ZEN SUP
Stand-Up Paddleboarding is making waves across the Algarve. Founded in 2014, ZEN SUP, says it delivers the highest standard of water education and voyages of discovery. Run by John Hogan and Heike Flohr, it is based at arguably the Algarve’s most famous coastal landmark – Benagil Cave. For €65pp, you will receive a safety briefing, two hours on the water, an instructor, a life jacket, board, rash vest, wetsuit if needed, photos and a breakfast or fresh fruit.

Areas up for exploring include Benagil Cave, of course, and Carvalho, Corredoura, Mosque and Cao Raivoso Beaches. They are known for the picturesque rock formations that adorn so many postcards and gentler, turquoise waters, and as Stand Up paddleboarding is recognised as one of the more peaceful sports, you can really be at one with yourself and nature as the name ZEN would suggest.

You can learn as a beginner or enjoy a session as an advanced boarder where you’ll work on your technique and fitness. Group sessions are on request, and you can also enjoy an added bonus of being picked up and returned to your place of residence for €5pp up to 1.5km away.
936 735 778
Zen-sup.com

Macramé
The ancient, hands-on art of Macramé is one that is growing steadily in popularity. It is a form of textile produced using knotting techniques to eventually create anything from hanging baskets to household decorations, to accessories. One influencer has decided to make access to the technique much easier for those who want to learn. Marilene Miranda, a teacher with over 30 years experience and who is based on the Algarve, offers tutorials on her Instagram page @macramebymari

Through her short videos, fans can see how to get started, and close up videos of techniques and the tools needed. Marilene has quite a following, at 19,000 and she’s more than happy to take questions and offer advice on her art. Marilene says she teaches macramé “in an easy way, without secrets and straight to the point.” She’s also created a special course dedicated to the art form: “Macramé from knots to calculations”. It’s for anyone from beginners to those who are more accomplished and there is hands on support and a book written by Marilene that serves as a step by step guide.
instagram.com/macramebymari/
macramebymari.my.canva.site/

Pottery
The calming and meditative effects of pottery are two of the reasons why it’s believed to be so popular. Pottery is the process of forming objects with clay and other raw materials, which are fired at high temperatures in a kiln to give them a hard and durable form. You can now have a go in a beautiful atelier overlooking the Monchique mountains. For €48, you can enjoy a two-hour introductory lesson learning pottery skills at Atelier da Clara.

The private classes by Clara, a ceramicist with over 30 years’ experience, are offered in four languages including English and Portuguese and are open to people of all ages. Participants will be able to experiment with various clay modelling and tile painting techniques. The ceramic material is included and people are urged to unleash their creativity.
964 234 167
claradesousavicente@gmail.com

Portuguese language class
If you want to learn Portuguese or brush up on the language, then Faust Language School in Quarteira is perfect for you. Officially recognised by the Ministry of Education in Portugal, its teachers use methods which promote “natural learning for beginners.” There are crash-courses for those just starting out and one of the key elements to learning, is fun. The school says its approach is to introduce students to language as they would a child – starting with listening and speaking exercises before moving on to the written word. There is a range of classes designed for adults and young people, children and also company training, which offers a bespoke language course dependent on what a business needs of their employee. The school also trains language teachers ready to send them into the world of education. Faust says communication and interactive learning makes its classes special and students receive a certificate on completing their course, which is a “tangible” proof of their newly-acquired language skill.
919 437 377
info@faust.pt

Words: Lucy Mayer