Events to look out for this year in and around Alvor:

Click on The Portugal News 'Events calendar' to find more of what's on in the Algarve. Go to www.the-news.net and click on the logo on the left hand side at the bottom of the screen.

Keep fit - Alvor - ongoing classes

Fitness classes in a convenient modern unit in the centre of Alvor. Classes to include Zumba, adult jazz, disco dance, hip hop, aerobics, body conditioning, pilates/yoga & stretch and more. Contact Karen on 9688890671 / This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Let's walk - Through Almond Blossom - Wednesday 1 February at 10.30am

A moderately easy walk of about 2.5 hours through orchards or almond trees and up on the barrocal limestone with stunning views. Meet at the cafe in the centre of the village. From the EN125 drive to Boliqueime and in the centre follow the signs for the A22, after 1.5 km turn left towards Loule. After the quarry turn left for Alte and after 500m at the T-junction turn left again. Now follow the road for about 10km, when you come to the village of Alto Fica. After passing through the village take the road to the right signed 'Nave do Barrao' and follow for 2km the cafe is on the right.

Let's walk - from Albandeira Beach - Saturday 4 February, 14:00 start

This circular walk of just over 2 hours will take you along the cliff tops famous for its rock formations and deep into the countryside. Meet in the carpark at Albandeira. Drive along the EN125 eastwards through Lagoa and after passing the International School on the left take the first road on right (direction Benagil). Follow the road for about 2km towards Benagil when you will come to a small roundabout with a sign to left for Albandeira. Take this road which is narrow and follow it all the way to the carpark where the road ends!

Let's walk - to Aguas Bellas - Wednesday 8 february, 10:30 start

A challenging walk of 2.5 hours through spectacular scenery, with some climbs but worth all the effort. Meet at the Cafe Terinho, 5km from Silves. Drive over bridge into Silves, turn right & at next roundabout take the 2nd exit for the castle. You pass the cemetery on your right and then turn right. At the far end of the road turn right again and follow the road for 5km, the cafe is on the left.

All welcome, no need to book. 5 euros per walk some of which is donated to charity. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water. If raining check walk not cancelled. Call Julie Statham (351)965753033 betwween 10am - 7pm www.portugalwalks.com

AFPOP Walking Club - 10:00 start

The cost is 5 euros. AFPOP launched the Walking Club in March 2008 and it is very popular. The idea is for the club to meet on the 2nd Wednesday of each month. The professional guide plans the walks based on certain requirements. Members and guests are free to join in, come as and when you like - do not feel that you have to attend every month. The walks are not geared up for the super fit - they have abeen selected at a level that should be ok for everyone! The idea is to see some of the countryside, make friends, get fit and have some fun. Details about each walk are emailed out every month to all members who are on the EA circulation list. If you would like to be added to the circulation list contact Brian (the guide) on 966 013 464 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Nature: Alvor estuary every Thursday at 10am - nature walk, bird ringing etc..

A rocha open mornings, Alvor. The Christian environmental site, near to the Alvor estuary holds displays of bird ringing, nature walks and other events including a study of the moth population. Events are free. Donations welcome to support the work of the centre. www.arocha.org

Music - Cafe Ingles, Silves - Friday & Saturday evenings at 8:30pm

Live music on the steps to the medieval castle, inside or in the gardens next to the castle walls. Tel 282 442 585

Exhibition - Hans Christian Andersen - until 4 February

An exhibition about the Danish writer and artistic works inspired by him at the Casa da Cultura Islamica e Mediteranica de Silves. Open Monday to Friday 10am until 6pm.

Concert, Algarve Orchestra - Portimao - Saturday 11 Feb at 9.30pm

At the Portimao Municipal Theatre. Part of the orchestra's soloists concerts. Repertoire includes works by Haydn and Mozart. www.orquestradoalgarve.com

Concert, Algarve Orchestra - Lagos - Sunday 19 February at 4.30pm

At Lagoa's municipal auditorium.

Motor Park, Mexilhoeira Grande near Alvor

see their web site www.autrodromodoalgarve.com

Alvor Tourist Office

Rua Dr. Afonso Costa, No. 51, 8500 - 016 Alvor. Tel: 282 457 540
Visit www.turismodoalgarve.pt for the official regional website or www.visitalgarve.pt for the website aimed at visitors.

General Interest

Cork

Looking for a traditional Portuguese gift? What gift could be more fitting to this criteria than cork. Portugal being the largest producers of cork in the world have used this versatile material to make all sorts of unique gifts. Alvor has a small cork shop where everything is made from, you guessed it, cork. From handbags to key rings, the perfect stocking present. Look along the side roads for a shop called "Caleidoscopio" on Rua de Abril.

Let you in on a little secret:

Magical courtyard, fairytail surrounding, delicious tapas and welcoming owners. It can only be Bar 13, a local favourite tucked away in the back streets of Alvor.... For more information click here

Bar 13

Extraordinary cocktails

Expresso martini, mandarin and mint cocktail, nutty colada and cheesecake martini the list of innovative and mouth watering cocktails available is endless.

Mourisco bar in Alvor led by meticulous bar man Luis who is currently finishing his final year of college in bar management seems to have no end of inspiration for his unusual yet delicious cocktails.

His recent invention cheesecake cocktail is perfect for those with a sweeter tooth, a mixture of

Mourisco bar alvor fresh strawberry concentrate forms the base of the drink followed by a creamy amarreto flavour and topped of with dustings of vanilla biscuit, heavenly!

Aside from the tasty cocktails the bar itself is beautifully decorated and offers a peaceful sanctuary away from all the hustle and bustle. The ornate design which looks like the work of a modern architect actually dates back 30 years and is certainly worth a look.

Look out for it: Mourisco bar, Alvor main street.

November Sunshine..

This photo taken late November is a perfect example of the type of climate experienced this winter in the Algarve. Some brave individuals were even taking a swim in the Atlantic waters. With flights so cheap at this time of year the Algarve is proving to be an ideal winter retreat.