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....from Monte Ruivo - Wednesday March 10th - 10:30pm start

This is an amazing 2.5 hour circular walk that will take you through unknown valleys and up onto the hillltops with great views to the sea. There is one short climb and the stream has to be crossed but there are stepping stones. Meet at the cafe Belo Horizonte. Take the A22 and exit for Odiaxere/Mx Grande drive into Odiaxere and turn right at the lights in the centre. Follow the signs for the barragem, drive for about 5km and after passing a road to the left to Colinas Verdes the cafe is up on the right. All are welcome to come along. Julie Statham 965753033

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

AFPOP buffet lunch Friday - Lagos - 5 March 12:30 for 1pm

Buffet lunch comprising soup, salads, 3 or 4 hot foods, pudding, 1/2 bottle of wine (or beer or soft drinks) & coffee at Palmeiras which is on Turiscamp camp site at Espiche 15 euros (17.50 non members)

AFPOP March coffee morning - Albufeira - Friday 5 March

Peter & Miriam Hare e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it / 289 512 513

Theatre workshop - Lagoa - Saturday 6th & Sunday 7th March 18:00 - 20:00

Organised by the Municipality of Lagoa. Ideal age 16. 30 - 40 euros. www.ideiasdolevante.net / 282010080

AFPOP lunch in Portimao - Wednesday 10 March 12:30

Meet every 2nd Wednsday of each month, good menu on offer from Campus restuarant for 15 euros. Couvert, choice fish, meat, dessert, coffee, choice wine, beer, juice, water. Please give notice to the office if you will attend. This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it / 282 458 509

Art - Monchique - until March 11

Exhibition of Xico Fran and Cony Welcker at the Galeria Santo Antonio. Opening hours of the gallery are Tuesday from 12:00 till 19:00 and Wednesday till Friday from 12:00 till 16:00.
www.artealgarve.net

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.

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.

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.