Carvoeiro newsletter April 2018

Margarida Sampaio @

Ok, so the sun can come back now!  Last month I was sat sadly writing up this newsletter in the rain and since then there has been little let up in the precipitation… I know it is spring time and we expect a good few April (March and February) showers but thanks to that pesky Facebook memory function I have been horribly reminded how every other year I have been on the beach at least a couple of times by this time of the year!

I would love to say that it looks like we have come to the end of the unsettle weather but every time I check out the forecast it remains decidedly unsettled with a high chance of rain every day – although at least it has warmed up enough for me to be able to take off my coat occasionally while I sit and watch my Netfilx.

It was slightly pleasing therefore to read that this March had been one of the wettest on record in Portugal, thus proving that my theory that the weather had been bloody awful and I hadn’t been over reacting which I may have a tendency towards.  It turns out that March 2018 was the second wettest March since 1931 with an average monthly rainfall level of 272mm – a massive four time up on the usual rainfall for this time of the year. 

We may all be feeling rather soggy but everything is once again looking lush and green and the Portuguese Met Office has declared an official end to drought in the country.  Every massive grey rain cloud really does have a silver lining I guess!

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EASTER FUN

The Easter bunny came particularly early this year but the decidedly changeable weather conditions didn’t dampen the spirits of everyone in Carvoeiro – except perhaps those who had come out to the Algarve to try and find some sunshine for the Easter break.

At the end of the month we had the return of the little Easter fair held in the square in front of the Soares shop with a selection of local produce, photos and bits and pieces all on sale for people to enjoy.

The little fairs that we have in Carvoeiro may not rival the choice down the road at the new Mar Shopping but it really is very important that we keep on hosting these events and offering visitors and residents something a little different rather than mooching about looking for something to do – especially when the weather prevents days spent on the beach.

Up at the Carvoeiro Clube de Tenis the team put on a great day for the family with egg painting, a barbecue, bouncy castle and lots of games for the kids to enjoy including an Easter egg hunt – we even had a rather creepy looking Easter bunny compère who doubled as a dancing DJ who it turned out was a rather sporty member of the local Carvoeiro community – did you manage to work out who it was behind the pink rubber shoes?

The tennis club recently came under new management and appears to be going from strength to strength with lots of events and promotions.  If you have never been up before then don’t worry if tennis is not your thing because they also have a gym and lots of fitness, dance and martial arts classes as well as being the location for the weekly netball sessions too.  You can even just go up and have something to eat out on the terrace if you like – it’s always a great spot to bump into people from around the place.

NEW ARRIVALS

It is hard to think of the summer when it is feeling chilly and wet but we have some new slides at Slide & Splash ready for the new season.  I am personally more excited than I really should be about this and will pretend that I have taken children there for the day as soon as it opens when in reality I am there purely for the slides!

There has been some great investment in the waterpark in Lagoa in recent years with lots of new slides coming to the park to make it a brilliant day out for all the family.  If you are considering going when you are in the Algarve look at getting your tickets before you turn up at the park because there are always lots of great offers to be found online and also in local shops or from rental agents.  It is also worth remembering that you can take your own food and drinks into the park which can really cut down on the cost for the day – my other top tip is to opt for a one piece and to keep your legs crossed at the ankles on every slide… you will find out why if you don’t!

Not exactly brand new but one of the paces that has everyone talking in these parts at the moment has to be Quinta dos Santos.  There has been a lot of chat about this place for over a year now but it has finally opened its doors officially and is home to their own craft beer brewery, a tapas bar, an artisanal shop and a guesthouse all in one beautiful setting.

The Quinta is located near to Gramacho golf course and is open every day except Mondays with a good few events in the pipeline for the coming season.

This really is a stunning place and well worth a visit to at least have a look around if you are not having anything to eat or drink and is already proving to a favourite with many people over here.

It is great to see new and different businesses opening up in the local area and the family behind the Quinta have made a considerable investment clearly in what promises to be a great business that we can all enjoy so next time you are in the area pop in and show them your support!

We also have new people in the village with Becky and Matt taking over the running of the Kula Bar up on the O Farol near to the Casa Algarvia restaurant.  Some of you who have been knocking around Carvoeiro a while may remember Becky who used to live here before and now she is back with her husband Matt to run the Kula Bar.  The couple reopened the bar over Easter and we wish them the very best of luck with their new venture!

CONGRATULATIONS

We also have some congratulations due to Colin Macbean and his darts partner Angie who won the annual Patsy Lulu memorial darts cup.  The cup is in honour of Pat who worked in Hemingways and in Carvoeiro for many years and was loved by everyone who met her and is always a great evening – not only for those who play in it but also for anyone else looking for some great food, good darts and a wonderful atmosphere.  If you are in Carvoeiro next year in March then pop into Hemingways and see when the tournament is on and perhaps even sign up yourself!

AND FINALLY…

The Lagoa BIO market is back for 2018 and the first was held at the end of march in the centre of Lagoa on the red road next to the market.

The market sees the area around the market closed off to traffic and then lots of little stalls selling local foods and good as well as show cooking and entertainment.

This was a new initiative for the city and seems to be growing in size with each edition.  If you fancy seeing what it is all about then the next market will be held on 28th April with the market then being held on the last Saturday of the month until October.

UNTIL THEN…

I am off to walk along the red path between Carvoeiro and Rocha Brava – only joking – I am far too lazy for that and will be in the car…

Bjs

Margarida