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

The trouble with a driving holiday in Portugal is that you miss a great deal of everything this beautiful country has to offer. There is another way to see Portugal's countryside from a completely different viewpoint - on horseback. Don't worry if you've never even sat on a horse before; the gentle giants that are Luisitania horses are a placid breed that are perfectly suited to amateur and experienced riders alike.

Continue reading... Riding Luisitania Horses in Portugal

As a country steeped in Catholic tradition, Portugal places much more emphasis on the Christian holiday of All Saints Day (November 1st) than the pagan Halloween festival the night before. However, there are some spooky tales and rituals that seem to have sprung from the Gaelic roots of Halloween.

Continue reading... 'O Dia das Bruxas' - The Portuguese Halloween

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

After the great success of Locals about Greece, the Flythomascook team decided to gather a panel of seven Portuguese men and three Portuguese women and ask them the same questions about their country, culture and cuisine.

Continue reading... Locals about Portugal: He who warns you is a friend

There are many reasons for travelling light: it's easier, cheaper and better for the environment than bringing excess luggage on the plane. When you book a flight, you are allowed to bring one piece of hand baggage no bigger than 43cm x 28cm x 23 cm and 5kg in weight per person, mobility equipment and children's pushchairs. When you book short haul flights such as flights to Funchal, it is possible to add hold baggage allowance of 20kg online via "Your booking" page from 12 pounds per person per flight for or with the call centre from 17 pounds per person per flight. But before you do so, ask yourself: do you really need it? Here are some tips for travelling light with toddlers.

Continue reading... Travelling light with toddlers

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

The botanic gardens in Madeira have become one of the most treasured attractions within the Madeira. This attraction is one of the famous attractions. These botanic gardens cover an area of about eighty thousand square meters. The collection within the gardens includes more than two thousand five hundred different species of plant. This attraction is very popular with tourist and a lot of these people take advantage of the frequent flights to Funchal.

Continue reading... Madeira Botanic Gardens in Funchal

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

The name of the town Funchal comes from the Portugese word Funcho which means fennel. Fennel is a unique herb that was discovered in large amounts in the town by the Portuguese naval leaders, Tristao Vaz Teixeira and Joao Goncalves Zarco when they landed here in 1418. You can reach Funchal by air as it has an airport. There are regular flights to Funchal from many international airports. Funchal contains the castle, the old town, numerous museums, cathedrals, a cable car right up till the Monte Gardens and palace, a great place to shop, bars, cafes and restaurants. As you progress more towards the west, further from the port you will land right inside the famous Santa Catarina Park.

Continue reading... Santa Catarina Park in Funchal

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

Funchal is one of the most entertaining places of all because of its variety of festivals and great tourist destinations. You can reach Funchal by air as there are a couple of flights to Funchal everyday. One of the most popular places to visit in Funchal is the Madeira Story Centre. It is a remarkable modern museum representing the history of Funchal and its culture. It is unlike a typical museum, designed to bring alive a unique experience. As you enter this museum you will feel as if someone is weaving a story in front of you.

Continue reading... Madeira Story Centre in Funchal

Faro is one of the beautiful cities of Portugal. It has several beach resorts for people who want to have fun on the beach and there are some places of historical interest too! For your vacation, you can fly to Faro as there are daily flights to Faro from most of the domestic airports.

Continue reading... Carmo Church in Faro

Funchal got its name from a Lisbon Italian sailor who lived in the 16th Century. His name was Joao Zarco and he was exploring the island at that time. Funchal has three beautiful rivers named Ribeira de Joao Gomez, Ribeira de Santa Luzia and Ribeira de Sao Joao. It is truly refreshing to see them while sightseeing. Apart from the natural set up, Funchal consists of urban holiday resorts. Hotels and resorts here offer good amenities and great ambience and some have swimming pools too. Regarding travel, you can expect to travel by air as there are more than 20 flights to Funchal available every day from several international cities and about 50 flights from Funchal to other cities. Funchal is located at 15 minutes distance from the airport.

Continue reading... Funchal in Levada Walks

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

Malta has a rich history that brings out the beauty of the place by means of its existing forts, palaces, cathedrals, museums and temples. The local people as well as the government is determined and united to preserve its heritage with concrete efforts. Their effort is visible the way Maltese people have maintained these beautiful structures. You can travel within Malta by hiring a taxi or being part of a guided tour. Reaching Malta is easy as it has an airport and there are several flights to Malta coming everyday at convenient timings.

Continue reading... Palazza Parisio in Malta

Funchal is a place full of picturesque gardens growing all kinds of trees to preserve its natural beauty. If you are planning your next vacation to Funchal, there are several hotels and resort where you can stay. Regarding your journey, there are many flights to Funchal from almost all the major international airports. Funchal consists of Monte Palace Tropical Garden, Quinta Magnolia, Quinta Das Cruzes, Quinta Palmeira, Santa Catarina Park, Botanical GardenThis property, now belonging to the Blandy family, boasts some of the most valuable and rare exotic plants on the island.

Continue reading... Quinta do Palheiro Ferreiro

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

During the 18th century, a property was bought by Charles Murray, who was also the English Consul at the time. The property was none other than the Monte located to the southern part of the church. It was bought and converted in to a heavenly estate. It was called Quinta do Prazer which means The Pleasure Estate. As the 19th century arrived, a few rich families from Madeira, who had some vast estates themselves, came to live here whenever they came to visit Funchal.

Continue reading... Funchal Monte Palace Tropical Garden

Planning your trip to Funchal. Dont forget to pack your walking shoes for the amazing walking festival held at Madeira. Funchal makes a great place for a holiday all through the year, being a region with sub tropical weather. The Walking Festival held every year in January presents a great opportunity to enjoy the scenic beauty of Madeira in the most natural way possible, that is, by simply walking along the natures trail. Started by writer photographer, Terry Marsh, the festival has become quite popular, attracting several visitors from Europe as well as other parts of the world. The main airport being at Funchal, the only way to reach Madeira is by catching a flight to Funchal. There are several airlines offering their services to Funchal, both through major international airports and via different European cities.

Continue reading... Funchal Madeira Islands Walking Festival

Funchal Film Festival is held every year to celebrate the culture of art and fiction films. Film enthusiasts from all over Portugal as well as several neighboring countries flock around Madeira where the festival is hosted. As the craze of films is building up everywhere in the world with increasing fervor, the crowd attending the film festival is also increasing almost with the same pace. The festival mainly covers fiction feature films of 35mm reel.

Continue reading... Funchal Film Festival

The Feast of Ria Formosa is a delight for the seafood lovers. This yearly festival is bound to capture the hearts of all the foodies no matter which region of the world they belong to. The festival is aimed at celebrating the bountiful harvest of all type of seafood including fish. It is organized in the month of August and held at Jardim dos Pescadores for a period of six days.

Continue reading... Faro-Feast of Ria Formosa

Remarkable gardens, deep blue sea and picturesque landscapes are some of the things that greet you as you enter the city. Surrounded by huge mountains on one side and clear waters on the other, Funchal is truly blessed by nature. Music is an inseparable part of cultural heritage of Portugal, which is amply reflected in the music festivals held in the city.

Continue reading... funchal jazz festival

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

After Cinema, in 2004, his music reached new audiences, in Portugal and elsewhere. The O Mundo compilation, released internationally in 2006, earned him appraised critics. Pedro Almodovar, for example, had no doubts in describing Rodrigo as one of the most inspired compositors in the world. Musicians like Ryuichi Sakamoto or Beth Gibbons from Portishead didnt hesitate when they got invited by Rodrigo to leave their mark on the records he was creating.

Continue reading... rodrigo leao in concert

For tourists who desire to experience a curious mix of culture, music, history, merry-making, and a hint of wordly sophistication, flights to Funchal this September will take you just in time to take part at the the Madeira Wine Festival.

Continue reading... Madeira Wine Festival

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

Are you a 21st Century Hippy? Are you concerned with the environment and our planet? Are you into Goan trance techno music? Then the Boom Festival in Idanha a Nova Lake in Portugal is the place for you. Taking place between the 18th-26th August (during the full moon), the Boom festival is dedicated to all free spirits. The idea behind the Boom is to create a space in this time continuum where people from all over the world can live an alternative reality. "It's a celebration of intuition and telepathy as we watch how communication changes along these few days and how in the end there is no more need for words."

Continue reading... Set your holiday off with a Boom

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

For a break from museum hopping, the Funchal region offers a wealth of botanical gardens and parks in which you can relax and enjoy the vistas in the area.

Continue reading... Wine and Gardens in Funchal

Madiera, known for holding a Guinness World Record for the largest firework display, looks set to hold yet another birthday celebration as judging by last years 502nd they would be mad not to repeat proceedings on the 21st August. As well as the main parade, with participants dressed in various costumes, there will be outdoor concerts, theatre performances and other celebrations.

Continue reading... Funchal set to celebrate its 502nd birthday!

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

Nestled amongst the hills of the Grand Lisboa region of Portugal is the picturesque city of Sintra. Famed for its fairytale castles and inspiring architecture, for the last 51 years the city has also hosted the Sintra Festival. This month-long event brings together major names in chamber music and ballet from around the world. In recent years, the festival has witnessed performances by the Soprano Ann Murray and dance companies such as the Ballet du Grand Theatre de Geneve, the Spanish Compania Nacional de Damza and the Scottish Dance Theatre.

Continue reading... Sintra Festival

Situated at the point where the river Tagus flows into the Atlantic Ocean, it is hardly surprising that Lisbon has always had a special relationship with the sea. This sentiment is celebrated in the Oceans Festival, which takes place in the city from 31st July to 14th August.

Continue reading... Ocean Festival Lisbon

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

For shopping, visit the Workers' Market (Mercado dos Lavradores), an open market that is alive with activity, noise, color and the hustle and bustle of the locals. Here you can buy any Madeira's specialties such as fresh fish, vegetables, spices, exotic flowers and local handicrafts. The building is in the late 1930s art deco style and designed by Portuguese architect Edmundo Tavares. Local handicrafts in the region include hand made embroidery and lace items, ceramics, tiles, and wicker objects. Locally made honey is a perfect souvenir.

Continue reading... Feel Free in Funchal

From June 4th to 14th the historic Portuguese city of Santarem will hold the National Agricultural Fair. If the name puts you off, it is important to remember that the festival is a million miles away from the farmers markets you may have seen back home. The Portuguese never do things by halves, and the festival is a celebration of every aspect of their traditional rural culture. The event takes place two kilometres west of the city centre and is one of the largest agricultural fairs in Europe. Attractions include horse riding competitions, cattle herding and a nocturnal bull run. Dancing is also an important part of any celebration in Portugal and you can expect to see an array of local dances, including the fandango.

Continue reading... National Agricultural Fair in Santarem

The Costa de la Luz has been visited by holiday-making Spaniards for many years, but now other Europeans are discovering its attractions including the fact that the beaches have particularly fine, soft sand. These are ideal for a great deal more than just sunbathing. For example, you could borrow a horse from the local stables to enjoy a thundering gallop along a lengthy Costa de la Luz beach.

Continue reading... Off the beaten track in the South of Spain

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

In 2010, the eightieth edition of the Feira do Livro, a great open air book fair in Lisbon, will take place again in the Parque Eduardo VII from 29th April to 16th May. Opening hours are from 12:30 to 23:30 on weekdays and from 11:00 to 23:30 on Saturdays and Sundays. It's bound to be a sunny and lively festival because participating bookstores and libraries will organize street sales with great discounts, autograph sessions, book launches and entertainment for children, and from 21.30 to 22.15, there will be live music every weekday.

Continue reading... Buying Books in Lisbon

Happy St George's Day, England! The 23rd of April has been a national feast day since 1415, after the Council of Oxford declared this date to be St George's Day and after St George replaced Edward the Confessor as England's patron saint in the 14th century. His emblem is a red cross on a white background, which is incorporated in the British flag, so you'd think that it's safe to assume that he's a typically English Saint.

Continue reading... Horse Races on St George's Day

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

Dire Straits front man Mark Knopfler is rumoured to be giving a concert on Tenerife later this summer.

Continue reading... Tenerife Not In Dire Straits

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

Continue reading... Madeira Island Open Golf

Earlier this year, the inhabitant of Madeira worked together with determination to recover quickly from the destructive storms that hit parts of the island during February. After showing so much resilience, the annual Flower Festival on Madeira during April provided an opportunity for them to put recent events behind them and look forward to another great summer.

Continue reading... Madeira's Flourishing Flower Festival

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

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 tourist authorities of the island of Madeira have recently published a listing of some of their most significant cultural events for 2010.

Continue reading... Madeira Publicises 2010 Events

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

For an alternative winter sun getaway why not consider Funchal on the island of Madeira. The typical winter sun locations like Malta, Egypt or the Canary Islands like Tenerife, Gran Canaria or Lanzarote are all popular destinations for those seeking to spend a week or two escaping from the UK winter weather, but the island of Madeira is also a great option.

Continue reading... Funchal For February

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

The 17th December, was the shortest day of the year in Funchal on the island of Madeira in 2009, dusk arrived at 4 minutes to five in the afternoon only 600 minutes after sunrise. Compare that to London whose shortest day came a day or two later and was only 470 minutes long. So a winter break on the island of Madeira will not only provide more sun and warmer temperatures, but the days will be over two hours longer too.

Continue reading... Funchal's Shortest Day

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

The month of November on the island of Madeira is certainly one when food seems to take the centre stage.

Continue reading... Madeira Food Focus

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

Mention International Film Festivals and places like Cannes, Berlin, Edinburgh and Moscow spring to mind. But there are many other festivals celebrating the work of filmmakers and the island of Madeira hosts its own event which has slowly been growing in stature since it first started four years ago.

Continue reading... Funchal International Cinema Festival

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

There were two International sporting events that featured on the events calendar of the island of Lanzarote during November.

Continue reading... Lanzarote Sports November

There were two International sporting events that featured on the events calendar of the island of Lanzarote during November.

Continue reading... Lanzarote Sports November

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

Almost 20 years after his last performance on the island, Leonard Cohen returned to Mallorca to give a concert at the Palma Arena.

Continue reading... Leonard Cohen in Palma

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

A heady combination of natural delights, culture, and activities, Funchal is a colourfully vibrant place to visit. The attractive city is known for its appealing Mediterranean temperatures, Madeiran wine and local handicrafts. It makes a great spot for a weekend break or a week away to explore this region in the Madeiran archipelago.

Continue reading... Funchal - Part 1

In a move that appears to be bucking the trend experienced in other parts of Europe, the Greek Islands are seeing improved tourist figures for the first four months of the year.

Continue reading... Greeks Islands Proving Popular

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

The Greek islands of Rhodes, Crete and Zante are among many holiday destinations in Greece that will benefit from the smoking ban that is being brought forward to July 1st 2009 from its original introduction date of January 1st 2010. With smoking banned in public places across much of Europe already, Greece is one of a few countries yet to introduce the legislation that bans smoking in public places like restaurants, hotels and cafes. The fact that smoking is still allowed in these places at the moment comes as a surprise to many visitors of holiday destinations in Greece and has been seen as a significant disadvantage by tourist authorities.

Continue reading... Smoking Ban in Greece brought forward

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