Living in Portugal - Our Monthly Journal - August 2025

We spent the first part of August continuing our "staycation" in the Algarve, enjoying the sun and the beautiful area we live in. The second half of the month was spent traveling back to the US to visit family and friends (Post for this trip coming soon).

August in the Algarve is generally THE busiest month of the year with thousands of visitors arriving to soak up the summer sun, enjoy the beautiful beaches, recreating on the water, and experiencing the charm of the Algarve.

The summer weather is living up to its reputation, with warm, sunny days and nights making for perfect times to enjoy the beaches, rivers, and activities on the water. Most days are typical for this time of year, with temperatures of 28-30 degrees Celsius and a few hot days with temperatures of 35 degrees Celsius and higher. Either way, it's still beautiful here. This is why we choose to live in the Algarve.

---

Teresa has returned home from her time in France with Luis. Luis is still there completing his regimen of radiology treatments, but will return home soon.

In the garden, the hot summer weather has accelerated tomato production, not as prolific as last year, but the tomatoes we ate and shared with friends were absolutely delicious.

While the tomato and fig harvests have just about come to an end, we continue to enjoy the remaining few along with zucchini, aubergine, and bell peppers.

Meanwhile, the persimmons, cherimoya, pomegranates, pears, olives, peaches, grapes, and citrus will be ripe soon and ready to consume.

A large harvest of Mary's chilies was waiting for our return from travel.

---

Outdoor movies have become popular in the Algarve this year. We joined a group of friends for the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, a classic film with an expat theme, shown among the vineyards at Villa Alvor.

Portimao has a long history as a fishing port and cannery, particularly around the beloved sardine. Deeply rooted traditions surrounding this history are evident around the city with a dedicated museum, monuments, and statues in the center of roundabouts, and a few traditional boats preserved along the river. Each year, an annual Sardine Festival is held here to celebrate the beloved fish and those who, at times, risked their lives at sea to bring them home. To start the five days of festivities, a historic reenactment is held along the shores of the river where the sardine factories once stood

Pétanque winners of the week.

A friend found an old iron plow and gifted it to us, knowing it would have a great home on the farm. I just hope that I am not called upon to pull it.

We came across a very cool restaurant in Portimao that celebrates the fresh seafood available in our area. Upon entering, you'll find a boat filled with ice and today's fresh selection, along with a menu listing prices per portion or kilo. Select your fish, which is then weighed. You receive a weight ticket and are directed to the cashier for sides and beverages. Meanwhile, the fishmonger hands your selection to the grill chef for cooking.

Another version of the Whisky Appreciation Society. This session focused on the last of the six regions in our journey, Campbeltown. Sláinte

A fall from my bike this month, about a week before our trip to the US, resulted in nasty scrapes on my knee, leg, and chin, along with a complete tear of the remaining tissue in my shoulder rotator cuff. After about an hour at home, we decided that a trip to the hospital was necessary to address my shoulder and get the wounds thoroughly cleaned. Six hours later, X-ray and CT scan complete, an MRI scheduled for Monday, and I exited with a sling and bandaged lower leg. The MRI report indicated a rupture of the supraspinatus tendon, with the tendon retracted under the acromioclavicular. Most likely, this will result in the need for surgery, which I am not looking forward to, as the recovery is a pain. While the pain is gradually subsiding, I have lost the ability to lift my left arm, certainly not an ideal situation for two weeks of travel.

More from the Sardine festival in Portimao

Picked up some fresh oysters at the local oyster farm for a Shrimp & Oyster dinner with friends. It was low tide and a bit windy at the farm, harvest was under way and the kite surfers were out in full force. The dinner and company were both fantastic.

Stopped by the Portimao Pétanque club to see the Pétanque Tournament in Honor of Emigrants, an annual event held at Jardim das Águas-Vivas. The tournament aims to provide a welcoming and festive atmosphere, where the community comes together to celebrate local culture and traditions through a game of Pétanque.

Always looking for a unique meal in the area, Mary and I headed to Porches to check out the Summer BBQ at the Biergarten. An American-style backyard spread, featuring ribs, mac n cheese, potato salad, and other treats, was a hit; the only thing missing was the apple pie, which was somewhat compensated for by the apple strudel.

An evening out in the village of Alvor. Despite being filled with high-season tourists, we managed to enjoy a nice dinner on the strip.

Sonny and Barney are living the dream.

Thanks for reading this edition of Living in Portugal - our monthly journal. Enter your email address below and hit the Subscribe now button to receive future posts.

As always, we hope everyone is doing well, healthy, happy, and thriving. We miss you and love you all...A lot!