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ALGARVE NEWSLETTER
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If you were here this week...
You'd feel spring knocking at the door.
The Feira do Chocolate in Loulé is still running (until March 8), so you still have time to satisfy that sweet tooth. Meanwhile, the eastern Algarve comes alive this Saturday with the "Winter Gala" dance performance in Olhão, a proper cultural treat.
The days are noticeably longer now, almond blossoms are giving way to the first orange blossoms, and the markets are buzzing with fresh spring produce.
Weather? Looking good, expect 16-17°C with clear skies, perfect for exploring.
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🎯 TOP 3 EVENTS OF THE WEEK
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1. "Winter Gala" by CIA Panteras
Where: Auditório Municipal de Olhão
When: Saturday, March 7
Why it's worth it: The talented dancers of CIA Panteras present their spectacular winter showcase. A celebration of contemporary and classical dance, stunning costumes, and the kind of live performance that reminds you why the arts matter.
💡 My take: Perfect date night material. Arrive early and stroll along Olhão's waterfront before the show.
👉 More Info
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2. Jazz in the Wineries — Silves
Where: Various wineries in the Silves region
When: Regular sessions
Why it's worth it: This award-winning series combines Algarve wines with live jazz in the region's most beautiful vineyard estates. Each session offers wine tastings, tapas, and intimate performances in settings you won't find anywhere else. It's the perfect blend of the Algarve's two great pleasures: wine and music.
💡 Perfect for: Book ahead, these sessions fill up fast. Check the calendar for this week's dates and locations.
👉 More Info
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3. Saturdays at the Market — São Brás de Alportel
Where: Mercado Municipal, São Brás de Alportel
When: Saturday, March 7
Why it's worth it: This weekly market is a local institution. Fresh produce, regional crafts, showcooking demonstrations, live music, and that authentic Algarve village atmosphere. This is where locals shop and catch up on the week's news.
💡 My take: Arrive early, grab a coffee at a nearby pastelaria, and take your time. This is the Algarve at its most genuine.
👉 More Info
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🗓️ WEEKEND GUIDE (Friday–Sunday)
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Friday 6 March
SEMINARS & TALKS
- Sustainability Seminar — Portimão — A forward-thinking discussion on environmental sustainability
- Startup Weekend Women Loulé — Montalvo International School, Loulé — 54 hour startup-building marathon. All genders welcome.
FESTIVALS & FAIRS
- Feira do Chocolate — Loulé, 10:00-20:00 (FREE) — Last weekend of the chocolate festival!
EXHIBITIONS
- ImpulsionArt — Various locations (until March 9) — Contemporary art installations across the region. Last chance!
- 25th Portimão Photography Run Exhibition — Museu de Portimão — Celebrating 25 years of this iconic local event
Saturday 7 March
MARKETS & FAIRS
- Saturdays at the Market — São Brás de Alportel, 08:00-13:00 (FREE) — Local produce, crafts, showcooking, live music
- Mercado de Loulé — Loulé center, 07:00-15:00 — The region's most famous covered market. Combine with the chocolate fair!
- Feira do Chocolate — Loulé, 10:00-20:00 (FREE) — Peak weekend vibes
DANCE & PERFORMANCE
- "Winter Gala" by CIA Panteras — Olhão, Auditório Municipal, evening — Contemporary and classical dance spectacular
MUSIC
- Jazz in the Wineries — Silves region — Check the calendar for specific sessions. Wine, jazz, and Algarve vineyards.
Sunday 8 March
FESTIVALS & FAIRS
- Feira do Chocolate — LAST DAY! — Loulé, 10:00-20:00 (FREE) — Final chance to indulge
EXHIBITIONS
- Azulejo Tiles in Portugal — Tavira, ongoing until May 30 — Beautiful showcase of Portugal's ceramic tile heritage. More info
- ImpulsionArt — LAST DAY! — Various locations — Contemporary art installations.
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Ria Formosa & Ilha Deserta — Portugal's Southernmost Point
While everyone rushes to the famous beaches, the Ria Formosa Natural Park remains one of the Algarve's best-kept secrets. This 60km stretch of lagoons, islands, and marshlands is home to flamingos, seahorses, and some of Europe's most diverse birdlife.
Take the short ferry from Faro's old town to Ilha Deserta, Portugal's southernmost point, where you'll find pristine dunes, crystal-clear waters, and barely another soul. The on-island restaurant serves fresh seafood with views that cost nothing extra.
📍 Departs from: Cais da Porta Nova, Faro
⛴️ Ferries: Run hourly
💡 Perfect for: A Sunday escape from the crowds. Bring binoculars!
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The Art of Cataplana
That iconic copper pot you see in every seafood restaurant? It's not just cookware, it's a symbol of Algarve identity.
The cataplana (pronounced "cata-PLAH-na") is a hinged copper vessel, shaped like a clam, that's been used in southern Portugal for centuries. Its design creates a perfect seal, allowing ingredients to steam in their own juices, concentrating flavors in ways no ordinary pot can match.
The classic cataplana de marisco combines clams, prawns, and fish with tomatoes, onions, and chouriço. A meeting of sea and land that tells the story of the Algarve's fishing heritage and Moorish influences.
Order one to share. It's how it was meant to be eaten.
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✨ PREMIUM PICK OF THE WEEK
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Benagil Cave Kayak Adventure
The Benagil sea cave is world-famous, and for good reason. But forget the crowded boat tours this week. For the real experience, rent a kayak (or join a guided paddle tour) and approach this natural cathedral at your own pace.
The morning light streaming through the cave's "eye" is worth the early alarm. Stop on nearby hidden beaches, explore smaller caves most tourists never see, and feel the Algarve from water level.
💡 Pro Tip: Go midweek for fewer crowds. Weekend mornings can be busy.
👉 Book here
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