Let’s explore another beach on Albufeira’s vast coastline and, this week, we’ll tell you about Praia do Evaristo.
This is a small rocky beach, nestled between low, aesthetically indented cliffs.
Huge rocky blocks covered in algae disperse along the tide line and the immersed area, permeating the air with salt spray. The hot and dry sand is surrounded by vegetation, especially stone pine, mastic and huge cigarette holders. Closer to the sand, barrelha, a plant resistant to salsuge, dominates.
It is possible to take walks along the top of the cliff, observing the curious landscapes generated by these rock formations, intensely sculpted by the elements. In the water, it is recommended to take a walk with masks and fins around the rocky blocks, where you can observe the region’s marine life, from the animals characteristic of the intertidal environment (barnacles, mussels, limpets and anemones) that are visible on the rocky walls, to the schools of sea bream, bream or kingfish, which swim around the rocks.
Excited to come and discover this inviting beach? Stay in a Gabi MIguel villa and enjoy wonderful moments in the Algarve.
Superstition says that whoever wears blue underwear on New Year’s Eve will have luck and harmony in the next 12 months. Will it really be true? The colours of the rainbow have long been associated with specific plans in life, such as love. In fact, there are those who believe that they carry the power of manifestation within them. Here are the colours you should wear on New Year’s Eve to achieve your dreams, according to colour experts.
Gold and silver
We start with the tone of gold and silver, precious metals. Gold represents wealth and prosperity, as you would expect, and allows us to think about life from a broader, more open-minded perspective. Silver, in addition to financial success, is associated with motivation and willpower. It guarantees us clarity, which is necessary to make the right decisions in order to improve our living conditions. It is a symbol of personal and emotional transformation.
Red
Red is the colour of passion, desire and love. It is the ideal colour for putting plans into motion, not only when it comes to matters of the heart, as we feel determined and powerful. In certain Eastern cultures, it is also associated with good luck.
Green
Green, especially emerald tones, is associated with hope, vitality and growth. It is the colour of nature but also of money, commonly associated with dollar bills. There are those who even claim that it helps overcome a broken heart, thanks to its positive energy.
Blue
Blue is known for its good vibes. It is the favourite colour of those looking to advance in terms of their career, as it gives a boost of confidence and well-being in life. Its calming properties help control and reduce stress.
Pink
On the last night of the year, pink will be a great ally, although not as powerful as red. It can give a boost to those who are still single, if they have their eyes set on someone, and even improve the romantic vibes of those who are committed. It is also a great omen for improving friendship relationships.
Purple
We also have purple, associated with the colour of royalty and even spirituality. It contributes to increasing inner power, making it the perfect choice for those looking to focus their energy on themselves in the coming months and embrace their spirituality. It is also associated with wisdom.
White
This is a colour that doesn’t need many words to evoke its meaning. It is traditionally linked to purity and new beginnings, but also to peace and tranquillity. There’s no way to fail with a white outfit on the last night of 2022.
Black
Like purple, black symbolizes power, self-control and organization. It is one of the most classic colours to wear on New Year’s Eve, it symbolizes determination and strength.
Christmas is always a big event, the perfect time to have family and friends at home and offer them a banquet to celebrate and create memories.
As with all big parties, it demands planning and time to please the ones you love and to create the perfect atmosphere. You cook a variety of foods thinking about everyone’s desires and, in the end, you always find yourself with a lot of leftovers but, don’t worry, Gabi is here to help you.
In this link, you will find tips to reinvent and give new life to yesterday’s leftovers so the Christmas spirit may go on and, if you are looking for the next perfect place for a family reunion, remember, we are here for you
Christmas season is here, Santa is setting the last details before delivering the gifts, and the streets are full of lights. That magical and heartwarming atmosphere is in the air, and you? Already started decorating your Christmas tree?
In this link, you will find some tips to improve your tree decoration and make your celebration even more magical.
Don’t be shy. Embrace the Christmas spirit and enjoy this magical season with the ones you love the most and, don’t forget, if you are looking for an exquisite present for all the family, book one of our villas and make next year’s summer season as magical as Christmas.
Looking for a recipe for a typical Portuguese celebration? So take a look at the Pingo Doce website and find the recipe that suits you best. And if you want to experience Portuguese Christmas first-hand, book with us.
Parish: Lagoa and Carvoeiro Municipality: Lagoa Location: coastal strip between Praia da Marinha and Vale Centeanes. Access: leaving Faro: take the A22 (Via do Infante) to Lagoa, then head towards the beaches towards Praia da Marinha. Type: pedestrian Circular route: no Distance: 6 km (12 km round trip) Average duration: 3 hours (6 hours round trip). Accumulated climb: 360 meters D+ (start at Praia da Marinha), 370 meters D+ (start at Praia de Vale Centeanes). Type of path: dirt paths and somewhat rocky. When to visit: all year round, except very rainy and/or windy days. Approved: yes Signposted: yes and with information panels. Points of interest: karst landscape, including arches, sinkholes, shallows and hanging valleys; flora and fauna of the coastal cliffs; cultural heritage. Owners: public paths. Responsible entity: Lagoa City Council.
Observations: the cliffs on this coastline are unstable, so you should keep a safe distance from their edge (crest).
First, the sea and the famous beaches, the many shades of rocks and cliffs. Here, life has the rhythm of tourist metropolises, where bodies that tan during the day move when the sun sets, in the restaurants, bars and clubs that light up the night. A few kilometres inland and everything changes. Almond trees, fig-trees, pine trees and orange trees dot the landscape with greenery. The tracery of the chimneys stands out against the ocher red of the roofs. Bucolic villages invite you to discover a daily life made of nature and tranquillity. So that the holidays have a total dimension. Sky, sea, soft golden sand. Then, an ocher cliff crowned by the sparkling white of the houses. Perspective of Albufeira, which remains in the memory of those who visit it.
How to get to Albufeira
Car The most used access is the A2, which crosses the centre south of Portugal. To travel along the coast, the N120 is the main north-south axis and connects to the A22 in Lagos, continuing from there to Albufeira. If travelling along the border with Spain, the IC27 to Castro Marim and the A22 complete the route to Albufeira.
Bus Departing from Lisbon (Sete Rios or Av. Liberdade), there are several bus operators, such as Rede Expresso, RenEx, Flixbus, ALSA and others, which provide transport to Albufeira. “O Giro – Transportes Urbanos de Albufeira” is ideal for travelling within the city.
Train Albufeira station is about 10km from the city centre, in Ferreiras; the only transport options to the centre of Albufeira are taxis (e.g. Freenow), or rent-a-car (e.g. Europcar).
Plane Faro International Airport is the closest air connection (about 35kms, 50 minutes, by car).
Useful contacts
General
Albufeira City Council Municipal Street 8201-863 Albufeira T. +351 289 599 500 geral@cm-albufeira.pt
Security
Civil Protection Rua das Escolas – Caliços 8200-126 Albufeira T. +351 289 599 503/694 / +351 808 202 274 protecao.civil@cm-albufeira.pt
GNR – Albufeira Territorial Post Vale Pedras – T. +351 289 590 790 Av. 25 de Abril, Old Town – T. +351 289 583 310 Olhos de Água – T. +351 289 501 478 Paderne – T. +351 289 367 115
Maritime Police – Deleg.Marít. from Albufeira R. Sacadura Cabral 8200, 8200-176 Albufeira T. +351 289 079 001 /+351 289 514 255 / +351 916 613 540 (picket) dgam@amn.pt
Maritime Search and Rescue Center T. 214 401 919
Tourism
Municipal Post 1 Santa Eulália Road Areias S. João 8200-269 Albufeira, T. +351 289 515 973, post.turismo@cm-albufeira.pt
Municipal Post 2 EN 395 – entrance to the city 8200-109 Albufeira T. +351 289 599 502 post.turismo2@cm-albufeira
Algarve Regional Tourism Authority Post 5th of October Street 8200-000 Albufeira T. +351 289 585 279 turismo.albufeira@turismodoalgarve.pt
Health
Health Center SUB – Basic Emergency Services Alto dos Caliços Urbanization, 8200-200 Albufeira T. +351 289 598 400 / +351 289 588 770 usfalbufeira@acescentral.min-saude.pt
Shopping Pharmacy (open until 11pm) Algarve Shopping, Store 0.162, Floor 0 8200-417 – Tavagueira – Guide -Albufeira T. +351 289 561 776 / +351 912 070 534 orders@farmacidoshopping.com
Looking for a place to know in 2024? Then download this guide for Albufeira Council and fall in love with this charming and inviting place in the heart of the Algarve.
And, if you want a place to stay in Albufeira, stay with us.
The Ria Formosa Natural Park (PNRF) extends along 60 km of the Algarve coast, from the Ancão Peninsula to Manta Rota and occupies around 18,400 ha, spread across the municipalities of Loulé, Faro, Olhão, Tavira and Vila Real de Santo António.
Most of this area (11,000 ha) corresponds to the Ria Formosa lagoon system, a string of islands and sandy peninsulas that extends more or less parallel to the coast, protecting a lagoon where a labyrinth of channels develops – uncovered at tide. low – salt marshes, mudflat areas, islets, salt marshes and freshwater inlet areas (mouths of the watercourses that flow into it, such as the Gilão River and the Almargem, Cacela and São Lourenço streams).
Part of the lagoon system is always submerged while another part emerges during low tide. The average depth of the lagoon is 2 meters.
The PNRF also has a continental land strip (7000 ha), made up mainly of urban settlements, pine forests and agricultural areas.
The entire area is part of a region with a Mediterranean climate, with light and irregular rainfall, mild temperatures and high sunshine.
Various peoples have sought out the Algarve coast or have settled here since the Paleolithic period – Conians, Romans, Visigoths and Arabs. This Man-Nature relationship, when balanced, can produce landscapes of great beauty combined with sustainable economic activities, as is the case of the village and promontory of Cacela Velha, the salt flats in the Ria Formosa salt marshes or the rainfed orchard on the continental strip.
However, when this fragile balance is broken, the wounds in the landscape are evident and the impacts on natural and cultural heritage are quite negative. This is what happened from the 1960s onwards with the growth of tourism in the Algarve, which took place in a disorderly manner, with the entire coastal strip being built and degraded inexorably.
The creation of the Ria Formosa Natural Reserve in 1978 (Dec. no. 45/78, of May 2) aimed precisely to protect the lagoon area from urban and tourist growth, given its great ecological, scientific, economic and social, as well as defending the surrounding good agricultural soils from other uses.
In 1987 it was reclassified as a Natural Park (DL no. 373/87, of December 9), as it was recognized that almost the entire area was subject to exploitation of its natural resources and was partially humanized, which does not fit the status. “nature reserve”.
The purposes of creating the Ria Formosa Natural Park were:
» The preservation and defence of the lagoon system; » The protection of fauna and flora and their respective habitats; » The orderly use of the territory and its natural resources in order to ensure their continuity; » The promotion of economic activities compatible with the rational use of natural resources; » The ordering and discipline of recreational activities, in order to avoid the degradation of the natural, semi-natural and landscape, aesthetic and cultural elements of the region.
More than 40 years after the national classification of the area, other international protection statuses were added, the most relevant being the Wetland of International Importance granted in 1981 by the Ramsar Convention and its integration into the European nature conservation network. , Natura 2000 Network, as a Special Protection Zone for wild birds (DL no. 384-B/99, of September 23) and Special Conservation Zone (DR no. 1/2020 of March 16), as a habitat natural flora and fauna.
Are you curious about this? So take a look at your map and next time you come to the Algarve, pay it a visit, and if you need accommodation, book one of our properties.
Algarve tourism isn’t just about the sun and beaches these days! Golf is played and infrastructures associated with MI (Meeting Industry) emerge. Go on an adventure in search of outdoor activities, whether at sea – in underwater tourism activities, or in the Ria Formosa – with tours and bird watching.
In Barrocal, or in the mountains, the offer associated with Cycling & Walking proliferates! Cultural programs are being promoted throughout the year and there is more talk than ever about the binomial gastronomy and wine which, under the umbrella of the Mediterranean Diet, drives economic development throughout the entire production process. Traditional gastronomy goes hand in hand with gastronomic acculturation, typical of successful tourist regions.
Special emphasis on the innovation and use of indigenous products in the gourmet version, which gives rise to the recognition of the current 10 Michelin stars that distinguish the Algarve. Such is the diversity of the offer, that we easily find suggestions for gastronomic and wine itineraries. Wine tourism days are promoted and enogastronomy is approached as an art of combining food and wine, on the path to complete satisfaction. The experts’ suggestions are valuable, just as the group opinions that proliferate on social networks and mobile applications based on artificial intelligence are valuable. Just like tourism, Algarve wine is now a famous secret!
This edition of the Algarve Wine Guide is an initiative of the Algarve Tourism Region, with the specialized contribution of the Algarve Hotel and Tourism School and the Algarve Wine Commission, in the relationship with economic agents. It arises within the scope of the Algarve Cooking Vacations project, whose objective is to affirm the Algarve as a destination of excellence for learning programs in culinary and winemaking, through the creation of tourist routes for this purpose.
The guide gains special relevance at a time when wine production in the region is experiencing a real quantitative and qualitative rise. The most recent information shows that wine production in the Algarve has grown by more than 50%, well above the national average.
Let’s say that this new investment in the Algarve wine region is approaching its maturity and is now preparing for a new challenge – the investment in wine tourism, in its true rise of the word, assisted by the improvement of access, reception and installation infrastructure adequate signage.
Innovative ideas emerge, such as the invitation to create your own wine, personalization of labels, and the invitation to adopt a vineyard or beauty treatments based on grape and wine derivatives. Let us combine the quality of the “wine” product with the quality of the service offering and we will have the formula for success.
Given the typicality that soil and climatic conditions confer on wines, there are four Designations of Origin in the Algarve: Lagoa, Lagos, Portimão and Tavira. However, most producers currently choose to certify a large part of their references as regional wine. The Algarve Geographical Indication Wine is produced throughout the region, so it makes sense that producers and their wines are presented here by municipalities.
Honour is due to the Algarve Tourism Region and its partners, for the initiative to update information about the Algarve wine panorama. Whether for the less attentive, or other connoisseurs, here is an invitation to taste the whims of Baco, in the South of Portugal.
Manuel Serra Technical Area Coordinator at the School of Hotel and Tourism in the Algarve
