Wine Festival Portimão

July 18, 2008

This weekends biggest event is no doubt Faro’s annual Motor Bike Rally where 30,000+ bikers from Europe journey down to the Algarve for a weekend of solidarity, free riding and excitement.

But on the other side of the Algarve, in Portimao’s Praia da Rocha, you’ll find another passionate group of people who come together annually to celebrate the diversity and quality of Portugeuse Wine.

Portuguese Wine Festival

If you love Portuguese wine or are curious to learn learn and taste the great selection available from across the country, then this weekend’s wine festival is highly recommend.

The event takes place right on the famous Praia da Rocha, with wine tasting, gourmet Portuguese cuisine and entertainment. Remember, if you’re trying a lot of different wines, this is the place where it’s perfectly polite to spit, and try another.

Since Portugal can boast of a few hundred grape variety, you should expect a night full of tasting and spitting…ok, I don’t spit out the REALLY good ones either.

Portimao Wine Festival
Dates: July 18 – 20
Time: 21:00 to 01:00
Location: Praia do Rocha, Portimao
Tel: 351 266 081 160
www.sensusvini.com | for details in English, visit this page

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Algarve Videos

July 16, 2008

If you’ve never been to the Algarve, the following videos should give you a good representation as to what treasures can be discovered in the region, from beaches, wines, seafood, nightlife and festivals. Enjoy.

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Arte Viva - São Brás de Alportel

July 11, 2008

As a lover of all things artsy and creative, I was thrilled to hear about this show, Arte Viva.

Exactly what it sounds like, Arte Viva is Live Art happening right in front of you. On July 12-13, more than 30 artists, in the areas of sculpture, painting, illustration, ceramics, photography, jewelry, rug work, etc. will all be displaying and working their art in the ‘Jardim do Museu do Trajo’ in São Brás de Alportel.

Arte Viva

(Photo Credits: pedroaxl)

Since art for the eyes wouldn’t be the same without some for the ears, music will also be accompanying the show with groups such as Nanook and Jazztapartano, on Saturday and Tinto Beat and Mare Nostrum on Sunday, music starts after 19:30.

Arte Viva
Cost: €4 euros entrance and kids under 12 are free
Date: July 12 - 13
Info: Arte Viva

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International Surfing Championship - Algarve

July 9, 2008

Hunting for the perfect wave, or just enough courage to watch? Either way, the best surfers from around the world are in Sagres this weekend, where the International Buondi Pro Junior Championship is now under way.

(Photo Credit: Tarotastic)

The championship started off with the men’s under 20 challenge in Praia do Amado, and includes both pro and amateur competitions. The final round for World Surf Champion will be hosted by Super Bock Pro and starts from today at Praia da Cordoama.

The championship will wrap July 12, with a Super Bock Dance Party in Sagres featuring popular DJ’s. Sand, sun, music…and the spectacular views at Sagres. I could think of worst ways to spend a weekend. Ahhh summer!

*Word of warning - some very chilly ocean winds can blow through Sagres in the evenings, so go prepared. And if you’ve never been to Sagres and end up their one evening, stay away from the edge of cliffs, there is no fencing.

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Algarve 15th Annual - Classic Car Show

July 4, 2008

Does your heart miss a beat for gorgeous hunks of metal? Well, if your passion is stoked, by big toys from another place and time, than the annual classic car show happening this weekend in the Algarve, might just be the place for you.

Algarve Classic Car Show
(credit: Georgie Sharp)

Beautiful classics from 1913 to 1978, the likes of Rolls, Bentley, Porsche, Jaguar, BMW, Aston Martin and Ferrari’s will all be out for judging, and a summer stroll all weekend long.

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Conquilhas!

July 3, 2008

There is something about these little wedge shell clams that makes them addictive, kind of like the peanut of the nut family. Eat one and suddenly you want the entire pot to yourself, but there’s something wonderfully sinister about sharing them, and feeling like your getting the lions share. If you’re a conquilha fan, you’ll know what I mean. If you’ve never had them, than you definitely need to try.

Simply cooked with good olive oil, garlic and cilantro, conquilhas are an Algarve summer favourite. I remember craving them when I lived abroad, and know folks that have conquilhas listed as a top priority when they visit. They’re extremely easy to make, the trick is to find very fresh ones that don’t have a lot of sand. The best tip I can suggest, when you see conquilhas at a fishmongers, tap the shell of an open one, if it closes than their good…if it doesn’t it’s dead, and you don’t want them.

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