Enjoy the Easter break and spend some quality time in the Algarve!

With its sunny days and mild temperatures, the Western Algarve is the perfect escape for a well-deserved break.

Good Friday

Easter in the Algarve is a time of colour and sunshine. The Algarve is buzzing with flower festivals and family get together. The long weekend coupled with the welcome spring warmth attracts many Portuguese from the cities further north and visitors from other countries to enjoy the Algarve’s Beaches, Restaurants and Bars over the mini-holiday. Good Friday is a Public Holiday and shops and businesses are closed, many of the Portuguese restaurants will be closed in the evening.

Easter Sunday

Easter in Algarve is a colourful and happy time. With festivals and family get-togethers the Algarve buzzes with warmth and tradition. Special cakes, known as “Folar” are eaten – surprising for the hard boiled egg still in its shell hidden inside the cake! The famous Flower Torch Festival is held in São Bras do Alportel, when the main street of the town is strewn with flowers and a procession of townsfolk carrying troches made of colourful flowers makes its way to the church.

“Bursting with character, this dazzling whitewashed fishing village is the place to head for heaps of Portuguese atmosphere.”

Charismatic yet peaceful, small yet full of life – Carvoeiro is one of those resorts that just has it all. Oozing authentic Portuguese charm, this place can’t help but spellbind those who visit, and has people coming back time and time again. And once you’ve set foot here you’ll see why. Cut into half moon cliffs, the coastline is dramatically woven with intricate caves and golden beaches, and with mainly low rise apartments and villas the breathtaking landscape has been pretty much left how mother nature intended. Typical old-town narrow streets are scattered with alluring little shops and twist down to a pretty village square, where you can sample the endless wine lists – after all, you are in the wine-producing region of Lagos. The square overlooks the shimmering shores, which gently slope out to the transparent sea, more often than not crammed full of colourful fishing boats. It’s fringed with bustling cafes and restaurants and is a prime spot to eat al fresco and drink in the views. And what a picture the coastline is. The dramatic ochre cliffs shelter numerous mystical grottoes and lead to a number of outstanding pristine beaches.  Within walking distance is Algar Seco, with its theatrical rock formations and Carvalho cove, where half the fun is navigating your way through a labyrinth of tunnels. Add to all this animated bars, restaurants serving inviting international and local dishes and excellent activities such as golf and horse riding – and you can’t go wrong in this relaxed holiday haven.

Calisto & Destino Carvoeiro Rentals is the ideal place for those looking for a quiet retreat on a spectacular coastline with loads of authentic Portuguese character.

Many clients return to Calisto & Destino for holidays year after year as Carvoeiro offers natural beauty, golden sandy beaches and local character. Carvoeiro as a former fishing village has not lost charm as its perched on a truly spectacular piece of coastline and the village is centered round an open square, where you can dine alfresco and watch the little fishing boats bobbing in the distance.

Your days in Carvoeiro are spent exploring the cobbled lanes lined with white washed houses with charming souvenir shops dotted in between. Or why not take a visit to one of the many secluded coves abounding the area? Once the sun has set you can enjoy a relaxing drink in one of the many bars, and then enjoy a sumptuous meal in one of the fine restaurants in the town during your stay at Calisto & Destino in beautiful Carvoeiro. The characterful village of Carvoeiro is certain to fill you with unforgettable holiday memories.

Portugal is a history rich country and there are many fascinating sights that you can explore such as the flame red castle of Silves once a Moorish capital, or try visiting the town Caldas De Monchique which used to be a cure-all spa town in the 19th and 20th centuries. Nowadays people visit here because it’s a charming spot. If you love wildlife, take a trip to the Rio Formosa National Park where there are vast areas of sandy islands and shallow lagoons where birds come to feast.

Whatever tickles your fancy, we are here at Calisto & Destino to help you make your holidays an unforgettable memory.

A holiday to the Algarve, the western-most part of Europe, has long been popular with holidaymakers keen to enjoy some sun, sand and sea in the relaxing and safe boundaries of Portugal.

Superb beaches, turquoise sea, manicured golf courses and the leisurely Portuguese pace of life have established Portugal’s west coast as an ever popular package holiday destination for cheap flights to the Algarve

With warm, sunny winters and very hot summers, this 100-mile southern coast of Portugal is a great escape for holidays to Algarve practically any time of year.

At the heart of the region, Carvoeiro is a fantastic holiday destination, with beautiful golden beach to relax on in the sun, a picturesque town and plenty of entertainment for that ‘fiesta feeling’.

The Algarve Carnival is a popular event in the region, which is held each year to celebrate Mardi Gras. This big festival attracts large crowds from around the world who are keen to witness the large Brazilian-style carnival, which has been running for well over 100 years.  The main fiesta is in Loule, where the carnival originates, but there are parties held throughout the region during these dates. It dates back to the celebration of the beginning of Lent and `Carnevale` literally translates as `to put away the meat`. Restaurants in the area serve plenty of seafood and other local delicacies and the streets are decorated in colourful fashion and animated floats parade through the streets to encourage the party atmosphere.

Most of the streets in the Algarve will be filled with singing and laughter, with plenty of live music and dancing. Many of the boat owners even decorate their boats in lively fashion to join in the region’s celebrations.

In Portugal, the carnival is the biggest festival of the year and draws people form around the world. It usually happens in February, right before lent starts. It signals the end of winter and also ushers in the religious period of giving up meat. Carnival is usually not religious in nature and therefore it continues well past Ash Wednesday when religious affiliated carnivals end. In fact, the carnival in Portugal usually last almost three weeks. It is a non-stop party where the focus is on fun and celebration.

Portugal Carnival History

The Portugal Carnival goes back hundreds of years. It has roots in the catholic religion. In the beginning, carnival originated in Italy when people would put on costumes and celebrate the day before lent. They would have large feasts where they would eat up all the meats since meat was forbidden during lent. Soon the carnival became quite popular and began spreading to surrounding areas in Spain and France and other places where the Catholic religion was prominent. Carnival made its way to America when European settlers brought it over. Today in Portugal the carnival is the top event. The city of Lisbon fills up with people, both locals and visitors, to celebrate. The city truly comes to life with celebrations everywhere and a lot of fun to be had.

At the Portugal Carnival

Carnival is all about music, dancing and, of course, the costumes. The elaborate costumes of carnival are something to behold. Many people spend months preparing their costumes for the celebration. From feathers to metal to sequins, you will see it all. The native people take carnival very seriously. They will be meticulous in preparing their costumes and they are focused on ensuring every detail is perfected. Carnival may be all about fun, but the preparation is hard work.

Party Time!!

Preparation starts long before February. The first thing they do is come up with a theme. They then begin working on costume ideas. It is all about creativity and creating a very show-like experience. Awards are given for the best costumes and quite coveted. A lot of work goes into creating the elaborate show that lasts throughout the carnival. There is never a dull moment thanks to all those who work so hard to prepare the festivities.

The Portugal Carnival is a show. For visitors it is something that words simply can not describe. You have to experience it for yourself. The costumes, the music, the people, the food – it all is amazing and will have you awe struck. You can grab plenty of food along the street where vendors eagerly cook up scrumptious menus. You can stand and watch the various parades with the beautiful floats and costumed participants. There are parties all over and everyone is happy, lively and welcoming. There is no doubt that during the carnival is one of the best times to visit Portugal because it is exciting and you really get to meet and mingle with the people.

Even if you have attended the carnival celebration elsewhere, you simply must experience the Portugal Carnival. Every celebration is unique. Each with its own cultural influences. In Portugal you will experience the cities and the people in a way that you can not do any other time of the year. It is an experience like no other. If you want to have fun and to let loose on vacation then book a trip to Portugal for the carnival.

CarvoeirRelax in o

Couples looking for a laid-back resort with the freedom to do as much or as little as they like need look no further than Carvoeiro.

This fishing village shows off the Algarve’s natural beauty, with a charming village and stunning coastline, and you can relax your days away on the beach. Good…

Couples looking for a laid-back resort with the freedom to do as much or as little as they like need look no further than Carvoeiro.

This fishing village shows off the Algarve’s natural beauty, with a charming village and stunning coastline, and you can relax your days away on the beach. Good food and drink can be had at local restaurants and bars, of which there are many scattered about the whitewash buildings.

Relaxing Days                                                                                                                                              

Carvoeiro offers couples a truly relaxing holiday, both with the sandy beach and the general atmosphere of the village. Wherever you stay in Carvoeiro you’ll never be far from the coast and you can spend as many days as you wish soaking up the Algarve sun.

For a better view of the coastline where you are staying, you could rent a boat and relax out at sea. Peace and quiet can be had at Carvoeiro should you wish to find it.

New CALISTODESTINO Carvoeiro Property Rentals has established itself as one of the best along the entire Algarve coastline and offers superb, family friendly accommodation for guests to enjoy.

The New CALISTODESTINO Carvoeiro Property Rentals are conveniently located on the cliff tops above the fishing village of Carvoeiro which boasts an attractive beach and an abundance of restaurants, bars and shops. There are many other wonderful beaches all within a few minutes’ drive. It is also within easy reach of many excellent golf courses including the Carvoeiro Golf Resort with its two full 18 holes courses.

The immediate coastline consists of spectacular cliffs, caves and many beautiful beaches you have to see to believe, all washed by the clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean. The Algarve lays claim to more hours of sunshine than any other place in Europe and also the most unpolluted climate.

 The West Coast of Portugal is one of my favorite places ever. There is something magical about the rock formations, the wild Atlantic Coast, miles and miles of sandy beaches, high, undulating sand dunes and scruffy, wispy scrub land. This coastline also has some of the strangest plants I have encountered. In Spring time the colour of the blooms are stunning but they are not the easiest of plants to touch as they seem to want to bite back. Every time I kneel down amongst the rocks to touch petals, stems and leaves I always come away with a nasty scratch or sting – it’s as if they don’t want to be handled only admired in their wild, rugged state.