Christmas in the UK can become more of a stress than a celebration, with crowded shops, checkout queues and motorway traffic, celebrating abroad often works out as a peaceful option as well as being a Christmas to remember. Though it may not be a traditional white yuletide, spending Christmas in the sunny Algarve is less commercial and, culturally, more family orientated, not to mention, a comfortable 15-16 degrees Celsius.

Continue reading... Father Christmas in Faro

Every October, the town centre of Faro is dedicated to Saint Irene (or, as the Portuguese call her, Santa Iria). From 19t until 29th of October, Largo de Sao Francisco will be bristling with activity, fragrant food stalls, colourful displays, art exhibitions and entertainment for all generations.

Continue reading... Faro's favourite saint

Faro's club scene is the stuff of legends, with a reputation for being the place to head for in Portugal if you want to party long and hard into the night. But travellers who use Faro as a base to explore the more remote areas of the Algarve in the off-season will experience much more of the real Portugal - a relaxed, easy going way of life that in the villages and towns further down the coast hasn't changed for centuries.

Continue reading... The place to head for in Portugal: Faro

The best way to make a holiday really memorable is to immerse yourself in the local culture. Faro is renowned for playing host to some of the most prominent festivals and fiestas in the whole of the Algarve - and the low cost and convenience of flights to Faro makes them easily accessible all year round. Whether you're interested in sporting events, religious festivals or cultural celebrations, Faro is the Portuguese HQ for a range of vibrant and spectacular parties.

Continue reading... Festivals in Faro

Omega Parque Zoo is located within the Algarve and it is located amongst the scenic mountains. This zoo is home to a number of different endangered animals and this includes crowned sifakas, limos, cheetah, bamboo lemurs and also oryx to name a few. This zoo offers the perfect day out if you want to be entertained whilst also getting a bit of an education on endangered animals. A lot of the tourists that visit this attraction make the most of the frequent flights to Algarve.

Continue reading... Omega Parque Zoo in Algarve

Faro is a great place to be in Portugal. Its foundations were started in Roman era and the town of Faro at the time was referred to as Ossonoba. In the 9th century Faro happened to be the capital of a princedom which could be retained as such for a very short time. This princedom was characterized by defensive walls and many decades later the name was changed to Santa Maria and then to Harune. Ultimately Faro was made a part of Portugal during the 13th century. Traveling to Faro for the purpose of tourism is an excellent idea as it is directly accessible by air. Flights to Faro from a number of European and other countries are also quite regular.

Continue reading... Faro Archaeological Museum in Faro

Faro is the largest city of the Algarve region. To the east of Faro beyond the Guardiana River dividing Portugal and Spain is the castle of Castro Marim. It was at the time a stronghold the Knights Templar. There are several places of tourist interest in Faro. If you are planning a vacation here then book your flights to Faro in advance to completely enjoy the different places in and around Faro. One of the spookiest sites at Faro is its Chapel of Bones.

Continue reading... The Chapel of Bones in Faro

Faro is the capital of Algarve and has multitudinous destinations to explore while you are there. You will probably get exhausted but would still want to see every corner of the city of Faro. Faro has an airport and you can easily book flights to Faro once you decide to visit the enchanting city.

Continue reading... Cathedral in Faro

Faro is the capital of Algarve. In the past Faro was home to both Arab as well as Roman settlements. The way these settlements have affected the lifestyle and the architecture here is evident from various locations spread all over Faro. When the Arabs occupied most of the city, Faro was a significant commercial port. After the earthquake struck Faro in 1755 several buildings were destroyed and they had to be restored and rebuilt. A vacation here is incomplete without visiting historic places in the city. Faro can easily be reached by air as there are several flights to Faro from every major city in the world.

Continue reading... Algarvean Costume Ethnographic Museum in Faro

The capital city of the Portuguese region of the Algarve, Faro is an ideal base for exploring the areas fabulous range of local arts and culture, with a range of creative things to do such as cooking, painting, crafts, and literature. With great weather all year round and a beautiful environment, holidays in Faro provide a wealth of inspirations.

Continue reading... faro guide art holidays

With fantastic beaches, beautiful countryside, and some great things to do on land and on water, the Algarve region of Portugal is renowned across the world for its local charm, natural environment, and sense of adventure. With great weather all year round, and some stylish places to stay, the Algarve is a top destination for a range of adventure activities.

Continue reading... The appeal of Algarve

Gourmets and gastronauts visiting Southern Portugal this week will surely not want to miss the Festival do Marisco or Shellfish Festival, which takes place in Olhao from the 10th to the 15th of August 2010. This is the 25th year the the town has played host to this celebration of the region's rich heritage of everything to do with seafood.

Continue reading... A feast on the Algarve

At the end of August, the European Poker tour comes once more to the purpose-built marina resort complex of Vilamoura, on Portugal's stunning Algarve coast.

Continue reading... Vilamoura for the European Poker Tour

The Algarve is famous for its excellent seafood cuisine. This remarkable attraction can be tied to the long stretches of seashore and harbours dotting the whole region, which contribute to the richness and beauty of Algarve. The area shows off its qualities during the Sardine festival in Faro. Every year, there is an influx of visitors and flights to Faro because of this summer festival, which takes place in the month of August on the Riverside zone in Portimao. Thousands of sardine enthusiasts return to Faro during this event to participate in the fun and challenging competitions which this festival offers.

Continue reading... Sardine festival in Faro

The Algarve region of Southern Portugal is home to some of Portugal's best festivals and events. Book your flights to Faro in particular, and catch the mesmerizing celebration of Faros' favourite Saint at the annual Feira de Santa Iria this October.

Continue reading... The Feira Santa Iria Festival in Faro

Ria Formosa festival is a major celebration in Faro coming up at the end of July to last till the beginning of August. For lovers of seafood and all sorts of other exotic traditional menus, this is the best place to be this summer as there will be vast numbers of these foods from all over Portugal.

Continue reading... Algarve seafood and wine festival

Faro, the Algarve's capital, is a hotspot for festivals, cultural events and rallies - notably its renowned Motorcycle rally from the 16th-18th July. If you are a racing enthusiast and are looking for something to do over this weekend, then book your flights to Faro now to avoid disappointment, for this is a hugely popular event.

Continue reading... Fancy a Weekend of Sun, Sea and Motorbikes

The Algarve coast is stunningly beautiful and it is also a first class surfing destination. For surfers, it's well worth booking flights to Faro because the waters here offer ideal conditions and there are amazing reefs and breaks all along the shore. Wide, sandy beaches overlooked by red clay cliffs and very little civilization make the Algarve a perfect culturescape for beach goers, even if you're not into surfing but simply long to relax. The beaches are not crowded here and tend to have a laid back feel.

Continue reading... Surfers prefer Faro

From Faro to Lagos, the Algarve just doesn't seem to slow down in August. All along this holiday coastline, there are sporting events every week to keep competitors and spectators alike happy. If you want to be part of this, it's wise to book your flights to Faro now. The warm weather doesn't put people off either with everything from athletic races to high profile motorsport events on the calendar.

Continue reading... Algarve Sports Fest during August

Much the same as their Spanish neighbours, food is a big thing in the Algarve. This popular Portuguese coastal region is peppered with eateries for all pallets and budgets, from local taverns to internationally renowned Michelin starred establishments. The locals however believe that food should not only be tasted, but also celebrated.

Continue reading... An Epicurean's delight in the Algarve

As it is situated on the Atlantic, the Algarve region has a bounty of fresh fish on its doorstep. Portugal on a whole is among Europe's highest fish consuming nations. Cod is a hugely popular fish and it is reputed that the Portuguese have 365 different ways to prepare it - one dish for each day of the year! Also popular are grilled sardines, octopus, squid, crabs, shrimp, sea bass, lobster, and shellfish. Expect to see the fish and shellfish here prepared in a multitude of ways. Additional dishes to try are the rich bean stews and presunto, which is a wafer thin smoked ham and bread served with pate and olives. Speaking of bread, you may want to sample the acorda which is a thick bread-based casserole made with garlic, coriander and seafood. Potatoes and rice dishes are also mainstays of the menus here.

Continue reading... The Fantastic Food of Faro

The Algarve in Portugal is well known for its love of sport. And where better to play than down on the beach?

Continue reading... Sport on the Beach in Portugal

If you are visiting one of the resorts on the Algarve this summer, then in addition to the usual cultural events, an array of sporting competitions is planned for both spectators and amateur participants. Resorts like Faro, Portimao, Vilamoura and Tavira are all close to the sporting events for 2010.

Continue reading... Algarve Prepares For Sporting Summer

April is a month of tradition, sport and culture on the Atlantic island of Madeira.

Continue reading... Madeira Island Open Golf

We've already mentioned some of the sporting events planned to take place on the Algarve during April, with a round of the World Superbike Championship being one of the most high profile. This event represents a great opportunity for British bike fans who may struggle to get tickets for the home round of this series. Book some time off work, secure some cheap flights with flythomascook.com and spend a long weekend enjoying the Portuguese round of the series in the warm sunshine of the Algarve.

Continue reading... Algarve Arts in March

Whatever your preferred hobby or pastime, a stay on the Algarve during April is likely to provide something to tempt you to leave the beaches and explore this fascinating region.

Continue reading... Algarve April Excitement

The public still have several months to vote on what they regard to be the Seven Natural Wonders of Portugal, in a competition aimed at promoting some of the country's most beautiful natural areas.

Continue reading... Seven Wonders Of Portugal

In the Portuguese holiday region of the Algarve, the start of the main holiday season is also joined by the first of several international motorsport events that will take place on a recently built circuit just outside the city of Portimao.

Continue reading... Algarve Motorsport Season

Everyone is asking when the severe winter weather in the UK, the harshest for the past 30 years, is finally going to let up. But the UK shouldn't feel too bad, because there are plenty of other European countries that have experienced equally poor weather. Countries like Belgium and Germany have also been suffering under very cold, wet and snowy conditions for several weeks now.

Continue reading... Storms Force Tenerife Events To Be Postponed

Many holiday resorts around Europe will be putting the finishing touches to their summer event plans, with several places set to hold music festivals. These multi-act events usually last several days and can attract huge audiences, especially if the mix of artists caters for a wide range of tastes.

Continue reading... Tenerife Announces April Pop Concert

Unusual Atlantic weather patterns for this time of year may still be rolling into southern Spain and Portugal, but for one traditional event on the Algarve, the inclement weather actually seems rather fitting.

Continue reading... Spring on the Algarve

Nothing to worry about for anyone taking a leisurely cycle ride in this part of Portugal, but for the professional riders in this year's Tour of the Algarve, things were slightly crazy as they arrived in Albufeira during the February event.

Continue reading... Chaos For Riders On Algarve

The rest of Europe may be settling back for a quiet few weeks to help get over the Christmas excesses but the Algarve region of Portugal is still busy at this time of year. The southern coast of Portugal is a long strip of beaches, holidays resorts and golf courses that attract visitors all year round and especially during January and February when its mild weather can provide a welcome break from the harsher winter days of the UK.

Continue reading... January Algarve Events

Recently we reported on a series of Flamenco concerts taking place in the Canary Islands during February. Perhaps it's that time of year but there was also a brace of Flamenco concerts which took place in Faro on the Algarve at the 6th Flamenco Festival in early February.

Continue reading... Flamenco in Faro

If anyone doubted the importance to the Portuguese of sport and getting into the great outdoors, then a visit to the Algarve in Portugal during February will have put those doubts to rest. Of course the weather in the region is a crucial factor, with dry, mild conditions during the early part of the year permitting sporting events that could only take place during summer in the UK. Another factor is the attitude of the local communities towards sporting activities and events. Whether these be football tournaments, water sports events in the sea or motorsport competitions, there seems to be an endless stream of options for both spectating and taking part.

Continue reading... February Sports Bonanza on The Algarve

The southern coast of Portugal, better know as the Algarve region, is staking it's claim as one of Europe's top surfing locations. There are now numerous surf-friendly locations along the coast and a series of events for both amateurs and professionals.

Continue reading... Algarve's Surfing Crown

Rapidly turning into Turkey's hottest new kid on the block in terms of tourism, Belek is a region on the coast of southern Turkey which includes the town of Belek itself, the city of Antalya and the stunning Aspendos amphitheatre. Here the coastline is scattered with "blue flag" quality beaches, newly developed tourist centres and a variety of historic and cultural attractions.

Continue reading... Glorious Golf in Belek

January and February are both popular months for golfers taking a trip to the Algarve in Portugal. The resorts that are within easy reach of Faro airport offer perfect conditions at the start of the year, when many UK courses could be difficult to play or even closed due to the weather conditions.

Continue reading... Fly To Faro For January Golf

New Years Eve celebrations seem to be getting bigger and bigger every year. London now stages a major public fireworks display, centred on the London Eye on the Thames, while TV news broadcasts always show the New Year being welcomed in different parts of the world. These reports usually show fireworks displays in Edinburgh, Paris, Sydney, Copacabana beach, Hong Kong and or the million or so revelers who converge on Times Square in New York. The New York celebrations are interesting as they first started in 1904 to commemorate the opening of the New York Times' new offices, when 200,000 people came to enjoy an all-day party put on by the newspaper. It is now estimated that 1 billion people worldwide watch the Times Square celebrations.

Continue reading... New Years Eve on the Algarve

If many resorts, even winter sun destinations, seem very quite during November and December, then those looking for a little more activity may be interested in a visit to Portugal's Algarve region. Although the weather there may not quite be able to compete with the Canary Islands or the resorts of Egypt and Gambia for reliable warm sunny days, it certainly will not be as cold or as wet as the UK during those months.

Continue reading... The Algarve During November and December

Imagine the traditional Christmas scene and snowy forests or icy lakes may spring to mind. Well the festive season on Portugal's Algarve coast is highly unlikely to feature either of those, benefitting as it does from mild, dry weather right through the months of November, December and January. Of course you may be unlucky enough to catch a stray band of rain or be subjected to one of the onshore Atlantic breezes but largely the weather will be mild and sunny.

Continue reading... Christmas on The Algarve

In Europe the Autumn period seems to be the time when many areas host festivals celebrating local produce and cuisine. A little research has revealed that food fairs are now held in many popular tourist areas at the end of the summer season and serve to provide visitors with a taste of local cuisine and traditions.

Continue reading... Food Fairs in Autumn

The Teatro das Figuras in Faro was the venue for a Dance Gala evening on the 10th of October 2009.

Continue reading... International Dance Gala in Faro

There may be a smaller selection of events taking place on the Algarve during Autumn, but there's still a choice that should satisfy anyone on holiday there during that period.

Continue reading... Events on the Algarve During Autumn

Vintage car events seem to be ever more popular these days and the Historic Motoring Festival on the Algarve during October is one example.

Continue reading... Algarve Historic Motoring Festival

Portugal's Algarve coastline will become a film set for part of summer 2010 when production staff and celebrity stars including Brad Pitt will use locations near Portimao for a classic remake. The new race track on the Algarve will be the base for filming over two weeks next summer.

Continue reading... Algarve Film Set

Visitors to Crete during September will not only have the fabulous autumn weather to enjoy. A selection of cultural events continues throughout the month.

Continue reading... Crete During September

This year there was another chance to experience the thrills provided by the Le Mans cars at the Algarve International Autodrome between 30th July and 2nd August

Continue reading... Another 24 Hours on the Algarve

Faro airport is the primary travel hub into southern Portugal. From the western end of the coast at Lagos right along through Albufeira, Vilamoura, Faro itself and across to Tavira in the east, the international airport welcomes flights from all over Europe. The majority of arrivals however are either from Lisbon or from the UK. Despite some lower traveler numbers this year, airport owners Ana Aeroportos are set to invest around 130 million Euros over the next four years in a multi-phase expansion project.

Continue reading... Faro Airport Improvements Planned

Deciding on a new destination for your next holiday is both exciting and difficult. The prospect of discovering new and wonderful places is set against the worry of potentially being disappointed with your choice of location. Travel brochures have pages of tempting pictures of beautiful scenery and attractive descriptions and the resorts themselves use all kinds of marketing strategies to attract as many visitors as possible. As part of this promotion you may have heard some resorts describe their beaches as "blue flag", but what does that actually mean?

Continue reading... Blue Flag Beaches

Over four days in July the Moto Club Faro holds its annual Bike Meet on the Concentration Showground right next to Faro airport.

Continue reading... Bike Meet in Faro during July

Most tourists simply pass through Faro airport en route to their resort destinations in other parts of the Algarve. But if you're hankering for a cultural city break with wonderful food and year-round sun, then Faro is a delightful retreat.

Continue reading... Faro Part 1

AquaShow Park opened at the beginning of June and has various new attractions to excite visitors this year. It trademark ride is a long water roller coaster which, it claims, is the biggest in Europe. The ride is 740 meters long and a trip is said to last around 5 minutes in cars which twist, turn, climb and drop through various water channels. If you can cope with the thrills, it's a great way to cool off. The park also has other rides including a vertical drop slide called White Fall, a water play area suitable for smaller children and a huge wave pool for just bobbing around. A bird park and a wide choice of places to find something to eat and drink, rounds things off. The park, which is only 10 miles from Faro airport, seems to get great reviews.

Continue reading... Waterpark attractions on the Algarve

Festival MED takes places in the cosmopolitan town of Loule between 24th and 28th June 2009. This will be the sixth time the MED has been organised and it has quickly gained a reputation as one of the most highly-regarded World Music festivals. Seventeen acts have been confirmed for the festival this year including Stewart Copeland, former drummer from The Police, and Orquestra Buena Vista Social Club. Two main stages and three smaller stages will be home to the acts in a celebration of world music that also includes other attractions. Events supplementing the music include theatre and street entertainment, exhibitions of art together with gastronomy and handicrafts exhibitions.

Continue reading... Algarve hosts Festival med in June

If your family is one of the many that are now finding surfing to be the perfect component of an activity holiday then your choice of location is very important. The Algarve coast in Portugal between Faro and Lagos has some of the best family surfing beaches in Europe.

Continue reading... Family Surfing in The Algarve

Situated on the Algarve coast between Lagos and Faro, the town of Portimao is no stranger to high adrenalin sports events. Kitesurfing, motorcycling and powerboat racing have all used the location on the southern coast of Portugal for professional calibre competitions.

Continue reading... Blue Skies over Portimao

Travel half an hour East from Faro on the Algarve and you will arrive at the old town of Tavira, a place that ranks alongside Lagos in architectural significance on this stretch of the Portuguese coast.

Continue reading... Festival in the Old Town of Tavira

Just imagine all the ingredients required for a perfect golf holiday coming together nicely.

Continue reading... The Perfect Golf Holiday