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Hello,

Today I started the day slowly. I woke up without rushing, let the children play in the morning and tidied up the house with that rare calm that, from time to time, feels really good. After lunch, we set off to Portimão. We had a Christmas dinner planned in Alvor and wanted to leave early to do some last-minute shopping for our Secret Santa.

The centre of Portimão was vibrant and lit up with Christmas decorations. We went into the small shops on the high street and looked for the perfect gift without being too predictable. Among laughter and indecision, we found everything we needed. But the best was yet to come: we let ourselves get carried away by the city’s Christmas programme.

We started with the life-size nativity scene in Largo da Mó, which completely fascinated the children. Then we headed to the ice skating rink in Praça da República, and of course we had to skate. I, who hadn’t ventured out since the days when I thought nothing was complicated, glided (or tried to!).

Also in Praça da República, we found Santa’s House, where the kids had their picture taken with Santa himself. Picture taken, magic guaranteed! Next, we took the Christmas Train, which took us through the illuminated streets to the riverside area, accompanied by festive music.

In the riverside area, we took a peek at the Christmas Stage, which was full of excitement, visited Santa’s Factory, and ended up at Praça Manuel Teixeira Gomes, which had been transformed into a true Christmas Square. The tour ended at the Christmas Market, irresistible with its regional sweets and little tempting treats.

With our hearts full and that pleasant hunger setting in, we headed to Alvor. There is something about that place that never fails: even in winter, it remains charming and welcoming. Dinner was at a delicious Italian restaurant with family and friends. Between pizzas, pasta dishes and lively conversation, the evening took on that special sparkle that only a Christmas dinner can have. At the end, we shared the magic of Secret Santa, with unexpected gifts and smiles that made the evening even warmer.

When the night ended, we returned home tired but wrapped in the Christmas spirit, with the sweet feeling that moments like these, shared with family and friends, are the true gift of the season.

We missed you so much today. It would be wonderful to have you with us on a night like this. We hope to share moments like these with you soon.

With love and wishes for a special Christmas,

Gabi

Have you ever dreamed of visiting the best beach in the world? Look no further than Praia da Falésia in Albufeira, Portugal, which recently claimed the prestigious title awarded by the renowned travel platform Tripadvisor. This recognition is part of the annual Travellers’ Choice Awards, where users’ reviews and ratings over a 12-month period determine the winners.

A Gem Rediscovered

Albufeira, known for its stunning coastal beauty, has once again captured global attention by reclaiming the top spot on Tripadvisor’s rankings. Praia da Falésia, nestled in Olhos de Água, stretches over six kilometres of coastline adorned with breathtaking ochre-coloured sandstone cliffs, a signature feature of the region. Its allure lies not only in the picturesque cliffs but also in the lush pine trees and native vegetation that frame the coastline, offering visitors unforgettable vistas and opportunities for leisurely walks.

A Testament to Environmental Stewardship

The accolade is not just a testament to the beach’s natural beauty but also to Albufeira’s commitment to environmental preservation. Jose Carlos Rolo, the Mayor of Albufeira, emphasized the municipality’s investments in environmental sustainability, water quality, and beach cleanliness. These efforts, combined with the region’s favourable climate and natural charm, have made Albufeira a sought-after destination for travellers worldwide.

Community Pride and Sustainable Tourism

Local authorities, including Cristiano Cabrita, responsible for Environmental Affairs and Vice-President of Albufeira’s Municipal Council, expressed pride in the international recognition. They highlighted ongoing initiatives focused on maintaining and promoting the beauty and quality of Albufeira’s beaches. Such efforts not only enhance tourism but also attract new visitors, both nationally and internationally, contributing to the region’s economic growth and sustainability goals.

Europe’s Beach Paradise

This year’s Travellers’ Choice Awards marked a unique milestone as all three top beach destinations worldwide were European. Following Praia da Falésia, the second spot was claimed by Spiaggia dei Conigli in Italy, with La Concha in Spain securing the third position. This European dominance underscores the continent’s diverse and captivating coastal offerings, drawing travellers seeking unparalleled beach experiences.

Plan Your Visit

Whether you are a sun seeker, a nature enthusiast, or simply in search of unparalleled coastal beauty, Praia da Falésia promises an unforgettable experience. Plan your visit to this award-winning destination and immerse yourself in the splendour of Albufeira’s crown jewel, where golden sands meet azure waters against a backdrop of majestic cliffs and verdant landscapes.

Experience the best beach in the world firsthand and discover why Praia da Falésia continues to captivate travellers from across the globe. Your journey to paradise awaits in Albufeira!

Source: Município de Albufeira

Keywords: Gabi Miguel, Holiday rentals, Praia da Falésia, Albufeira, Olhos D’Água

Are you busy working on that Excel report and dreaming about your next vacation? Then take a look at what the Algarve has to offer beyond beautiful beaches and plan those well-deserved vacations.

Read the text below from the Silves City Council about one of the architectural beauties of the Algarve: the Silves Castle.

“The Silves Castle is one of the most notable works of military architecture left by the Arabs among us, with over a thousand years of existence.

This fortification is located at the highest point of the hill on which the city is situated. It forms an irregular polygon, surrounded by a strong wall made of rammed earth, covered with red sandstone – the sandstone of Silves, and occupies a total area of about 12,000m2.

Deeply devastated by numerous earthquakes, it underwent restoration works in the 1940s, assuming its current appearance through the intervention promoted within the framework of Development Plans.

Still on its exterior, near the main entrance, you can find a bronze sculpture representing King D. Sancho I, the monarch who, in 1189, conquered the city of Silves from the Arabs for the first time with the help of the Crusaders.

Access to this citadel is made through a double door with an atrium, flanked by two of the eleven towers that connect a patrol path with a linear extension of 388 meters, constituting an important defensive system.

In the northern area of ​​the wall, we find a secondary access, designated as the Betrayal Gate, a small loophole that allowed passage through the wall, discreetly and independently from the citadel to the Medina.

Inside the Castle, there are several noteworthy elements, among which stands out the Aljibe – a large rectangular cistern that supplied water to a significant part of the city.

With a length of 20m and a width of 16m, its ceiling is seven meters high and is closed by four barrel vaults, placed side by side to facilitate water ventilation, supported by six central columns and another six attached to the walls.

Another element you may find is the Cistern of the Dogs, an immense well over 40 meters deep from which various fragments of medieval ceramics, including jars from the Islamic occupation period, were excavated.

Near this well, there were silos where cereals collected from the many tributes that the powers, Muslim or Christian, imposed on the hardworking producers were stored, taking advantage of the coolness of the subsoil.

This is how they were stored for years, prolonging the resistance and autonomy of this military fortress.

In a vast area located to the east, several archaeological campaigns culminated in the discovery of structures of a dwelling from the Almohad Period (1121 – 1269), which would consist of two floors, an inner garden, and a complex of baths, believed to be a Palace, once the residence of high Muslim dignitaries.

Built during the Almohad rule, this Palace was inhabited for over a century.

After the Christian occupation, and due to a clear incompatibility of lifestyles, it was abandoned after a fire devastated it.

Contacts:

Silves Castle – 8300-117 – Silves Phone: 282 440 837 Email: castelo@cm-silves.pt

Opening hours:

Open every day (except Christmas Day and New Year’s Day) Winter schedule: January to April | October to December: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm Summer schedule: 9:00 am – 8:00 pm (last entry until half an hour before closing)

Pricing:

Single ticket price: €2.80 Combined ticket for Castle and Municipal Archaeology Museum: €3.90 Price for groups of more than 20 people: €2.20 Children, students, holders of Youth Card and > 65 (enjoy a 50% discount on the normal ticket price): €1.40

Georeferencing:

Latitude: 37°11’26.78″N | Longitude: 8°26’16.89″W”.

Are you already planning a visit to the Algarve? Be sure to consider staying at Gabi Miguel Holiday Rentals villas. Our independent villas with private pools offer the perfect environment to turn your vacations into unforgettable memories. Contact us today to book your stay and discover everything the Algarve has to offer!

Source: Silves City Council

Keywords: Algarve, Gabi Miguel, Holiday Rentals, Silves, Silves’ Castle

Discover the charm of the beautiful Benagil Beach, in the heart of the Algarve! This picturesque fishing village captivates visitors with its unique rock formations and crystal-clear waters. Located on a stunning stretch of the Algarve coast, Benagil is famous for its Cave, a natural wonder sculpted by erosion over the centuries. The cave is an unmissable spectacle with its natural skylight, accessible only by boat or stand-up paddleboard.

To explore Benagil Cave in all its glory, it is recommended to opt for a boat tour, available from Benagil and other areas of the Algarve. These tours provide a unique experience along the coast, with stops to explore other caves and rock formations along the way.

In addition to Benagil Cave, there is much more to discover in this charming fishing village. Marinha Beach voted one of the most beautiful in the world, offers crystal-clear waters and imposing cliffs to explore. Local restaurants along the coast provide authentic culinary delights and stunning ocean views.

And if you are planning a visit to the Algarve, consider a stay at Gabi Miguel Holiday Rentals. Our independent villas with private pools offer the perfect setting to turn your holiday into unforgettable memories. Contact us today to book your stay and discover everything Benagil and the Algarve have to offer!

Keywords: Algarve, Benagil, Gabi Miguel, Villas

Located two kilometres from Albufeira, Oura Street, known to the British as The Strip, is the epicentre of the city’s nightlife. This bustling spot attracts tourists from all over the world, eager to experience the festive atmosphere that never seems to fade. With a variety of bars and restaurants, the street turns into a lively scene at any time of day or night.

During the day, visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the street, exploring the craft shops, cosy restaurants, and even souvenir shops. As the sun sets, Oura Street comes alive with vibrant music, twinkling lights, and contagious energy. The bars open their doors, inviting visitors to join in the fun.

What makes Oura Street so special is its diversity. Here, tourists can find a wide range of dining options, from authentic Portuguese dishes to international cuisine. The bars offer an equally diverse selection of drinks, from local beers to exotic cocktails.

Furthermore, Oura Street is known for its welcoming and friendly atmosphere. Bar-goers are an eclectic mix of tourists and local residents, creating a unique atmosphere of camaraderie and fun.

Now that you’ve discovered this other side of Albufeira, you must be curious to explore it, right? Gabi Miguel Holiday Rentals offers villas west of Albufeira ideal for family or friends vacations. Our villas stand out and are located in quiet areas to ensure the rest you seek on your holidays, but also strategically positioned near the beaches, Albufeira Marina, and Albufeira Old Town. Don’t wait any longer, book a villa for yourself in this paradise.

Keywords: Algarve, The Strip, Albufeira, Gabi Miguel, Vacations, Holiday Rentals

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.

Source: maxima.pt

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