Like many other popular European destinations, the Algarve experiences a crush of visitors in the summer months. Warm sunny days welcome the arrival of tourists from around the globe, and the festivals and activities are abundant to keep them entertained.
This year is no exception with the local news media reporting higher visitor counts, and a shift to more Americans, Spanish, and French, and fewer Portuguese nationals this summer in Algarve. The growth in Americans visiting Portugal and the Algarve are up for the year January through June, coming in second just behind those visiting from the UK. American visitors to the Algarve would be even higher if the planned new air routes from the East Coast direct to Faro/Algarve would have gone ahead as planned (Postponed until 2025). As for the decline in Portuguese Nationals visiting the Algarve, the increases in the cost of accommodations and restaurants is considered to be the main factors keeping them away, choosing staycations or other destinations this summer. A few people in the industry have told us that Spain is the popular destination for Portuguese nationals this year and that there is a large increase in Spanish nationals spending their vacation in Portugal. This was very evident while we were in Porto hearing many Spanish accents around the city. The rise in American and other visitors has more than compensated for the drop in Portuguese visitors and they tend to spend more while visiting.
For us, July and August are good months for a Staycation where we can enjoy the beauty in our backyard and avoid the crush of travelers who seem to descend on Europe in the summer. We have traveled extensively the first half of this year so it's nice to be able to stay close to home and soak in the surroundings that the Algarve and Portugal has to offer. One of the benefits of being a resident here we're learning the local's secrets of where to hang out and where to avoid during the peak holiday periods. Luckily many off-the-beaten-path beaches, villages, restaurants, and activities are amazing respites from the large crowds. It's not all about avoidance though, sometimes it's fun to join in with the crowds too and experience the Algarve like a tourist. Fortunately, July and August are filled with plenty of entertainment options both large and small concerts, festivals, and fairs throughout the country to keep everyone entertained, both residents and visitors alike.
In the garden, August seems to be a month for Teresa and Luis to enjoy the remaining harvest but spend little time cultivating in the summer heat. Tomate (Tomato), Figos (Figs), and Bell Peppers are wrapping up and the Apples, Pears, Pomegranates are just reaching time to harvest. Mary's Hatch chili plants are doing well and some with fruit ready to harvest.
Our nephew Jaden spent the month of August with us. A dedicated student and all around good guy deserved this break before he starts at Santa Clara University in the Fall. Not too much rest for him though as we spent the majority of the month showing him Portugal and the Algarve, hopefully providing him with some memories that he can reflect upon when college life becomes tough.
In addition to exploring the Algarve we took Jaden on two trips within Portugal, one up to Porto and the other a road trip to Obidos, Nazare, Tomar, and Lisbon. You can read about those trips by clicking on the following links.
The Portimao Sardine Festival
Out on the boat enjoying August along the South Coast of Portugal
While Jaden was here we celebrated his 18th Birthday. It was an honor to be a part of this milestone in his life. Happy 18th Jaden!
Alvor
Another festival, although a smaller one, The Chicken Party in Guia famous throughout Portugal for being the home of Piri-Piri chicken.
Sagres, also known as "the end of the world" by early navigators. Visiting the Sagres Fortress, Faro de Cabo de San Vicente, and lunch at Agua Salgada
A walk along Alvor beach at sunset
Drive up to Aljezur and the San Vicente Coast, Hike along the coast near Praia de Monte Clérigo, and lunch on the cliff at O Paulo
Hike along the cliffs of Carvoeiro
Visit to the Portimao Museum, one of the many Sardine factories from the past preserved and converted to a museum honoring the legacy of the sardine industry in the area.
An evening walk through of neighboring Lagos dinner at Atasca-te-Tasca Tradicional and Gelato at GeIícia Gelateria Italiana
Jaden discovering the art of air dried laundry
A day trip to Faro & the Ria Formosa, walking through the historic center, and lunch at Lodo. Then by boat we motored through the Ria Formosa with a stop for a swim at Ilha Deserta and over to Ilha do Farol to explore the quaint village and popular beaches.
Evening walk at German beach near Alvor. After 7pm on a warm summer night and crowds still enjoying their time at the beach.
Silves Medieval Festival, one of the larger festivals around our area. Celebrating the history of this Medieval village with great food, and entertainment.
Sunday American BBQ at home and a walk out on the Alvor boardwalk and Estuary. A breezy afternoon brought out the Kite Surfers racing up and down the waterways
An Oyster farm tour with a group of friends. Jaden's first Oyster experience, I think he's an Oyster fan now! He was the first to sample a LARGE oyster pulled right from the Oyster bed and shucked by our guide. Like a trooper Jaden handled it like he's been doing this all of his life. He kept the shell as a souvenir
While here Jaden took advantage of the F1 track at the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve and did a Cayman S Driving Experience on the track. Led by the Racing School Instructors he did three laps on the track, one instructional and two on his own. Dinner after at Eat Thai in Lagos.
Our last day on the water in the Algarve with Jaden
Back to the Algarve International Race complex for a little Cart racing. Jaden was much faster than Mary and I as were most of the other racers.
Racing was followed by Lunch at A Choupana (The Hut). An unassuming roadside gem that specializes in Suckling Pig, a must for lovers of Pork! You know it has to be good if the road just outside has several trucks and work vans parked outside during lunch. Go for the Leitao but try other dishes as well. The Algarve salad, the liver rice and the house made chips should accompany your main dish.
Experiencing Food in Portugal was one of Jaden's priorities while here. We were happy to oblige and participate!
Barney and Sonny continue to enjoy their life here too, mostly sleeping and lounging around like cats do.
As always we hope everyone is doing well, healthy, happy, and thriving. We miss you and love you all...A lot!
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