Algarve Holidays

International GT Open – Algarve

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International GT Open Algarve 2014

International GT Open Algarve 2014

Tee Times Portugal Holidays: International GT Open – Portimão, Algarve, Portugal from 6th to 8th June 2014

This high-octane spectacular event is taking place at the Algarve International Circuit (Autodromo Internacional do Algarve) Portimão. As the event is on for 3 days there should be plenty of opportunity to enjoy a lot of motor racing while on your holiday.

With the presence of major GT teams including Porsche, McLaren, and Ferrari, along with the roar of all the high-performance engines this event could well be irresistible.

This GT Open, now in its 5th season at this circuit, will also be hosting the European F3 and the Spanish Iber GT Championship, offering an exciting selection of races.

Those wishing to stay close to the action, CS Morgado Golf Hotel offers accommodation ideally located. However, as Portimão is quite central to the Algarve, the Penina Hotel Golf & Resort, Estrela do Váu and Luna Alvor Bay could also be suitable for you.

For holidaying golfers, the selection of fantastic golf courses include Alamos, Alto, Morgado, Palmares, Penina Championship and Penina Resort.

Portimão, formerly known as Vila Nova de Portimão, sits on the bank of the river Arade and is said to be the biggest town on the western Algarve. The town offers a great selection of shops to explore in amongst a network of streets and lanes, alongside a choice of modern shopping complexes.

Restaurants on the river quayside are infamous for the selection and quality of fish they serve. Among this fine choice is the humble but very popular sardine. Traditionally cooked on charcoals and served up with a wedge of lemon on the side. Quite delicious.

The Portimão marina, adjoining the beautiful Praia da Rocha beach, offers a great choice of bars and restaurants to explore. Praia da Rocha is also, in its own right, a popular resort worthy of a visit and only a short walk away.

by Richard FM Conlon

Portugal Holidays: England Football Squad in Vale do Lobo

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Vale do Lobo Resort

Vale do Lobo Resort – Algarve Golf Holidays

Portugal Holidays: England Football Squad in Vale do Lobo Resort in Algarve, Portugal for World Cup 2014 Training

The English Football Squad has been in Vale do Lobo, for five days, training in preparation for the FIFA 2014 World Cup in Brazil, from the 19th to the 23rd May 2014.

With news that some players were arriving in Portugal earlier than scheduled for the training, Manager Roy Hodgson was quoted as saying “Many go to Portugal, where they have homes” stating that “They don’t all go to Dubai and Las Vegas”.

Wayne Rooney also arrived early in Vale do Lobo, accompanied by two fitness instructors, in early preparation for the World Cup. Hodgson insisted that there were no concerns over his fitness, explaining that Rooney had made the arrangements for extra training.

This is the second time Vale do Lobo has been used by the English F.A. for training, the first being in 2006. This facility offers an excellent football pitch along with up-to-date gymnasium training equipment for the players and their training needs.

World famous Vale do Lobo, on the central Algarve, is home to two championship golf courses, that have twice hosted the Portuguese Open. The Royal golf course and the Ocean golf course both offer challenging and outstanding games.

Tee Times Tour Operator can offer all the support a golfer needs to play the Royal and the Ocean golf course in Vale do Lobo, plus the many golf courses that are within easy reach in this part of the Algarve. Including Quinta do Lago and San Lorenzo.

Tee Times T. O. offers an extensive selection of resorts and other accommodation for those holidaying on the central Algarve. These choices include Vale do Lobo Resort, Dona Filipa Hotel, Ria Park Hotel & Spa and Ria Park Garden Hotel.

By Richard FM Conlon

Portugal Holidays: 11th Sea Gastronomy Festival at Tavira

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11th Sea Gastronomy Festival at Tavira, Algarve, Portugal

11th Sea Gastronomy Festival at Tavira, Algarve, Portugal

Portugal Holidays: 11th Sea Gastronomy Festival at Tavira, Algarve, Portugal (2nd-25th of May 2014) – Enjoy the last days!

This festival will be hosted by the town of Tavira, along with the villages of Cabanas and Santa Luzia, from the 2nd to the 25th of May 2014. With many restaurants and cafes taking part, offering local and seasonal produce from the sea, this festival is certainly worth a visit while holidaying in the Algarve to experience this seafood culinary extravaganza. This festival celebrates the culinary skills and tastes of the Mediterranean Diet, something that is recognised by Unesco as of Intangible Cultural Heritage. For Portugal, with nearly 500 miles of coastline, their vibrant fishing industry has been instrumental in the development of the Portuguese economy.

One popular Portuguese dish is Seafood rice (Arroz de marisco). This is a rice stew with a variety of shellfish. Along with tomatoes, onions, coriander and chili pepper. Also, there is the humble sardine. Popular in the Algarve with both locals and holidaymakers, they are commonly grilled, served up with a sprinkling of salt and a wedge of lemon on the side. Quite delicious and refreshing.

For those wishing to stay near Tavira there is a fantastic selection of accommodation: Pousada de Tavira – Convento da Graça, Vila Galé Albacora, Vila Galé Tavira, Hotel Porta Nova, Pedras da Rainha, Pedras d’el Rei.

Tavira town, with an active fishing port, is a very popular holiday destination, while still holding onto its old world charm. Exploring the narrow cobbled streets, offers the opportunity to admire the Portuguese and Moorish architecture. Along with over 20 churches, described as some of the finest in the Algarve.

For those wishing to fit some golf in during their holiday in Portugal, there is a fine selection nearby: Benamor, Quinta de Cima, Quinta da Ria, and lot more in the Algarve. All offering exciting games in fantastic locations. 

by Richard FM Conlon