The Algarve has the highest priced houses in the whole of the country. The average value, according to data of the Instituto Nacional de Estatástica (INE), has reached 1,481 euros per square metre, whereas the national average is 1,225 per square metre.

In the Algarve, from 15th May until the end of June (and denominated Fase Bravo), there will be on the land 250 men and approx. 40 vehicles (plus one aerial back-up), these numbers to rise to more than 400 men and 77 vehicles (as well as three aerial back-ups) during the most worrying period, Fase Charlie, between 1st July and 30th September.

Welcome news for the eastern Algarve as a new international school is to be opened in one of its most picturesque and relaxed areas. For those with children, the area has presented one significant obstacle – a lack of local education facilities. As a result, families have settled instead in central or western Algarve, so that their children can attend the established international schools in those areas.

FICA – the Algarve International Film Festival is being held for the 34th time. Over 200 cinema sessions, screening 96 films. More venues, involving more audiences.
The general programme this year is presenting 50 films representing
24 countries in the “Short film competitive section”, and is complemented by the informative sections “School goes to the cinema”, “Cinema for senior citizens” and “Other places, other cultures”.

The location for the start of the 2007Dakar rally has not yet been decided, but Portimão is in the race with Lisbon. There will be some differences to the leg in the Algarve. The organisation of the king of off-road races is at the negotiation stage with the different partners involved in the event, including the Portimão Council, which last year hosted the Lisbon-Dakar caravan for one night.

A TOTAL of around 100 million euros is about to be pumped into Barranco do Rodrigo, a neglected area that lies between the city of Portimão and the town of Alvor.
Portimão Câmara has launched a public tender for the construction of a sports complex featuring an Olympic sized swimming pool, a multi-purpose pavilion, shopping centre,