Whether you want a short break, honeymoon, adventure trip, beach holiday, cultural tour, sporting event or historical visit, the Algarve will offer something for everyone this year with a packed calendar of events.
From May 4th to 9th the Algarve International Film Festival in Portimão will showcase short films from international filmmakers. In 2009 the festival will focus on 'Cinema and Globalisation in the World' and hopes to attract a broad mix of multicultural films. For more details see www.algarvefilmfest.com
For five days in July colour and excitement will fill the streets of Loulé again as the Med Festival takes place. World music originating from Morocco and various southern European countries, such as Spain, Italy, Greece and Portugal will fill the air.
Visitors will also enjoy handicraft exhibitions, dance performances and street theatre. For more information go to www.festivalmed.com.pt
A paradise for seafood lovers, the annual Festival do Marisco, is held in August each year in the town of Olhão, just five kilometres from Faro.
One of the most important gastronomic events in the Algarve calendar, the Festival do Marisco offers visitors the chance to sample some of the local delicacies. A wide range of seafood is available, ranging from grilled sardines to fried shrimps and of course the traditional cataplana, a much loved Portuguese dish consisting of clams, mussels, bacon, chouriço, garlic, onions and olive oil.
Music and folk dancing accompany the festival, with performers encouraging both locals and visitors to eat, drink and enjoy the superb atmosphere. For details visit www.festivaldomarisco.com
At the end of August, Castro Marim and Silves return to the Middle Ages, in a highly rigorous historical recreation. During four days and nights, the castle of Castro Marim plays host to kings and queens, knights in shining armour, jesters, noblemen and ladies. Jousting tournaments, on foot and on horseback, street theatre performances, banquets accompanied by medieval music and a handicraft and merchandise fair, complement the entertainment during these Medieval Days, which enable visitors to relive the magic and mystery of times gone by. See www.cm-castromarim.pt for further information.
The Algarve will also host some world class sporting events during 2009. The new Autódromo Internacional Algarve track in Portimão covers 300 hectares of land between Portimão and the hills of Monchique, with a capacity for up to 100,000 spectators. Key racing events are already confirmed in 2009 including the A1GP World Cop of Motorport on April 12th where UK visitors can cheer on the British team; the Historic Formula One Championship on May 10th; FIA GT Championship on September 13th; GP2 Series on October 4th and for the second year running the SBK Superbike World Championship on October 25th. The motorpark complex also includes a five-star hotel, apartments and restaurants. See www.autodromodoalgarve.com for full details.
Visitors can witness the great skill and expertise of the world's top drivers racing along the roads and tracks of the Algarve from April 2-5, competing in the Portugal Rally. The route combines fast open stretches with some technical and challenging tracks. Situated only eight kilometers from Faro International Airport, the Algarve Stadium will be the setting for the event's closing ceremony, while also acting as the rally's operational centre. See www.rallydeportugal.pt
Prepare to be blown away by the spectacular moves of the world's finest kite surfers at the Kitesurf World Championship in Portimão in July. This exciting new sport attracts many young people and during the event Portimão will come alive with nightly entertainment. See www.kiteportimao.info
July is the month for speed as Portimão hosts the final stage in the Powerboat P1 World Championship from 3th-5th. Powerful single-hull vessels will slice through the water at speeds in excess of 160 kmph offering plenty of excitement for fans and visitors to the region. As this is the last leg of six, the region will come alive with a party atmosphere in line with other Grand Prix events. For details see www.powerboatp1.com
October is the month for golf with the world's greatest golfers travelling to Vilamoura to take part in the Portugal Masters. Considered to be one of the leading golf events, the Masters is to hold its second edition in Portugal from October 15th-18th, 2009. It will take place at the Victoria Golf Club. The course was designed by the famous player, Arnold Palmer and the design alternates between well-positioned bunkers with lakes and waterfalls and is a continuous challenge for players.
Whether you are looking to soak up the sun and enjoy the crystal clear waters and golden sands of the coast, delve into the history and culture of the region's beautiful towns and or just relax in the lush green countryside, the Algarve has plenty to offer.
For full details of events in the Algarve this year see www.allgarve.pt
Source: Homes Worldwide
Catherine Deshayes |
