A brief recap: Since arriving at Ocean Villas Luz in August 2020, writer David Lugg has been experiencing all aspects of Luz Life. This blog (# 55) is his review of April 2025:
In a peculiar way, one of Portugal’s most important USP’s (unique selling points) is its extraordinary absence of information. It can be incredibly difficult (and occasionally frustrating) to try and find answers in a country that doesn’t really have any interest in telling you what you want to know. But, when it comes to visiting this wonderful part of the world, it is not usually a hindrance. In fact, it is an integral part of what makes Portugal so appealing, so exciting and so enigmatic. Allow me to explain.
You don’t have to look too hard on social media to find sites that tell you all about the ‘best secret beaches’ or the ‘top ten hidden villages. I’ll be honest, I find these pages quite repugnant. The people that run them are only in it to make money, despite their protestations that they are ‘promoting the area’. Secret beaches should stay that way, or else they are no longer secrets and become destroyed by over tourism.
But, generally speaking, the west Algarve seems to escape the worst of these sites. It is rare that the best beaches or villages are mentioned. The same goes for the ubiquitous guide books. To date, I have only ever seen one book that has truly explored the entirety of the west Algarve. Generally, they are lazy attempts at showcasing the region’s highlights and they would certainly not feature in my own top ten. I am constantly amazed about how little is known about this corner of Portugal.
In a world that is becoming ever-smaller, Portugal’s sense of mystique is as strong as ever. I venture out regularly with my family and we often find new coves to explore or mountain villages to visit. Its secrets are part of its charm. If an area loses its mystery then it becomes boring and well-trodden. The west Algarve, I assure you, is neither boring nor well-trodden. Along with neighbouring Alentejo, it remains one of the great undiscovered areas of Europe.
Granted, there are times where you can be left flustered when trying to find out important information. For example, most restaurants in the Algarve do not have a website. Their last social media post was likely on new year’s eve in 2022, so you’re often left with the dilemma of just turning up and hoping you can get a table. The lack of road signs can be equally as exasperating and lets not go down the route of the total chaos that can arise from Portuguese bureaucracy.
But rising above it all, is a proud nation. A nation that does not buck to the trends. It might not always be the most fashionable, but It remains safe, humble, friendly and kind. It does not wish to follow the well-trampled path of capitalism. Its priority is not to make money at every opportunity, but to enjoy life at its own pace.
I’ll be the first to admit that the pace is not the quickest, especially when you need something in a hurry. I found an amusing article online with the headline ‘Am I just unlucky or do deadlines mean nothing in Portugal?’ In the comments section, somebody replied by saying ‘Consider it the Portuguese experience pack’. I guess you can’t have it all.
But, amidst all of the troubles in the world at the moment, Portugal remains a beacon of happiness. There is a Portuguese expression that seems quite apt that I’m sure many of you reading this can relate to. Obrigado por ser sempre o meu arco-íris depois da tempestade – thank you for always being my rainbow after the storm. This remains the clearest information of all.
More news next month.
David Lugg
@davidluggwriter
All photo images owned by David Lugg