In Pera, international artists turn thousands of tonnes of sand into giant sculptures. Lit up at night, it is a family favourite.
Insider tip
Arrive in late afternoon and stay into dusk, when the figures are illuminated.
Each August, Silves turns into a medieval market with jousting, music, crafts and costumes around the castle.
CulturePortugal's oldest and largest carnival, with colourful floats, samba and satire through the streets of Loulé, usually in February.
CulturePortugal's melancholic song style, sung to guitar and the Portuguese guitarra. Heard live in Faro and at a few restaurants in the region.
