As a major European tourist destination, with a moderate climate that favours a 24/7 outdoor lifestyle, the Algarve offers a wonderfully diverse schedule of cultural and entertainment events for visitors every day of the year. From concerts, dance performances and theatre to art exhibitions, sports events, themed fiestas and folkloric celebrations… plus local fairs, and flea and fresh produce markets.
Add in the traditional Portuguese festivals and religious holidays held throughout the year, and it’s just one big party for those travellers who like to stay active and enjoy the full Algarve experience.
Here we outline some of the major dates you should add to your diary if you are flying into Faro Airport and holidaying in southern Portugal…
Culinary Festivals
Annual food festivals and fairs are held in towns and villages throughout the Algarve to celebrate the region’s gastronomy. Visitors have the opportunity to savour local seafood delicacies including sardines, fish stews and octopus; inland-farmed vegetables such as pulses and broad beans; and locally inspired favorites cherry chicken and bean stew, and cataplana.
Must-visit culinary events include the annual Traditional Sausage Fair in Monchique in March; and the Portimão Sardine Festival and Olhão Seafood Festival, both in August.
Local Markets
Major towns and small villages throughout the Algarve hold weekly markets selling fresh local produce (fruit, fish and vegetables) and other markets offering arts, crafts and local apparel, as well as regular flea markets.
Championship Golf
The European Tour returns to Vilamoura from 24 to 27 October 2019 for the Portugal Masters. The event will be played at the Dom Pedro Victoria golf course for a 13th consecutive season.
Last year, Tom Lewis won his second Portugal Masters title, seven years after his debut European Tour victory on the same golf course, while Oliver Fisher became the first golfer to card a round of 59 in the Tour’s 47-year history.
Other former champions include three-time major championship winner Padraig Harrington (2016); this year’s British Open champion Shane Lowry (2012); former world number one Lee Westwood (2009); and Spanish star Álvaro Quirós (2008).
Tickets are available at: European Tour
“365 Algarve”
A cultural program aimed at complementing the traditional range of tourist activities on offer, the “365 Algarve” program comprises over 100 concerts, 52 plays, 93 artistic events and other initiatives covering music, dance, theatre, exhibitions and other events involving the region’s heritage.
Additional information at: www.365algarve.com
Coming up in September-October…
- 2 September-14 September 2019: Lagos Flamenco Festival
- 13 September-28 September 2019 (various locations): FOMe Objects and Puppets Festival
- 14 September-1 October 2019: Lagoa International Guitar Festival
- 21 September-22 September 2019 (Olhão): Algarve Nature Fest
- 10 October- 13 October 2019 (Vila do Bispo): Birdwatching and Nature Activities Festival
For updated information about events in the Algarve, and to download the official tourism board’s event guide app: www.visitalgarve.pt