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ALGARVE NEWSLETTER
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If you were here this week...
You'd be soaking up some proper February sunshine!
The Algarve is treating us to a dry weekend with clear skies and temperatures around 16°C — perfect for exploring outdoors. Nights will be cooler (around 11°C), so pack a jacket for those evening strolls. Valentine's Day falls on Saturday, and whether you're celebrating with someone special or treating yourself, there's magic to be found.
From cozy wine tastings to the glorious chaos of citrus season in Silves, this weekend has something for everyone. Let's dive in.
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🎯 TOP 3 EVENTS OF THE WEEK
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1. An Irish Celtic Night
Where: Teatro das Figuras, Faro
When: Friday, February 13 | 6:30 PM
Why it's worth it: Kick off your Valentine's weekend with foot-stomping Irish music and dance! The Finns & The High Kicks bring award-winning performers for an evening of reels, jigs, and polkas. Part of the 9th Faro International Guitar Festival.
💡 My take: There's something magical about Irish music that just makes you want to move, and Teatro das Figuras is an intimate enough venue that you'll actually feel the energy
👉 More Info
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2. 10th Silves Capital of Oranges Fair
Where: FISSUL Exhibition Park, Silves
When: Friday 13 – Sunday 15 February
Why it's worth it: The annual celebration of Silves' citrus heritage returns for its 10th edition! Browse local produce, crafts, and machinery, then stay for the evening concerts: - Friday: Raquel Tavares
- Saturday: Matias Damásio
- Sunday: Bandidos do Cante
💡 My take: Stock up on fresh oranges and local honey while you're there. The orange juice alone is worth the trip.
👉 More Info
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3. Percussion Days Portimão 2026
Where: Various venues, Portimão
When: Friday 13 – Sunday 15 February
Why it's worth it: Now in its 6th year, DPP celebrates percussion as a universal language of unity. Workshops, concerts, and performances across Portimão. A feast for rhythm lovers.
💡 My take: Perfect if you want something different this weekend, plus it's local, which means fewer crowds and more genuine vibes.
👉 More Info
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🗓️ WEEKEND GUIDE (Friday–Sunday)
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Friday, February 13
- FAIRS & FESTIVALS
- 10th Silves Capital of Oranges Fair OPENS — FISSUL Exhibition Park, Silves, 10 AM-Midnight, FREE — Raquel Tavares concert
- Percussion Days Portimão — Various venues — Opening day performances
EXHIBITIONS
- Exhibition PRALAC — Lagos, until Feb 28 — Contemporary art
- "Gallery of Emotions" — São Brás de Alportel, until Feb 16 — Collective art exhibition
- Azulejo Tiles in Portugal — Tavira, until May — The history of Portuguese tiles
- 25th Portimão Photography Exhibition — Museu de Portimão, until March
Saturday, February 14
- EVENING
- An Irish Celtic Night — Teatro das Figuras, Faro, 6:30 PM (€20-22) — The Finns & The High Kicks, Irish music and dance
FAIRS & MARKETS
- Silves Oranges Fair — FISSUL, 10 AM-Midnight, FREE — Matias Damásio concert in the evening
- Saturdays at the Market — São Brás de Alportel, 7 AM-3 PM — Showcooking, crafts, live music
FESTIVALS
- Percussion Days Portimão — Various venues — Day 2 performances
- Lagos Valentine's Special Programme — Check CM Lagos for scheduled activities
Sunday, February 15
- MAIN EVENTS
- Loulé Carnival BEGINS — Loulé town centre — One of Portugal's biggest carnival celebrations, parades and street festivities
- Silves Oranges Fair — Final Day — FISSUL, 10 AM-8 PM, FREE — Bandidos do Cante concert
- Percussion Days Portimão — Final Performances — Various venues
EXHIBITIONS
- "Gallery of Emotions" — LAST DAY — São Brás de Alportel — Final chance to see this collective exhibition
- ImpulsionArt — Various locations, until March 9 — Contemporary art across the Algarve
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Mercado de Loulé on a Rainy Saturday
When the weather turns grey, the covered market in Loulé transforms into something special. Beyond the famous fish stalls and vegetable vendors, you'll find hidden corners with local cheeses, homemade chouriço, and elderly women selling herbs from their gardens.
Grab a bifana (pork sandwich) from the market café, find a spot to watch the locals haggle, and let the rain outside be someone else's problem.
Praça da República, Loulé
Saturday: 7 AM – 3 PM
💡 Insider tip: Arrive before 10 AM for the best selection and authentic market atmosphere.
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The Almond Blossom Story
Legend has it that a Moorish king brought a Nordic princess to the Algarve as his bride. She grew homesick for the snowy landscapes of her homeland, and the king, desperate to make her happy, planted thousands of almond trees across the hills.
Each February, when the trees burst into white and pink blossom, they created a "snow" that finally made her smile.
The almond blossom season is happening right now in the hills around Castro Marim and the Barrocal. Keep your eyes open on drives inland, the countryside is putting on quite a show.
Next weekend: The Algarve Almond Blossom Festival in Castro Marim (Feb 20-22)!
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✨ PREMIUM PICK OF THE WEEK
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Yoga, Wine & Music That Lifts the Spirit
This is the Valentine's weekend experience you didn't know you needed.
Picture yourself flowing through gentle yoga poses as live music fills the air, followed by a curated wine tasting of local Algarve varieties. It's wellness without the pretense. The kind of afternoon that reminds you why you moved to (or fell in love with) this sun-drenched coast.
The session combines mind-body connection with the simple pleasures of good wine and soulful sounds. Whether you're treating yourself solo, surprising your partner, or gathering a group of friends, this is self-care at its most indulgent.
💡 Why I recommend it: Perfect for anyone who believes "wellness" should definitely include wine. afterwards.
👉 Book here
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