Portimao, world center of the Petisco
The coming of autumn is a great cause for celebration in the Algarve. Between the 4th of September and the 11th of October, locals and tourists alike are invited to Portimao, world center of the Petisco.
The Petisco is a delicious local dish. The Rota do Petisco is a festival held in the Algarve every year that has come to its 5th edition. For the 2015 festival, 170 restaurants and resorts have lined up to participate in the event and present their delicious treats during the 37 days of sweet culinary delight, entertainment and joy.
Gastronomy is a great cultural constituent and people in Portugal are very much aware of this fact. With mixed cultural influences, ranging from pure Portuguese to Mediterranean and accents of the medieval Moorish reign, Portugal is a happy cultural blend. And the country loves to show this in any way possible. Food is not only sustenance in Portugal, it is an expression of identity.
The Petisco is part of the Portuguese and Algarvian heritage. Events will be held both in Portimao and in other locations, such as Alvor, Mexilhoeira Grande, Ferragudo, Monchique and Silves. If you develop a taste for the Portuguese version of “tapas”, you can see this variety of locations as an opportunity to visit the entire region. If you don’t have a car with you, don’t find a new pretext in that: you can rent a car in the Algarve and enjoy the drive along the beautiful Atlantic coast.
Stop by Silves to make a mental (or a physical) picture of a perfect medieval town, go to Alvor for the sandy beaches and come back to Portimao. At the end of your trip, you can book a transfer to Faro airport, sit back and remember the beautiful memories made during your holiday.
