Pink Floyd Live Tribute, August 18th 2012 -

This tribute performance showcases 12 highly talented musicians reproducing some of the biggest hits by Pink Floyd.

This concert takes place at Parque de Feiras e Exposições, from 18:00-22:00 and tickets are now on sale.

Folkfaro: Rhythm and dance from around the world, August 18th–26th -

FolkFaro is one of the most anticipated events in the summer’s cultural capital of the Algarve.

Groups from different countries and continents, totalling more than 300 participants, will light up the Algarve with dances, songs and costumes from different cultures and traditions.

The Gala Opening at the Theatre of Figures from 21:30 on August 18th kicks off this cultural feast which features nine days or activities and performances. To book tickets visit the official website. 

CinePraia, Open air cinema on the Algarve’s beaches, August 26th 2012 -

This cinema marathon features five film genres screened at five beaches over five weeks and five nights a week.

The beaches hosting CinePraia include Ilha de Tavira (Tavira), Ilha de Faro (Faro), Marina Beach (Vilamoura), Fisherman’s Beach (Albufeira) and Batata Beach (Lagos) with films running from 22:00–01:00.

Entry is free.

Art Exhibition: 40 artists and 80 works – Masters of Portuguese Contemporary Art, August 26th 2012 -

The exhibition is being held by the Grande Real Sta. Eulália Hotel in Albufeira and is open from 20:00-00:00.

Portimão Marina Ice rink, September 2nd 2012 -

The ice rink at Portimão has a capacity for up to 800 people and features a lounge area with music, DJs and entertainment.

Prices are €5 for 30 minutes and the rink is open from Monday to Friday, 14:00–00:00 and 11:00-00:00 at weekends.

Throughout the month of August visitors will also find a number of antique fairs and local markets taking place across the region in a number of local towns including Vila do Bispo to Loulé to Aljezur to Olhão.

Ideal for visitors looking to pick up a bargain, a holiday souvenir or perhaps a traditional product from the region.

World Travel Awards

The highlight of the tourism calendar for any region, the World Travel Awards will visit the Algarve in September for the annual Europe Gala Ceremony.

Taking place at the new Conrad Algarve, the event will welcome the leaders of the European tourism industry to a red carpet event designed to select the best-of-the-best.

World Travel Awards president Graham Cooke said: “We are delighted to host our first ceremony in the Algarve, a decision that reflects the crucial role that tourism plays in the region and its overall contribution to the Portuguese economy.”

He added: “The Algarve is also one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the world, and the new Conrad Algarve will set a new precedent for luxury in the region.

“Our Europe Ceremony will provide a perfect forum to showcase its facilities to travel’s top decision-makers.”

Take a look at the official site for more information.

Beaches

With some of the best beaches in the world including 77 blue flag awarded beaches the Algarve is the perfect place to relax, unwind and soak up the sun on a beach summer holiday.

Head to the east coast of the Algarve to the beaches of Barril, Ilha de Tavira for calmer waters or explore the central beaches of Praia da Rocha and Carvoeiro for traditional sun, sea and sand.

The west coast is perfect for adventurous types where rocky coves separate Arrifana beach from Monte Clerigo and the headlands at Bordeira beach offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Sports

The Algarve is paradise for Golf enthusiasts, it is one of the top golfing destinations in the world with 38 golf courses including some of the most prestigious names in the sporting world such as Quinta do Lago, Vale do Lobo, Penina, Alto and Vilamoura.

The region’s sporting offerings don’t stop there, for those looking for an adrenaline rush there are plenty of watersports to experience along the region’s 200km coastline.

From wakeboarding in Lagos to scuba diving in Lagoa to paragliding over vast stretches of white sand. Visitors can kayak amongst caves or catch some waves on the rugged western coastline, a hotspot for surfers or head out on a banana boat with friends in Praia da Luz.

Motorpark

From speed on the water to burning some rubber on land, the Algarve’s 200 million euro Motorpark track in covers 300 hectares of land between Portimão and the hills of Monchique, with a capacity for 100,000 spectators.

It has hosted major events such as the final round of the Superbike World Championship and the World Motorcross Championship. The park offers a go karting track and super car track experience for visitors looking for the ultimate high.

Family Fun: Water Parks

With the majority of waterparks open from early April to late October in the Algarve, summer is the best time to visit the region for some family fun. Just outside Albufeira, head to the Zoomarine a combination of family entertainment, educational activities and exhilarating experiences, with top attractions including water slides, an 4D cinema show, an interactive dolphin programme and an aquarium teaming with marine life.

Nature & Wildlife

Explore the hinterland, the Algarve’s hidden gem, by bicycle or on horseback along the Via Algarviana a 240km stretch of inland nature trails and walking paths which meanders through the centre of the region.

With 70 per cent of the Algarve protected nature reserves the Via Algarviana is the perfect way to discover the native wildlife and diverse landscapes of the region.

Each section of the route is divided into 30 kilometres stretches, allowing visitors to relax and take in the breathtaking sights along the way.

Tours can be arranged with knowledgeable guides and incorporate overnight stops at quaint hotels and pousadas. Alternatively visit the Salt Marsh Natural Reserve at Castro Marim, a reserve stretching 2,089 hectares of landscape where keen birders can spot some of the 153 species of birds inhabiting the area from flamingos to mallards.

Spas

To complement the tranquil surroundings and demeanour of the Algarve, guests can indulge in a massage, spa treatment or alternative therapy in one of the region’s luxurious five star spas.

Whether finishing the day with a traditional treatment or feeling adventurous and looking to try something new, the Algarve’s spa menu offers and eclectic mix of age-old practices and breakthrough therapies.

For example, in Lagos visitors can try out supervised ‘Juice Fasting’ within detox programmes designed to renew and rejuvenate the whole body or for those wanting to practice Buddhist meditation, courses in Vipassana meditation featuring the fundamental principles can be taken on a ten-day retreat in Tavira and Monchique.

Guests in the Algarve can also book lessons in Tai-Chi, meditation and yoga and or try treatments in Reiki therapy, psycho-energetic therapy, Tibetan Ayurveda therapy, feng shui therapy, homeopathy, shiatsu, reflexology, aromatherapy, crystal therapy and chromotherapy.

With 34 five-star, 141 four-star , and 229 three-star hotels on offer in the Algarve, there are a range of budget options to suit families, friends, couples and single travellers looking for a break in the sun this summer so head to Portugal’s sunshine coast to escape from it all, there are plenty of activities and experiences waiting to be discovered.

More Information

For more information on the Algarve please visit the official wesbite.