In the Algarve, the month of November 2014 is dedicated to recycling, as the Missao Reciclar (Recycling Mission) launched by the organization Sociedade Ponto Verde will travel through Algarvian cities and municipalities and visit 2 million homes in hopes of determining people to recycle selectively.

This initiative is meant to raise awareness regarding the dangers in our environment and the benefits of recycling, both from an economic point of view and from the health and eco perspective. Faro, Albufeira, Lagoa, Lagos, Olhao, Portimao, Silves, but also Loule, Tavira and Vila Real de Santo Antonio are the municipalities that will be visited by the Mission. The initiative is in line with the established targets of the new Strategic Plan of Urban Residue (Plano Estrategico dos Resíduos Urbanos PERSU 2020). The campaign will end on November 22nd.

The project initiated by Sociedade Ponto Verde is perhaps the greatest such event meant to both actively recycle and to raise awareness about the phenomenon in Portugal in all time. The mission will offer plastic bags (ecobag) to all households that wish to participate by recycling selectively. The action is coordinated by the municipalities and Municipal Systems, namely the AMARSUL and has the support and patronage of the local administrations.

Portugal in general and the Algarve in particular are very much involved in eco missions, understanding the importance of maintaining a clean, healthy environment and a pure Atlantic Ocean.

If Algarve recycles, this should be an example for the entire world and a reason to put it on the list of clean places to travel to. So book lodgings and transport in Algarve and plan your vacation here!

Portimao is one of the most beautiful and prominent Algarvian cities and also a center of entertainment and (unofficial) capital of fun in the Algarve. Every week, there is something new happening here, especially in summer, though the cold season also has surprises in store.

The month of November is marked by St. Martin’s Fair, a traditional Portuguese celebration that brings everybody out on the street to celebrate with food and drink, fairground rides, games and music and roasting chestnuts. The first fair was held in 1662 and it only keeps getting better year by year. The location is due to take place between 7 and 11 November 2014 at the Parque de Feiras e Exposicoes.

The Mediterranean cuisine so popular throughout Portugal is often made into a reason for celebration. This November, the town of Sao Bartolomeu de Messines is going to host the Gastronomic Week, event which has come to its 7th edition. Between November 28th and December 2nd, prepare for a culinary delight, as numerous local restaurants compete in an extraordinary “tour de force”, wishing to serve and promote traditional dishes and beverages. Silves wine is going to be one of the “stars” of the celebration and we invite you to taste its sweet bouquet.

Portimao and Messines are not the only towns where fairs or markets are due to take place. Some of the other famous and equally beautiful markets in Algarve are: the markets in Aljezur, the Albufeira Gipsy / Flea Market, the monthly market in Estoi (near Faro), the traditional market and cultural center in Lagos, Tavira antique markets and Quarteira fairs.

This November, celebrate on the shores of the Atlantic and travel in Algarve anywhere your heart desires!

The wait is almost over: sweets and fun and lots of “scary” activities are in store for the kids in the Algarve. The Quinta Shopping in Quinta do Lago from 3 PM on October 31st the “Dia das Bruxas” (“Witches’ Day”), with music, sweets, activities and lots of animation for the little ones. Th restaurants, bars and shops in the Mall are going to offer special surprises to children of all ages. (Maybe if, as adults, we come dressed as children, we may trick them and get a treat? Worth a try!).

The initiative (the Kids’ Halloween in Quinta do Lago) is supported by the ACCA – Associacao de Criancas Carenciadas do Algarve. Once again, the Portuguese show their love for children and their openness to embrace the Occidental.

Derived from the Celtic pagan celebration of Samhain, Halloween (also known across the world and was identified with All Hallow’s Eve or All Saints’ Eve) used to be an isolated celebration in the British Isles. It later became Christianised, but it only gained worldwide popularity in the 19th century, when the Irish immigrated to America. Sure, the old colonists who came to the New World in the 17th century brought the “Feast of All Saints”, but the preponderant Puritans were strongly opposed to the pagan celebration.

Following the trends of globalization/ Americanization, Halloween nowadays has come to be a “commercial” holiday and of course, very popular among the young generation. Kids all around the world celebrate their national variant of Halloween by dressing up and asking for candy with the famous formula: “Trick or treat!”

Going to Quinta do Lago? This Halloween, travel with a reliable Algarve transfers service!