In the Algarve, where so many cultures meet and exist side by side, there are many special festivals dedicated to various artistic expressions, including music, dance and film.
In the summer months, the Algarve is the capital of music and performing arts, featuring famous national and international musicians, bands and singers. There are also numerous festivals and other great cultural, musical leisure events throughout the year, across the Algarve.
Rich in flavour yet simply prepared, its cuisine has its origins in distant times and customs and has absorbed various influences.
The Algarve is about much more than just golf and the beach, and it is a must to try the local Algarve cuisine when in the region.
Here you can try dishes filled with the flavours of the sea or inspired by the cooking from the mountains, and all with a distinct Algarvian twist.
For those who are looking to get lucky and enjoy the thrill of the play, the casino is a open for superb shows, dinner in a sophisticated atmosphere, a hand of blackjack or a flutter at the roulette table.
An avant-garde décor, high quality service and a variety of environments help to create an unforgettable atmosphere with vibrant game rooms, dance musicals, theatre and comedy or different gastronomic proposals for the most demanding tastes.
Location: Vilamoura
From art galleries such as the Centro Cultural de São Lourenço, to modern theatres like the Teatro das Figuras in Faro, there is much to discover.
The Teatro das Figuras itself is a venue where contemporary performing arts are showcased and where the focus is firmly on building an ongoing, creative relationship with the surrounding community, helping create and share new artistic experiences.
Location: Faro
Many of the cinemas in Portugal are located in large shopping centres and have multiple theatres showing different movies. Most cinemas show films in their original language with Portuguese subtitles and apart from films for children, they are rarely dubbed.
Pre-ordering tickets for a weekend screening can only be done on or after Thursday, when the weekly programme is changed.
You just need to grab your popcorn bucket and enjoy the big screen!
For lovers of shopping the Algarve has a great range of stores, from global brands and large shopping centres to small local shops packed with hand-made items, to gypsy markets and designer outlets.
For those looking for regional goods it is possible to pick up unique and traditional products.