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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.

The last weekend of July the town of Lagos (80 km from Faro) becomes the stage of the Feira-Concurso Arte Doce. This contest requires its participants to be creative and skillful preparing their 'works of art' using almonds, eggs, and other traditional Portuguese ingredients and methods for sweets. The most visually entertaining spectacle is the marzipan sculpture competition where local patissiers challenge each other to making the most complicated contractions with marzipan. But in a place like this tasting is everything. At the fair, top quality Portuguese chocolate salamis can be sampled as well as the famous Dom Rodrigo. This pastry is filled with sweet egg custard, pumpkin jam, almonds and cinnamon- a real sensory treat for those who have a sweet tooth. The festival also provides musical entertainment and dancing to burn off those calories!

For those who might prefer more fishy treats, one of the Algarve's most important gastronomic events, the Festival do Marisco is held at the Jardim do Pescador Olhanense in Olhao (just a short distance east of Faro). The fish festival is in its 24th edition and is held between the 10th and 15th of August. Rows of stalls sell fresh fish delicacies, such as the caldeirada, a fish stew with a wide variety of shish, shellfish, potatoes, tomatoes and onions, as well as the cataplana, a Portuguese tangine-like dish. Concerts, folk dancing and singing keep visitors entertained as they eat.

If you wish to eat your way through the Algarve coast, Flythomascook operates regular flights to Faro from several UK airports.