Reviving a life-long passion: Quinta da Pedragosa is a boutique winery producing six different varieties of wine
Staying true to Portugal’s rich winemaking heritage – August 4, 2025 | Text Beatriz Maio The roots of Quinta da Pedragosa were planted in 2019 with the acquisition of 10.4 hectares of land nestled in the Pedragosa Valley, near Barão de São João. But Piotr Cholewa’s journey to Quinta da Pedragosa began much earlier. A visit to Lisbon and the Algarve in 1993 sparked something within him, but it wasn’t until much later that he made...
Inside the ambitious and evolving Culinary World of Vila Vita Parc, where regional traditions meet global influence
Culinary journeys – July 30, 2025 | Text Beatriz Maio This year, Porches’ Vila Vita Parc, is turning the spotlight on what it calls its “Culinary World”. Made up of 13 restaurants – nine on property grounds, the nearby Biergarten, and three eateries at Praia dos Pescadores, in Armação de Pêra (Arte Náutica, NANA on the Beach and Praia Dourada) – alongside eight bars, the offering is broad and increasingly diverse. What began with just...
A carefully curated space in Lagos offers a sensory approach to design, wellbeing, and everyday living
A sense of luxury: Alma Senses Concept Store brings to Lagos a new, distinctive and carefully curated vision of lifestyle – July 20, 2025 | Text Beatriz Maio Opened in late 2023 and then relaunched earlier this year in a characterful, tiled townhouse in the city’s historic centre, this refined space is anything but ordinary. Inside, the store’s mauve tones and a décor reflecting “discreet luxury”, welcomes visitors with an elegant mix...
Mercearia Bio: From humble beginnings to a leading organic shop in the Algarve
A unique shop and café in Lagos championing organic produce and sustainable living – July 16, 2025 | Text Beatriz Maio In 2007, Pedro Gonçalves and Ana António set out to adopt a healthier diet prioritising high-quality products. They started by running an online shop out of a modest warehouse in Portimão, where they lived, selling organic products. At the time, options for organic goods in the Algarve were scarce, and the couple...
A family-run bar in Portimão offers an authentic journey into Mexican culture through the artisanal traditions of Mezcal
A taste of Mexico in Portimão, offering a sensory dive into the country’s tradition – July 15, 2025 | Text Beatriz Maio Bringing the flavours and traditions of Mexico to the Algarve, Mezcaleria opened in March near Praia da Rocha, in Portimão. Created by the Gallo family, who now live in the region, the project reflects their passion for their roots and their desire to share a piece of their home country through one of its...
Endless Summer brings together a love for the ocean and healthy food made in-house
Where summer never ends: A cosy restaurant serving up good vibes and good food with prime views, lighting up Praia da Luz for over a decade – July 15, 2025 | Text Beatriz Maio Lighting up Praia da Luz for over a decade now, Endless Summer is a cosy restaurant serving up good vibes and good food with prime views. Located directly across from the ocean, the space exudes the relaxed spirit of a true beach bar, with a...
New wave: Rocha Beach House re-emerges with a fresh concept
Blending coastal culture, healthy living and remote work in Portimão – July 9, 2025 | Text Beatriz Maio | Photos Hi-Cam-Portugal What began as a surf shop rooted in a shared passion has evolved into something more, with a broader community vision that blends surfing, healthy eating and creative collaboration into a single lifestyle destination. The story began in 2016 when German-born Patrícia Pereira and Portimão-native...
Inside takes you on a tour of some of Lagos’s best artisanal ice cream parlours
Exploring the gelaterias of Lagos and Praia da Luz that focus on small-batch production and natural ingredients – July 7, 2025 | Text Beatriz Maio Crema Di Gelato Nothing beats the sweltering Algarve heat like a good ice cream, and when it’s handcrafted, the experience becomes even more special. In Lagos and Praia da Luz, several gelaterias focus on small-batch production, using only fresh, natural ingredients without...
Created by two local friends, Bike & Water Flow offers a slow, authentic way to experience the Algarve by land or sea
Born in Ferragudo, this outdoor project invites visitors to experience the Algarve the local way – July 7, 2025 | Text Beatriz Maio Located in Ferragudo, Bike & Water Flow is a conscious tourism company born from a passion for outdoor sports and the Algarve’s natural beauty. But founders Daniela Medeira and Maísa Trindade, both locals with seemingly unrelated academic backgrounds (Pharmacy and Architecture, respectively) have...
Art in motion: The Algarve’s roundabouts tell a story of history, culture, and creative expression
The silent storytellers narrating our cities’ past and aspirations for the future – May 23, 2025 | Text Beatriz Maio Wind Rose roundabout, Lagos | ©Francisco Castelo / CMLagos The Algarve is known for its outdoor wonders, from world-famous beaches to stunning nature hiking trails; even art is not confined to just indoor spaces like galleries or museums – it spills into the streets, shaping the landscape in unexpected ways. Nowhere is...
Unveiling prehistoric burials at Lagoa’s Quinta dos Poços
Unearthing history – May 16, 2025 | Text Jane Robertson | Photos Courtesy of Algarve Archaeological Association Quinta dos Poços, Lagoa The Algarve Archaeological Association (AAA) recently presented a lecture by Dr Lucy Shaw Evangelista of ERA Arqueologia S.A. about the prehistoric burials excavated at the Quinta dos Poços site, in Lagoa. The site is the focus of ongoing archaeological investigations by ERA during the development of...
The Algarve’s orange wine revival
Also known as amber wines, these nectars made using an ancestral winemaking process are discreetly making a comeback – May 15, 2025 | Text Alexandra Stilwell Orange June 2021, Monte da Casteleja The name can be misleading, particularly in the Algarve, where the orange is the region’s symbol. However, contrary to popular belief, orange wine is not made from citrus fruit; rather, it’s produced from grapes and is, in fact, a type of...
DEFINE: Creative duo in Lagos is transforming brand identities through storytelling, authenticity, and hands-on approach to content creation
Defining visual identities – May 13, 2025 | Text Beatriz Maio | Photos Daniel Fonseca Crafting a distinctive and compelling visual identity is no simple feat. For many companies and entrepreneurs, creating digital content is often a challenge, making professional expertise not just an advantage but a necessity. In Lagos, a creative duo is redefining how businesses present themselves to the world. DEFINE, a creative agency founded by...
Dito Cujo: A vineyard’s journey to producing character-driven wines rooted in the soul of the Algarve
With passion, resilience, and a deep connection to the land, João Caldeira and his team craft locally inspired wines that reflect the Algarvian spirit – May 12, 2025 | Text Beatriz Maio | Photos Hélio Ramos Dinis Gonçalves and João Caldeira It all began with an idea that took root in João Caldeira’s mind long before he ever set foot on the land that would become his vineyard. A native of Silves, João had spent much of his...
A culinary and wellness escape in the heart of the Algarve hills
A refined retreat in the Algarve hills, Monchique Resort & Spa unveils a new and enhanced gastronomic experience, an award-winning spa, and immersive wellness offerings – May 8, 2025 | Text Beatriz Maio Tucked away in the Algarve’s highest mountain range, Monchique Resort & Spa has become a destination synonymous with wellness and relaxation. Since its opening five years ago, it has steadily earned a reputation for...
Art Inspirada brings artists and collectors together in a space where creativity, expression, and human connection thrive
A haven for artists – May 7, 2025 | Text Beatriz Maio Inaugurated three years ago, Art Inspirada gallery has brought a dynamic presence to Lagos, showcasing the work of 19 artists from different nationalities. Founded by Adriana and Maramgoní, the gallery is built on a foundation of artistic excellence, technical mastery, and a deep appreciation for the unique energy that artists bring to their work. Adriana and Maramgoní The...
Zest Bistro: Praia da Luz’s family-run gem has become a go-to spot for locals and visitors
From handmade sourdough pizzas to sunset cocktails, it blends heartfelt hospitality, fresh flavours, and local charm – May 7, 2025 | Text Beatriz Maio | Photos Phaze Photography Tucked away in Praia da Luz, Zest Bistro has quickly become a favourite among locals and visitors alike. Whether sipping a cocktail as the sun sets or settling in for a nice dinner after a long day in Praia da Luz, the bistro offers a warm, welcoming space...
P.O.I.S! Studio aims to bring change to Portimão with new projects and more cultural events
A city transformed: Reimagining Portimão’s cultural landscape, P.O.I.S! is a driving force for urban renewal and artistic expression – April 30, 2025 | Text Beatriz Maio | Photos Jonty France P.O.I.S! Team With a vision of reimagining Portimão’s cultural landscape, P.O.I.S! – Palco das Ondas Invisíveis (Invisible Waves Stage) – has emerged as a driving force for urban renewal and artistic expression. More than just an association,...
Discovering D’Arlete: Portimão’s friendly new eatery caters to gourmets hungry for contemporary cuisine and authentic flavours
Since D’Arlete opened its doors in January, tongues have been wagging for all the right reasons in Portimão – April 15, 2025 | Text Alexandra Stilwell Located at the top of Rua Santa Isabel, the small restaurant is injecting life into what was once the city’s shopping artery, offering a sophisticated yet relaxed culinary experience. The restaurant was founded by German chef Jan Stechemesser, his husband Robson, and their friend Vera...
Lagos architect Vítor Vilhena designs dream homes and impressive projects across the Algarve
Elegant foundations – April 15, 2025 | Text Beatriz Maio | Photos Fernando Guerra Lote 62 – Palmares Born in Odiáxere, Lagos, Vítor Vilhena is renowned for his remarkable ability to turn architectural concepts into stunning realities, seamlessly blending modern design with the natural elements of the Algarve. From luxurious homes to educational and hospitality infrastructures, his projects stand out not only for their aesthetic...
