For months, they shout. August, for instance, lives in a frenzy of comings and goings, bustling streets and crowded beaches. September, on the other hand, whispers. And perhaps that’s why those who truly know it guard it like a secret: a time when the Algarve reveals its most peaceful, refined, and authentic self.

The sun still stands high, the warmth lingers, but the pace slows. The sand is no longer a battleground, and the terraces begin to breathe again. It’s the perfect moment for slow walks along the coast, long, lazy swims, and late afternoons that seem to stretch on endlessly. In Sagres, the sunsets take on a pinkish hue, almost wistful, as if summer itself is reluctant to let go.

Those who choose September to visit the Algarve discover a more generous time. There’s more space to listen to the sea, to chat without haste, and a light that softens everything. The landscape hasn’t changed, but the senses are more alert. And when life slows down, every detail becomes more precious, the taste, the texture, the scent, as if everything can finally be appreciated with the attention it deserves.

It’s in this more intimate time that things are savoured differently. The Negra Mole rosé from Arvard, made from an almost forgotten native grape, brings the freshness of the Algarve’s inland and the elegance of vineyards overlooking the Arade River. It’s light, delicate, and pairs beautifully with those perfect end-of-day moments.

To go with it, Monterosa olive oil, produced in Moncarapacho, is more than a condimente, it’s a sensory experience. Rich, velvety, with green, slightly peppery notes, it turns the simple act of dipping bread into a celebration of the land and its purest flavours.

And since the sea is never far, Saboreal’s traditional snacks are a must—small-batch tinned fish where tradition meets creativity. Mackerel, tuna, sardines, or octopus, all in original recipes, make the perfect companions for long afternoons, fuss-free tables, or even a picnic on the beach.

These flavours do more than feed; they tell stories—of local producers, ingredients born nearby, and knowledge passed down through generations. These are products with time inside them, made to be shared and enjoyed slowly, all year round, but especially in September.

That’s exactly what September calls for: time, flavours, and landscapes. At Mar d’Estórias, you’ll find these unique products, the wine, the olive oil, the conserves and from there, it’s on to Sagres. There, between the sound of the sea and the golden light of the setting sun, everything comes together for one of summer’s final sunsets. A moment to savour, glass in hand, eyes on the horizon, with the Algarve laid out before you.