Exploring The Algarve

Travel Articles | March 16, 2010

If you’re thinking of going to Algarve, you must plan your trip around one of its many special events. Located in southern Portugal, Algarve is home to a variety of carnivals, festivals, and annual events. So, what are you waiting for, pick from one of many Algarve tours and get ready to experience fun!

If you thrive on the cultural energy of festivals, go to Algarve in August or September, when the majority of annual festivals take place. If you enjoy fireworks displays, go for Festas de Nossa Senhora da Orad, a traditional festival. If you’re a foodie, head to the Festival do Marisco (Shellfish Festival), one of the most popular culinary events in Algarve.

Up for something a little more eccentric? Go to the Festival da Sardinha (Sardine Festival) and see how many sardines can be grilled on a single grill at one time.

Algarve is home to the leading sand sculpture exhibition in the world. If sand castles impress you, wait till you see Fiesa! It takes place in Pera in Western Algarve and you have a large window to catch it – it runs from May until October.

If you like to party, definitely head to Algarve in February – the month of carnivals! The most extravagant is the Loule Carnival, but there are tons of other smaller ones to enjoy as well.

Algarve is also the site of one of the biggest and liveliest motorcycle events you’ll ever witness. For one weekend each July, thousands of motorbikes of all shapes and sizes gather in at a site between the Faro airport in Algarve and the Ilha de Faro beach.

If you have some spare time between attending all of the festivals and events you specifically went to Algarve for, take advantage of the many things to do in Algarve. Visit Cape St. Vincent, Algarve’s southwesternmost tip, or one of the many theme parks in Algarve. Algarve Sea Caves Cruises are an opportunity to explore the marine life and Wine Tasting Algarve offers the chance to relax while sipping some succulent wine.

Mae Soberana is Algarve’s most important religious event. Each Easter, the locals demonstrate their devotion to the Sovereign Mother by transporting a 16th century statue of her from her hilltop shrine into town. During the procession, you’ll see a sea of white handkerchiefs being frantically waved in worship and hear cries of “Viva Mãe Soberana”.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mimi Rippy