Things to do in Algarve - September

It pains me to say it, but its true, summer is over. This summer in the Algarve, we had the Bike Rally, Med Festival, Jazz Festivals, Wine Festival, Art Festivals, Sand Festival, Sardine Festivals, Seafood Festivals, Reggae Festivals, Sweet Festival, Book Festival, Photo Festivals, Surf Festival, Medieval Festivals and many many more, actually more than humanly possible to see all in one summer, even if you live here. I think its fair to say, summer was wonderfully exhausting, so you’d think it was time for a rest? Not just yet, the calendar for September isn’t letting up, the rapid speed of events will continue.

(photo credit: neatonjr)

Those of us who love summer can still squeeze out a few more relaxing trips to the beach, and those looking or things to see and do, can enjoy lots of sailing activities, music, theater, and of course take in the many art events that are happening all month long.

Things to do in the Algarve in August

August is here and its HOT in the Algarve, not just the soaking in the ocean kind of hot, but hot in things to do and see all month long. If you can handle the heat then there’s no shortage of places to eat, drink and be merry, in Europes little treasure. By day, work hard on your tan at one of forty plus eco-labeled awarded beaches, by night be moved by the hottest DJs on the planet, at one of the many beach parties. And if you’re looking for time off the beach, there’s no shortage festivals and what else – food! So don’t miss a chance to experience rustic Portuguese cuisine across the region and take part in the seafood festivals throughout the month.

Algarve Beach

(photo credit: Celuloso)

International Surfing Championship - Algarve

Hunting for the perfect wave, or just enough courage to watch? Either way, the best surfers from around the world are in Sagres this weekend, where the International Buondi Pro Junior Championship is now under way.

(Photo Credit: Tarotastic)

The championship started off with the men’s under 20 challenge in Praia do Amado, and includes both pro and amateur competitions. The final round for World Surf Champion will be hosted by Super Bock Pro and starts from today at Praia da Cordoama.

The championship will wrap July 12, with a Super Bock Dance Party in Sagres featuring popular DJ’s. Sand, sun, music…and the spectacular views at Sagres. I could think of worst ways to spend a weekend. Ahhh summer!

*Word of warning - some very chilly ocean winds can blow through Sagres in the evenings, so go prepared. And if you’ve never been to Sagres and end up their one evening, stay away from the edge of cliffs, there is no fencing.

Monte Gordo - Beach, Food & Wine

What do you do when you get an invitation for a beach weekend in the Algarve? Well, you pack your suit!

Gourmet_Portugal_Monte_Gordo

Last weekend, we were invited out to a relaxing weekend in Monte Gordo, a small town just east of Faro and close to the Spanish boarder. Not quite ready for summer, we dug up the hibernating swim suits, packed a couple of necessity and we were ready, well almost… Before heading out, we needed to find something special to take in appreciation of this wonderful invitation. Knowing our hosts were adamant foodies, we agonized…then remembered, we had just what the occasion called for.

A few weeks back a friend surprised us with a lovely hamper from Gourmet Portugal, filled with traditional Portuguese goodies. I always feel a little guilty breaking into one myself, so sharing this treasure with friends seemed the prefect way to enjoy a basket full of treats without guilt. Add a couple of wine bottles, and we were set…to the Beach!

Allgarve

We normally post a monthly calendar of events in the region, but Allgarve, (that’s no typo) is a summer event program, organized by the Algarve Tourism Board, that showcases “fun, leisure and culture” in the region, all summer long.

Before you plan your summer trip to the Algarve, take a visit to the new Allgarve.pt website (in English, Portuguese and Spanish) to find the programs and events that interest you.

The site lists activities from golf, gastronomy, culture, jazz, to sports, sailing etc. Simply, click on your activity of interest and be presented with a calendar of upcoming event.

Here are a few events that got our attention:

8 Things to do in the Algarve

We’ve been itching to put together a list of things to do in the Algarve for sometime. But it’s a challenge to organize a list that appeals to everyone’s taste. Given all there is to do and see across the Algarve, from beaches, historic sites, golf, shopping, etc., it just makes putting a list together that much more difficult.

So we’re starting small with a short list of 8, we think covers some good options to have fun, relax and see some of what the Algarve has to offer.