Algarve Region

Oysters at sunset, massages and a "warm" summer in Praia da Terra Estreita

Friday, 27 August 2010 00:00

Praia da Terra Estreita now offers these luxuries: Oysters to be enjoyed at sunset and the sound of jazz music, taking a canoe ride or getting a massage at the beach. Located in Ria Formosa, the beach, to which access is gained only by boat, attracts many Portuguese, Spanish and a growing number of French patrons. They go there to enjoy the experiences offered by the company "Life is beautiful" which has the concession space. In the "lounge" vacationers can relax to the sound of music, "chill out", while reading the newspaper - which includes Portuguese, Spanish and English. Surf and Yoga lessons, catamaran or canoe rides, massages and tasting oysters in the late afternoon, are all offered to customers depending on the tides, this "beach experience" has won many “followers”. As for prices, canoe trips for one person can cost seven to ten euros (half hour to an hour), and the same price for surf lessons, massages which last half an hour, cost 35 euros, and the same price for an hour ride in a catamaran. Yoga classes, which start in August, are scheduled in the late afternoon on Saturday and Sunday and will be free.

Tivoli Victoria elected by Trip Advisor

Monday, 23 August 2010 00:00

The Tivoli Victoria is among the best hotels in the world, according to the Trip Advisor Travelers Choice 2010 Awards. The hotel placed 1st in the TOP 10 in Europe in the category of Relaxation\Spa and 4th in the TOP 10 worldwide in the same category.

Monte da Quinta Suites Unveiled

Tuesday, 17 August 2010 00:00

Monte da Quinta Resort in the Algarve has enhanced its accommodation portfolio with the unveiling of 132 newly built one, two and three-bedroom suites. Located in the stylish beach and golf resort of Quinta do Lagos, just 12 miles from Faro airport, Monte da Quinta Suites are equipped with every modern convenience, including cable TV in all the rooms, DVD player, phone, safe, air-conditioning and a kitchenette with dish-washer, microwave and conventional ovens, fridge, toaster, etc. On-site leisure facilities at Monte da Quinta are wide ranging, with a modern spa most notable among them where guests have full use of the steam bath, Jacuzzi, heated indoor treatment pool, relaxing footbath, two chromotherapy treatment rooms, several different types of shower (Vichy, ice, nebulizer and Swiss) and a state-of-the-art Technogym.

Algarve’s Arbutus spirit

Thursday, 12 August 2010 00:00

With alcohol levels of 36 percent, the new “spiritual” drink is nicknamed by its creator as the new “summer nectar” due to its composition of 70 % arbutus spirit and 30 % honey. Arbutus spirit, also known locally as Medronho, is a traditional drink in the

Algarve

produced with the arbutus fruit. According to the producer, the biggest challenge of the testing stage was to obtain the crystal look of the drink, due to the characteristics of the ingredients being used. The drink is produced in a small distillery located in Aldeia do Talurdo, near Silves, where Luís Sequeira also produces and sells chocolate bonbons filled with honey and arbutus spirit. Aguardente is the drink - much like vodka, and Medronho (aka strawberry-tree) is the fruit that gives it a special flavor. Similar to the strawberry, the Medronho fruit has its seeds on the outside and a soft flesh on the inside, with a small delicate pit in the center. The fruit is small and round, with an orange and deep read color, biting into the fruit one feels its graininess, but when bitten through it’s soft and delicate center collapses with a mellow meaty sweetness. When ideally ripened, the bumpy exterior turns almost black in color, and this is when these little strawberry balls are ideal for harvesting and making Aguardente de Medornho. Aguardente can be made from other fruits such as figs but the most revered is still Medronho.

New Underwater Museum Planned for the Algarve

Tuesday, 10 August 2010 00:00

The Underwater Museum of the Portuguese Navy, planned off Portimão’s Praia da Rocha, is expected to attract about 90,000 tourists a year. Through recreational diving, the hope is to capture more than 620,000 visitors in 10 years. The museum will be a first step to opening the Algarve to the new wave of sub-water tourism.