Summer madness!

Now that August has come to an end and we embrace the month of September, we have been reflecting on our first full summer season living in the Algarve. Someone said to me recently that August is the price we pay for living in this beautiful part of Portugal for the rest of the year - and I have to agree!

It is a HUGELY busy month, with kids off school; families travelling from the North of Portugal to enjoy the beaches of the Algarve, and lots of people coming to holiday here from all over the world. In fact it is estimated that there are around one million holidaymakers in the region in August, with most hotels almost completely booked out.

This year seemed even busier than normal - perhaps a result of it being the first summer free of covid restrictions for a couple of years. It is lovely to see the local businesses flourishing after a tough period without the regular influx of tourists. The income they generate in the months of July and August also sees them through the quieter winter months.

So with August at and end, we can confirm that September is our favourite month in Portugal. It always has been, because we love to see the beaches get a little less busy; the weather cool off ever so slightly, and it is also when we go on our travels ourselves so there is always something to look forward to!

After two tough years for businesses in Portugal, it feels like a very quick recovery, and one that will continue to grow as people fall in love with it, just as we have. No surprise for this fabulous country that has so much to offer, and we are looking forward to discovering new places as we head off on our travels in September.