Portugal Algarve Property News and features

The Algarve was considered, for the second time on a row, as the World’s best place to enjoy retirement.

In a review from the US Company “Live and Invest Overseas” quoted by CNN; the Algarve comes in first place, and highlighted the low cost of living, the beach, the golf courses and the ease of communication for native English speaking.

According to the review, the cost of living in the Algarve is significantly lower than in the United States.

To elaborate this review, it was considered the cost of living and Real Estate investment, entertainment options, the strength of expatriate communities, health care and logistics for relocation.

One of the highlighted factors is the ‘more than 100,000 expatriates, who promoted exchanges of books,  tennis and volunteer groups.

The former touristy complex “Torralta” in Alvor, will be nº 12th Pestana Hotel in the Algarve.

With an investment of eight million euros, arouse the “Alvor South Beach” that will be opening its doors on the 6th of August.

To “The Express” the Manager of the Pestana Group, Pedro Lopes, says this new project transformed a huge concrete structure destined to be another tower of “Torralta” – never completed – into a Beachfront Hotel.

This new Hotel has 79 rooms, of which 57 are suites.

It further has three swimming pools and a decor identical to the one on the Group’s Hotel in Miami.

Located in the heart of the Vilamoura Marina within the Congress hall of the Hotel Tivoli – SEVEN Vilamoura is back for a fantastic 2015 and promises to thrill the Algarvian nights with parties full of animation and with the best international DJ’s.

SEVEN will bring 38 nights of pure emotion, with a line-up and very special guests, reason for being considered as the only night club in the country hiring the best DJ’S in the world.

As one of the most desired locations, the space is designed with a main room, a communal lounge area, VIP area and also an outdoor area with 6 different bars available.

Don’t miss out!

The most well known party for several years is back: White Party at Purobeach Vilamoura  – Friday 24th July.

Purobeach Vilamoura is a small oasis right next to the sea on Vilamoura beach where you’ll find a restaurant, lounge bar and massage area. A combination of a healthy and calming atmosphere during the day with vitality and entertainment at night. A place where body and mind encounter perfect balance.

On the beach, the decoration is exotic and complemented by an exclusive service. As the sun rises, enjoy a massage or just simply relax in the body-hugging comfort of the chairs and beds to the sound of music Purobeach style.

At night, the dinner menu with the exotic influences of Miami, Marrakesh and Melbourne will surprise the most demanding of foodies and always in a unique party atmosphere.

The 1st edition of the Summer Lovers Market, an event that falls under the category Fashion & Food, will take place this 25th and 26th July the Vilamoura Casino gardens.

This initiative has 40 of the most trendy National Brands that dictate fashion trends and street food. The summer fashion will bring caipirinhas and ice creams under the sound of chill out music, bossa nova and reggae. Plus, every evening visitors can enjoy a sunset party.

The festival will feature several areas, which are divided into summer brands, street food, lounge area and a stage for performances. It has a sympathetic character to support “From Kibera With Love” – a project that strives to ensure the education of children of Kibera, the largest slum in the world in Kenya.

This event runs from 10am to 8pm – free entrance.

For more information check  www.facebook.com/summerloversmarket

The mythical restaurant “Casa Velha” has blossomed in Quinta do Lago. This gastronomic space of French cuisine reopened doors a few days ago and now features an elegant facility with Mediterranean character, with a Menu renewed by Chef Yannick Guichaoua and impeccable table service managed by Celine Guichaoua and her team.

The village that houses the Casa Velha Restaurant, dates from the first half of the twentieth century and is one of Quinta do Lago’s landmarks.

Over the decades, the space has undergone architectural changes, adapting to the times and culinary fashions. From the original design remains very little: only the Moorish-style stone fountain that still hums freshness in the inner courtyard and the photos in the memories ark of those who followed the metamorphosis of the facade over the past.

In the past, this was the venue of endless parties and even one of the hottest nightclubs, “The Patio” in the 90’s.

Today, we find an idyllic retreat, reminiscent of the villages of the French Riviera. This year, the Quinta do Lago group invested a few millions in the extensive refurbishment of the former Casa Velha, from which two different spaces arise: “Bovino”, a premium steakhouse and the French kitchen corner, which retains its original name “Casa Velha”

From the 16th to 19th July, Faro will be hosting the 34th International Motorcycles Gathering.

As usual, Vale das Almas will be the meeting point for thousands of bikers who will gather for a weekend of lots of fun, turning Faro into the capital of “two wheels”.

The “Moto Clube de Faro” is responsible for organizing this event which is considered one of Europe’s most mythical bikers gathering.

Every year thousands of bikers drive to this town for a weekend full of shows, concerts, performances, exhibitions, among many other activities.

From July 1st to August 15th, the Tivoli Marina Vilamoura 5* Hotel hosts Cristiano Ronaldo’s CR7 Museum.

With direct access to the Marina, at the CR7 Museum in the Tivoli Marina Hotel it will be possible to know Cristiano’s great wins, what he does in his spare time, take pictures with the Golden Ball & Boot or learn to shoot like him.

According to Jorge Beldade – Operations Regional Director for the Tivoli Hotels & Resorts in the Algarve: “We are very pleased that the Tivoli Marina Vilamoura has been elected to host the Museum CR7. The hotel offers all the conditions and infrastructure to embrace a project of this scale. He also states: “This will be a unique and exclusive opportunity for our customers and visitors to get involved in the universe of one of the best players of our time”

It is recalled that the CR7 Museum was opened in December last year, now hosted by the Tivoli Marina Vilamoura, having gone first through the Forum Algarve in Faro.

Considered the summer’s most competitive tournament in the Algarve!

With the presence of well known  Portuguese and Spanish sports celebrities. With more than 150 teams and about 2,500 participants.

Between the 20th and 27th of June, The Vila Real de Santo Antonio Sports Complex will host the largest Iberian Children’s Football Tournament.

This complex hosts varied sports related events such as Soccer “Mundialito”, the European Athletics Veterans Championship and several Championship cups of  European Athletics Clubs, this year receiving the “COPA DO GUADIANA” 3rd Edition, it is considered a privileged space for holding sporting events offering unique conditions, unparalleled in Algarve ground.

The Vila Real de Santo António County, apart from an extraordinary Sports Complex offers accommodation units in well known Hotels (Vila Real Santo Antonio, Monte Gordo and Altura) to welcome the teams and their companions.

The access to various beaches for leisure and entertainment just 100 meters from the Hotels, the warm Mediterranean sea temperature and the extensive sandy beach – makes Monte Gordo one of the best beaches in the Algarve.

All teams participants (athletes and staff) have access to the Guadiana Bus that will be available to transport teams from the Hotel to the Sports Complex 12 hours a day.

The Vila Real de Santo Antonio Sports Complex is equipped with:

– 8 seven football fields of natural and synthetic grass;

– 1 five football Field of synthetic grass;

– 10 tennis courts

– Stadium with covered benches;

– Athletics track;

– 18 Changing rooms;

– Indoor track for specific training of athletes;

– Exhibition Centre and leisure deck area of over 2000 m2;

– Physiotherapy Clinic;

– Food and beverage spots;

– 2 car parking spaces.

Competition:

* Football 11: 20th to 22nd June 2015;

* Football 7: 23rd to 27th June 2015;

* Football 5: 23rd to 27th June 2015;

– Classes

* Football 11 (2000 and 2001)

* Football 7 (2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006);

* Football 5 (2007 and 2008).

– Fields

* Football 11 (3 natural grass courts and 3 synthetic grass);

* Football 7 (5 natural grass fields and six synthetic grass);

* Football 5 (2 natural grass fields).

Registrations are now open for the “COPA DO GUADIANA” Tournament. The range of offer for accommodation associated with the event guarantees conditions and quite affordable values ​​to all participants.

Great players and unique experiences in this week. Don’t miss it!

Between the 25th and 28th June, the World music event will return to the Historic District of Loulé.

The “Med” Festival closed the concert’s poster advertising the Spanish Alamedadosoulna, Portuguese Brass Wires Orchestra and French Babylon Circus. The 12th Edition of the world music event is between 25th and June 28th in the historic area of ​​Loulé and will be providing 42 bands from 15 different nationalities.

This year, the festival pays tribute to Fado, the Alentejo songs and the Mediterranean diet, the three expressions of Portuguese Culture declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. The last day of the event, June 28th, will be open to the public and dedicated exclusively to the Mediterranean diet.

Tickets are already for sale and price is 10 euros (for 1 day) and 25 euros (3 days) – bought in advance. During the festival, the daily tickets will cost 12 euros and 3 day passes 30 euros.

Below is the schedule for the main stage of the event:

25th June (Thursday)

CASTELO
9.45pm – TAPE JUNK (c/ FRANKIE CHAVEZ) (Portugal)
11.45pm – BRASS WIRES ORCHESTRA (Portugal)
1.45am – CLUBE CONGUITO (Portugal)

MATRIZ
10.15pm – CARMINHO (Portugal)
12.15am – BABYLON CIRCUS (France)

CERCA
9.15pm CATI FREITAS (Portugal)
11.15pm JAMBINAI (South Corea)
1.15am SKIP & DIE (Holland/South Africa)

26th June (Friday)

CASTELO
9.45pm – DANÇAS OCULTAS & DOM LA NENA (Portugal + Brazil)
11.45pm – BATIDA (Portugal/Angola)
1.45am – DRUMSPROJX BY SYLVA DRUMS (Portugal)

MATRIZ
10.15pm – ESTER RADA (Israel)
12.15am – CUMBIA ALLSTARS (Peru)

CERCA
9.15pm – RAQUEL TAVARES (Portugal)
11.15pm – AZIZA BRAHIM (West Sahara)
1.15am – BALKAN BEAT BOX (Israel)

27th June (Saturday)

CASTELO
9.45pm – GIANA VISCARDI inviting SARA TAVARES (Brazil + Cape Verde)
11.45pm – TIAGO BETTENCOURT (Portugal)

MATRIZ
10.15pm –  NNEKA (Nigéria)
12.15am – FERRO GAITA inviting DINO D’SANTIAGO (Cape Verde)
2.15am  – DJ MARFOX (Portugal)

CERCA
9.15pm – KARYNA GOMES (Guiné Bissau)
11.15pm – BALOJI (Democratic Republic of the Congo)
1.15am – ALAMEDADOSOULNA (Spain)