Summer is in full swing in the Algarve! Warm sunny days, the arrival of tourists from around the globe, and the festivals and activities are abundant.
Like many other popular European destinations, the Algarve experiences a summer crush of visitors in the summer months. This year is no exception with the local news media reporting higher visitor counts and a shift to more Americans and fewer Portuguese this summer in Algarve. The growth in Americans visiting the Algarve is up over 70% from 2020 and 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 visitors to the Algarve, the increases in the cost of accommodations and restaurants have driven some Portuguese tourists to consider Staycations or other destinations this summer. 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 home for a few months and soak in the surroundings that the Algarve 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, our neighbors Teresa and Luis have been busy once again, this month is all about keeping up with the harvests. With over 30 Tomate (Tomato) plants, and 4 large Figos (Figs) trees on the property, the ripening fruits this time of year seem to be never-ending. It's a labor of love to keep up but we are very happy to help where we can and to be recipients of what they grow. We take bags of beautiful fruit and vegetables to share when we gather with friends to help ensure they don't just fall on the ground and go to waste. Cebola (Onions), Pimentao (Bell peppers) are also ready while the Laranja Silves (Silves Oranges) and Limao (Lemons) are just about finished but the Mandarim (Mandarin) and Laranja Valencia (Valencia Oranges), Roma (Pomegranate), Caqui (Persimmon), and Maca (Apples) are full of green fruit that will be ready in a few months. Mary's Hatch chili seedlings are already showing flowers and fruit, they really like the warm sun here. The California poppies that she planted have come back again for a summer round of bright orange flowers.
Our neighbors on their Petanque court. Teresa's daughter and family visiting from Paris.
This months activities and photos.
Check out the refreshed Image Gallery link where I have summarized some of what I think are our best photos taken over the years.
Finally, we're getting a few days to enjoy our boat on the beautiful Atlantic coast. It's always a good time out on the boat, whether it's with great friends or just the two of us. I'm looking forward to many more boat days to come.
This month's wine club featured the wines from Herdade de São Miguel in the Alentejo.
Annual Portimao wine tasting on a warm summer night at Fortaleza de Santa Catarina. The remaining shell of the Medieval Fort sits at the junction of the river Arade and the Atlantic, providing a strategic lookout for those approaching the area by sea. Today it's a picturesque viewpoint with fantastic beach, marina, ocean & sunset views.
Another festival! The Silves Beer Festival is held in the former capital of the ancient Arab kingdom of Algarve. It's a perfect location for a festival featuring a wide selection of craft beer and foods from throughout Portugal.
One of the smallest festivals of the season, the village of Alvor holds it's annual Medieval faire.
Portimão continues to celebrate summer with the Noitada Portimão Festival, transforming the city center into a vibrant celebration of lights, music, art, and culture. Spread throughout the town in the important squares and along the riverfront there was plenty of food, music stages and interesting light displays.
One of the squares featured a "Silent DJ" attendees were given headsets to listen to the music. It was surreal to watch people dancing and singing along to music no one else could hear
Food is always a central part of the culture here. First is Mary's Galician Chicken empanada which is always a winner. Fresh Roballo from a recent Sunday lunch with friends. And a grocery store display of the "Mexican" food products available here, is kind of sad but we work with what we have available.
Barney and Sonny continue to enjoy their life here too, mostly sleeping and lounging around like cats do. Barney attracted the attention of two other Orange kitties in the neighborhood, both came to the window and hung out with him. The last photo is of one of the neighborhood cats who has found a place to rest in a produce basket in the village, not quite the same as our spoiled ones with plush beds but you make do with what you have.
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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