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.

Let's walk..Rocha da Pena - Wednesday March 17th - 10:30pm start

The limestone escarpment o Rocha de Pena is a clissic site for spring lowers and birds. This walk will take you up and along the escarpment and also through unknown countryside, 2.5 hours long. Meet in the centre of Penina. Take the ICI north and exit for Messines then follow the signs for Salir, pass by Alte and you come to Benafim. At the roundabout in Benafim go left direction Penina, the road goes up around to the right and after 200m there is a small road to the right for Penina. Drive into the village, meet in the small square at the entrance. All are welcome to come along. Julie Statham 965753033

Let's walk....from Arao - Saturday March 20th - 1.30pm start

This is just a brilliant 2 hour walk through wild unspoilt landscapes, with one gentle climb. Meet at the cafe with no name. Exit A22 for Odiaxere/Mx Grande and drive towards Odiaxere on the EN125, after 200m turn right towards Arao and follow the road for about 3km. It passes under the A22 and soon after bends right over he river, the cafe is on the far end of the bridge on the corner. All are welcome, no need to book. Charge of 5 euro which includes donation to charity. Please wear comfortable shoes and bring some water and a sense of humour. Julie 965753033 / 922244242 / www.portugalwalks.com

Longer Walk - Sunday March 21st, 10.30pm start

Let's walk with our dogs - charity walk from Figueira.
Wear comfortable shoes, bring water and a sense of humour. Everyone welcome, no need to book. Charge of 5 euros to include donation to charity.
Julie Statham 965753033 or 922244242 www.portugalwalks.com

Music - Cafe Ingles in Silves - Friday 12 March to Sunday 14th March

Friday 12th March from 20:30, Mostly Harmless, Folk, rhythm & blues. Saturday 13th March from 20:30, Ze Manel Martins, Afro latin guitar & vocal. Sunday 14th March from 15:00 Marenostrum, Portuguese rhythms / folk. Reservations - Cafe Ingles, Silves 282442585. Free admission.

Talk - Lagoa - Tuesday 16 March

History talk by Peter Booker on The Corsairs in the Algarve. The Convento Sao Jose. This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it / 281 971 567

Charity - Lagos - Thursday 18 March at 19:30

Pashmina night with Madrugada charity to support people with life limiting disabilities. Tast spices of India at Pashmina Restaurant, Rua Largo Portas de Portugal, Lagos. Tickets Madrugada Chairty Shop, Praia da Luz 10 - 16 hours / 282 761 375 / 967 732 508

Sky Dive - Alvor - Friday March 26 from 10:00

Alvor Flying Club. Monies raised by Karolina, through sponsorship will be donated to Madrugada. To sponsor please e-mail on This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Madrugada, supporting people affected by life limited illness.

Painting & Stained Glass Exhibition - Praia da Luz - Saturday 27 March at 20:00

Inauguration at 20:00 of the exhibition by Tina Goncalves at Art Gallery 'Arrecadacao da Luz. This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Music every Thursday in Portimao at 20:30

New Orleans Jazz at Casa Inglesa. Reservations 934 954 348

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.