tears, few words matter. the gentle breeze calming my racing mind. While meditation has been practised for thousands of years, Proof that walking in nature can be a form of particularly within Buddhist traditions, it is only relatively meditation that is like medicine for the soul. recently that science has begun to explore why such a deceptively A piece of music that always stops me in my tracks is the simple practice can have profound effects on the mind and body. Jon Hopkins/East Forest collaboration, Sit Around the Fire, in which the late spiritual teacher Ram Dass gently Research findings repeats: “Just quiet your mind, open your heart.” It feels One of the largest reviews ever conducted of mindfulness meditation, like the perfect distillation of what meditation has always led by researchers at Johns Hopkins University and published in JAMA been about. Not escaping life or trying to silence every Internal Medicine, analysed data from 47 trials involving more than thought, but softening the relentless mental chatter 3,500 participants. They concluded that mindfulness meditation produced long enough to become more present to the world measurable improvements in anxiety, depression and psychological stress.

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Meditate on this

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Meditation is more about giving yourself permission to pause, even for a few minutes. Small moments of presence, repeated gently over time, can create lasting change.

For those of us living in or visiting the Algarve, meditation needn’t involve downloading another app or attending a retreat, though there are plenty here to give you a kick-start into meditating! The Algarve offers endless opportunities to practice mindfulness naturally. It might be tuning in to early morning birdsong in the Monchique hills, sitting peacefully on a clifftop watching the fishing boats on their expeditions, or paying full attention to all the different shades of bougainvillea on your travels. Allowing yourself to be fully immersed in experiences like these becomes a form of meditation that can help put the brakes on mentally composing shopping lists or replaying unfinished conversations. A 2026 study published in the journal Mindfulness found that just two minutes of breath-watching (paying attention to the natural movement of your breath) may be enough to experience the cognitive and mental health benefits of meditation, even for beginners. But if you can stretch it to seven minutes, even better! Proof that meditation doesn’t require hours of commitment. Five to ten minutes a day is enough to start training your mind to become less reactive and more attentive.

The effects were modest rather than miraculous, but significant enough for meditation to be recognised as a valuable evidence-based approach to improving mental wellbeing. For something that requires no equipment, no prescription, and no special level of fitness, that’s a remarkable return on investment. The power of meditation lies in something we rarely notice, where our attention actually is. For me, my attention is currently hyperfocused on the grief of losing my cat, the replaying in my mind of the day I had to put him to sleep. But once I get out into nature and Learn from the experts see the world around me, the attention slowly but surely shifts and Annie Moore is a certified, yoga, meditation and wellbeing my mind and heart start to feel calmer. coach based between Esher, UK, and right here in the Algarve at Although we like to think we’re living in the present, research her Casa Vida Yoga studio in the hills of Loulé. She specialises in suggests our minds spend 30%–50% of our waking hours elsewhere, guiding midlife and senior women through life transitions. repeating conversations, worrying about the future, mentally As a Tibetan Buddhist Meditation Practitioner and breathwork rehearsing tomorrow’s meetings, or revisiting mistakes we’d rather specialist, her recent Substack post asked the question: “What if forget. It’s a perfectly normal, albeit infuriating function of the brain, meditation isn’t something to master, but simply an invitation to but spending too much time lost in thought has been associated come home to yourself?” with greater stress and lower emotional wellbeing. Like we need As Annie says: “Meditation isn’t another skill you need to more stress in our forever-switched-on lives! perfect. It’s more about giving yourself permission to pause, even The true power of meditation is that it doesn’t stop thoughts for a few minutes. Small moments of presence, repeated gently over from appearing; it teaches us to notice when our attention has time, can create lasting change.” drifted and to gently guide it back to the present moment. Check out Annie’s Substack, A Quiet Pause with Annie, for a Over time, this simple act of noticing becomes a form of free five-minute guided meditation. mental training that you can take into your everyday life, strengthening your ability to focus. One of the simplest forms of meditation comes from an ancient Zen practice known as breath counting. Sitting MEDITATION IN THE ALGARVE comfortably, you breathe naturally while silently counting Karuna Retreat Center – located in the Monchique mountains, each exhalation from one to ten before beginning again. offering Hridaya silent meditation and yoga programmes. Yes, even this is meditation and you can do it in multiple karunaretreatcenter.org scenarios: waiting in line at the Câmera Municipal, during a flight, walking the boardwalks of the Ria Formosa, or Cave of the Heart retreats – offering three, five and ten-day silent sitting on the beach watching the Atlantic ebb and flow. meditation retreats for the more dedicated. They also offer free Every time we notice our attention has drifted and weekly 30-minute meditations on Zoom, Tuesdays at 20h00. gently redirect it, we interrupt the brain’s habitual caveoftheheartretreats.com tendency to operate on autopilot. Rather than becoming lost in an endless stream of Annie Moore – founder of Moorwellbeing qigong, yoga and thoughts about yesterday, tomorrow, or things that will meditation studio for midlife women. Annie offers a free never happen (self-confessed catastrophiser right here), meditation guide on her website meditation helps us to anchor ourselves in the present. moorwellbeing.com It is less about achieving a perfect state of calm and more about developing awareness.

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I N 1 8 0 8 W H E N T H E P O R T U G U E S E R O YA L F A M I LY F L E D F R O M N A P O L E O N I C E U R O P E T H E Y L E F T T H E I R P E O P L E AT T H E M E R C Y O F T H E F R E N C H . D E S P I T E T H E I R D E P A R T U R E F O R T H E S A F E T Y O F B R A Z I L , T H E T R E AT Y R E M A I N E D I N P L A C E . T H E Y L E F T U N D E R T H E P R O T E C T I O N O F A D M I R A L S I R S I D N E Y S M I T H A N D A F L E E T P R O V I D E D B Y T H E R O YA L N AV Y

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Wo rd s: C A R O L Y N K A I N

HISTORY PLUS

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The French, along with their Spanish allies, were able to ransack every religious building, library and wealthy home.

N THE RAMPARTS of Lisbon’s St George’s Castle, the order to be prepared for, and fend off, the invasion. French General Junot stepped forward as the new After spending two weeks riding round the Governor of Portugal. A scar, inflicted by a sabre, countryside, he worked out a plan with Lord Beresford. disfigured his otherwise handsome face. The He had recently been assigned by Dom João in Brazil to Portuguese flag was lowered and the tricolour recruit and command a new Portuguese army. The King was raised. had no desire to return home but was pleased to allow the The crowd below stood in silence as he British to defend Lisbon from another French attack. called out: “Three cheers for Napoleon!” A Wellington’s plan was ingenious. The entire area single voice responded: “Long live Portugal, around Lisbon, amounting to 700 square kilometres, was death to the French!” and the crowd erupted. fortified with 152 stone forts, 600 gun emplacements, Junot gave orders for the Portuguese police palisades of sharp wooden staves and trenches filled to disperse them, but they refused to tackle their own people. The with jagged thorns. Between them, high walls, newly cut Portuguese soldiers proved to be equally uncooperative. unscaleable cliffs and steep slopes were connected to each By now, Napoleon’s armies had captured virtually all of southern other. These continuous lines of impassable structures Europe and were not to be put off by 9,000 Portuguese soldiers. All were linked by a system of semaphore signals so that orders across the country they were rounded up and marched under close and messages could be passed efficiently. guard to France. Once there they were dispatched and forced to fight Known as the Linhas de Torres Vedras, everyone living as the Portuguese Legion in Russia. inside the lines could see the logic of the plan. Those outside Now, with very limited resistance in were harder to convince for they were Portugal, the French, along with their told to destroy their land, their barns Spanish allies, were able to ransack and homes. It was an important part of every religious building, library and Wellington’s scheme that there should wealthy home. Between the two armies be nothing to sustain the French and the rich heritage of the Portuguese was Spanish troops when they eventually piled on carts ready to take back to arrived. France and Spain. Nothing to eat, water sources poisoned It is unclear exactly what happened, and nowhere to shelter! Instead of but serious fighting broke out between working their land, the peasants were the two sides. The Spanish soldiers offered jobs as militiamen and home claimed not to have been paid their guards. 30,000 were employed along the wages by the French, drunken brawls walls while the British and Portuguese turned into running battles, and when soldiers manned the guns and cannons. news of such chaos reached Britain, the government took advantage of Execution of the plan the situation. When Marshal Masséna arrived with The military commander Arthur 65,000 French troops and 10,000 Wellesley, better known as the Duke of Spanish troops, the scorched earth Wellington, was sent with 8,000 Irish policy worked exactly as intended. Not troops. They found the French in a state of disarray trying to a single drop of blood needed to be shed. That’s not to say soldiers coerce their Spanish partners back into order. did not die in large numbers. Malnutrition, polluted water, disease Following two decisive battles with the British, the French and winter temperatures took many lives but most of those who surrendered and were escorted back to France. Wellington sheltered behind the Linhas de Torres Vedras were well prepared failed to confiscate their stolen loot, a terrible blunder that he with ample provisions. Most never encountered the enemy! later regretted. On his return home he was court-martialled, Early in 1811, having lost around 15,000 men, Marshal Masséna’s and although eventually acquitted, the loss of Portugal’s depleted army retreated. They were pursued by Wellington across treasure was never entirely forgotten or forgiven. Spain and into France as far as Toulouse. Masséna and Wellington might have met again at Waterloo but Napoleon had lost confidence in his Marshal and he never again commanded a major army in the field. The great tactician Napoleon did not accept that Wellington’s tactics were a good enough In 1809 Wellington was sent back to Lisbon on another reason to explain Masséna’s defeat. mission of the utmost importance. Although he cannot have known it at the time, this mission would mark the beginning of the end for Napoleon. Epilogue Rumours were circulating that in the months to come a In Portugal, once the French had finally gone, the people were stuck with new much larger French land force was intending to attack an equally obnoxious military dictator. This time it was Lord Beresford Lisbon; this time it was their intention to conquer and to and he was British. Surely Dom João would want to return from Brazil and stay. Wellington was to use whatever tactics necessary in relations could return to normal? Next month he does!

 INA TANZER I RIDE MY BICYCLE Budens, February 2026 Camera: Sony RX 100 M6 AH: “Bold, original interpretation of the theme — the lone rider dissolves into a radiating blur of empty tide flat and sky. The zoom-burst effect feels deliberate, not gimmicky, and the monochrome treatment suits the stark mood perfectly.” 1st place

Empty spaces It is fascinating how different people interpret a particular brief: some following the word precisely, while others focus on detailing the nuances. This month’s theme is an example of variations in attitude, and judge Avery Holt, whose own work explores the intersection of narrative, place and perception, has been impressed with the submissions from members of the Algarve Photographers Group

SERGIO PEREIRA  STORM AND BOAT Fuzeta, March 2026 Camera: Fujifilm X-T5 AH: “A dramatic sky dominates two-thirds of the frame over a desolate, waterlogged flat with one forgotten boat – powerful storytelling of neglect and isolation, with excellent tonal contrast between the dark foreground and glowing cloud gaps.” 2nd place To a p p l y f o r m e m b e r s h i p o r c h e c k e x h i b i t i o n d a te s a t t h e M u s e u d o Tr a j e , S ã o B r á s , v i s i t a l g a r v e p h o t o g r a p h e r s g r o u p . o r g

PHOTOG RAPHY PLUS

 GLYNN PARRY FISHING IN EMPTY SPACES Vilamoura, May 2026 Camera: Nikon Z8 AH: “The purest compositional restraint of the set – a tiny boat against a vast sky and sea, with cool desaturated tones reinforcing solitude. This directly ties to Algarve’s fishing heritage.”

ALGARVE P L U S

3rd place

JAN CHAPMAN  DAWN Canal de Tavira, May 2026 Camera: iPhone 16 AH: “A glassy water reflection and a warm, cohesive sunset gradient give this a serene, quietly empty mood. The houseboat is well placed off-centre.” 4th place

 NIGEL CHAPMAN CLOISTERS Serpa, July 2026 Camera: iPhone 16 AH: “The foreground arch frames the receding row of columns beautifully, creating real depth and a contemplative, empty-corridor mood that fits the brief well.” 5th place

I T ’ S TA K E N 3 0 Y E A R S , B U T T H E Q R C O D E H A S F I N A L LY B R O K E N O U T O F T H E C A R FAC TO R I E S I T WA S D E S I G N E D F O R A N D I S S E T TO B E C O M E O N E O F T H E M A I N W AY S W E I N T E R A C T W I T H T H E D I G I TA L W O R L D . Q R C O D E S A R E N O W E V E R Y W H E R E : O N D I G I TA L T I C K E T S , A D D R E S S L A B E L S , A D V E R T I S I N G , C A S H L E S S P AY M E N T S A N D , O F C O U R S E , O N T H E C O R N E R S O F TA B L E S I N R E S TA U R A N T S

Wo rd s: C H R I S P A R T R I D G E

LOBALLY, QR code scans are up 300% compared to five years ago and are used in transactions expected to grow to a value of £30 billion by 2030. It’s an amazing journey for a technology that was designed to solve a very specific problem: identifying car parts on Toyota production lines. Back in 1994, engineer Masahiro Hara was struggling to overcome the limitations of standard linear barcodes used to identify components, forcing workers to scan as many as ten separate barcodes per box of automobile parts. This slowed down production and created operational bottlenecks. Tasked with creating a code that could be scanned rapidly and carry far more information, Hara took inspiration from the black-and-white grid layout of the strategy board game Go. The breakthrough came when his team developed the distinctive position detection patterns – the three square modules situated at the top-left, top-right, and bottom-left corners. By identifying a unique black-to-white width ratio (1:1:3:1:1) that rarely occurs in surrounding print, Hara ensured that imaging devices could locate and orient the code in milliseconds. Hara also included powerful error correction in the design. The ability to read large amounts of data quickly, reliably and safely using a camera rather than an expensive laser reader was a massively appealing combination.

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The right code

TECHNO PLUS

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TECHNO PLUS

In 1994, tasked with creating a code that could be scanned rapidly and carry far more information, engineer Masahiro Hara took inspiration from the black-and-white grid layout of the strategy board game Go. In a pivotal business decision, Toyota chose not to exercise its patent rights on the standardised QR code specification, enabling global software and hardware developers to adopt and standardise the format freely and unleashing the quick response QR code on the world.

Where it started Progress was slow until the conditions were right. First, QR code scanning was incorporated in smartphone cameras as standard. Then the COVID-19 pandemic made everyone ultra-cautious about touching stuff, and the QR code was the solution everyone was looking for. The fundamental difference between a conventional barcode and a QR code lies in how they store data. Standard strip barcodes can only store about 20 to 25 alphanumeric characters, restricting their use to stock codes and the like. In contrast, QR codes store data both horizontally and vertically, enabling a single QR code to hold up to 7,089 numeric characters or 4,296 alphanumeric characters. The widespread integration of high-resolution cameras and native QR decoding into Android and iOS operating systems transformed the QR code from an industrial tracking tool into an essential personal utility. One of the most popular applications is instant Wi-Fi connection: scanning a Wi-Fi network QR code automatically parses the network name (SSID), security type, and password, connecting the device without requiring tedious text entry. QR codes have now made business cards a thing of the past. Contact details (vCards) are embodied in QR codes to allow people you meet to save your name, phone, email, and address details straight to their phone contacts with a single tap.

Contactless payments are, of course, dominated by NFC tapto-pay systems, but users can also make peer-to-peer or retail transactions by scanning a vendor’s static or dynamic QR code.

Just the ticket One area where QR codes are set to dominate is in ticketing. Airlines, railways and buses all use QR codes to allow passengers to buy online or using app networks, and issue QR boarding passes and entry tickets directly to mobile wallets, streamlining validation at gates. QR codes are now widely used as tickets for events, concerts, theatres and so on. Two-factor authentication is streamlined by QR codes. Apps such as Google Authenticator or Authy use QR codes during account setup to transmit secret cryptographic keys securely. QR codes are also insinuating themselves into many smartphone apps designed to facilitate sharing photos, documents and other stuff with people next to you. This used to involve a complex network setup but now the app offers the sharer the option to generate a QR code that the sharee can scan. Absurdly simple. While QR codes offer convenience, security awareness is important. Here are the rules: Preview the URL: Modern smartphone camera apps display the destination web domain before opening it. Always verify the URL matches the expected organisation. Watch for stickers: In public areas (such as parking meters or outdoor advertisements), check that a sticky QR code hasn’t been maliciously pasted over the legitimate original. Reject unnecessary app downloads: A standard smartphone camera decodes QR codes natively – third-party ‘QR Scanner’ apps with heavy advertisements or permission requests are unnecessary.

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AY BACK IN the 1930s, informal ‘charts’ were compiled listing the best-selling sheet music of the day. Favourite popular tunes have always existed, but it wasn’t until the 40s and 50s that official record charts began to appear. The Billboard Hot 100 was created in the USA, followed shortly afterwards by the first official British chart when the New Musical Express carried out a poll of record stores and DJs. The first-ever Number One was listed in 1952, by crooner Al Martino singing Here Is My Heart. At that time there was rivalry between Columbia Records, who introduced the first 12-inch, 331/3 rpm disc in 1948, and RCA Victor who brought out the first seven-inch, 45 rpm disc the following year. These discs were made of vinyl, not shellac like earlier records, and were virtually unbreakable. Elvis Presley had 21 Number One hits in Britain. Cliff Richard – with 14 Number Ones – and the Shadows, who had five additional Number Ones, were also favourites, as were the Beatles (with 18 chart-toppers) and the Rolling Stones (with eight) in the 1960s. Teen idols like Paul Anka (Diana) and Bobby Darin (Mack the Knife) took over the end of the decade. Today’s pop charts are compiled by complex systems combining streaming, digital downloads, physical sales and sometimes also radio airplay.

THE POP CHARTS T H E R I S E O F R O C K ‘ N ’ R O L L , W I T H A R T I S T S L I K E B I L L H A L E Y, C H U C K B E R R Y A N D E LV I S

P R E S L E Y, T U R N E D T H E 5 0 S I N T O T H E G O L D E N A G E O F T H E ‘ H I T S I N G L E ’ A N D P O P FA N S B O U G H T T H E M U S I C PA P E R S E V E R Y W E E K T O F I N D O U T W H E T H E R T H E I R FAV O U R I T E A RT I S T S H A D M A D E I T TO N U M B E R O N E

BRITISH CHART TOPPERS

Wo rd s: J I L L E C K E R S L E Y There’s not much doubt about the all-time best-selling single in British pop history. That honour goes to Elton John’s super-hit Candle In The Wind 1997 which is now estimated to have sold 33 million copies worldwide, including 4.94 million in the UK and 8.8 million in the USA. Elton and his long-time collaborator and lyricist Bernie Taupin, who had worked together for years and produced many hits, wrote the song back in 1973 as a tribute to Marilyn Monroe, who had died 11 years previously. The song appeared on his album Goodbye Yellow Brick Road the same year. With its allusions to the fleeting nature of fame and the pressures of life in the spotlight, the lyrics only had to be changed slightly for the 1997 version, which was released shortly after the death of Diana Princess of Wales, and which Elton sang at the Princess’s funeral. He knew the Princess well and hearing him singing “Goodbye, England’s Rose…” touched the hearts of the nation. He hasn’t sung the song on stage since. Although Elton continues to write and perform to this day, it's unlikely he will ever produce such an iconic song.

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Popular music has been dominated by British and American artists for as long as most of us can remember – at least until the current rise of K-Pop bands like BTS and Blackpink who regularly sell out stadium tours thanks to their devoted following among the young. However, other European countries do come up with international hits, with Sweden’s ABBA leading the field ever since their Eurovision triumph back in 1974 with Waterloo. To date, ABBA have sold 385 million records world-wide and had eight consecutive Number One albums in the UK, not to mention a string of extremely successful hit singles, led by Dancing Queen and Mamma Mia. In 2010 they were inducted into the Rock ’n Roll Hall of Fame. Other countries have their own charttoppers, of course, some of whom have international hits, like France’s Francoise Hardy with Tous Les Garçons et Les Filles regarded as the epitomy of French chic. And who could forget the controversy over the heavy-breathing love song Je t’Aime… Moi Non Plus recorded by Serge Gainsbourg and British actress Jane Birkin back in the late Sixties? The Scorpions brought a German version of hard rock to the ears of headbangers and the same country’s Kraftwerk pioneered electronic pop which they exported to both Britain and the USA. Portugal’s most successful pop soloist Marco Paulo, left, who sadly died in 2024, had a huge hit back in 1980 with a song called Eu Tenho Dois Amores which sold an impressive 150,000 copies in Portugal alone. Every year the Eurovision Song Contest shows what different countries can do and we can never be sure where the next worldwide mega-hit will come from…

ALGARVE P L U S

Celine Dion’s mega-hit My Heart Will Go On was the world’s best-selling single of 1998, selling around 18 million copies worldwide. It was originally written as an instrumental and the theme tune for the contemporary movie Titanic directed by James Cameron. It’s said that the director was at first reluctant to use a song he regarded as a pop ballad as the theme for his tragic love story, but composer James Horner and lyricist Will Jennings managed to convince him that it could work, and he approved it in the end. My Heart Will Go On became a charttopper in 25 different countries, and the second-best selling single by any female singer in pop history (beaten to the very top place by Whitney Houston’s I Will Always Love You!). The song won many awards and was named ‘one of the songs of the century’ by the Record Industry Association of America. Celine Dion recorded this mega-hit in a single take and it won an Academy Award for the Best Original Song in a movie. However there has since been something of a backlash, with Rolling Stone Magazine voting it ‘The Most Annoying Song Ever’ in 2007, but with 18 million copies sold it seems the general public disagree.

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Your money R I C A R D O C H AV E S O F A L L F I N A N C E M AT T E R S I S H E R E TO H E L P P E O P L E U N D E R S TA N D W H AT I S A L LO WA B L E – A N D N OT – W H E N I T C O M E S TO F I N A N C I A L M AT T E R S I N P O R T U G A L . A F M E X P E R T S C A N A D V I S E YO U O N H O W TO D E A L W I T H B OT H B U S I N E S S A N D P E R S O N A L TA X M AT T E R S TO E N S U R E

I am moving to Portugal later this year. If I become a tax resident near the end of the year, do I need to file a Portuguese tax return? In practical terms, once your tax address is changed to Portugal and you are considered a Portuguese tax resident, you are generally required to report your worldwide income in Portugal from the relevant date. This includes foreign income, bank accounts held abroad, pensions, investment income, rental income, and other reportable income. If you became tax resident here in 2026, your first Portuguese tax return would usually be submitted in 2027, during the normal filing period between April and June. The fact that you only became resident late in the year does not necessarily remove the filing obligation. From a practical perspective, we normally recommend that clients begin the onboarding process before the first filing period, rather than waiting until the deadline is close. This allows time to review the correct date of tax residency, gather foreign income documents, check double taxation relief, and ensure that the first return is consistent with the client’s actual situation.

I own a property used for Alojamento Local. If I sell it, will the capital gain be taxed as a normal private property sale? Not always. This is one of the most important areas where property owners can be caught by surprise. Where a property has been used in a business activity, such as Alojamento Local, the sale may not be treated in the same way as a normal private property sale and the gain may be taxed under Category B rules rather than the standard Category G capital gains rules. Under the simplified regime, Portuguese tax rules may result in 95% of the gain being considered taxable business income. This can be much less favourable than the usual private capital gains treatment, where generally only 50% of the gain is taken into account for residents. A particularly important point is the so-called coolingoff period. If the activity is closed shortly before the sale, this may not be enough to move the property back into the private sphere immediately. In practice, the Portuguese Tax

Authorities may look at whether the property was allocated to the activity within the previous 36 months. This means that cancelling the Alojamento Local activity immediately before selling the property may not be sufficient to avoid business-income treatment. In some cases, planning may require removing the property from the activity and allowing enough time before the sale. The correct approach depends on the ownership, residency status, activity status, and timing of the transaction.

I work remotely from Portugal as a sole trader – I am a freelance marketing consultant. Do I need to worry about VAT and Social Security? Yes. Registering as a sole trader in Portugal is often the simplest way to begin working, but it still creates ongoing tax, VAT, and Social Security obligations. The VAT position depends on the type of clients and where they are located. For income from Portuguese clients, the VAT exemption threshold is relevant (€15,000 threshold per year). Where the client base is outside Portugal, especially B2B clients in the EU or clients outside the EU, the VAT treatment may be different and the reverse-charge or placeof-supply rules may need to be considered. Social Security is also important. A new sole trader may benefit from an initial exemption period, but after that, contributions are generally assessed based on the income declared. The obligations are not limited to the annual IRS tax return; quarterly declarations and ongoing compliance may also be relevant. Clients often assume that issuing invoices to foreign clients means there is little or no Portuguese compliance. That is not correct. If the work is performed from Portugal by a Portuguese tax resident, Portuguese tax and Social Security rules must be analysed, even where the clients are based abroad and payment is made from outside Portugal. For this reason, before opening activity, it is advisable to confirm the type of services provided, the expected annual turnover, the countries where clients are based, whether the clients are businesses or individuals, and whether the activity should remain a sole trader activity or eventually be transferred to a company structure.

S e n d q u e s t i o n s yo u m ay h ave to i n f o @ a f m . t a x f o r p o s s i b l e i n c l u s i o n i n A l g a r ve P LU S . To c o n s u l t d i r e c t l y w i t h t h e e x p e r t s a t A F M , e m a i l i n f o @ a f m . t a x

ALGARVE P L U S

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YO U A R E I N T H E B E S T P O S S I B L E P O S I T I O N

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Going legal L EG A L E X P E R T S N E L S O N R A M O S A N D R O B E R TA R A M O S W H O, TO G E T H E R W I T H T H E I R S P EC I A L I S T T E A M AT R A M O S & A S S O C I A D O S I N A L M A N C I L , A DV I S E C L I E N T S O N VA R I O U S I S S U E S . T H I S M O N T H , T H E Y D I S C U S S T H E O U TC O M E O F D I VO R C E I F O N E S P O U S E

The answer is often yes. A couple does not have to divorce in the country where they married, nor must both spouses live in Portugal. Portuguese courts or authorities may have jurisdiction even where both spouses are foreign nationals and one continues to live in the UK. However, establishing that Portugal has jurisdiction is only the first step. It is equally important to determine which country’s law applies and what the financial consequences may be, particularly regarding property, savings and pensions. In international divorces, jurisdiction is generally based on the spouses’ habitual residence, rather than their nationality. A Portuguese court may have jurisdiction where both spouses are habitually resident in Portugal; where the spouses were last habitually resident in Portugal and one still lives here; where the respondent is habitually resident in Portugal; where either spouse is habitually resident in Portugal in the case of a joint application; or where the applicant has been habitually resident in Portugal for the required period before commencing proceedings. Where one spouse lives in Portugal and the other in the UK, Portuguese jurisdiction may often exist, particularly if the applicant has established Portugal as their centre of life; owning a holiday home or spending part of the year in Portugal may not be sufficient. The fact that the marriage took place in England or elsewhere does not prevent a divorce being obtained in Portugal.

Where both spouses have reached agreement on the necessary matters, the divorce can usually proceed by mutual consent before the Portuguese Civil Registry, making the process faster, less expensive and less confrontational than court proceedings. If there is no agreement, the case will normally proceed before the Portuguese Family Court. The spouse living in the UK must be formally notified and given the opportunity to participate – living abroad does not prevent the proceedings from continuing. The matter can be handled by Portuguese lawyers under a power of attorney. One of the most important issues in any international divorce is that jurisdiction and applicable law are separate issues. A Portuguese court may have jurisdiction while a different country’s law governs certain financial aspects of the case. The law applicable to the divorce itself may differ from the law governing the matrimonial property regime, while maintenance, pensions and matters relating to children may each be subject to separate legal rules. For this reason, obtaining legal advice before proceedings begin is essential. A divorce in Portugal does not automatically mean that all assets will be divided equally. Under Portuguese law, the division of property normally starts by identifying the matrimonial property regime applicable to the marriage; assets may be classified as separate property or common matrimonial property. Property owned before the marriage, inheritances and gifts often remain separate, while assets acquired during the marriage may form part

of the common estate. Mortgages, debts, contributions made with separate funds and transfers between spouses can also affect the final outcome. The financial consequences can therefore differ substantially from those in England and Wales. English courts have wider powers to redistribute assets according to fairness and financial needs. Portuguese law is generally more closely linked to the matrimonial property regime and the legal ownership of each asset. Particular care is required where UK pensions are involved. A Portuguese divorce may dissolve the marriage without producing the pension-sharing orders available through the English courts. It may still be possible to seek financial relief in England after an overseas divorce, but this requires specialist English legal advice. A Portuguese divorce will generally be recognised in the UK if the legal requirements have been satisfied, recognition of the divorce itself does not necessarily guarantee recognition or enforcement of financial orders. For international couples, the question is not only “Can I divorce in Portugal?” but also “Where should I divorce, which law will apply, and what financial consequences will follow?” Before starting proceedings, both spouses should obtain coordinated advice from Portuguese and UK lawyers, particularly where substantial assets, businesses, inheritances or pensions are involved. Every international divorce is unique, and careful planning can make a significant difference. Email questions for Ramos Associados to martin@algarveplusmagazine.com

R a m o s & A s s o c i a d o s S o c i e d a d e d e A d vo g a d o s S P R L Ave n i d a 5 d e O u t u b ro , 1 6 9 – 1 7 1 , 8 1 3 5 - 1 0 1 A l m a n c i l T: 2 8 9 41 3 0 6 3 / E : i n f o @ n r a m o s l a w ye r s . c o m / n r a m o s l a w ye r s . c o m

Can I divorce in Portugal if my spouse is resident in the UK?

ALGARVE P L U S

Q A

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DATELINE PLUS

T H I S M O N T H ’ S S P E C I A L S E L E C T I O N O F T H I N G S WO R T H S E E I N G

ART

LUC LAVENSEAU ArtCatto, Loulé, 289 419 447 info@artcatto.com, artcatto.com Gallery Exhibition from 19 September Quand je serai grande (4), oil on canvas, 120x80cm

Galeria Côrte-Real, Paderne 961 528 679, corterealarte.com Splatter, mixed media, 100x120cm.

PACO SANTANA Tavira d’Artes, Tavira, 962 012 111, taviradartes.com Delta XXIII, oil on wood panels, 70x140cm

MEINKE FLESSEMAN Galeria Meinke Flesseman Portimão, 917 937 564 meinke-flesseman.com Vernissage, 3 September, 18h00 Passing Light is a new exhibition of paintings and textile works that explores the space between observation, memory, and abstraction.

republica14.pt 18 September–1 October Pathways is an artistic journey through landscape, nature and imagination that brings together the work of Fiona Gray, Jessica Dunn, Catherine Ducker and Claire Rosso. Through painting and sculpture, each artist reflects a personal journey shaped by observation, imagination, memory and experience. The collective opens in conjunction with the Olhão Artists Open Studios, 19–20 September.

GUSTAVO FERNANDES ArtCatto, Vila Vita Parc, Porches, artcatto.com Paradise Island, oil on canvas, 95x200cm

IF YOU HAVE ANYTHING YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE EMAIL susi@rogol-goodkind.com

l ALGARVE P L U S

REPUBLICA 14, OLHÃO

MASSIMILIANO GIOVAMPIETRO

ICONS In The Pink, Praça da República, Loulé, 289 462 320, in-the-pink.com. On until early October Celebrating the fourth anniversary of Portugal’s leading fine art photography gallery, this exhibition features works by David Yarrow, Albert Watson, Steve Schapiro, Duffy, Terry O’Neill, Tyler Shields, Bastiaan Woudt and Jacob Gils. In addition, a selection of works by David Yarrow, including his latest, will be on show at In The Pink Art Advisory, Quinta Shopping, and at the Conrad Algarve, throughout September.

WO RKSH O P S

Loulé Criativo FB: @loulecriativo, IN: @loule_criato, W: loulecriativo.pt Email Loulé Criativo for full details of workshops. loulecriativo@cm-loule.pt

ALGARVE P L U S

CYANOTYPE WITH ALGARVE FLORA

LINO CUT

Date: 12 September 10h00–13h00 Location: Palácio Gama Lobo Partner: Deep Blue Registration: deepblue.hello@gmail.com Fee: €40

Date: 19 September 10h00–12h30 Location: Palácio Gama Lobo Partner: Marisa Murtinha Registration: marisamurtinhaart@gmail.com Fee: €30

CERAMIC PAINTING

PUNCH NEEDLE

Date: 18 September 17h30–19h30 Location: Palácio Gama Lobo Partner: Teresa’s Pottery Registration: teresapottery@hotmail.com, Fee: €40

Date: 28 September 18h00–21h00 Location: Oficina dos Têxteis, Loulé Partner: Susana Mendez Registration: susanamendez. studio@gmail.com, Fee: €50

Lighthouse art classes

MUSIC

República 14, Olhão republica14.pt, Tickets: republica14.bol.pt Visit the website to see other activities 10 September, 20h00–21h30 FADO NIGHT An intimate night of fado in a unique setting. Each ticket includes a complimentary glass of wine. 12 September, 21h00 NANOOK PLAYS THE BLUES Nanook O Vagabundo presents a new EP that brings together four traditional blues, folk and gospel songs alongside one original composition accompanied by official videos already on YouTube. 13 September, 17h00–19h30 VINYL FAIR Browse records, exchange recommendations and spend time on musical discovery. That evening, at 19h30, the movie Historias del Valé Bon (2017) will be screened outdoors.

19 September, 20h00 RODA DE SAMBA – NANI MEDEIROS & BANDA Prepare for another vibrant evening of Brazilian rhythms, bringing together the energy of samba and the richness of Brazilian popular music. 26 September, 21h00 QUARTETO NUME Quarteto NuMe is the natural evolution of Trio NuMe, created by Italian guitarist, cellist and composer Davide Zaccaria. The original formation, featuring German pianist Hans Fuecker and Argentine percussionist Sebastian Scheriff, is now joined by bassist Eddy ‘Slap’ Cabral. 27 September, 17h00–19h30 CLOTHING & BOOK SWAP MARKET It is just what it says.

910 410 268, info@lighthouse-artcourses.com lighthouse-artcourses.com

GARDEN STATE

SUMMER HARVEST

12 September, 15h00–19h00 Watercolour and mixedmedia experience painting flowers and plants in the lush gardens of BelaVista

20 September, 15h00–19h00 Painting figs, other fruits, and all the flavours of the Algarve’s Barrocal.

BARÇAS DE OLHÃO 25-27 September and 2–4 October A weekend exploring Olhão’s fishing heritage and the ever-changing light of the Ria Formosa. Phone or email for prices and to reserve your place

LIFE DRAWING SESSION WITH JILL STOTT Galeria Meinke Flesseman, Portimão 917 937 564, instagram.com/meinkeflesseman/ These workshops consider ways of drawing the nude or semi-nude model, exploring ways of seeing from the most basic, but often difficult, observation of proportion and location to more subtle observation of form, characters in space, rhythm, harmony and composition. Twice-monthly sessions; details on instagram. €30 per participant.

Orquestra do Algarve 289 860 890, info@orquestradoalgarve.com orquestradoalgarve.com 5 September CARMINHO & ORQUESTRA DO ALGARVE Festival F Main Stage, Faro The acclaimed fado singer Carminho will present some of her most iconic songs in newly commissioned orchestral arrangements, creating a unique meeting point between the rich tradition of fado and the expressive scope of a full orchestra. 12 September, 19h00 THE GENERAL – LIVE CINEMA CONCERT Auditório Municipal Maria Barroso, Olhão Rediscover the magic of early 20th-century cinema in a programme that features Buster Keaton’s silent-film

masterpiece The General, in an immersive cinematic experience that restores the original grandeur of silent film through live music. 17 September, 19h00 Teatro Lethes, Faro 19 September, 19h00 Igreja Matriz, Pechão 20 September, 19h00 Igreja Matriz, Alvor CLÁSSICOS MA NON TROPPO The soloists of the Orquestra do Algarve present an unusual chamber music ensemble: the wind quartet. Intimate and remarkably versatile, this format enjoyed great popularity in the early 19th century. The programme includes works by Rossini, Gambaro, Schubert and Daniel Dorff.

IF YOU HAVE ANYTHING YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE EMAIL susi@rogol-goodkind.com

Amigos de Música

289 878 908, geral@actateatro.org.pt opera@rotaryestoipalace.org, teatrolethes.com, 26 September, 19h00 Rotary Club Estoi Palace International proudly presents an exceptional opera evening with Swiss baritone Äneas Humm, accompanied by pianist Doriana Tchakarova. The evening’s programme will include works by Jules Massenet, Richard Wagner, Antonín Dvořák, and Richard Strauss. All proceeds from the evenings will be dedicated to social and educational projects for the local community. Tickets from Teatro Lethes and Bol.pt are €35, and include wine tasting.

EXPERIEN CES

Vale do Lobo

SONGBIRD AMPHITHEATRE

SUNRISE YOGA

Casa Bela Vista, Cerro da Corte 239, Querençca For information and to book: algarvelifenature.com Tickets: €20. Doors open at 18h00. Concert starts at 19h00

Vale do Lobo Beach Club, 08h00 Indulge in a harmonious blend of tranquillity and wellbeing with a 60-minute yoga session led by Vale do Lobo’s yoga teacher. Open to all levels. €10–€15. eventbrite.com

12 September Sara Esperito Santo & Fernando Tavares Jazz Trio Latin American American Summer Swing 27 September Danielle Riegel Harp Concert with Full Moon Rise over the Songbird 04 October Algarve Classic Music Series Sérgio Gladkyy (accordion) and Diego Pardal (clarinet)

LIVE MUSIC AT JULIA’S Praia do Garrão Sunday lunchtime live music on the terrace, 13h30–16h30. Sunset to night music sessions on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings, 19h00– 22h00, as well as daily afternoon sessions at the beach bar!

PORTIMÃO CORN FESTIVAL Portimão waterfront instagram.com/festadomilho_2026 11–13 September, midday to 01h00 The 10th Festa do Milho features the Baile do Teaga (Teaga’s Dance). Get ready for energy, music and plenty of entertainment at the largest Brazilian festival in the Algarve.

Designed for young players of all ages and abilities in the perfect environment to build confidence, improve technique and develop a real passion for the game. valedolobo.com

PRAÇA SUMMER ENTERTAINMENT Until 12 September, live music, children’s entertainment and cultural experiences. Great fun. valedolobo.com

FESTIVAL F Vila Adentro, Faro Old Town festivalf.pt/en/default.aspx In the 11th edition of Festival F, the historic centre will again be transformed into a vibrant open-air stage, crossing the walls of Vila Adentro and extending to the shores of the Ria Formosa, allowing the whole city to breathe music, art and creativity. Visit the website for ticket options and prices.

JUNIOR TENNIS COACHING

LAGOA YOGAFEST POLLY GIBBONS With the Algarve Jazz Orchestra, Cineteatro Louletano cineteatro.cm-loule.pt 27 September, 17h00 Tickets: €12 A highly regarded voice in British jazz, Polly Gibbons blends jazz, blues, soul, gospel and rhythm & blues. Her three concerts, in Loulé, Lagos and Lagoa, are part of Algarve All Jazz ‘26. Tickets will be available from 1 September.

17–20 September, 2026 Pátio das Gerações Lagoa ideiasdolevante.info/eventos 308 800 764 Ideias do Levante, a notfor-profit association, has been dedicated to training, production and cultural promotion in the Algarve since 1995. This particular four-day event offers focused activities for people who are new to yoga. Take a look at what’s available online, and register for sessions that interest you. Participation is free.

Figs on the Funcho 912 595 539 hello@figsonthefuncho.com figsonthefuncho.com Contact Cheryl for details 11–15 September Mediterranean vegetarian cooking retreat 14 September Mediterranean vegetarian cooking workshop 19–25 September Mixed-media art holiday 25–29 September Botanical watercolour art holiday 20–24 September Mix media art workshops 26–28 September Botanical watercolour art workshops

MEDITERRANEAN DIET FAIR Tavira historic centre 281 320 500 camara@cm-tavira.pt 3–6 September Along the banks of the River Gilão and in the city’s squares and streets, visitors will find a market of local producers, gastronomy and tastings, crafts, health and nutrition, spaces for children and young people, art and heritage exhibitions, seminars, concerts, theatre, dance, cinema, digital art, physical activity, guided tours and walks. WOW

TEATRO LETHES, FARO

For opera lovers

The concert season 2026/27 begins this month featuring two Berlin musicians, Adele Bitter, cello, and Holger Groschopp, piano, on 22 and 24 September.. Concerts start at 19h00 and take place in Os Agostos, an impressive XVIII-century country estate in Santa Bárbara de Nexe, near Bordeira. For details of forthcoming programmes, visit amigosdemusica.org. For membership enquiries contact helga.hampton@gmail.com

ALGARVE P L U S

M U SIC

Amigos do museu

SWIM PARTY 10KM swimparty10km@gmail.com swimparty10km.com 12 September, 07h00 Participants will swim from Benagil and Carvoeiro beaches to Ferragudo and Caneiros beaches in Lagoa. This is an open water swimming competition, a 5km and 10km event that can be swum individually or in a relay team of three people.

ALPORTEL WALKING TOURS

18 September, 18h00 In English Two Faces of a Bamileke Woman by Rosine Mbakam €4/€2 (Amigos)

DOCUMENTARY FILM Our Time Machine by S Leo Chiang In English 11 September, 18h00 €4/€2 (Amigos)

São Francisco Square, Loulé 919 189 999 folhademedronho@folhademedronho.com 18 September, 18h00–21h00, 19 September, 11h00–18h00 Bring second-hand books to swap, discover new reads and enjoy the art and music that is part of this fair.

ALENTEJO NIGHT

AUTUMN MEDITERRANEAN GARDEN FAIR 2026 Mediterranean Gardening Association – Portugal mgapfairs@gmail.com, mgaportugal.org 17 and 18 October, 10h00–17h00 Entry €1 Save the date! This event is dedicated to making beautiful and sustainable Mediterranean gardens and landscapes with minimum water use. This year there will be more than 70 exhibitors including over 20 growers, a programme of free talks and demonstrations and advice on how to create and maintain your garden sustainably into the future. This is an opportunity to buy the most suitable plants for your garden and benefit from the advice and guidance of experienced nursery owners, growers, speakers and MGAP members.

12 September, 18h00 Handicrafts, gastronomy and music. Free entrance DON’T

HELLO AUTUMN FAIR Kit&Caboodle Almancil kandc.pt 24 September, 10h00–19h00 The team at K&C is launching what they hope will become a much-loved annual tradition. This fair promises a fun-filled day for the whole family while celebrating local creativity and community spirit. Visitors can browse unique handmade gifts and crafts from talented artisans, take part in creative workshops, enjoy live BBQ cooking demonstrations, and more. And there’ll be a one-day-only Flash Sale, giving you the opportunity to grab some fantastic bargains! For enquiries about the event or stall holder opportunities, email Lúcia at almancil@kandc.pt

FAIR 24 September, 10h00–13h00 Second-hand books, local products, seasonal fruit and veg, the Irene Rolo Foundation with their biscuits, comics and more. WABI SABI PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION 25 September, 19h00 Opening of the new exhibition, on until 26 November. Free entrance MISS

24 HOURS CRM

ALGARVE NATURE FEST

Algarve International Motor Racing Circuit 282 405 600 info@autodromodoalgarve.com autodromodoalgarve.com 18–19 September One of the most demanding endurance races on the national calendar. Over the course of 24 uninterrupted hours, consistency, strategy and reliability are key.

Loulé, Faro, Olhão, Tavira and Vila Real de Santo 289 800 400 algarvenaturefest.pt 25–27 September Discover the extraordinary natural beauty of Ria Formosa through a diverse programme of free nature tourism activities taking place across the five municipalities. Organised by the Algarve Tourism Board, the event offers a range of outdoor experiences, including birdwatching, guided nature walks, boat trips, cycling and Segway tours, showcasing the biodiversity, landscapes, wildlife, flora and natural heritage of the region. Visit the website for the wheres and whens.

OKTOBERFEST BEER FESTIVAL

ERIC ROTH

100

DOCUMENTARY FILM

Nightshift Band 5 September, 19h00 €12 /€10 (Amigos)

8 September, 19h00 In English To take part, €3.50

SECOND-HAND BOOK FAIR

CONCERT IN THE GARDEN

QUIZ HELPING HANDS

São Brás Meeting point: Parque do Alportel 13–20 September, 08h30 Every second and third Sunday of the month.

ALGARVE P L U S

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

Vila Vita Biergarten Porches 282 381 177 vilavitaparc.com/en/upcomingevents/oktoberfest 24 September–5 October Great beer, a menu full of Bavarian delcacies, and live music. Fun guaranteed.

HIGH HOLIDAYS For details of this month’s High Holidays programme in the Algarve, visit chabadalgarve@gmail.com

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LAST WORD PLUS

And finally

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ANTH O N Y MARTI N IS A MAN O F WO R DS , N O Q U ESTI O N A B O U T T H AT. B U T H E I S B E I N G S E L E C T I V E N O W A N D P L AY I N G W I T H E X P R E S S I O N S T H AT C A N D E F I N E A P E R S O N A L I T Y O R E X P R E S S A F R A M E O F M I N D . D O E S I T W O R K ? T H AT D E P E N D S O N YO U R O W N C O N C E P T O F F O O D F O R T H O U G H T

WAS going to tell you of my past week. But, at the end of the day, I decided to think outside the box, touch base with you, run something up the flagpole and see if it gains traction. Because when all is said and done, the scribblings of an immigrant Brit, sitting in the sun nursing a glass of grape juice are – in the grand scheme of things – simply not worth the paper they’re written on. Okay, not bad Tony, seven clichés already, and if that isn’t flawed enough, I’ve also committed what used to be the scribbler’s no-no by ending a sentence with a preposition. But it is what it is. Whoops, that’s eight. This is terrible; they just keep on coming (nine), but to be honest, when all is said and done (ten) is this how we speak nowadays, or is this the natural evolution of language? Only time will tell (eleven). I should stop now as this is becoming tedious but in an enjoyable sort of way and even if I do stop, the elephant will still be in the room (there you go, twelve – an even dozen). Right, you get my drift. Clichés are useful in descriptive writing but they stop the reader visualising a situation or an emotion, and packaging a scene into a soundbite is the writer’s equivalent of a ready-made meal. It fills a gap but nobody is ever going to rave about it. And staying with the food analogy, the other side of the coin (sorry, sorry) is the full twelve-course tasting menu, this being corporate-speak that allows the deliverer to waffle on about a particular subject and is designed to make them appear more intelligent and more erudite by inflating a simple idea with puffed-up language. Consider this: if clichés are ‘less is more,’ then corporate-speak is ‘more is more’ such as reinventing “Let’s meet tomorrow” into “Let’s schedule a touchpoint to align our objectives going forward.”

What absolute drivel. At least clichés start out as ordinary language with someone producing a pleasing turn of phrase that others enjoy and go on to repeat. This, in turn, gets re-used by a wider audience and suddenly, by reason of repetition, becomes a cliché. You know, I like this idea and I’ve now decided that I, in my own insignificant way, will put a few words together that I hope will eventually become a cliché – my own personal cliché that was coined by me. And you, AlgarvePLUS readers, are the first to hear about it. Well, it has now been the best part of an hour and it’s difficult to find something original but I’ll go with this. Drumroll please... Happiness is a Two-Way Street. What do you think? It has a ring to it. It is also a truism that can be utilised in many situations: to end a statement or to begin a conversation. You can both receive happiness and give happiness to others and it doesn’t have to travel in straight lines – it can turn corners and go off at a tangent. You can point it in any direction you choose and people will thank you for it; it is, to use yet another cliché, the gift that keeps on giving. I quite like this, my own cliché-to-be. It will sit nicely alongside the other highlights of my life, namely, dancing with a girl who danced with Fred Astaire, being introduced to the Queen Mother (not the current one, the late Elizabeth II one), sleeping with the original Miss Moneypenny (I don’t usually expand on that as the basic version gives me much more cred than I deserve, but we were seated next to each other on a longhaul overnight flight). And then there is being told to p**s off by the late George Harrison when asking for his autograph in the gents’ toilet of a London discotheque. Yes, this scribbler can now sit back knowing that he will finally have a legacy – his very own contribution to English-language clichés. .

Happiness is a Two-Way Street. What do you think? It has a ring to it and can be utilised to end a statement or to begin a conversation.

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