Markets: Nearly all towns and villages in the Algarve have fresh produce markets as well as monthly flea markets. Some towns also have antique markets. Below is a summary of the markets in the towns nearest to Casa Flor de Sal:
- Fuseta flea market - 1st Thursday of every month;
- Fuseta antique market - 2sd Sunday of every month;
- Moncarapacho farmers market - 1st Sunday of the month;
- Tavira antiques & flea market - 1st Saturday of the month;
For a list of nearly all markets, click here.
Festivals: Algarve also has many religious, musical, gastronomical, and historic festivals through the year. Some of the most famous are listed below:
February/March:
- Carnival takes place across the Algarve on Shrove Tuesday and the preceding weekend;
Easter:
- Flower Torches Festival in São Brás de Alportel on Easter Sunday - a must see by its amazing displays of flower arrangements;
- Folar (Easter cakes) Fairs take place across the Algarve with music and entertainment and a chance to try the traditional cakes;
- Feast of The Sovereign Mother of Loulé - a tradition dating from the 16th century;
May:
- Sea gastronomy festival in Tavira;
June:
- The Saints Festivals take place across the Algarve celebrating St. Anthony (13th), St. John (24th) and St. Peter (29th). The warm nights are filled with the aromas of barbecues and grilled sardines as the towns and villages celebrate, often partying until the small hours.
- Festival Med (LINK) in Loulé- Mediterranean music, gastronomy and handcrafts;
July:
- Loulé Handcraft Fair;
- Algarve International Motorbike meeting in Faro;
August:
- Seafood Festival in Olhão - a major event with live music every night;
- Very good Medieval Fairs in both Silves and Castro Marim;
October:
- Sagres Bird Migration Fair – exhibitions, talks and field trips to see the great migration of birds of prey;
- Portugal Masters in Vilamoura - for the golf enthusiasts;
- Mediterranean garden fair - sale of plants suitable for the climate of Algarve;