Santa Luzia
Some say that Santa Luzia is the best small village in the Algarve. I think they might be right!!
Santa Luzia village has always been linked and relied upon the produce of the sea. Initially Santa Luzia Fishing Boat rod and line techniques were used and then from 1842 Tuna became the main catch. Along this part of the Algarve coast there are constant reminders of this more profitable era.
The tuna unfortunately was over fished and over a period of time this industry slowly declined until in the 1970´s the last factory shut down and diversification was required. The fishermen of Santa Luzia had already predicted this probability and from the early 1920´s were developing the natural Octopus resource.Using traditional techniques of jars and baskets they have developed a profitable industry catching a resource available locally. In addition,they have created a unique niche that has been been promoted with the assistance of the local restaurateurs and this is why the village is now known as the ´Capital of the Polvo’ (Octopus).
Santa Luzia is a wonderful place to visit all year round. The summer months finds the place full of visitors from all over the world. Attracted by the great beaches the wonderful weather and the super restaurants the sound of Spanish French and English mingles with the more refined Portuguese spoken by Lisboans down for their Santa Luzia fix as well. However the weather outside of these months is excellent too and we find the Spring and Autumn months equally appealing. Indeed these times of the year are perfect, not as hot but usually sunny and warm. Not as busy but still plenty of things to do and see. Most weekends there will be live music of some sort in the village. The bar Meia Pipa has live bands on most weeks. However, the place is full to overflowing during the middle of August when over a 4 day period the village comes to life in a flurry of activity culminating in the Festa dos Pescadores.
So what of Santa Luzia today. It is currently a haven of cultural diversity. The fishing element is still very strong in everything that happens in the village. The fishermen create an obvious working element that is combined with a progressive attitude to tourism that has developed over the recent years.
The month of August sees the village come to life with celebrations of the fishing heritage of Santa Luzia together with promoting the ongoing local industries.For a small village it also is able to develop ties with the wider world and promotes links with countries throughout the world.
