Algarve Addicts: a thriving community of healthy, outdoor people connected by the Algarve, Portugal.

Meet Steve from Sunseeker Steve Handy from Sunseeker Portugal Steve moved over to Portugal with Sunseeker as it makes a lot of sense for this international boat builder to have a presence down here in the Algarve. I got to chat to him about how it all started for Sunseeker in the Algarve and what life is like for Steve in Europe's favourite holiday destination. Listen along! Show notes Steve has been here for three years and relates the story of how Sunseeker came to be in Vilamoura. He was selling a boat to a client on the marina and the client was hesitating as there was no representation in Portugal. He suggested it to the Sunseeker Group and they did it in 2014. Hunting for an office, hiring staff and having high standards in the Algarve business environment. Steve mentions how to adapt to the working environment down here. Choosing a location to move the business to: Vilamoura and then Boliqueime. That pub in Boliqueime is called Pub 37. We discuss finding long term rentals and how tough it is. We have a lovely lady in our Algarve Addicts Facebook group who has a business helping people find long term rentals. The Algarve from a boat owners perspective and naturally the weather plays a big role (as any seagoing person should know :) ). 6-8 restaurants run boat tender services: Estamine Restaurant Restaurant A Sardinha at Praia Arrifes near Albufeira. Gibraltar isn't far away, Lagos is 2 hours away from Vilamoura, Faro is a fantastic destination to cruise in the Ria Formosa. Steve mentions how much fun you can have on a boat as a floating platform and he mentions a Seabob (a type of underwater mini jet ski). https://www.instagram.com/p/BQQ77JFDCHe/ Check out the Seabob! That might be quite fun for those cave visits AND surfing! The Guadiana River for cruising and we talk about Vila Real Santo Anonio and the proximity of Spain. Can you just drop anchor wherever you want? Motorbiking in the Algarve and off-roading buggies. If you'd like to do the same thing get in touch with Maverick Tours and Vista Experience. Great motor cycling road between São Brás de Alportel and Tavira - EN270. Steves recommendations: Beach: Praia do Carvalho and the West Coast. Restaurants: The Shack and Pure in Quinta do Lago. You can find Steve online through Sunseeker Portugal or axoparlondongroup.com

Alexandra Vanstalle is a mother of four kids, husband of one and runs unbelievable distances along rural tracks. Her latest adventure is to train for a 111km long trail run… Listen to her story: Show notes Alex was born in Oeiras, close to Lisbon, studied in Lisbon and worked at a Mexican restaurant, before setting off for Mexico and heading back to the Algarve! Holidays in her youth were spent in Manta Rota in the Algarve. Teenage party times! We talk about Praia Verde and Pézinhos na Areia. Her first few months living in the Algarve just outside Loulé near Boliqueime. Trail running and how she became addicted to it and the free group Corridas a Sexta Feira She joined ATR (Algarve Trail Running) and helped with the Rocha da Pena race and ended up entering the 50km run which is held in August in 40ºC temperatures. Alex trains 50, 60, 70 kms a week before a big race. We discuss the ALUT which stands for the Algarviana Ultra Trail which is a 300km race from one end of the Algarve to the other (Alcoutim to Sagres). If you’ve just arrived in the Algarve and want to do some great trail runs, Alex suggests heading for Querença, Salir or Falesia or even Monchique! We talk about the Cerro do São Miguel above Moncarrapacho. Alex’s Algarve recommendations: Loulé – schools, hospitals, restaurants and safe to live in. Beaches: Ilha Deserta and Restaurant Estamine The west coast (Costa Vicentina). You can find Alex online on Facebook or at http://byvanstalle.com/ where she does image consulting. She helps people build self confidence through clothing and body language among other things.

  I interviewed Maria in the new Centro de Congressos do Algarve and we managed to sneak into an empty conference room as the sound was GREAT in there. Her life is really varied taking in a lot of projects like online tourism startups, the Lagos Food Fest, other big events, food tours, the Rota de Petisco (read all about it as we didn't have time to discuss it).   Show notes   Born in Lisbon, moved to Macau, China when she was 2 due to her fathers involvement with Portugal broadcasting. Her first impression of the Algarve was at Cabanas de Tavira when she was really small. The next time she visited was Vilamoura in her teens... (!) Typical vacation spot for the whole of Portugal. Escaping from the Algarve in August. How she moved to the Algarve. First job in the Algarve and then working for Eddie Murphy! Algarve Tech Hub makes its way into one more of our conversations. Share Algarve is coming soon and we discuss the new vision for the conference. Maria has a food tour company which started "by accident" over three years ago. Canned food from Maria do Mar in Portimao. Culinary Tourism as an incentive from the Tourism Boards, both the Região Turismo Algarve and Portugal Tourism. Lagos food fest 25,000 people come to Lagos for one weekend. It's in July 2019. Gastronomic Conference has been designed to build a strategy around the food and beverage industry in the Algarve. The web site is coming soon and will be here: http://congressogastronomiadoalgarve.com/ Maria's top spots! Beaches (all Google Maps links): Camilo, Ingrina, Amado, Arrifana, Tavira Restaurants: Polvo e Compania (Santa Luzia), Come Na Gaveta (Tavira), Ferradura (Lagos) Coastline: Walk the cliffs of Lagos from Ponta da Piedade to Burgau (about 10kms) Monchique: Find a medronho distillery and then enjoy the different food. Maria talks about the origin of Carne de Porco Alentejano (pork and clams).  

Jason Brown, originally from South Africa made the move to Portugal a few years back and loves it here. We met at my house in São Brás de Alportel and had a great 30 minute discussion filled with tips for people arriving in the Algarve and how to acclimatize to the area. Show notes Moving to Portugal and pre-arrival impressions: A sleepy fishing village and similar to South Africa. Vilamoura, Carvoeiro and Lagos get heavily marketed but smaller and more local places don't get as much attention which is totally understandable. Getting off the plane from Wales and looking forward to an outdoors lifestyle with beach, barbecues and getting out and about. What more could anyone want? Why Lagos? His parents were already there but Jason mentions history, tradition and culture all richly present in Lagos' modern day appearance. Young, vibey travellers, sometimes surfers and #vanlife followers. We chat about the Three Monkeys bar in Lagos and here's the blog post I mentioned. Activities in the Algarve: how to join a group? Jason suggests typing in "soccer algarve" (for example) into Facebook (or ask in our very own Algarve Addicts Facebook group!), asking at your local sports store or local sports centre, or chatting to the staff of a local bar/restaurant. Be bold and set your own group up. We talk walking football and the Burgau Barbarians! The reality of moving to and living in Portugal. Basic Portuguese is helpful and makes you feel more at home, but not entirely necessary. There are quite a few companies that can do the awful bureaucratic services for you. :) Where to settle in the Algarve. Do a recce trip and use Airbnb to experience life like a local. Look at the main cities - you can find more info in my Algarve Geography podcast. Drive around and explore! Speak to people online and listen to all the Algarve Addicts podcasts, they really will help you to acclimatize. Jason's tells us the story of his business: Access Algarve. In a nutshell it is a 2 for 1 voucher system. Buy the book from Intermarché, Yellowfish, Visacar or get the app directly through www.accessalgarve.com It costs €10 but I have organized a 10% discount for you if you quote "ALGARVEADDICTS" in the promotion section. Jason's Algarve recommendations: "A Rampa" restaurant in Monchique for chicken piri piri. Best beach is Praia da Mareta in Sagres.

Yvette Martins Yvette grew up in Canada and moved to our beautiful Algarve. She now owns an online travel business and is brimming with advice and tips. Listen to her one important takeaway from this podcast. Show notes Yvette grew up close to Vancouver in Canada from Portuguese parents. In her youth figure skating was a pastime, motocross was a passion. Her move to Portugal when she was 14. Her parents were from Sabugal, near Castelo Branco in Portugal. On moving to the Algarve, 4 Estradas near Almançil, she fell in love with the people and the natural landscapes. After school she focused on nutrition and sports (The Academia Gym in Loulé, now called Moov Fitness Centre), the restaurant industry, real estate and now online business through www.olalocal.pt We talk about being a local social media influencer and product placement. A brand she recently worked with was The Holiday Inn in Armação de Pêra, which you may have seen our video of back in VLOG number 3. She also works with local clothing brands too. Yvette's tips for young, budding Instagrammers. Be genuine, be yourself and get your profile up on www.influence.co She prefers writing (inside tips for the Algarve) and photography and she tells a story from a community member requesting some romantic advice off her. See the related image on www.algarveaddicts.com/39  Yvette's Recommendations  Loulé: one of her favourite places in the Algarve, a great place to experience local Portuguese culture, especially at the Loulé CineTeatro (this link is a Google Translate version of the original Portuguese website). Also Ferragudo. Yvette's most important piece of advice for you - hire a car! Where is the best place to visit: Lagos and Ponta Piedade, Praia do Camilo, Meia Praia Beaches and caves in Lagoa: Praia da Marinha, Benagil Our five barrier islands in the Ria Formosa and especially Armona Island. Yvette's recommended seafood restaurant: Sol e Mar in Quarteira. Also O Chiringuito Last Chance in Sagres. Coffee shop in Loulé called Cafe Q!

Moving to Portugal The Tilleys arrived this summer, hailing from Surrey and settling in the Algarve. We talk about where exactly a little later into the podcast. It was fantastic meeting them and great to hear their story! Listen along...               View this post on Instagram                         A post shared by Louise-Marie Tilley (@loutilz) on Aug 24, 2018 at 3:44pm PDT   Show notes They're currently living in Olhão but originally from Kent and Surrey Prior to the move, they spent a lot of time in Portugal and actually got married in São Lourenço church in Almançil, with a reception at Pine Cliffs (Albufeira). Sam runs a software company and has always been keen to move to Portugal full time. Schools - we discuss quite a few issues with schooling. Working in the Algarve and the opportunities for growth, particularly in the IT industry. Sam has a wonderfully positive outlook. We discuss the Algarve Tech Hub and the Share Algarve conference. Using Algarve Removals to relocate their entire house was a stress free experience. They found a villa in Santa Barbara de Neixe but didn't stay for long, are staying in Olhão now and will be moving to Faro. Lou has found a lot of help from Facebook groups with Loulé Mums and Tots and other groups. We talk about the shopping centers a little: Mar Shopping, Forum Algarve in Faro, Algarve Shopping, Tavira Shopping. How to connect in the Algarve? Find a group that shares similar interests to yours. Go to events. Get out there. From Olhão we talk about Farol Island and Armona Island. We talk about boat trips to the caves near Armação de Pera, dolphin watching in the wild (and in Zoomarine). Ria Formosa walking trail with tons of chameleons and a tide mill next to the Ria Formosa. We talk about Olhão and the fish markets, the nature trail, the fish rodizio restaurants (all you can eat) and all the things that are good about Olhão (including it's history). Suggestions! Restaurant Sardinha in Arrifes.

Diogo Sousa, SUP Champion Diogo has lived in Albufeira for most of his life and still loves it. It's probably the most contentious city in the entire Algarve when it comes to tourism as many people hate it, others love it! Do you love it or hate it? Listen up for Diogo's take on Albufeira... Show notes Welcome to Diogo Sousa who was born and still lives in Albufeira. We discuss the quality of life that the beach affords us here in the Algarve. When he was young he started skim-boarding on the beach and started working on the beach at 14 years old. Three month long summer holidays working on his family's beach concession in Albufeira. We talk about the night life in Albufeira. We talk about Zezé Camarinha, a self proclaimed local Playboy (this may only be funny to Portuguese people, although I found it hilarious). The Portuguese Navy in Almada and then University in Faro: Sports Science. Learning watersports and Sports Science in Centro Nautico (Faro Beach) and Penha Campus in Faro. Thursday nights in Faro! Working as a personal trainer in a gym in Portimão. Teaching sailing to the kids in Marina Yacht Club in Albufeira Marina. Opening his own business. Being the best paddle boarder in Portugal and going to Sardinia to represent his country. Portuguese food! Cataplana (fish stew in a big copper bowl) We talk about "Sete Maravilhas a Mesa" or the seven marvels of the table (literally translated). Sadly the website is only really for Portuguese speakers. It's quite a big thing on TV. We also discuss Javali (wild boar), Arroz de Pato (duck rice) and Bacalhau (codfish). Diogo's suggestions: to party, go to Albufeira (listen to our night life podcast), to relax head over to the west side of Albufeira to Praia Galé or even Falésia over on the eastern side of Albufeira. Diogo's best beaches: no crowds and natural beauty: Praia Santa Eulália, Praia Galé, Praia da Coelha and a secret beach... Cliff-jumping in Algar Seco near Carvoeiro. Find Diogo online with Albufeira Watersports and SUP Albufeira.

Meet Becky. She dances at the Vilamoura Casino in their regular show, entitled "Timeless E-Motions" this year.  It's on at all three SolVerde Casinos: Praia da Rocha, Vilamoura and Monte Gordo, so wherever you are in the Algarve you'll be able to catch a glimpse of this highly entertaining show (and no, they aren't paying me to say this!). Show notes Accommodation in Vilamoura and one of the bigger problems in the Algarve: finding long term rentals. Growing up in Yorkshire: rainy, cold but beautiful. Mountaineering at the age of 6, Yorkshire Dales lake district and the French alps. Glaciers and falling down crevasses. Turning 16 and heading off to the Northern Ballet School in Manchester. 8 years spent dancing in shows for Norwegian Cruise Lines and never went to Norway! A friend who danced for Solverde Casinos (who have three casinos here in the Algarve) put her forward for a summer contract here in the Algarve. Living in a foreign language speaking environment. No drama with cast members like the racy 1995 film: Showgirls One hour of work a day with a couple more hours of rehearsal each day. It sounds idyllic but if you look behind what it takes to get there (years of training and experience) and dancing in the face of injuries and sickness... Mishaps in the middle of a show... Breaking props and dancers falling off the stage. Keeping fit with gym, running, yoga and weights and coping with the heat. Free outdoor workout areas in many towns of the Algarve. Stand up paddle boarding in the caves of the Algarve near Armação de Pêra. Becky's suggestions: Go to Praia Marina on the eastern side of the Marina in front of the Casino Vilamoura and the Tivoli Vilamoura Marina Hotel. Also head to Praia da Falésia on the western side of the Marina (more specifically Praia da Rocha Baixinha Nascente). Here are some Google Map links to her suggestions: Patacas Bar, Oporto Wine Bar, Rosas Cantina Mexican Restaurant (we couldn't recall the name in the interview), Thai Beach on Sunday afternoons and all other days too. Albufeira, and the difference between Vilamoura. We also mention Lagos, about 75km and an hour's drive away to the west. Public transport in the Algarve Buses (cheap and quick) but research it before you hop on. We mention http://www.algarvebus.info/ Uber is alive and well and legal in Portugal although it has had a rocky ride... Check the availability in quieter periods and more remote locations though. Follow Becky on Instagram! Check out the life of a dancer! Don't be fooled, a lot of seriously hard work goes into those shows too.             View this post on Instagram                         A post shared by Rebecca Lyons (@beckylyons10) on Sep 26, 2018 at 4:15am PDT  

I had no idea who Blair was... the only connection I had with this guy, was that he took a mesmerizing photo of Benagil cave. It was an image picturing his girlfriend. An image which was pretty sexual, but sensual, natural and bold at the same time. It showed that this guy knew a thing or two about photography but what it didn't tell me was that there was a brilliant story behind how he got down to Benagil. Blair grew up in Cape Town into a nature friendly family. His father was a nature conservationist and his mother an entomologist. His desire for travel is evident while he designs himself a location independent career as an online teacher. What defines him though is a careless accident. Find out how he managed to look at the Algarve from a completely different perspective to the normal drinks, dinner and hotel tourist due to his traumatic accident and his resultant grateful outlook on life. Show notes Blair = "from the fields". We look into Blairs outdoor youth in Cape Town in South Africa. Blair wanted to explore the world (like many young South Africans), travelling alone to the South of France after obtaining a few yacht qualifications. What its like to fall out of a three storey window! Split his right patella (knee), broke open his nasal cavity, broke some teeth, scarred his face, broke his ankle and spent a month in a French hospital. Travelled with his girlfriend, Beatrice, back to South Africa, then onto Majorca, Ibiza, Barcelona and the Caribbean before settling in Trafaria just south of Lisbon. They set about planning a road trip from Lisbon to the Algarve (300km), with the idea to visit our iconic cliffs, caves and coves. Driving down from Lisbon through Sines and down through the Costa Vicentina (West Coast national park) stopping off for a night on the beach on the west coast. Do out of the norm things to have out of the norm experiences We talk about this hidden gem below that they both found in Benagil Beach and caves  A post shared by Blair Impson (@blair_withme) on Aug 30, 2018 at 1:39am PDT On swimming around to the Benagil cave at 7am: "Respect the ocean", really wise words. It's about 100m but this depends on the tide (high tide is a longer swim). Floating around Ponte da Piedade in Lagos with a flotation device and unfriendly life guards. Blair Impson You can follow Blair and his girlfriend Beatrice on Instagram. Give them some love! Blair https://www.instagram.com/blair_withme/ Beatrice https://www.instagram.com/beatriceljunggren/

This podcast is slightly different from my regular show where I interview people and chip away at their stories of the Algarve. Today, I speak about my experiences as I changed my career (call it a mid life crisis if you will) and stumbled across the harsh reality of the changes our beautiful planet is reeling from. Have a listen, it's only a quarter of an hour...   Show notes Global animal population has declined by 58% Boyan Slat develops "The Ocean Cleanup". The Facebook donation link: https://www.facebook.com/donate/1105689376236803/   

Natasha Donn Natasha is an engaging and delightful character, brimming with personality and juicy tidbits of life in the Algarve. She is a career journalist, reporting on all the fascinating stories in the Algarve. Let me tell you there are some miraculously scandalous stories about! Listen on to her engaging tale:   Show notes On journalism in the modern day. Natasha always wanted to be a journalist, ever since the age of 9. Living in a whorehouse in Portsmouth at college. The Surrey and South London News Group: "The Balham and Tooting News". "Journalism is writing what someone doesn't want to see in print, everything else is just PR". On being threatened with defamation and staying out of jail! A part time job filing in the basement of a multi-millionaire turned into being his personal assistant around the world for a few years. Natasha fell pregnant and moved over with the father of her child to Portugal. "Picked up Portuguese in 5 minutes" and absolutely loved it whilst in Praia da Luz. She started writing for Discover Lagos in 1990 and has been writing ever since. Scratching under the surface of the Algarve and there are some pretty gritty stories to uncover: The ongoing story of Premier FX Salgados Development Algarve Oil story Natasha mentions stories about bullfighting. We talk about PAN, the Portuguese political party. Paul Rees' Algarve Daily News. Natasha's recommendations: Cordoama and Castelejo Beaches. Ingrina, Zavial and Salema on the south coast. "Do not go to Albufeira". Natasha currently writes for the Portugal Resident, look for her name on the bottom of each article. Here's a good one about a person falling into a sculpture!

Algarve Rock Brewery Their website reads. "Algarve Rock was started by two guys that are passionate about drinking real beer. Somebody had to do something about the lack of quality craft beers available in the Algarve; why not us? That’s why we created Algarve Rock. We’re here to put Portuguese craft beer on the map." They certainly have! I interviewed Neil from Algarve Rock Brewery. Have a listen! Show notes How Algarve Rock started. After 10 years of holidaying in the Algarve, Neil and his father in law took the leap. Neil grew up near Sheffield and his father in law introduced them to the Algarve through his holiday home for the past 9 years in Quinta do Lago. How Neil got into business and the first thoughts of a brewery whilst sitting at the Cheeky Pup in Quinta do Lago. Investment through the Portugal 2020 scheme. How Neil and his wife enjoyed the Algarve on arrival. We talk about the nightlife in Faro. Where can you try Algarve Rock Beer? Get in touch through their website at www.algarverockbrewery.com Beer festivals were a great start for the brand The first one they attended was in Lisbon. Minho Beer Fest Alameda Beer Fest in Faro Silves Beer Fest How Neil got the idea for his seasonal beer, the Piri Piri Pilsner (see Instagram image below). Some of the challenges in setting up the business. We go through each of their zero chemical beers (all between 4 and 5% alcohol by volume): STEADY Pale Ale SOLID Red Ale SESSION IPA STOUT Porter Portuguesa SHARP Pilsner We discuss the potential for a Weiss Beer, and also the upcoming tastings and tours of the brewery. Neil's restaurant and bar recommendations: Cheeky Pup, Melting Pot The Shack Wax Restobar Elementos Watch out for the new restaurant opening next to Elementos Castelo Bar in Faro Casa Vostra Butchers Gamboa for steak Marufos for chicken Earth Café in Carvoeiro Beaches Praia do Evaristio Praia do Carvoeiro Praia Grande Ferragudo (Clube Nau) Benagil Beach   A post shared by Algarve Rock Brewery (@algarverockbrewery) on Jul 31, 2018 at 8:04am PDT  

It's wonderful to welcome Fiona Butler from www.myguidealgarve.com She has been running her website for ten years now and has picked up an awful lot of great information in the process. She shares it with you on the latest episode of Algarve Addicts. Thanks for listening! Fiona Butler show notes Her youth in Ireland and being a holiday rep in the Algarve. Faro airport at 3am back in the 90s. Praia da Rocha, Praia de Vau and Alvor, stories from the past. Alvor walkway and the lifesavers building (where you can rent paddle-boards, windsurfers and kayaks). Restaurant Caniço renowned for it's seafood as you move east from Alvor towards Praia da Rocha. Alvor boat trips do great trips through the rock cliffs near Prainha. "Dust was your default setting" and we talk about Albufeira, Vilamoura, Vale do Lobo and Quinta do Lago (we talk a little about the airplanes... check out our podcast with Chris the pilot) We talk about Faro as well (more with Carlos in Episode 29) How Fiona went from holiday rep to online business owner of www.myguidealgarve.com Summer 2018 and the major events in the Algarve: Loule Jazz Lagoa Jazz Fest at Fontes de Estombar Silves Medieval Fest Silves Beer Fest Alameda Beer Fest (270 types of beer in Faro) Medieval Fest Alvor Pirate Week in Armação de Pêra Pirate Week in Alvor BPM Festival in Praia da Rocha (Sept 20-23 2018) Summersound at NoSolo Agua (August 17-18 2018) Baixafest Faro Festival F Algarve Orchestra Algarve Jazz Club Sardine Festival in Portimão Seafood festival in Olhao (we talk a little about Olhão, the islands, Maramais Bar and there's more in Episode Paul Reese). Oktoberfest in Porches (also craft beer festival) Paderne Medieval Festival and Christmas markets later in the year. Goose Barnacle Festival ("Perceves!") Lusa night festival in Loulé. Querença Chouriço Festival (spring time). Sao Bras Feira de Serra (country fair) Fataçil agricultural fair. Fiona's recommendations: Alvor Beach Windsurf Restaurant on Alvor Beach (no TV, no music). Ria Formosa (our 60km long wetlands to the east of Faro). Cacela Velha (the "source" of the Ria Formosa). West Coast (the Costa Vicentina) near Sagres, Aljezur, Arrifana etc.

Professor Luis Coelho Meet Professor Luis Coelho from the University of the Algarve. He is a lecturer in the Faculty of Economics and is a respected voice in the community, writing for an online magazine as well as his day to day work and being invited to sit on various conference panels. I thoroughly enjoyed our chat and I am sure you will too. Listen here --> Show notes The vagaries of professional titles in Portugal - different to other places in the world. Luis was born in Beja, just north of the Algarve in the Alentejo Province. A dream of being a footballer, became a desire to being a vet and then he actually studied economics at the University of the Algarve. Studying at the UALG, what life was like... as an outsider (a non Algarvio). Early impressions of the Algarve and Monte Gordo in particular. Investments in the Algarve: beautifying the cities, sewage improvements, and how clean the tap water is. A short history of the Algarve through an economic lens: canned fish industry, Faro airport was constructed in 1969. Tinned Food Restaurant in Portimão: Maria do Mar Tourism began in Portimão and Tavira and then Vilamoura/Quinta do Lago (with Andre Jordan - see Constantino Jordan's interview). Waves of economic activity from the 70's until 2010 when the Economic Crisis hit. Current economic growth in Portugal is STRONG. Main economic activities in the Algarve. Tourism is the major catalyst. How to diversify from tourism into other industries. Could tech be one? We discuss CRIA and The Algarve Tech Hub. Potential growth areas in the Algarve: AirBnb or "Alojamentio Local". Olhão and the Italians (Portimão and Tavira could be good places). Luis' restaurant recommendations: Praia de Faro (Faro Beach) Wax Restobar, Ze Maria Luis writes for an online magazine called Lugar ao Sul in Portuguese (if you can't read Portuguese you could always try Google's laborious translator which is better than it used to be but still definitely not perfect).  

Carlos from Take Algarve Carlos runs regular tours around Faro through his company Take Algarve. Listen to his story.   Show notes Carlos tells us the story of the place we are conducting the interview: Café Aliança (officially called Café Alliança Cervejaria) in Faro. Carlos was born in Faro but lived in Spain and Poland and we talk about the differences between Faro now and the Faro of his youth: the University and the airport. The people have changed, they used to play football in the streets and now all the kids are plugged into their electronic devices, which is probably the same the world over. Many of the people in the downtown area are tourists. Free Tours in Faro and the concept of free tours. Take Algarve True Tours. I love this: "Some people call it Algarve. We call it home." Carlos and his competition started up in the same month, so they are both labelled as "the original Faro Tour". Breaking down his tour of Faro. From Café Aliança and moving into the old town and the history of Faro. See also our podcast on Algarve History. The railway as a barrier to the Ria Formosa and Faro as a city that has turned it's back on the sea. In contradiction we talk about plans for a development near the container terminal. We talk about events and the Jardim Manuel Bivar or the Jardim das Docas. We talk about the football world cup and crazily you can hear a game going on in the background. Also Hotel Eva rooftop pool parties! Baixa Street Fest in July and August every Friday night. Castle Beer Factory Teatro Lethes Restaurants in Faro: Carlos' favourites. Restaurant Travessa Moinhos do Grelha Cafés in Faro Baixa Café Café Alliança (of course!) Eme Café Nautico Café Lab Terrace Café The Hotel Rooftop bars as we discussed earlier.  

Greg Boegner from PortugalConfidential.com Meet Greg, who moved to the Algarve from the USA in 2008. He runs a successful website all about Portugal over at www.portugalconfidential.com Listen to his story. Show notes Positive growth and a new department of the business. The story of Portugal Confidential, from a blog to a business. Travelling around Portugal discovering new businesses and writing about it. Travel boards and familiarization trips. About Greg and his history in Houston, Texas. We chat about Greg's time as the TV Producer for NASA's shuttle programme. Greg moves to Hollywood in 1988 and encounters a writers strike. Answering phones for Pacific Arts (who started the music video concept) and moved up to the Director of Acquisitions. Workout videos and yoga videos with Ali McGraw. He moved over to Fox and eventually children's programming. Greg was looking for something new to do and looking at moving to Europe, when a friend suggested he check out a new film studio being created in the Algarve. So he moved in 2008. We discuss the economic crisis in Portugal and after the film studio ran out of money Greg spent his days blogging on Portugal Confidential. A renewed sense of positivity now in Portugal, with lots of investment. Greg's recommendations: Tavira,  Santa Luzia and his favourite beach Praia do Barril, Praia da Marinha The things we'll miss if we leave here: slow eating. Greg recommends going down to Cacela Velha for lunch, Casa do Polvo in Santa Luzia (for octopus specialities) . We move on to discuss Portugal Confidential and a new guide to Comporta (a lovely break from the Algarve).

Bradley Querl (really it should be Curl, shouldn't it?) has practiced hair design (now with his salon called B Hair Design) all his life and is a 3rd generation hair designer. Bradley is the consummate professional and does a fantastic job with anyone's head, even throwing in a super relaxing head massage into the deal. I checked in with Brad to here his story and what his take is on life in the Algarve. If you resonate with any of his suggestions, let us know! Tune in to Bradley's interview B Hair Design Show notes We talk about B Hair Design's location, history and the tough times starting up a business in the middle of Portugal's dreaded crisis. 2008-2012 was a tough time for everyone here. Bradley's hair history: Zimbabwe, London and Portugal. Hair Design vs Hair Dresser - the new terminology. In Portugal all hairdressers are generally called "Cabelereiros". Personal note: I love having my hair cut while I'm travelling, it just feels like an insight to local life somehow. Do you agree? A partnership offer in the Algarve. In Faro to be more precise. We talk about the area where Brad lives near Quarteira and Social Restaurant in particular.  Brad's recommendations: Alte Hotel We digress to Trail running and Mountain biking in the Algarve: the Trail Run Cork: Educating visitors about cork trees! Sagres, the end of the world and her fantastic cliffs, rich history and authentic surf lifestyle. New Sushi Restaurant in Loulé called Artigo 3, highly recommended by both Bradley and another guest of mine, Constantino Jordan. Manzo Steakhouse near Albufeira in Olhos de Água. Starting a business in the Algarve: "a big shock", a slower pace of life, being late for meetings and how to be conscious of the traditional Portuguese lunchtime. Parties on the beach, here's a whole selection - No Solo Agua, Thai Beach, Julias, Izzys, Temperus Beach Restaurant Bradley turns the tables on me and quizzes me about the origins of Algarve Addicts! Good one :)

Show notes 100% Algarvian, born in Loule and raised in Albufeira. Shopping trips to Ayamonte in Spain. Dreams of Archaeology, History and Architecture all led to a University degree in Lisbon. Her love of the Algarve brought her to a job in tourism as a Duty Manager at a hotel in Albufeira, helping the clients. Albufeira Tourism Board: familiarization trips, roadshows, workshops and promotion which she realized she really loved. Desiderio Silva (current President of the Algarve Tourism) invited Dora to come over as his chief of staff, writing speeches and controlling his agenda. We discuss the difference between the Regional Tourism Board and the Algarve Tourism Association. The board helps visitors to the Algarve with Information Offices in each city, they manage a calendar of events and promote the Algarve. The Association on the other hand, works with airlines to ensure a constant availability of flights for people wishing to travel to the Algarve, organize press trips, familiarization trips, and segment their operations in to different segments: sun and sea, golf, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions). Why the light is so good in the Algarve for photography... How the Algarve is benefiting from a surge in tourism and how to retain those travellers. Helping to create businesses in the Algarve. Dora's suggestions for travellers to the Algarve: Eating Algarve Food Tours Algarve Tourism Association: http://www.algarvepromotion.pt/en/Default.aspx Visit Algarve: http://www.visitalgarve.pt/en/Default.aspx Algarve 365: http://www.365algarve.pt/en/agenda.aspx

Mark Sebastian Kiss DJ Mark is a wonderful character full of fascinating stories and he agreed to sit down for a chat with us. Join us for a great chat! Show notes Mark Sebastian was born in Cheshire, UK. Holidays in Majorca led to getting a job there and explored playing records in clubs. A company called "Music Service" sent Mark out to ski-resorts, like Wengen. He started at St Thomas Hospital Radio in London and then moved into the pirate radio scene in London: Kiss100 and JazzFM... Mark's training ground. The KissFM Franchise and moving to the Algarve in 1997. Interviewing DJ Christian F. about his song "Secret" which is all about the Algarve. Mark Sebastian DJ's at a lot of weddings during the summers: best wedding location is Ferragudo. Also another great one is Praia Senhora da Rocha Quarteira is a great suggestion to spend some time: reasonably priced and up and coming. Portuguese wine and the Bacchus Festival also known as the Portugal Wine Fair. We chat about the local Jazz scene in the Algarve: Cafe Ingles in Silves, Jazz in the São Bras museum every month, Jazz in Faro and Jazz Festival in Loulé. Changes to the Algarve in the last 20 years: Roundabouts, shopping centres and tolls on the A22 highway. What NOT to miss in the Algarve: the Ria Formosa islands, Faro with it's funky streets and bars, Quarteira up and coming, Lagos, Monchique ... "there are not many horrible places in the Algarve". Whats up at 5.30pm every day on KissFM  Mark mentions a website called Eventa B and for the life of me I can't find it. Can you? KissFM Facebook Every day Mark is on KissFM Radio from 4-8pm www.kissfm.pt

Constantino Jordan He has worked on the most prestigious residential and hotel developments in the Algarve region including Quinta do Lago and Vilamoura. He has a very positive outlook for the future of the Algarve, find out in this informative half hour chat with me. Show notes Born in Argentina, Constantino moved to Liechtensten when he was 3 and holidayed regularly in the Algarve, due to his father's business interests (his father had founded the Quinta do Lago Resort near Almançil. Read about the history of the resort on Wikipedia). What the Algarve was like back in the 70s: 6 hour drives from Lisbon, only corner shops and nothing going on. Constantino Jordan's most interesting town in the Algarve: Olhão and why. The family business: "Resort Development". Selling Quinta do Lago, 1994 Developing "Vilar do Golf" and the land where Monte da Quinta is today. Moving on to Vilamoura which became a massive project up until 2007 (bigger than Euro Disney in size). The marina has 30-40,000 people in an evening in summer. Vilamoura used to be a farm called Morgado do Quarteira (Estalegem do Cegonha was the old manor house) bought in the 60s by Cupertino Miranda and he started to develop it with his partners. There is a great page illustrating the history of Vilamoura in photos. We talk about sustainable development and ecotourism. Portugal tourism is booming right now and we talk about how this happened and the potential of the Algarve as a hub for other industries beyond tourism like technology. Faro has a small but vibrant tech scene which is extremely exciting, "the Algarve needs revolution" (in a business sense of course). Lisbon as an example is catering to a more discerning market and the Algarve is following suit. We talk about sushi as an example and Artigo 3 in Loulé. Check out their Sushi! Restaurant design is so important and entrepreneurs need training. Good examples of restaurants: Pizzeria Casavostra in Almançil. You can find Constantino online through his web site www.constantinojordan.com  / Facebook / Linkedin 

Algarve Wine with Luis Figueira What is the quickest way to discover Algarve wines? Listen to this 40 minute podcast and you'll be off! Luis is one of the most prominent wine figures in the region and who better to give us an unbiased view of the region than an owner of a wine shop? Enjoy the conversation (preferably with a glass of Algarve Wine), because everyone loves wine... right? See the FULL SHOW NOTES on my site: www.algarveaddicts.com/23 

Isabel Mealha She grew up in the gorgeous medieval town of Silves and moved to Faro when she was ten. Having lived and worked in the Algarve all her life, she has a group of fascinating friends and has accomplished success as a restaurateur. We're looking forward to hearing her story! Show notes Izzy´s roots in a vineyard near Silves and moving to Faro as a young girl. Faro 30 years ago... an ugly city and it's current rise as a beautiful tourism destination in the Vila Adentro with art galleries, restaurants, Cathedral of Sé, Faro Marina, Ria Formosa, Hotel Eva's rooftop pool parties, Columbus bar, Guaka Mexican Restaurant, Hotel Faro for a coffee and a meal. We discuss the diversity of the Algarve, a common theme amongst all my guests and BPM festival in Praia da Rocha (near Portimão), Medieval Festival in Silves, Loulé and it's architecture, restoring buildings and creating festivals that celebrate the past. Izzy's favourite place in the Algarve: Faro. She talks about how the University gave the city life and creates more culture along with the Faro Municipal Theatre (Teatro das Figuras). We also talk about the Loule Cineteatro and the closed Almançil Theatre. The story of Izzy´s Restaurant in-between Vale do Lobo and Quinta do Lago. How she called Jorge Battista (at the request of a friend and investor) who owned the restaurant next door to her old employers, Julias Restaurant, and found out it was for sale... Sunset parties at Izzy´s and how they started... with Alan Shearer's birthday. Sunday became the fun day and Izzy's Sunday Sunset parties. Celebrities at Izzy's: Steven Gerrard (football player), Wayne Rooney (football player), Bradley Walsh (British Actor), Chris Evans (radio/tv presenter), Duncan  Bannatyne (businessman), John Terry (football player), Michael Owen (football player), Rio Ferdinand (football player), Rubens Barichello (Formula 1 driver), Tiger Woods (golfer), Jo Malone (British perfume businesswoman). Quinta Burger with João Sotto Mayor (who opened the first hamburgeuria in the Algarve). We discuss Gourmet Hamburgers vs McDonalds and Jamie Oliver's pink slime food fight. ByIzzy events, sunset parties in Vale do Lobo (Sandbanks), boat parties, Sunset with Villa Vita at Praia Dourado in Armção de Péra. The future of the Algarve... Quarteira. Tico Tico Restaurant, Hotel Dom José Minas do Sal in Loulé (the salt mines) and the famous Benagil caves. Follow Izzy on her site www.byizzy.com and her ByIzzy Instagram.

The father of the Via Algarviana João Ministro didn't start the Via Algarviana but he has worked on it from the beginning and knows it really well. Through his company Proactive Tur he has made a tremendous impact on sustainable tourism and ecotourism in the Algarve. Nick sat down with him in his Loulé office and discussed a huge range of issues.  Ecotourism in the Algarve show notes ProActiveTur started in Querença and has since moved to Loulé. João was born in Loulé, studied Environmental Engineering at the University of the Algarve and was naturally drawn to ecotourism. He worked for a public institution in Setúbal and around the beautiful Sado Estuary. He returned to work in Almargem. We discuss the changes in the Algarve over the last 30 years and the interior has changed radically with urbanisation fuelling a migration to the larger towns and cities. He has always worked with nature, growing up on his fathers farm, so it was a natural move to continue in this area in his career. Sustainable development. The Via Algarviana is ecotourism defined. Walking and biking 300km across the entire Algarve. In 2001 a conversation started in how to attract more people to the countryside and in 2009 it opened. In 2004 João and his team toured the villages to explain the concept. It was quite strange for the locals to understand why people would walk for so long and so far. We discuss the origins of the Via Algarviana, going back to historical times. Doing the Via Algarviana by horse, donkey, bicycle and foot. The experience differs a lot depending on the season in which you travel: spring for flowers (high season), autumn is good for farming olives and medronho, autumn near Cape St Vincent for birds. Traditional foods along the route: soup with chickpeas and beans, stews, pork from Monchique, fish near Cape St Vincent. Where to sleep on the Via Algarviana: "wild camping is not allowed but not forbidden" :) . Old schools are good places to ask to sleep as are the Fire Stations. No permit required, you can just go and walk the route based on the maps on the Via Algarviana site or contact a tour operator like João's company Proactive Tur. Here is one of the packages on offer: http://in2south.pt/en/programas/7caminhadas/56as-melhores-caminhadas-do-algarve-8-dias-guiado  Dinosaur footsteps and amazing geology, archeology Joao's recommendations for enjoying Natural Tourism in the Algarve: West Coast, Monchique, Serra do Caldeirão for cork and natural trails, Castro Marim for sea salt and birds, Ria Formosa for birds and food, Alcoutim for rich stories archaeology, Loulé and Querença for botanical reasons with endemic flowers and plants plus good quiet roads for cycling in the mountains. The bottom line is there is huge diversity here in the Algarve. The photographic light is incredible and the opportunity is immense all year round. João has no favourite town in the Algarve, they all have their different attractive characteristics. We talk about the role of history in creating interest in certain locations: "immaterial culture" in the Algarve. Local crafts also tell a story of the area you're in. Project TASA, one of João's initiatives, teaches young people these old fashioned techniques to create traditional products: "The primary mission of TASA is to bring strategic innovation to the craft industry, ensuring its place as a profession of the future". Ameixial Walking Festival triples the population of the village for one weekend of the year. Always the last weekend of April. A new energy in the Algarve is blowing through the region: the popularity of different events like Trail Running, Stand Up Paddle, Share Algarve, Algarve Bike Challenge all reflect this new feeling of collaboration through sharing. It is infectious!

Nelson Carvalheiro Nelson is an award winning blogger and video maker hailing from the hotel industry. He took time out from his busy schedule to chat to Nick about food in Portugal and the Algarve in particular. We did this one over the internet as he had returned to Germany before we could meet. Listen up, there are some real gems in this one! Show notes Save water! Portugal is experiencing a drought (as is Cape Town, Nick's original home). Growing up in Coimbra and conversations about food: a celebration versus fuel. Fascinating survey about how people find the importance of food and wine during their stay in Portugal. Growing your own food and taking from the land to the table (instead of from a supermarket to your table). Portuguese market culture. Check out Loulé Market every Saturday morning. Comparing Portuguese markets and the way of life to Germany and Northern Europe. How Nelson studied engineering and became a hotel manager while on assignment in Brazil. He loved it and went to hotel school in Switzerland and returned to Portugal to work in 2010. Movie star friends from the 5 star hotel invited him to California and other places and he decided to tell his stories on a blog. "Just do it!". Portuguese blogging, awards and his book: The Portuguese Travel Cookbook Tavira holidays and restaurant recommednations (see below). Explore the Algarve through food: Traditional Muxama (air dried tuna) in Olhão, which goes back to Arab times and is served mostly in the Algarve. Beaches in the Algarve: Albandeira beach, Benagil cave and the photos versus the reality. Quinta dos Perfumes, a small hotel near Tavira. Nelson's Restaurant Recommendations Restaurant Noelia Jeronimo in Cabanas de Tavira: Cataplana. Pezinhos na Areia or "feet in the sand" near Castro Marim. Marisqueira Rui in Silves: Lobster. Cafe Correia in Vila do Bispo: Prawn stew.

Iona Stephen, professional ladies golfer Iona spends her winters down here in the Algarve, in the cosseted luxury of the Quinta do Lago resort. Listen to her discuss the famed Laranjal golf resort and assorted places and things to do in the area. Enjoy it! Show notes Growing up in Scotland and getting to play junior international hockey, lacrosse, athletics. Daily routine at Laranjal Golf Course in Quinta do Lago. Practising tee shots off the 5th at Laranjal. Iona's favourite restaurant in the Algarve: Casavostra Pizzeria  She also mentioned a restaurant which she couldn't quite recall the name. It's Churrasqueira Ribeiro. The all-you-can-eat fish restaurant in Faro I mentioned is just called "Grilled Fish" or Peixe Assado. Activities in the Algarve and naturally Stand Up Paddle tours.

Toby Millage also known as Toby One Toby landed here in the late 70s and hasn't stopped rocking since! He has made his name in surfing along with a troupe of other Toby's, rocked the best gigs in Europe but remains rooted in the Algarve's original center of surf: Lagos. Join us for a wild ride through the Algarve's formative years as Toby relates his experiences, random musings and recommendations. Don't take them lightly, he is one of Lagos' legends. Show notes How he arrived in the Algarve... back in the late 70s. Windsurfing, surf jets (!), the love of surfing and making money in the summer. Travel years and a root canal in Canada, led to surfing in Australia. Picking grapes in Australia, how hard can it be? Back in the Algarve, Toby perfected "The Running Man", the coolest break dance move of the 90s. Watch MC Hammer do it. How THE SURF EXPERIENCE started in 1992... "You need a helicopter". What Lagos was really like in those days: Interail and the backpacker's bible: "Let's Go Europe". Getting clients in bars and the Lagos train station and graduating to fly in holidays. The growth of Portuguese surf tourism and Big Wave surfing with Al Mennie and Algarve local Alex Botelho. Travel tips on surfing in the Algarve. DJ Toby One and how he got the name. Performing as a DJ at the Arrifana Surf Festival and bringing Ben Howard down to the Algarve. Surfing with the band REEF, Gabe Davies. The Surf Experience's 25th Birthday bash with Frankie Chavez , the Cuban Brothers, Dub Pistols and DJ Barbecue. Toby's recommendations for best event: Medfest Loule ? Obviously "Toby One and Amigos" at the Grand Café in Lagos! You can find Toby One on Facebook. Connect with him, he's a fabulous chap. Toby One the DJ The only way to experience Toby's brand of pleasure is to go to one of his events. He's always playing but probably one of the most unique is coming up soon in Mértola on the 21st April 2018 - check out the event site here: www.guadianachallenge.com

Dean Coleman from The Print Shop Dean's business, originally called "The Print Shop" is now called "The Works", and he is based in Almançil (on a fairly noisy road as you'll hear... sorry) and helps businesses with all their marketing needs. Have a listen to his story, it's an interesting one!   Show notes Dean started off in the South African Army as a PTI or Physical Training Instructor. Packaging and the environmental impact of it. Nando's goes green. Dean's move to the Algarve and the study he commissioned: Portugal vs South Africa. A property management company in Tavira. Arriving to live in São Brás de Alportel and becoming the handyman for the business. Live music in São Brás every second weekend. Chatting to Gil Mather and buying The Print Shop, Almançil. The Algarve as a transient environment and Dean's definition of which groups make up the region. A business future for the Algarve? Joining and building communities in the Algarve: Rotary in Estoi Palace, British Portuguese Chamber of Commerce, Business Networking International and Dean's own "Networks". Find Dean on www.theworkseurope.com

Creating a new tech conference in the Algarve Jorge Cabaço is a dynamic figure in the Algarve tech space, working passionately in digital marketing with Dengun and his very own Fresh Mint Consulting. Listen to our fun conversation about Information Technology in Portugal's southern region! Show notes Introducing Jorge Cabaço, Algarvio! The potential of the Algarve and how we advance business (in any sphere) through collaboration: "together we can achieve more". Jorge studied Political Science and International Relations and worked on EU defence policy. He moved to the Algarve to work for NERA (the Algarve Business Association). The Algarve Tech Industry began in the 1990s with AlgarData and VisualForma. Other major players in the Algarve: Dengun Digital Agency (Miguel Fernandes) in Faro, Moonshapes in Portimao, Crochet also in Portimão, SPIC in Loulé, Concept Software Systems in Almançil, and Freshmint Consulting in Vilamoura. Share Algarve, International Digital Marketing Conference, Vilamoura, 2-3 February 2018 They had 350 attendees in 2017, possibly many more in 2018. We discuss the lineup and here is the full schedule, you can also see it more detail on Share Algarve's site: SCHEDULE Friday 09h30 » Opening Ceremony 10h00 » “How to engage a Loyal Community on Facebook with Live and a Bot” 10h30 » PANEL “Data Intelligence in Marketing” 11h00 » Coffee-break 11h30 » “Is your business ready for a real Digital Transformation?” 12h00 » "The New General Data Protection Regulation – prepared for the changes?" 14h30 » “Innovative Digital Marketing Activation using VR and Simulators - Business Cases with Global Brands” 15h00 » PANEL “Hospitality & Tourism - Loyalty beyond reason” 16h00 » “The Brands' New World” 16h30 » PANEL "Golf Marketing" 17h00 » ”Get Personal! Branding in 2018“ 17h30 » Closing remarks Saturday 09h50 » Opening Remarks 10h00 » “Conversion Strategies for Affiliate Marketers” 10h30 » PANEL "How digital influencers are reshaping marketing” 11h30 » "Building a Client - Brand relationship using Marketing Automation" 12h00 » "How an omnichannel approach improves online sales" 14h30 » "Future of UI/UX" 15h00 » PANEL “What’s Next? Innovation in Social Media” 16h00 » “Relevance isn't enough” from the Global Executive Creative Director for Unilever - Ogilvy 16h30 » "Direct bookings in an OTA-driven era: Tivoli Hotels & Resorts Case Study" 17h00 » "Facebook Ads: How to work WITH the algorithm" 17h50 » Closing remarks How the idea of the conference began.

If you know the Algarve well, stop reading here. This is meant for people who'd like to get to know the area a little better. Let's take a 30 000 foot view of the Algarve and slot everything into place like a giant wooden jigsaw puzzle. No longer will you be confused about how far your mates are from your resort, or how long it will take to cruise over for a surf on the west coast. So unfold your maps (or click open Google Maps), and take a listen to my airliners view of our wonderful piece of paradise. Algarve Geography show notes The Algarve's four borders. The Algarve's three main areas: Litoral, Barrocal, and Serra. The Algarve's population, both local and expats. The administrative regions of the Algarve: Districts, Concelhos, and Freguesias. Algarvian cities and towns. Natural geographical formations of the Algarve. This one was quite a bit different from my normal interviews. Did you find it educational? Algarve Photos Here are some images I have taken in my travels around the region. Find these on my site at http://www.algarvaddicts.com/15

Meet Francisco Lufinha He achieved fame for breaking the world record when he kitesurfed from Porto to Lagos in the Algarve. He currently holds the world record for the longest non-stop kitesurfing journey. Show notes Early years: summer sailing holidays in the Algarve. His dreams of becoming a policeman, and then realizing that being outdoors in nature captivated him completely. Looking up to Robbie Naish (as did I!). University: Industrial management and engineering, became a consultant, worked at a bank, co-founded a startup... Co-managed a sailing project called Mini-Transat. A race with 80 solo sailors leaving from France, stopping in Madeira and finishing in Brazil. His team came 1st. Francisco's first foray into film-making, being a general manager of a resort in Morocco and founding +Mar. The 12-hour "Waterkings Event" currently based in Lagos: a team-based competition with 4 people and using SUP, Kitesurf, sailing boats and windsurfers. Francisco Lufinha's Odysseys: The first kitesurf trip from Porto to Lagos in 2013, 29 hours non-stop for 564 km. He also talks about his sponsors Mini, Zhik wetsuits and all other kinds of gear. 2014: The second kitesurf challenge, from the Savage Islands to Funchal (306km in 12 hours). 2015: The third kitesurf challenge from Lisbon to Madeira and currently the World Record: 874 km / 47h37m. Wow! Watch the full 50 minute documentary for free. 2017: 4th trip, Açores to Lisbon Francisco's recommendations of places to visit in the Algarve: Lagos and the Alvor lagoon are both perfect for Kite Surfing, windsurfing and sailing. The caves between Lagos and Sagres are great to explore. The beaches north of Sagres are excellent for surfing. The Ria Formosa and the barrier islands of Culatra, Armona, and Fuseta. If you're looking for an incredible experience, he's offering you a holiday on board his 45 ft catamaran! What do you do Francisco: "I live from the sea". :) Follow him on Facebook, his website, and Instagram.

Please see www.algarveaddicts.com for better info. Show notes Hortensio was born in Albufeira (at home!). Memories of taking his uncle breakfast on the beach at "Praia dos Pescadores" after a long night out on the ocean. Cliff Richard, one of the most famous people in Albufeira and Hortensio's uncle. Adega do Cantor, Cliff Richard's wine farm. Albufeira: the party capital of the Algarve and the city with the most hotel beds. Hortensio's advice on where to go in the Algarve, plus his perfect beach. Yellow Fish Transfers transported 250,000 people last year. Faro Airport , a little history, a few stats and the 50th anniversary renovations. Taxis versus Uber versus Transfer companies. Transfer routes and distances: Vilamoura / Albufeira / Praia da Rocha and Portimão / Lagos / Tavira. The A22 motorway (with tolls) and the EN125 main road that stretch across the Algarve. Yellow Fish Transfers started in 2011 and now has over 100 vehicles. Hortensio shares a few stories about what may or may not have happened on the road... :) The reason I called them was that they are currently number 1 on TripAdvisor (December 2017) for "Transportation in Faro". Great job guys!

Episode 12 / An interview in Burgau Tom hails from Wales and spent a few years in California cementing his love for sunshine and the great outdoors. After his return to Wales he decided that moving to Algarve was the best thing for the family, so he set up Algarve Marquees from his base in Burgau. Listen up to a really enjoyable conversation! Show notes This is a brief outline of what we've discussed The traditional village of Burgau in Tom's campervan. A word on the local weather (we normally don't need to discuss the weather here as it's always good!) and why Tom moved over from Wales. Current water temperature in Faro, it was 19ºC at the time of the interview (which is pretty warm). California, world travels and then the Algarve: a good move. Starting Algarve Marquees, events and mobile bars: http://www.algarvemarquees.com/ Working with Toby from The Surf Experience. Arrifana Surf Festival and one of the most incredible beaches in the region. Algarve Triathlons and the perfect setting for triathlons. The first triathlon was held in "Praia da Luz". It helped the community especially after the Madeline McCann incident. Following on from the Luz Triathlon, the Luz Sardine Festival took place. The Guadiana Challenge with Tom and myself. Nazaré big wave surfing and Andrew Cotton. The Water Kings Race in Lagos and Lufinha. #Vanlife and a few good spots in the Algarve: Odeceixe for one. Further north Zambujeira do Mar, Vila Nova do Milfontes.

Episode 11 / Meet Lauren from VIP That's right, Lauren is a VIP (she owns Very Into Partying). Listen on to find out how she just flashed her business card and was let straight into one of the trendiest night clubs around, jumping a mile long queue in the process. So if you'd like her to fix you up with a memorable party on your holiday, get in touch. She knows her stuff. Show notes A life shift when she was 11 years old: Scotland to Portugal. Body-boarding at Arrifana and respecting the ocean. Cliff-jumping in Algar Seco How partying became a business for Lauren. Very Into Partying is not all about partying. She offers a huge range of other activities. A change in the Algarve, as the tourism season lengthens by having a lot more on offer during the winter: Algarve 365 The birth of VIP: Very Into Partying. Check out her business card below. Lagos: Bom Vivant, Linda The Beach Bar on Meia Praia beach, Joe's Garage for clubbing. Roof terrace bars in the Algarve: Faro (Hotel Faro), Sky Bar in Carvoeiro Praia da Rocha: NoSolo Beach, 2017 BPM Festival, Puro Beach. Albufeira: The Strip: Heaven, Route 66, Thirsty Turtle. The Old Town: "Rua dos Bares". Vilamoura: Bliss, Lick (old Kadoc) and Villa na Praia / Villa no Jardim, 7, V Club, Agua Moments, Dice Club and sunset parties at No Solo Agua Vilamoura, Thai Beach. Quinta do Lago: Izzys (on the beach), The Shack (on Quinta Lake), Cheeky Pup (in Quinta Shopping Center). Vale do Lobo square is full of places to relax, watch the sun go down, eat and go clubbing - all in one convenient "village square". Faro: Columbus bar and First Floor Club Gin tasting and a wealth of wine tastings. Whisky tasting and cigar testing?

Episode 10 / Paul Rees, Editor of the Algarve Daily News Paul Rees owns and runs the Algarve Daily News, a digital news outlet that comprehensively covers issues of regional interest in the Algarve. His entertaining weekly email newsletter is read by thousands and keeps one abreast of many of the scandals and sometimes wildly outrageous issues of the day. We chose to chat about his home city of Olhão. Show notes All show notes from the Algarve Addicts podcast follow sequential order. Let me know if you'd like time-stamps in here too? Armação de Pêra in the 80's and the first cars. Algoz in 2003. "What a life!" the memoir of Donald Frank Rees. Moving to Olhão: "fishing, prostitution and drug use". A city without a beach, similar to Faro. Olhão, a breakaway town from Faro, a settlement of outlaws and an overriding sense of independence. The Olhanense repelled the French invaders from Olhão (and as a result from the Algarve) in 1808 and sailed across the Atlantic in the Bom Sucesso to notify the Portuguese King who was in exile in Brazil at the time. The current modernisation of Olhão, removing building and constructing a large viewing tower. The argument is to clean up the city centre not rebuild and modernise it and retain it's historical charm and authenticity. The battle against the town council has been won (for now). Mannã, ice warehouse and salt factory in the Olhão marina and industrial area. Sewerage and pollution in Olhão ... "a steady flow of brown stuff". The Algarve Daily News - your Editor. An initial investor and the "Get Real" magazine. Chris and Sue Englefield from http://algarvewebsitedesign.com/ 7,000 readers of the Algarve Daily News weekly newsletter: forthright, not contentious :) Upset politicians and irritated associations Check out the nine ongoing cases: Algarve Oil, Autodrome, Freeport, Madeleine McCann, Olhão, Ria Formosa, Salgados, Socrates, Submarine case on the Algarve Daily News. Quinta da Ombria, now known as the Ombria Resort. Walking in the Algarve: Via Algarviana, Rota Vicentina, Casas Brancas (white houses) on the west coast.

Young start ups happen in the Algarve too! Sam and Lily recently started a company selling odd socks. Yes, odd socks. #oddsocks, #mismatchingsocks and ##sockstyle are all a thing. You name it, there's a thing for it these days. Join us for a chat with these two super cool young entrepreneurs from the Algarve.

A Faro native or "Farense" Technically you are only a "farense" if you have been born there. However, Paulo Gonçalves has spent most of his adult life living in and around Faro. We discuss his African roots and simultaneously the path that many Algarvians have followed back from the colonies to the motherland. Enjoy a few stories of what life is like in Faro and on the Ria Formosa where Paulo works with his company Algarve WOW.

Episode 7 / A relaxed chat with an Algarve local Emma grew up in the Algarve and has since travelled a fair way around the world. We catch up with her and chat about how amazing it is to call the Algarve home.

A basic primer about Algarve History with Peter Booker, President of the Algarve History Association. Nick Robinson sat down with him in his home near Tavira and had a short chat about the history of the Algarve. Please excuse some minor sound issues. Show notes Why the Phoenicians landed in Tavira. Tavira's rich history. Carthaginians and their conflict with the Romans. Balsa, the Roman occupation of the Algarve and piracy. Examples of Roman civilization in the Algarve. Garum! The fish paste industry in Roman Times Suebians, Visigoths and the Moors. 700 AD - 1249 AD Moorish rule, constructing the towns of Silves, Loulé and Tavira. Al Gharb and how the Algarve got it's name. 1249 AD: The nation of Portugal and the expulsion of the Muslims. 1385 - 1521:The attempts to conquer Marocco. Henry the Navigator The difficulties of reaching the Algarve and the 1884 railway line. Marques do Pombal and the 1755 earthquake 

Enjoy a relaxed chat with well known Greek restaurant owner, Philippos as he recounts his early days in the Algarve. Having arrived here in the early nineties he has seen the region change a lot. Follow his move from Albufeira to Almançil and on to Loulé which he now calls home.

How do you REALLY get to know the Algarve? You set up an Algarve Magazine! Yayeri and Kyle did back in 2015 after arriving down south from Northern Europe. Find out why they came and follow their journey as they create Enjoy the Algarve, a brilliant free monthly digital magazine.

Chris has been working as a pilot for the past 8 years on the 737 and arrived in the Algarve three years ago. He is based in Faro and flies out of our International Airport every morning bound for foreign lands and returns every afternoon. It's a job that allows a sense of normality instead of the usual crazy hours that airline pilots often need to keep. Additionally there are four days off every five days. Now that DOES sound like the best job in the Algarve. Listen to Chris to see if it's really true.

Mauro Engler formed part of a three man expedition to be the first people to ever stand up paddle all the way across the Algarve. Mauro and Nick run Algarve SUP (a stand up paddling touring and adventure company) based in Faro and Armação de Pera. He has a degree in sports science from the University of Algarve. Back in November 2015 Mauro, myself (Nick Robinson) and Spike Reid set off from Sagres in the south west and took 6 nights to stand up paddle across the Algarve. To our knowledge it had never been done before. Find out how we felt and what transpired as we endured this near week long journey. Huge thanks to Mauro for spending the time on this interview. You can get in touch with him through Algarve SUP.

Nick Robinson introduces a new Algarve Podcast entitled Algarve Addicts! Nick explains why the Algarve is such an incredible region to visit touching on many of the following points: Weather Hotels Food and Wine Golf Beaches Surfing Watersports Arts and Crafts Countryside History Nightlife Your budget English! Safety