February, in the Algarve, is full of colour and speed with carnival, the longest street paining in Portugal and the region’s very own cycling race.
Carnival
Shrove Tuesday, this year falling on February 13, is the final day of Carnival.
Ash Wednesday, the day after Shrove Tuesday, is the start of Lent so Carnival is the colourful celebration before stepping into a more austere time in the religious calendar.
Celebrated across the Algarve, most towns and cities will have a carnival celebration, with Loulé perhaps being the most well-known.
Each has its own theme and parades will take place from February 11.
Keep an eye out for your local carnival parade, or check social media.
Volta ao Algarve
The Algarve’s primary cycling race, Volta ao Algarve, is back with its 50th race and five stages. Starting on a 200.8km route between Portimão and Lagos on February 14.
The fourth stage is a first for the race with a time trial between Albufeira Marina and Albufeira’s town hall. At 22.2kms the cyclist will climb from 10m to 45m above sea level.
The final stage, on February 18, is 165.8kms between Faro and Malhão, north east of Loulé, 510m above sea level.
25 teams in total will be participating with the Algarve Granfondo open for amateurs to race on February 17. Click here for registration.
Not just elite cyclists are seizing the opportunity to explore the Algarve on two wheels. Now is the ideal time to embark on a cycling adventure and uncover hidden gems in the region.
Longest street painting in Portugal
Artists have until the end of March to apply online for the opportunity to be part of a team of nine to paint the longest street painting in Portugal.
The cultural association P.O.I.S! is behind the idea, having already created a colourful path in Portimão’s centre, Rua Direita.
The new project, A Cidade a Cores (Colourful City), is to finish with a length of 1.3kms and will follow Portimão’s “Accessible Route” that was inaugurated in 2010 and passes through the city’s main points of interest to visitors.
Read more about Portimão here.