Fiesa, 22 May – 22 October, Pêra.

Festival of Sand Sculpture with The Living World as the 2010 theme. Sculptors from all over the world turn 35 000 tons of sand into spectacular works of art. Open 10h – 24h daily. Well worth a visit, day or night. www.fiesa.org

JUNE

International Algarve Fair, 5 – 6 June, Lagoa.

Open 11am – 7pm. Exhibitions, stalls, food and entertainment. www.algarvefair.com

International Show Jumping Competition, 11 – 13 June.

Belmont Riding Centre, Portimão.

International Show Jumping Competition, 18 – 20 June.

Vilamoura Riding Centre.

Med Music Festival, 23 – 26 June, Loulé.

World music presented by over 40 bands and performers on stages around the historic centre. The cultural program also includes a diverse range of gastronomy, street entertainment, theatre, exhibitions and Mediterranean-inspired crafts.

JULY

Faro Bike Rally, 15 – 18 July.

Thousands of bikers from across Europe gather for one of the biggest annual bike shows on the calendar. Retail stores, food, drink and live music. www.motoclubefaro.pt

Le Mans Series, 15 – 17 July.

1000km night race at Algarve International Autodrome, Portimão.

Al-Buhera Festival, 21 – 25 July, Albufeira

A handicraft fair with more than 50 stallholders, regional confectionery and gastronomy from other countries

AUGUST

Anastacia, 17 August.

Herdade das Salgados, Albufeira www.ticketline.pt

Fatacil , 20 – 29 August, Lagoa.

Handicraft, agriculture, tourism and local trade and industry fair; featuring arts and crafts, exhibitions, food, entertainment and live music.

Silves Medieval Festival, 7 – 15 August.

Typical scenes of everyday medieval life will fill the streets of this historic town centre with beggars, travelling musicians, jugglers, exotic characters and many other attractions.

Jamie Callum, 22 August

Balaia Golf Village, Albufeira www.ticketline.pt

Algarve White Night, 28 August, Loulé.

A magical night to mark the end of Summer with music, entertainment and street performers, and with shops and stalls staying open late.

Ria Formosa Festival

Seafood, local beer, all kinds of Portuguese traditional dishes. Held in Cathedral Square, Faro.

OCTOBER

Portugal Masters, 14 – 17 October, Vilamoura Oceânico Victoria Golf Club

The world’s top golfers compete for a prize of three million euro.

DECEMBER

European Cross Country Championships, 12 December, Albufeira

The Algarve Getaways website boasts many new features including extensive search facilities, more photos for every property, easier to view layout, Google maps and guest reviews.

Renting in the Central Algarve in Portugal since 2000, we have over the past 10 years, narrowed our area of concentration to the Albufeira region, encompassing Galé, Albufeira and Olhos d’Agua. Maintaining extremely high standards at all times, holiday makers are reassured that the holiday rental apartments and villas booked through Algarve Getaways are of the highest self catering quality in the area.

Fully supported in the Algarve by our local property management company, Getaways Property Services who are based in Albufeira, holiday guests in the Galé, Albufeira and Olhos d’Agua areas will be personally met and taken care of by members of the Getaways Property Services Team.

Property owners benefit from the depth of local knowledge that both Algarve Getaways and Getaways Property Services have to offer, and the ease of communication and support between the two companies.

Getaways Property Services will soon be launching their own website, detailing the Property Management Services available to property owners within the Albufeira area.

Whether you are planning a self catering holiday to the Algarve or are looking for someone to take care of your property in Portugal, you can be assured of a personalized and professional service at all times.