Gosh what a busy weekend we’re going to have at the start of October!
Kicking off the month
Are you an ornithologist, bird lover, twitcher or birder? If you are then you’re in for a good time in Sagres from 2nd to 5th October, when the biggest bird festival is on. Apparently, this year the Subalpine Warbler is the bird to watch out for along with the storks, eagles, vultures and hawks, soaring in the skies above. It appears that Sagres is one of the best bird watching places in Europe and this is the best time of all to be there.
For information about the tours, the workshops and the special deals available visit this website
Thank you Portugal
Here’s a chance for expats to show the people of Portugal how much they appreciate their warmth and hospitality. In Sítio das Fontes near Estômbar in Lagoa on the 4th and 5th October, the beautiful Obrigado Portugal Festival 2014 will be celebrating cultural exchange.
Sitio das Fontes is a magical place and this is where schools, families and friends of different nationalities pay tribute to their host country. With singing, dancing, music and games as well as food, drinks and handicrafts from different parts of the world; this is a fabulous place to be. Everybody is welcome! From 3pm until midnight and with free entrance, all that is asked of you is to enjoy all that’s on offer. To find out more visit the Obrigado Portugal website
The BliP Exhibition
Also on the 4th and 5th October is the annual Better Living in Portugal Exhibition; held at the Portimão Arena on the bank of the Arade estuary at Parque de Feiras e Exposições de Portimão. This is where you can find all the latest and best that is on offer in the Algarve; everything from insurance to wine tasting, it will all be there. Saturday it’s open from 10am to 6pm and on Sunday 11am to 5pm. Entrance is free and so is the ample car parking; map co-ordinates for the arena are: 37.149098, -8.534344.
The Algarve branch of the Royal British Legion is hosting a Garden Party and will be serving tea time refreshments on Saturday 4th October, to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the First World War.
The event will feature the Choir of Luz da Tavira, The Angels Choir, The Salvation Army Band, Songs from the First World War, Fire Display, Rendering of the Last Post and Readings from Verses of the First World War, to help bring back some long lost memories. So if you’re looking for some nostalgia and want to support the RBL, pop along to the Estoi Palace at 3pm and cough up €15 for that trip down memory lane.
Thecontact for the Garden Party is Maxine on 917 267 948.
Pedal pushers
You’ve gotta be super fit for this next event. The annual MIBA National Championship bike rides are being held on 5th October in São Bartolomeu de Messines, Silves. With three different marathons involved, 25km or a 50km or an excruciating 85km bike ride through the mountains of São Bartolomeu de Messines, I promise you, your stamina will be severely tested. Contact 961 149 476 or visit the website
Some light hearted comedy
Blind Faith is a light-hearted and fun show based on the life of the Apostle Paul. No preaching involved, just a comical musical about the life and times of this fascinating man. The entertainment is provided by professionals - from the London stage, performing to West End standards.
The show runs from the 7th to 12th October at the Auditorium in Lagoa. Buy your tickets online by visiting the Stage Priority website or call 214 160 350 (10 am to 7.00 pm).
Now for something a little more Portuguese
The annual market, Feira de Guia, will be taking place on the 8th October. Urban legend has it that the Virgin Mary appeared in Guia many years ago and the pilgrimage to the holy sighting is thought to be the origin of this fair. There’ll be plenty of market stalls with a variety of wares on offer and don’t forget that Guia is the home town of the renowned Chicken Piri Piri; I’m sure there will be plenty of that iconic Portuguese dish available. Music and dancing will be there too, so be prepared for a good time.
Talking of music, Gonçalo Pescada, the renowned Portuguese accordionist, will be appearing at the Teatro das Figuras in Faro on 9th October. Starting at 6pm, he will be playing the accordion for an hour.
Tickets cost €5 and for bookings you can call 289 888 110 or email: [email protected]
Golf, glorious golf
The biggest golf tournament of the year for Portugal is playing this month. Yes, The Masters is back! From the 9th to the 12th October, some of the best golfers in the world will be on the Victoria golf course in Vilamoura for this leg of the European Tour. The question is – will David Lynn win again and become the first golfer to win this prestigious tournament for two consecutive years? With more than 35,000 spectators expected, get ready for some hot times in this fabulous tourist area. Meravista will be watching the event and we will keep you posted on our Facebook page and right here on our blog.
Ticket costs are €20 per day per adult (under 16’s go free when accompanied by an adult). €50 per adult for all four days and if you’re over 60 the cost is €15 per day.
Now here’s a different kind of game to enjoy. On the 11th October and 12th October, the Partridge Fair at Martim Longo will be taking place. This is hunting time and there will be demonstrations of archery and falconry as well as a gun dog show. Of course there will be stalls filled with local handicrafts, food and drinks too and, being the Algarve, there’s bound to be music everywhere. This is the time of the year where the restaurants will be offering fresh game on their menus.
281 540 500 is the number to call for more information.
As a child, I played in the woods, Tarzan and Cowboys and Indians were our favorite games; very suitable for a tomboy! How I wish we could have had the opportunity to go to the Parque Aventura in Albufeira(Santa Eulália). There they have a tree top assault course!
There are three levels: starting from the age of four you can learn how to swing from tree to tree and there’s a series of games and trails to conquer including zip lines, rope bridges, ascenders, paintballing and even skateboarding – it’s a magical place and the whole family can join in at their own skill levels. You’re totally independent as you follow your chosen trail, but a qualified team of helpers are always there to assist you - bliss.
Prices: Level 1 is €10. Level 2 is €13 and Level 3 is €16. Paintballing is €18.
Prices include tuition and insurance and three hours of activities.
The Adventure Park is open until 15th November from 2pm to 6pm during the week and from 10am to 6pm at weekends.
From the 17th to the 19th October is the Algarve Classic Festival at the International Autodromo in Mexilhoeira Grande, Portimaó. The sixth Algarve Classic Festival (ACF) is already referred to within Europe as one of the largest events of its kind. U2TC and classic endurance racing events are also included this year. All in all there will be eighteen races round the circuit.
For tickets and info email [email protected] or call 282 405 642.
Or to find out more click here
Give a dog a home
The friends of New Goldra are hosting a super lunch for this very worthy charity. It’s on the 18th October at Chez Malice restaurant in Quinta das Raposeiras, near São Brás, in the hills above Faro. The three course lunch includes a bottle of wine for two and costs €20 a head.
So have some fun, eat your fill and help the sanctuary at the same time.
Feira de Santa Iria is taking place from 17th to 26th October. Dating back to the 1500s, this huge fun fair in Faro with its Ferris Wheel and all the other attractions one finds at a fun fair, will provide lots of pleasure for all ages. It includes a large food court, local arts and crafts stalls, wine, cheese and presunto from all over the region. Of course, like all traditional fairs there’ll also be lots of candy floss on sticks and sweeties galore.
The fair, in the old town, takes over the huge car park but, don’t worry, the council is providing free parking in the three story car park next door.
Timings are:
Monday to Thursday from 4pm to Midnight
Friday from 4pm to 1am
Saturdays from 2pm to 1am
Sundays from 2pm to Midnight
There are two more Fairs in this busy month so call the respective Junta’s for details
Alfambras Fair - 1st Saturday in October
Monchique Annual Fair - last weekend October
Sweet Potato Festival
This year the Sweet Potato Festival takes place from the 28th to 30th November in the Espaço Multiusos (Multipurpose Facility) in Aljezur and celebrates this delicious vegetable with samplings and cooking demonstrations. A wide variety of local handicrafts, fresh seafood, cakes, bread and beverages will also be on offer and traditional Portuguese tractors will be on display too. Take the family and enjoy the fruits of the Algarve’s western coast.
Last but not least
Don’t miss your last chance to see this year’s FIESA - Sand Festival in Pera. These huge sculptures provide a fun day out. It’s been going all summer but will close on the 25th October. If you haven’t been yet, take this opportunity to enjoy these giant sculptures of musical giants (pun intended). Get in while you can!
So, there you have it, the tip of the iceberg as far as events in the Algarve goes, but what a lot of choice we have; sports, exhibitions, fairs and festivals, as well as plenty of relaxed occasions. I must say that living in the Algarve keeps me on my toes and busy, busy! How about you?
Brought to you by Meravista – the place where smart people search for Algarve property for sale.
Things to do in the Algarve in October 2014
by Sun’s Dragon
Gosh what a busy weekend we’re going to have at the start of October!
Kicking off the month
Are you an ornithologist, bird lover, twitcher or birder? If you are then you’re in for a good time in Sagres from 2nd to 5th October, when the biggest bird festival is on. Apparently, this year the Subalpine Warbler is the bird to watch out for along with the storks, eagles, vultures and hawks, soaring in the skies above. It appears that Sagres is one of the best bird watching places in Europe and this is the best time of all to be there.
For information about the tours, the workshops and the special deals available visit this website
Thank you Portugal
Here’s a chance for expats to show the people of Portugal how much they appreciate their warmth and hospitality. In Sítio das Fontes near Estômbar in Lagoa on the 4th and 5th October, the beautiful Obrigado Portugal Festival 2014 will be celebrating cultural exchange.
Sitio das Fontes is a magical place and this is where schools, families and friends of different nationalities pay tribute to their host country. With singing, dancing, music and games as well as food, drinks and handicrafts from different parts of the world; this is a fabulous place to be. Everybody is welcome! From 3pm until midnight and with free entrance, all that is asked of you is to enjoy all that’s on offer. To find out more visit the Obrigado Portugal website
The BliP Exhibition
Also on the 4th and 5th October is the annual Better Living in Portugal Exhibition; held at the Portimão Arena on the bank of the Arade estuary at Parque de Feiras e Exposições de Portimão. This is where you can find all the latest and best that is on offer in the Algarve; everything from insurance to wine tasting, it will all be there. Saturday it’s open from 10am to 6pm and on Sunday 11am to 5pm. Entrance is free and so is the ample car parking; map co-ordinates for the arena are: 37.149098, -8.534344.
To find out more visit the official website
The Algarve branch of the Royal British Legion is hosting a Garden Party and will be serving tea time refreshments on Saturday 4th October, to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the First World War.
The contact for the Garden Party is Maxine on 917 267 948.
Pedal pushers
You’ve gotta be super fit for this next event. The annual MIBA National Championship bike rides are being held on 5th October in São Bartolomeu de Messines, Silves. With three different marathons involved, 25km or a 50km or an excruciating 85km bike ride through the mountains of São Bartolomeu de Messines, I promise you, your stamina will be severely tested. Contact 961 149 476 or visit the website
Some light hearted comedy
Blind Faith is a light-hearted and fun show based on the life of the Apostle Paul. No preaching involved, just a comical musical about the life and times of this fascinating man. The entertainment is provided by professionals - from the London stage, performing to West End standards.
The show runs from the 7th to 12th October at the Auditorium in Lagoa. Buy your tickets online by visiting the Stage Priority website or call 214 160 350 (10 am to 7.00 pm).
Now for something a little more Portuguese
The annual market, Feira de Guia, will be taking place on the 8th October. Urban legend has it that the Virgin Mary appeared in Guia many years ago and the pilgrimage to the holy sighting is thought to be the origin of this fair. There’ll be plenty of market stalls with a variety of wares on offer and don’t forget that Guia is the home town of the renowned Chicken Piri Piri; I’m sure there will be plenty of that iconic Portuguese dish available. Music and dancing will be there too, so be prepared for a good time.
Talking of music, Gonçalo Pescada, the renowned Portuguese accordionist, will be appearing at the Teatro das Figuras in Faro on 9th October. Starting at 6pm, he will be playing the accordion for an hour.
Tickets cost €5 and for bookings you can call 289 888 110 or email: [email protected]
Golf, glorious golf
The biggest golf tournament of the year for Portugal is playing this month. Yes, The Masters is back! From the 9th to the 12th October, some of the best golfers in the world will be on the Victoria golf course in Vilamoura for this leg of the European Tour. The question is – will David Lynn win again and become the first golfer to win this prestigious tournament for two consecutive years? With more than 35,000 spectators expected, get ready for some hot times in this fabulous tourist area. Meravista will be watching the event and we will keep you posted on our Facebook page and right here on our blog.
Ticket costs are €20 per day per adult (under 16’s go free when accompanied by an adult). €50 per adult for all four days and if you’re over 60 the cost is €15 per day.
For more information about the tournament visit the European Tour website
Now here’s a different kind of game to enjoy. On the 11th October and 12th October, the Partridge Fair at Martim Longo will be taking place. This is hunting time and there will be demonstrations of archery and falconry as well as a gun dog show. Of course there will be stalls filled with local handicrafts, food and drinks too and, being the Algarve, there’s bound to be music everywhere. This is the time of the year where the restaurants will be offering fresh game on their menus.
281 540 500 is the number to call for more information.
As a child, I played in the woods, Tarzan and Cowboys and Indians were our favorite games; very suitable for a tomboy! How I wish we could have had the opportunity to go to the Parque Aventura in Albufeira (Santa Eulália). There they have a tree top assault course!
There are three levels: starting from the age of four you can learn how to swing from tree to tree and there’s a series of games and trails to conquer including zip lines, rope bridges, ascenders, paintballing and even skateboarding – it’s a magical place and the whole family can join in at their own skill levels. You’re totally independent as you follow your chosen trail, but a qualified team of helpers are always there to assist you - bliss.
Prices: Level 1 is €10. Level 2 is €13 and Level 3 is €16. Paintballing is €18.
Prices include tuition and insurance and three hours of activities.
The Adventure Park is open until 15th November from 2pm to 6pm during the week and from 10am to 6pm at weekends.
To find out more go to the Parque’s website. Or email [email protected], or call 913 185 782.
Speed!
From the 17th to the 19th October is the Algarve Classic Festival at the International Autodromo in Mexilhoeira Grande, Portimaó. The sixth Algarve Classic Festival (ACF) is already referred to within Europe as one of the largest events of its kind. U2TC and classic endurance racing events are also included this year. All in all there will be eighteen races round the circuit.
For tickets and info email [email protected] or call 282 405 642.
Or to find out more click here
The friends of New Goldra are hosting a super lunch for this very worthy charity. It’s on the 18th October at Chez Malice restaurant in Quinta das Raposeiras, near São Brás, in the hills above Faro. The three course lunch includes a bottle of wine for two and costs €20 a head.
So have some fun, eat your fill and help the sanctuary at the same time.
For more information and booking contact [email protected]
or [email protected]
All the fun of the fair
Feira de Santa Iria is taking place from 17th to 26th October. Dating back to the 1500s, this huge fun fair in Faro with its Ferris Wheel and all the other attractions one finds at a fun fair, will provide lots of pleasure for all ages. It includes a large food court, local arts and crafts stalls, wine, cheese and presunto from all over the region. Of course, like all traditional fairs there’ll also be lots of candy floss on sticks and sweeties galore.
The fair, in the old town, takes over the huge car park but, don’t worry, the council is providing free parking in the three story car park next door.
Timings are:
Monday to Thursday from 4pm to Midnight
Friday from 4pm to 1am
Saturdays from 2pm to 1am
Sundays from 2pm to Midnight
There are two more Fairs in this busy month so call the respective Junta’s for details
Sweet Potato Festival
This year the Sweet Potato Festival takes place from the 28th to 30th November in the Espaço Multiusos (Multipurpose Facility) in Aljezur and celebrates this delicious vegetable with samplings and cooking demonstrations. A wide variety of local handicrafts, fresh seafood, cakes, bread and beverages will also be on offer and traditional Portuguese tractors will be on display too. Take the family and enjoy the fruits of the Algarve’s western coast.
Last but not least
Don’t miss your last chance to see this year’s FIESA - Sand Festival in Pera. These huge sculptures provide a fun day out. It’s been going all summer but will close on the 25th October. If you haven’t been yet, take this opportunity to enjoy these giant sculptures of musical giants (pun intended). Get in while you can!
So, there you have it, the tip of the iceberg as far as events in the Algarve goes, but what a lot of choice we have; sports, exhibitions, fairs and festivals, as well as plenty of relaxed occasions. I must say that living in the Algarve keeps me on my toes and busy, busy! How about you?
Brought to you by Meravista – the place where smart people search for Algarve property for sale.