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5 reasons to visit the Algarve this Autumn

Autumn is a lovely time to visit the Algarve with temperatures typically 20-25 degrees Centigrade throughout September and October, with bright sunshine. Here, Algarve Tourism share with us a number of events going on this during this period to make your visit memorable. Algarve Nature Festival The annual Algarve Nature Fest will take place on 21 and 22 September 2019 along the Riverside Promenade in the coastal town of Olhão. The event offers a wide range of FREE activities, including mountain biking, themed walks, introductory courses for sailing and diving, stand-up paddling, kayaking and various boat trips. Outdoor enthusiasts, as well as holidaymakers who normally take it easy, can get to know the different aspects of the region and get active whilst surrounded by enchanting nature. All activities are free of charge. Reservations are required, however there are a number of activities that take place throughout the day that do not require a reservation, such as Segway riding, archery, kayaking, a climbing wall and a zipline. Birdwatching & Nature Activities Festival The 10th Birdwatching & Nature Activities Festival takes place in Sagres from 10 to 13 October 2019. Sagres is a prime place to enjoy one of nature’s most awe-inspiring displays of bird migration. Birdwatchers and nature lovers from all over Europe gather to catch a glimpse of the most extraordinary birds on their way to their wintering grounds in Africa. As Summer ends and the weather begins to turn, a wave of birds sweeps across Europe, from north to south. Those heading to Africa have a considerable hurdle ahead: the Mediterranean. On the western side of the continent, the shortest – and therefore safest – route is across the Strait of Gibraltar. When a mishap throws the birds off route, they cross via Sagres, which is why they call it the “plain of lost birds”. Portugal Masters In October, the world’s greatest golfers will travel to Vilamoura to take part in the Portugal Masters, and you can come and watch them in action. Considered to be one of the leading golf events, the Portugal Masters will take place on the Dom Pedro Victoria Golf course from the 24th- 27th of October 2019. With a guaranteed presence in the PGA’s European Circuit, Portugal Masters is sure to consolidate Portugal’s position as Europe’s finest golf destination. Stay packages at Dom Pedro Hotels start from €150.00* per person in a twin room, including breakfast. Price is based on 3 night’s accommodation at one of the 4* hotels and includes 2 days access to Portugal Masters. VIP package starts from €863.00* per person in a twin room, including breakfast. Price is based on 7 night’s accommodation at one of the 4* hotels and includes 4 days access to Portugal Masters, 4 rounds of golf at Dom Pedro Old Course, Millenium, Pinhal and Laguna and 1 VIP round at Dom Pedro Victoria after Portugal Masters. (*subject to availability and excluding flights) Food and travel photography at Casa Fuzetta Discover the delights of Olhão, a hidden corner of the Algarve, with a unique travel photography and food styling workshop at the beautiful and luxurious Casa Fuzetta townhouse, from 23rd to 27th October 2019. Join award-winning travel and food photographer Oivind Haug (Conde Nast Traveller and House and Garden), Director of Photography, Caroline Metcalfe (CMC consulting and ex Conde Nast Traveller) and Jayne Cross (food stylist, author and tutor at internationally renowned Leith’s School of Food and Wine) for an all-inclusive 4 night workshop. Just 15 minutes from Faro Airport, Olhão has been a vibrant fishing village since Roman times and continues to have a thriving and lively local community. Casa Fuzetta is a historic townhouse located in the heart of Olhão’s old town, the markets, restaurants and shops are all within easy walking distance. It is the ideal location to host a photographic workshop for those seeking a high-end, yet relaxed, private and supremely comfortable location. The programme includes dedicated one-to-one photography tutorials with the experts, editing and technique tutorials, visits to local markets, olive groves, deserted lagoon islands and the culturally interesting town of Olhão, preparation of classic Portuguese dishes and also enjoy Casa Fuzetta’s peaceful ambience, multiple terraces, views, heated outdoor swimming pool and in-house spa and relaxation therapies. Price is £1950.00 per person and includes 4 nights at Casa Fuzetta including breakfast, evening meals with wine, transport and 3 excursions on shoots days. Flights not included. Hosted by Photo Feast. ‘365 Algarve’ returns in October 2019 Another round of ‘365 Algarve’ events, the programme created in 2016 to boost the number of cultural events in the region during the so-called low season, will be held between October 2019 and May 2020. Managed by the Algarve Tourism Bureau and the Algarve Tourism Association, the programme of events will span the fields of music, theatre, gastronomy, exhibitions, literature, dance, contemporary circus acts, staged guided tours, amongst others. The programme has created unique, authentic and surprising cultural experiences for visitors to enjoy with over 400 events that include more than 100 concerts and around 50 plays between October and December so far.

Paul Johnson

Paul Johnson is Editor of A Luxury Travel Blog and has worked in the travel industry for more than 30 years. He is Winner of the Innovations in Travel ‘Best Travel Influencer’ Award from WIRED magazine. In addition to other awards, the blog has also been voted “one of the world’s best travel blogs” and “best for luxury” by The Telegraph.

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7 Comments

  1. I’m becoming quite a foodie but I just don’t have the foundations in place to really know what I’m ordering, eating and even cooking. Even more disappointing is that my photos never do the food justice. The 4 night food workshop might be just what I need to help me get more out of food and wine.

  2. The Dom Pedro courses are top quality. Watching the pros show how it should be done and then having a go yourself would make for a dream golfing break. Think carefully before taking on the Dom Pedro Victoria it has a lot of water and is very challenging, though it will be set up at its toughest for the championship: driving from the back of the championship tees and pin positions as testing as it gets.

    The Dom Pedro Old Course is a much gentler introduction, best to play that first if you are straight off the plane. Then move onto the Dom Pedro Victoria.

  3. More often than not we’ve been heading to the Algarve in mid-October for several years now. Although we’ve always found plenty to do it’s nice that they are pepping up what’s on offer in October. Obviously, we fly into Faro and that’s an airport that’s improved hugely over the years. The only problem is that the Algarve is a popular half-term destination and things can get a little busy for the last week or two of October.

  4. I’ve got the binoculars but I never know what birds I’m looking for or what I’ve seen. Will be good to have some people around me who know what they are doing at the Bird Festival, bird-spotting will all be a lot more enjoyable.

  5. The weather sounds beautiful for Sept to Oct, and that’s probably the best time for a lot of people who find the intense temps of the peak summer period a bit too much. I’d imagine it’s quieter too being off season and with the kids back at school. I can imagine the food & travel photography 4 day workshop being popular, and I can’t think of a better place to do it. Shame the price doesn’t cover the flights but it’s probably a worthwhile investment for the experience you’ll get. The Nature Festival is such a good idea, I had no idea that existed. Brilliant way to try out things you wouldn’t normally try because there’s nothing to lose when it’s free.

  6. I’m became a followed of Conde Nast Traveller for work, but eventually loved how they do photos that makes the articles so much more enticing to read. It’s good to know that the people behind these amazing photos are sharing their tips and techniques to other people. It takes more than just a good eye to take fantastic photos. There’s a lot of technical skills involved as well.

  7. I read this piece when it was first posted but we’d just had a really good week here in the UK, something of an Indian Summer. Then the rains came and the temperatures fell so I’ve come back to this piece again. The Algarve is beginning to call to me.

    One of the ideas that I really like is the concept of 365 Algarve. In summer you are likely to stay out in the sun until 7 or even 8 o’clock. Come autumn the days are shorter and you are looking out for things to keep you entertained in the evening. That’s why 365 Algarve is such a great idea.

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