February is the dullest, wettest, coldest and most depressing month of the year in most of Northern Europe, but not here in the Algarve. Here, Spring is springing and we have the sunshine and a whole lot of entertainment going on.
Ongoing
Let’s take a look at some of the ongoing things for a moment. Many types of sports and cultural activities take place regularly across the Algarve. Here we share just a few with you.
Did you know that the Museu do Trajo, in São Brás de Alportel is a hive of activity? Just take a look at their website and see all the goings on there such as dancing, talks, excursions and much more at very reasonable prices.
Some examples are Art classes at 2pm on Mondays, Portuguese lessons on Thursdays at 10.30am, Tai Chi on Wednesdays at 6pm and Fridays at 12 noon, and a whole lot more.
If you become a friend of the Museum you get discount on all their activities too. This month, in addition to the regular activities, there is also a Jazz concert at 5pm on 21 February, entry is €10.
Bikes
Every weekend there are two sets of amateur bike rides organised. On Saturday afternoons it’s a fast ride over rugged terrain of around 35km in the hills or up to 50km on flatter areas. This ride is often hilly and challenging with a stop at a local cafe on the cards. However, on Sunday mornings it’s a different kettle of fish: a gentle ride over flat terrain of around 25km and no stopping at the cafe on the way.
Join the Algarve Bike Rides group for €5, by sending an email and get added to the mailing list. Details of meeting times and the start of each ride will be e-mailed to you in advance, it’s as simple as that. If you prefer you can phone 913 226 954 for more information or even go on their face book page.
Boats
Every day except for Monday, you can see how the ancient caravels were built and what was eaten on board in the days of old. The action takes place from 10am to 6pm at Casa Fogaça in Lagos. Access to Casa Fogaça is through the Municipal Market on Avenida and from Rua Dr. Faria e Silva. Tel: 282 780 060 for more information.
Every weekday replicas of the boats that sailed the Guadiana during the past 40 years are on display at the River Museum in Guerreiros do Rio, Alcoutim. Tel: 281 546 380.
Talking of museums how about this for a fun day with the kids? The science museum on the marina at Faro provides a great day out for the family and I’ve had many glowing reports about how good it is! Tickets are only €4 per adult and kids under 4 get in for free. For more information check out their website.
And here’s another Faro museum event:
Every day until 30th August starting at 10am, there’s an exhibition commemorating the 125th anniversary of the arrival of the train to Faro. This is being held at the Municipal Museum, 14, Praça Afonso III, Faro. For more details call 289 870 870.
Song and Dance!
If joining the Friends of the Museum choir is not your bag, perhaps you’d like to sing your bags out with Karaoke? Every evening from 9.30 pm at Diamond’s bar in Albufeira. They even give out prizes! Call 289 542 952 for more info.
Scottish Dancing with or without previous experience – every Monday at 7.30 pm at the International School Algarve in Lagoa. Call 282 356 029 for details.
Have fun helping others
Join a group or sponsor a soup! Every Monday the International Christian Fellowship church at Portimão organises a meal for those who need one. Tel: 282 461 985 to lend a hand.
Take a hike!
Contact the Município de Tavira and join one of their organised cultural walks. each walk lasts approximately 90 minutes and includes a guide.
So there are some of the places and events that you can visit or participate in all the time... but what about events that are happening in February? No doubt there is something for everyone!
Have fun for a good cause
Kicking off on the 1st February is a wonderful dinner dance in aid of the orphans in Lagos. Starting at 7.30pm at Valentino’s restaurant with live entertainment from Wendy and Adam, you get a three course meal for €25.50.
Wear something bright, dance the night away, take part in the raffle and at the same time support these kids. Call 282 760 096 for bookings.
Another big charity event is taking place on 12th February. This time it’s in aid of the Cadela Carlota animal protection society in Lagos. They are holding a special golfday at the wonderful Boa Vista golf resort and spa.
Not only do you get to play golf but your guests can enjoy lunch with you for €20. Tee off is 8.30am and golfers pay €70 for non members, €60 for members and only €50 for platinum members; this includes the stableford golf competition, buggies, lunch with ½ a bottle of wine and great prizes.
On top of all that, there will be craft stalls from 10am where you can get special gifts for loved ones! To book this great day out for a worthy cause you can call 282 000 111 or email. Find out more about golf in the Algarve with Meravista!
Carnaval time!!
It’s time to kick up your heels, let your hair down and get into the swing of the mighty Carnaval! Get your costumes and masks ready and have some fun!
On Friday 13th (yes, I know!) –the day before the official start – is when all the little ones parade through all the cities, towns and villages in their Carnaval finery. At 10 am in Loulé and Quarteira there will be hundreds of kids from local junior schools and kindergartens taking part.
Little painted faces will be strutting their stuff and having great fun, so pop out and give them a big hand.
On Saturday the 14th (Valentine’s Day of all days!) is the official start of the Carnaval and the Portuguese certainly know how to celebrate!
The biggest and oldest parade is held in Loulé, and is very much like the Rio Carnival. The parade will begin at 3pm and then the parties start. Get ready! Loule’s parades will be repeated on the 15th and 17th as well.
This year’s theme is: "Loulé, Cidade Europeia do Desporto e Capital da Tradição Carnavalesca" - Loulé, the European City of Sports and Capital of the Carnival Tradition. There’s a €2 charge to view the parade on the main Avenida. More information is available from Loulé Câmera.
But it’s not just Loulé that goes to town for Carnaval: every city, town and village throughout the Algarve will be holding parades, masquerades and dances on these days, so check it out with your local câmera or freguesia and see what’s happening.
On Monday the 16th starting at 9 pm is the Gala Ball, held in Nera which is situated in the industrial area of Loulé. The theme for the Ball is “Olympic Games and Ancient Greece”. You don’t have to dress for the theme but most people will. The ticket cost is €12 and can be bought at the door or in advance at Cine-Teatro Louletano, which is on the main Avenida José da Costa Mealha.
Don’t forget to check your local area to see if there are balls, dances or parties being held on this night.
On Shrove Tuesday – the 17th(Pancake Day for some!) the final parade will be going through Loulé, Quarteira and many other towns too. This is the last day of the actual Carnaval celebrations. However, it’s not over yet!
Ash Wednesday falls on the 18th February. Quarteira hosts the Enterro do Entrudo. which means 'Shrove-Tide' and is the Carnaval's symbic burial. It's very funny with lots of comedy and laughing, people actually parade along the streets doing ‘theatrical turns’ and playing pranks as they go on the streets, in shops and other public places. It’s all very light hearted and everyone has a good laugh.
It’s Ash Wednesday and the Carnaval is over and Lent has begun, so, in the evening, the coffin in which ‘the Carnaval’ lies, gets buried or burnt until next year. You may find this ceremony being performed throughout the Algarve!
Meanwhile there is going to be the 41st International Carnaval Sailing Regatta, which will find thousands of sailors competing at the Marina de Vilamoura. This is the 41st edition of the International Carnaval Sailing Regatta and will be held on the 14th, 15th and 16th of February. If in the unlikely event you get tired of parades, you might enjoy heading over to Vilamoura and seeing what it’s all about.
Now if you are coming to the Algarve from abroad for Carnaval you may want to take The Holiday Inn Algarve up on their special offer of enjoying a two day Carnival parade along the promenade of Armação de Pera (15th and 17th February). The cost is €92.00 per person for two nights’ accommodation including breakfast, Sunday dinner buffet with house wine, daily tea and biscuits plus sparkling wine in your room on arrival. Of course you may choose to stay longer so for enquiries either call + 351 282 320260 or check the hotel’s website.
Valentine’s Day Events
There are a lot of different kinds of celebrations on the 14th for Valentine’s Day this year (as well as the Carnaval).
O Jakaré bar and restaurant at Perna Seca are having another of their ‘Open Mic’ nights, where anybody can take to the stage and sing, play an instrument, recite a poem or entertain in any way they feel. The food and drinks are cheap and good, the company is friendly and it will all be followed by a great disco run by the incomparable Kev Mosley. For directions and booking contact Kev by email.
While crime rates are lower in the Algarve than in most other parts of Europe, it doesn’t hurt to be prepared. The ITF school of martial arts in Albufeira is starting a ladies ITF self defence chickboxing class on 14th February from 1 to 2 pm, and then every Saturday, open to women and girls over 14.
The school is affiliated to the International Tae Kwon-Do Federation and has been operating since October 2011. The Chief Instructor is Ian Donnelly, a 3rd Dan Black Belt who has practised, competed and coached martial arts since 1981.
Ian is fluent in English, Portuguese and Dutch so you will be in good hands. Contact Ian by email at or check their Facebook page.
The New Goldra Dog Sanctuary is busy again – this time with a fund raising Valentine’s Day Dinner & Dance! The venue is 84 Bistro and Wine bar in Almancil and the theme is red & white. The cost is €35 per person with €10 of this being donated to the sanctuary. Starting at 7.30pm there will be dinner followed by dancing to Rikki Ryan’s “Elvis” until late in the evening. Everyone is welcome, singles as well as couples. Email Sue Ward for tickets and information or call her on 964 848 400.
And here’s another one!
F.L.I.C. is a charity based in Messines and raises funds for local causes. They do not give cash: they identify the needs of the cause they’re supporting and once agreed, purchase items to fulfil those needs. F.L.I.C.’s latest fund raiser is their annual Valentine Dinner Dance which takes place on 14th February with a night of romantic music (supplied by local artists!) along with good food at the Amorosa Sociadade in Amorosa, Messines. The dinner consists of Couvert, Chicken from the bread oven and a dessert – all for €15 per person. Drinks can be ordered from the bar and are reasonably priced. Check the website for more info.
Taste Restaurant in Carvoeiro: live music, special and regular menu from 6.30pm. Call 282 358 092.
Boutique Hotel Vivenda Miranda in Lagos offers a romantic evening for €53 per person or an overnight stay including dinner and breakfast for €190 per person.
So the length and breadth of the Algarve is really well and truly covered for this magical time! We’d better start saving some dosh and prepare ourselves for some serious partying!
Theatre
On 6th and 7th of February the Portugal National Ballet will perform Swan Lake, featuring the Orquestra Clássica do Sul, at the Teatro das Figuras in Faro. Tickets are €20 for a 2 hour show plus interval.
Aperitivo’s spoof musical play Bi-Cycle is a funny take on Wagner’s Ring Cycle featuring popular songs from the 20s, and lots of mythical creatures including dwarves, Gods, Valkyries, Giants and more… Enjoy the show for just €8 or make it a dinner theatre night for only €18. Dinner at 7pm, show at 8.30pm. Choose from:
13th and 14th February at the Museum in São Bras
19th and 20th February at the Clube de Tavira or
21st February at Casa do Povo, Moncarapacho.
Sports News
Show Jumping in Vilamoura
The Vilamoura Atlantic Tour is back! The best of the show jumping world will be at Vilamoura for the 2015 Vilamoura Atlantic Tour, from the 17th of February to April 5th. Over a 6 week period, the elite of the equestrian world will take part in a range of competitions where the total prize money on offer is in the region of €825.000 and there are 21 Longines Ranking Competitions.
Organized by Alubox, the Vilamoura Tour equestrian events are becoming an integral part of the horse world calendar, and will be bringing hundreds of people of varied nationalities to the Algarve. Entrance is free for spectators at the Vilamoura Equestrian Centre. To find out more on the Alubox website.
Golf for all and all for golf
Golf is the ultimate sport of the Algarve so I thought I’d just mention some of what is going on for this month. Single stableford competitions are being held at:
This year sees the 41st edition of the Volta ao Algarve, with the dates now confirmed as the 18th to 22nd February. The best professional cyclists in the world will enjoy hot racing on the choice roads of the Algarve. Four days, four stages, starting in Lagos and ending in Vilamoura.
So go along and cheer on the Volta Algarve 2015 bike race tour and see the pro cyclists in action. Updates and info available on the 2015 Volta Algarve Facebook page.
Ending the month on a sweet note
Between the25th and 28th of February take yourself along to the Mercado Municipal in Loulé town centre to enjoy the Feira do Chocolate. For the third year running this chocolate extravaganza will be open between 9am and 7pm.
Featuring various displays of cakes, chocolates and other sweets, the chocolate artisans and local specialists will offer plenty to tempt your tastebuds... all keeping the chocolate theme.
As usual in the last three years, the Fair of Chocolate will be held in the Municipal Market of Loulé between 25 and 28 February from 9 to 19hrs. A single temptation with various displays of cakes, chocolates and other sweets ... all made of chocolate!
Remember I told you how the local Juntas (parish councils) put on all kinds of events for the villages and local residents to enjoy? Well I came across this little gem from my local Junta in Santa Barbara de Nexe.
Notice that they have Afternoon Dances twice a month? And the local village Carnaval information? Don’t forget to check out what is going on at your local Junta and in your village and join your local community for some fun!
So once again I’ve just touched the tip of the iceberg so to speak, as far as events are concerned - but there really is something for everyone. The Algarve is a super place to live with never a dull moment. Don’t you think so?
Things to do in the Algarve in February 2015
By Sun’s Dragon
Ongoing
Let’s take a look at some of the ongoing things for a moment. Many types of sports and cultural activities take place regularly across the Algarve. Here we share just a few with you.
Some examples are Art classes at 2pm on Mondays, Portuguese lessons on Thursdays at 10.30am, Tai Chi on Wednesdays at 6pm and Fridays at 12 noon, and a whole lot more.
If you become a friend of the Museum you get discount on all their activities too. This month, in addition to the regular activities, there is also a Jazz concert at 5pm on 21 February, entry is €10.
Bikes
Join the Algarve Bike Rides group for €5, by sending an email and get added to the mailing list. Details of meeting times and the start of each ride will be e-mailed to you in advance, it’s as simple as that. If you prefer you can phone 913 226 954 for more information or even go on their face book page.
Boats
Every day except for Monday, you can see how the ancient caravels were built and what was eaten on board in the days of old. The action takes place from 10am to 6pm at Casa Fogaça in Lagos. Access to Casa Fogaça is through the Municipal Market on Avenida and from Rua Dr. Faria e Silva. Tel: 282 780 060 for more information.
Every weekday replicas of the boats that sailed the Guadiana during the past 40 years are on display at the River Museum in Guerreiros do Rio, Alcoutim. Tel: 281 546 380.
And here’s another Faro museum event:
Every day until 30th August starting at 10am, there’s an exhibition commemorating the 125th anniversary of the arrival of the train to Faro. This is being held at the Municipal Museum, 14, Praça Afonso III, Faro. For more details call 289 870 870.
Song and Dance!
If joining the Friends of the Museum choir is not your bag, perhaps you’d like to sing your bags out with Karaoke? Every evening from 9.30 pm at Diamond’s bar in Albufeira. They even give out prizes! Call 289 542 952 for more info.
Scottish Dancing with or without previous experience – every Monday at 7.30 pm at the International School Algarve in Lagoa. Call 282 356 029 for details.
Have fun helping others
Join a group or sponsor a soup! Every Monday the International Christian Fellowship church at Portimão organises a meal for those who need one. Tel: 282 461 985 to lend a hand.
Take a hike!
Contact the Município de Tavira and join one of their organised cultural walks. each walk lasts approximately 90 minutes and includes a guide.
So there are some of the places and events that you can visit or participate in all the time... but what about events that are happening in February? No doubt there is something for everyone!
Have fun for a good cause
Kicking off on the 1st February is a wonderful dinner dance in aid of the orphans in Lagos. Starting at 7.30pm at Valentino’s restaurant with live entertainment from Wendy and Adam, you get a three course meal for €25.50.
Wear something bright, dance the night away, take part in the raffle and at the same time support these kids. Call 282 760 096 for bookings.
Another big charity event is taking place on 12th February. This time it’s in aid of the Cadela Carlota animal protection society in Lagos. They are holding a special golf day at the wonderful Boa Vista golf resort and spa.
Not only do you get to play golf but your guests can enjoy lunch with you for €20. Tee off is 8.30am and golfers pay €70 for non members, €60 for members and only €50 for platinum members; this includes the stableford golf competition, buggies, lunch with ½ a bottle of wine and great prizes.
On top of all that, there will be craft stalls from 10am where you can get special gifts for loved ones! To book this great day out for a worthy cause you can call 282 000 111 or email. Find out more about golf in the Algarve with Meravista!
Carnaval time!!
It’s time to kick up your heels, let your hair down and get into the swing of the mighty Carnaval! Get your costumes and masks ready and have some fun!
On Friday 13th (yes, I know!) –the day before the official start – is when all the little ones parade through all the cities, towns and villages in their Carnaval finery. At 10 am in Loulé and Quarteira there will be hundreds of kids from local junior schools and kindergartens taking part.
Little painted faces will be strutting their stuff and having great fun, so pop out and give them a big hand.
On Saturday the 14th (Valentine’s Day of all days!) is the official start of the Carnaval and the Portuguese certainly know how to celebrate!
The biggest and oldest parade is held in Loulé, and is very much like the Rio Carnival. The parade will begin at 3pm and then the parties start. Get ready! Loule’s parades will be repeated on the 15th and 17th as well.
This year’s theme is: "Loulé, Cidade Europeia do Desporto e Capital da Tradição Carnavalesca" - Loulé, the European City of Sports and Capital of the Carnival Tradition. There’s a €2 charge to view the parade on the main Avenida. More information is available from Loulé Câmera.
But it’s not just Loulé that goes to town for Carnaval: every city, town and village throughout the Algarve will be holding parades, masquerades and dances on these days, so check it out with your local câmera or freguesia and see what’s happening.
On Monday the 16th starting at 9 pm is the Gala Ball, held in Nera which is situated in the industrial area of Loulé. The theme for the Ball is “Olympic Games and Ancient Greece”. You don’t have to dress for the theme but most people will. The ticket cost is €12 and can be bought at the door or in advance at Cine-Teatro Louletano, which is on the main Avenida José da Costa Mealha.
Don’t forget to check your local area to see if there are balls, dances or parties being held on this night.
On Shrove Tuesday – the 17th (Pancake Day for some!) the final parade will be going through Loulé, Quarteira and many other towns too. This is the last day of the actual Carnaval celebrations. However, it’s not over yet!
It’s Ash Wednesday and the Carnaval is over and Lent has begun, so, in the evening, the coffin in which ‘the Carnaval’ lies, gets buried or burnt until next year. You may find this ceremony being performed throughout the Algarve!
Now if you are coming to the Algarve from abroad for Carnaval you may want to take The Holiday Inn Algarve up on their special offer of enjoying a two day Carnival parade along the promenade of Armação de Pera (15th and 17th February). The cost is €92.00 per person for two nights’ accommodation including breakfast, Sunday dinner buffet with house wine, daily tea and biscuits plus sparkling wine in your room on arrival. Of course you may choose to stay longer so for enquiries either call + 351 282 320260 or check the hotel’s website.
Valentine’s Day Events
There are a lot of different kinds of celebrations on the 14th for Valentine’s Day this year (as well as the Carnaval).
O Jakaré bar and restaurant at Perna Seca are having another of their ‘Open Mic’ nights, where anybody can take to the stage and sing, play an instrument, recite a poem or entertain in any way they feel. The food and drinks are cheap and good, the company is friendly and it will all be followed by a great disco run by the incomparable Kev Mosley. For directions and booking contact Kev by email.
The school is affiliated to the International Tae Kwon-Do Federation and has been operating since October 2011. The Chief Instructor is Ian Donnelly, a 3rd Dan Black Belt who has practised, competed and coached martial arts since 1981.
Ian is fluent in English, Portuguese and Dutch so you will be in good hands. Contact Ian by email at or check their Facebook page.
And here’s another one!
Al Quimia restaurant at the Epic Sana hotel in Olhos D’Agua: €65 per person.
Taste Restaurant in Carvoeiro: live music, special and regular menu from 6.30pm. Call 282 358 092.
Boutique Hotel Vivenda Miranda in Lagos offers a romantic evening for €53 per person or an overnight stay including dinner and breakfast for €190 per person.
So the length and breadth of the Algarve is really well and truly covered for this magical time! We’d better start saving some dosh and prepare ourselves for some serious partying!
Theatre
On 6th and 7th of February the Portugal National Ballet will perform Swan Lake, featuring the Orquestra Clássica do Sul, at the Teatro das Figuras in Faro. Tickets are €20 for a 2 hour show plus interval.
Aperitivo’s spoof musical play Bi-Cycle is a funny take on Wagner’s Ring Cycle featuring popular songs from the 20s, and lots of mythical creatures including dwarves, Gods, Valkyries, Giants and more… Enjoy the show for just €8 or make it a dinner theatre night for only €18. Dinner at 7pm, show at 8.30pm. Choose from:
13th and 14th February at the Museum in São Bras
19th and 20th February at the Clube de Tavira or
21st February at Casa do Povo, Moncarapacho.
Sports News
Show Jumping in Vilamoura
The Vilamoura Atlantic Tour is back! The best of the show jumping world will be at Vilamoura for the 2015 Vilamoura Atlantic Tour, from the 17th of February to April 5th. Over a 6 week period, the elite of the equestrian world will take part in a range of competitions where the total prize money on offer is in the region of €825.000 and there are 21 Longines Ranking Competitions.
Organized by Alubox, the Vilamoura Tour equestrian events are becoming an integral part of the horse world calendar, and will be bringing hundreds of people of varied nationalities to the Algarve. Entrance is free for spectators at the Vilamoura Equestrian Centre. To find out more on the Alubox website.
Golf for all and all for golf
Golf is the ultimate sport of the Algarve so I thought I’d just mention some of what is going on for this month. Single stableford competitions are being held at:
Pinheiros Altos on 7th February
Oceanico Pinhal on 21st February
Vale do Lobo Ocean on 28th February
For more information on these and other competitions visit the Algarve Golf Society website.
More Bikes!
This year sees the 41st edition of the Volta ao Algarve, with the dates now confirmed as the 18th to 22nd February. The best professional cyclists in the world will enjoy hot racing on the choice roads of the Algarve. Four days, four stages, starting in Lagos and ending in Vilamoura.
So go along and cheer on the Volta Algarve 2015 bike race tour and see the pro cyclists in action. Updates and info available on the 2015 Volta Algarve Facebook page.
Ending the month on a sweet note
Between the25th and 28th of February take yourself along to the Mercado Municipal in Loulé town centre to enjoy the Feira do Chocolate. For the third year running this chocolate extravaganza will be open between 9am and 7pm.
Featuring various displays of cakes, chocolates and other sweets, the chocolate artisans and local specialists will offer plenty to tempt your tastebuds... all keeping the chocolate theme.
As usual in the last three years, the Fair of Chocolate will be held in the Municipal Market of Loulé between 25 and 28 February from 9 to 19hrs. A single temptation with various displays of cakes, chocolates and other sweets ... all made of chocolate!
Remember I told you how the local Juntas (parish councils) put on all kinds of events for the villages and local residents to enjoy? Well I came across this little gem from my local Junta in Santa Barbara de Nexe.
Notice that they have Afternoon Dances twice a month? And the local village Carnaval information? Don’t forget to check out what is going on at your local Junta and in your village and join your local community for some fun!
So once again I’ve just touched the tip of the iceberg so to speak, as far as events are concerned - but there really is something for everyone. The Algarve is a super place to live with never a dull moment. Don’t you think so?
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