With the arrival of June, the Algarve takes on a new light. The days grow longer, the nights become more inviting, and the scent of grilled sardines drifts through the streets, heralding the season of festivities and the beloved Santos Populares. Summer begins slowly here, marked by subtle signs:...
Did you know that Portugal was one of the few countries in the European Union that didn’t abandon its textile industry? And today, it continues to uphold an exceptional standard in the fabrics it produces? While many European countries saw their textile industries disappear to low-cost markets, Portugal took a...
The Algarve is a place where the sea has always been more than just a line on the horizon. It’s a deep, longstanding relationship. For years, fishermen and the canning industry have brought the Atlantic to the world tables, turning sardines into a symbol of the Portuguese and Algarve...
Salt is not just a seasoning; it is one of human history’s oldest and most essential ingredients. Its significance dates back to refrigeration, making it crucial for preserving food. In many civilisations, salt was even used as currency. The word “salary” originates from salt, highlighting the immense value this...
Winter calls for comfort and cosy days spent at home, and nothing makes this season even more inviting than products designed for cosiness. From blankets to herbal teas, Portuguese brands have the power to transform this time of year, offering the perfect warmth to soothe the soul and senses...
With the festive season just around the corner, it’s easy to get swept up in the hustle and mindless consumerism. However, the true spirit of Christmas lies in simplicity, togetherness, and sharing moments with those we love. To navigate this season calmly, it’s essential to rediscover what truly matters:...
The pioneering company of perfumes and soaps in Portugal. One was a chemist, and the other an importer. They combined their expertise and established Porto in 1887 to establish the first soap and perfume factory in Portugal. Both German nationals, Ferdinand Claus and Georges Schweder embarked on this innovative venture...
The name Viarco might not catch everyone’s eye, but the truth is that this factory has a long history dating back to 1907, when it was known as Portugália and located in Vila do Conde. In 1936, the new owner, Manoel Vieira Araújo, changed the name to Viarco. This...
Summer is already well underway, but the Algarve knows how to extend the warm days until mid-October. There are still many days of sun, sand, salt, and long weekends by the sea. And if there is something good about summer, it is the feeling that time stretches out and...
Discussing Port wine entails embarking on a journey to the past, flying over the Douro Valley, and feeling immense pride in recalling one of the oldest relationships between countries. Each glass of Port wine, served ceremoniously in a slender glass, contains countless stories. The distinctive flavour stems from the Indigenous...
A space that has become a gateway to the Portuguese soul lies in the heart of Lagos. As Mar d’Estórias celebrates its eighth anniversary on June 17th, it continues to uncover the secrets and wonders of Portuguese culture, history, and traditions, inviting all who visit to embark on a...
On May 15, Portugal Jewels presented its latest collection – “Amália e as Flores”, developed in collaboration with the Amália Rodrigues Foundation. The launch event took place in a venue where the soul of the fado singer will be forever present in every corner and every object. At the...
The day of the one who raised and cradled us in her arms is approaching, and we could even say that Mother’s Day is every day. However, there is a specific day of the year to celebrate all world mothers. It’s a global event, but the dates vary from...
Fifty years ago, the winds of April swept away the shackles of dictatorship in Portugal, granting us the most precious of treasures: freedom. Before this historic turning point, we lived under the weight of prohibitions that clouded our voices and restricted the future of our stories. The same stories...
If we pause for a few seconds to think, we can identify several deserving women of the title “incredible”. At Mar d’Estórias, we’re fortunate to know visionary women who delight us with innovative ideas and products. In the month celebrating International Women’s Day, we not only recall the strength...
There’s the most Portuguese Carnival in Portugal, the five-day Carnival instead of three, and the most Brazilian Carnival in Portugal. All are part of the same celebration, but each has uniqueness, showcasing Portugal’s true greatness in traditions. The origin of Carnival can be traced back to the Greeks, who, in...
Delicate golden threads, as fine as a strand of hair, are ably intertwined by the hands of those who master this art like no other. One would hardly guess that the origin of this golden thread dates back to solid gold bars. This could only be the work of...
If there are conquerors in the world, chocolate stands out! It presents itself in various ways and flavours, sweetening life’s moments and melting in front of those who can’t resist its charm. Some studies suggest it can be addictive, and we have no doubt, as its taste almost compels...
From north to south of Portugal, friends and family come together, toasting the tradition of celebrating Christmas, and as it’s not always easy to find the perfect place, we make the search easy! Mar d’Estórias has prepared an unforgettable dinner, as usual, invoking the flavours and traditions of the country. The...
The clock’s hands are spinning at full speed, the sun and the moon are chasing each other in a hurry, the calendar’s pages are falling ripe, and before we know it, autumn is here, and it’s already winking at Christmas. Is it premature to talk about this festive season in...
Mar d’Estórias is a sizable spot that can accommodate a myriad of Portuguese items. Nevertheless, if these items were swapped for individuals, we’d need to relocate to a skyscraper! The sense of magnificence remains consistent when a fresh item arrives at our shelves. People with ingenuity in their souls...
Gather your friends on the terrace of Mar d’Estórias and watch the stars while enjoying delicious Portuguese cuisine. The warm nights in the Algarve are spent on the terrace of Mar d’Estórias, reminiscent of the old days when families would gather on the “açoteias” (typical Algarve terraces) to enjoy the...
Bifanas are an integral part of Portuguese culture and soul, and as such, Mar d’Estórias has the task of praising the best our country has to offer. This dish has been on the menu for a long time, and because it’s so successful, we decided to bring it closer...
“If we do not change our lives, we may not have any lives left to change”. By António Guterres at the opening of the 2019 Climate Summit in Madrid. We know climate change is not a myth when we see more and more disasters and harsh temperatures. We believe something...
Reading time: 5 minutes Balls were made from rags, racing horses, from sticks, and from tins, cars with wheels made of bottle caps. Imagination was the main technology to make it happen! And now? In the days gone by our grandparents, creativity and the reuse of everyday materials were not yet...
These are odd times, different from everything we were instilled. They said that conviviality was necessary, that walking outside was good for the soul and body, and the affection, so fitting for the approaching day, would be exchanged to show all our love. In one year, all this has...
From the 25th to the 30th of May, the artist ADD FUEL will create a large mural on the side wall of the Mar d’Estórias building in Rua Lançarote de Freitas in Lagos. This initiative is the result of a partnership between LAC – Laboratório de Actividades Criativas, Cultural Association,...
This article highlights the treasures found in mothers’ and grandmothers’ glazed cabinets. These delicate items are only brought out on special occasions. They are pieces from Vista Alegre, cherished like treasures and silent witnesses to decades of family gatherings. Whether at Christmas, Easter, or a special birthday, these porcelains transport...
In films, books and music, we are bombarded with the theme of love and everything it involves. Love is the Achilles’ heel of any human being. It is that topic that softens the hardest shell, tough to let go, but that we wear as a uniform at work or...
We are people who deal with and respect the sea like no other. We personify the Atlantic like an old friend, we think we know all its shakes of personality. Then there’s a windstorm and we exchange preconceived ideas about him. That is how the sea is, never to be...