Living in Portugal - Our Monthly Journal - May 2026
- Tony
- Jun 1
- 4 min read
Spring has unique ways of announcing its presence here in Portugal. The Jacaranda trees seemingly fill their once-bare branches with an explosion of purple flowers overnight. At the same time, the year-round stork nests prevalent throughout the area come alive with new chicks, turning a nest built for two into a full house with two new mouths to feed. Other indicators of spring follow closely; the weather shifts from the heavy rains of the first three months of the year, likely spurring prolific blooms and a high pollen count in the Algarve. As the days get warmer, with temperatures reaching 28-30°C (80's°F) in the latter part of the month, an influx of visitors arrives, seeking the same experience we have as residents.
With warmer weather and growing crowds, the region comes alive with festivals and beach sports competitions. This festive spirit coincides with the official start of the Sardine and caracóis (snails) seasons. Caracóis, a beloved Portuguese delicacy, are gathered from rural roadsides, and “Há caracóis” (We have snails) signs emerge at snack bars and Tascas. Eaten slowly on a terrace, often with friends at a favorite tasca, caracóis are a distinct summer snack. Unlike the French version, the Portuguese prepare these smaller snails in a broth of garlic, oregano, bay leaf, and olive oil, and serve them in bowls to be picked out with toothpicks.
We spent a few more days away from the Algarve, across the border into Spain. You can read about that experience by clicking the link below
In early June, we are heading to Bordeaux, spending a week in Southwestern France to experience the city of Bordeaux and the surrounding countryside. Of course, we will seek out some of Frances' finest wines along the way.
Teresa's garden is full of life, with beans, zucchini, tomatoes, aubergine, potatoes, cucumber, lettuce, onions, garlic, and herbs planted and maturing.
The fruit trees are full and ripening quickly in the warm sun. We had a few early figs that are still not ripe enough to eat, but they're giant (about the size of a fist), and we also have the recent smaller additions that will be ready later in the summer. The Apples, Plums, and Peaches are beginning to show their color, and the red flowers of the Roma tree promise summer pomegranates.
In our gardens, the flowers and blossoms are still the main event.
We took on the task of trimming the Oleander bushes along the path to our house as they were taking over. It's not really pretty now, but it will quickly grow back
Early in the month, we joined a group of friends on a boat up the Arade River to Silves. The boats can only transit on the river near Silves at high tide, so the schedule is dependent on the tides. We boarded in Portimao near the museum where the old crane was still decorated with its large carnation from the April 25 Freedom celebrations.
The slow ride upriver passes by old sardine factory ruins, a shrine to fishermen in the rocks of the riverbank, Arvad winery, the seasonal restaurant Clube Nautico, and open wetlands. We enjoyed lunch at a restaurant near the mercado in Silves before boarding the boat for the leisurely trip back to Portimao. A great way to spend the afternoon.
Paul and I rode through the farmlands, doing our best to avoid the cows as we maneuvered across the dikes of the wetlands and rivers near Alvor. After crossing the railroad tracks, we rode out to Rocha Delicada near the fish farms and estuaries, where Flamingos like to hang out and feed on local crustaceans.
Another great boat day, anchored at the Alvor inlet, watching the world go by.
Praia da Rocha hosted a major international competition late this month. The Foil Senior European Championship. There were strong winds this week, perfect for the 186 athletes from 41 countries who were competing in this windsurfing/foil event
We joined Adrienne and Terra Doce for an afternoon on the rooftop terrace of Mar d'Estórias in Lagos for tapas, views of downtown, and a guided tasting of two of the Dão region's most celebrated native varietals: Encruzado and Touriga Nacional.
Morning walks in Alvor have been beautiful.
Anchored for a few days in Portimao, The Pogoria, a beautiful Polish-designed Tall Ship that offers experience for young people to spend time as crew members and learn the art of sailing. Planned voyages are designed to give crew members an opportunity to travel and experience the world through sailing with others their own age.
This pretty bird spent a few days hanging out in our trees, singing away.
Another great day on the boat off the coast of Portimao.
Our own private cove for the afternoon.
Sonny and Barney continue to entertain us, at least for the few hours they are awake.
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As always, we hope everyone is doing well, healthy, happy, and thriving. We miss you and love you all...A lot!
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