YOUR money

RICARDO CHAVES IS ON THE PLUS TEAM AND ANSWERS

YOUR QUESTIONS ON THE ISSUES THAT AFFECT YOUR LIFESTYLE HERE. THIS MONTH, HE EXPLAINS THE NEW LAW GOVERNING ‘ AL’ LICENCES, THE POSSIBILITY OF BUILDING A GARAGE AND RUSTIC LAND OWNERSHIP

When you pay by card, is it better to choose the Multibanco option on the card reader rather than the credit card – or does it make no difference?

When you are paying a bill at the TPA (automatic payment terminal) you are normally asked to choose between the Multibanco network or the network associated with your card, eg Visa. This does not make any difference to you, the cardholder, as your account will be charged the same amount.

However, the commission paid by the business you are buying from may depend on the contract they have in place with the payment providers, and that is why, when you are paying a bill, the person you are dealing with will choose the network that is of greater benefit to their company.

Can I have paying guests staying in my home for their holidays? If they are friends or come through friends and I do not intend to make this a business, do I need to declare anything, or to have an AL number? And what does one have to do to get an AL certification –what freedom does that give you?

If you have guests who are paying to stay in your house, this could be considered a business transaction and your income could be deemed as a rental. Obviously, to be considered as a tourist letting business, you would need to register with the tax office and obtain the AL (Local Lodging) license.

If you do not plan to advertise your property for rental, you could simply declare the rental agreement and the rental income, paying the tax accordingly, without going through the stages of securing an AL number.

But, if you do wish to pursue a Local Lodging facility and advertise on the rental portals (Airbnb, Booking, Vrbo, etc) you are required to register your activity and obtain the AL number. Be aware that the registration of your property as a business may have an impact on your future capital gains liability, providing you sell the property within less than three years of stopping the AL license.

Worth taking into consideration is that the government is preparing to present a set of laws to limit the number of new AL licenses. The law is forecast to be in place before the summer and will limit the possibility of obtaining a new AL license, which will only be available to villas. Only the interior regions of Portugal will not be affected by this restriction to the AL in apartments. Although the current AL licenses will continue to be valid, they will need to be renewed in 2030.

I need a garage. Can I build one on my land, if it is not attached to my house – do I need permission for this?

The law allows you to build an annex or a garage on your property without asking for a municipal license, as long as the final space does not exceed certain legally defined limits.

If the space does not exceed ten square meters in area and 2.20m in height, normally it is not required to have a special permit. However, if the area is greater than that, or taller, you will need to ask for building permission and deal with all the paperwork involved.

In any case, you should always contact an architect to ensure that the work you are going to do is not against any municipal regulation or of any other entity that may have authority over that area.

How do I find out who owns the land adjoining mine (I am in the countryside)?

Normally, when you are buying a rustic plot, your tax registration document (Caderneta Predial) will include a space for information on the adjacent land owners – the problem is that not all plots, especially in the countryside, are registered. To try to lessen possible complications, the government has created a website ( bupi.gov.pt), where anyone can register their plots so that in the future this information is easily available to anyone.

CRAIG ALAN

ArtCatto, Loulé, 289 419 447 info@artcatto.com artcatto.com

On now

Dulcet Consonances, Shadowbox – mixed media, 100x81cm. This new exhibition also features artworks from O Gringo, Luc Lavenseau, Dom Pattinson and sculptor Jürgen Lingl.

Festival Of Questions

Aderita Artistic Space

Vale do Lobo

912 186 868, artisticspace.pt 2–21 May

This adventurous exhibition, hosted by Aderita, which includes workshops and philosophy sessions, embodies the work of ten artists around eight questions posed by students from the Vilamoura International School. Adriano Aires, Aderita Silva, Bruno Ceriz (whose work is shown here), Filipe da Palma, Guilherme Limão, Luís da Cruz, Mary Berry, Margarida Gomes, Phermad and Sandro Soutilha make a journey around painting and engraving, passing through sculpture and photography.

ANDY O’CONNEL, PHOTOGRAPHER

EDWIN HAGENDORN, ARTIST

Associação Cultural

Re-Criativa República 14, Olhão 910 513 614 geral@republica14.pt

Until end May

Two creative talents fill the entire República 14 interior with their work, images of Olhão, Estoi, Moncarapacho, Golega, Madeira, Lisbon and Porto. So much to take in, and to delight.

TERESA CALEM

Art Gallery of the Convent of Espírito Santo Rua Vice Almirante Cândido dos Reis, Loulé 289 400 885

On until 6 May, Tuesday to Saturday 10:00–13:30 and 14:30–8:00

In Germinações there are faces that are not portraits, fictional beings that germinate in Teresa’s imagination and appear in her watercolours in large numbers, on different scales. Houses also have an important place in her work, sometimes merging with the plant world, living plants or pool flowers.

TOM LEAMON

Galeria Augustine

Rua Leite de Vasconcelos 3A, Lisbon. galeria-augustine.com

Opening 27 May, 14:00

Solo exhibition by this highlyregarded London artist. His creations are an experiment into release, expressions of freedom in an altogether constrained world. Thought-provoking stuff.

Fonseca Martins

Tavira d’Artes, Tavira 962 012 111 taviradartes@gmail.com taviradartes.com

Colours and shadows, and soft spring sunshine. Oil on canvas, 120x120cm.

Experiences Music Vamos A Vila Festival

Amigos de Música

Os Agostos, Sta. Bárbara de Nexe reservasconcertos@gmail.com amigosdemusica.org

NOTE CHANGE OF DATES

Now 9 and 11 May, 19:00

On the 9th, young Alaskan violinist Zachary Spontak will play works by Fritz Kreisler, the famous partita in D minor by Bach, an early violin sonata by Paul Hindemith, and works by Francisco Tárrega, Monti and Carlos Gardel.

On the 11th, the Caminus Duo – Mikhail Zhumov, cello, and Joana Vieira Shumova, piano – introduce Maurice Ravel, Gabriel Fauré, Frank Bridge, Robert Schumann, Sergei Rachmaninov and the famous cello sonata by Dmitri Shostakovich. For more information about the Amigos de Música and its concert programme visit the new website; for membership enquiries contact helga.hampton@gmail.com

República 14, Olhão

Reservas@re-criativarepublica14.pt Email for ticket prices, and to book.

Monchique 282 910 200 geral@cm-monchique.pt cm-monchique.pt

28-29 May

Free entrance

The markings of a perfect party – gastronomy, performance, ateliers, shows, exhibitions, animation and dance – with local products and local talents.

6 May, 19:00 and 21:30 JACARANDÁ

Blues

BAND Alban Hall (vocals, harmonica, flute, percussions) and Philippe Lenzini (guitar, percussions), inspired by the sound of the Mississippi Blues, make its minimalist and shamanic cadence, electrifying it and mixing it with other influences, ranging from tribal music to psychedelic rock.

13 May, 17:00 and 21:30

BENVINDO BARROS This Capeverdian musician left his island in search of better opportunities, and that is reflected in his music. This concert is a celebration of his 30 years as an artist.

Sunday Sunset Sessions

Tribulum, Almancil Green Zebra Bar

289 397 784 tribulumalgarve.com

Starting 7 May, then every Sunday

Live music from 17:00 to 20:00, followed by DJ Mark Sebastian until 22:00. Zebra Fodder Tapas menu… and a good time to be had by all.

20 May, 17:00 and 21:30

13 May, 17:00 and 21:30

COMBINATORIUM José Peixoto and Nuno Cintrão are guitar players who love to experiment.

LEO MIDDEA is from Rio de Janeiro. Based today in Lisbon, he has toured the world with his guitar, played sell-out concerts everywhere, and raised public money (€1 per person) to produce an album that can be seen on Youtube. The album reached one million plays on Spotify in just nine months. He’s young, and has incredible energy.

Laaf Lisbon Arts And Antiques Fair

Cordoaria Nacional, Lisboa 213 474 571 apa@apa.pt apa.pt

5-13 May

If you’re into collecting, or adding to an existing collection, you are certain to find something special here, from the classics to the contemporaries. All pieces exhibited have been assessed for quality and originality.

IF YOU HAVE ANYTHING YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE EMAIL susi@rogol-goodkind.com

Loulé Criativo workshops

Visit the website for dates and details –there’s so much more than we have room to list! 289 400 829, loulecriativo@cm-loule.pt, loulecriato.pt

INITIATION TO CERAMICS: THE SLAB TECHNIQUE

6 May

Palácio Gama Lobo, Loulé

Contact: Isabel Sousa Carvalho

To register: 938 757 940

Resort Discovery Walk

Vale do Lobo Tennis Academy 289 353 307 experience@vdl.pt

4 and 11 May

€5

This one-hour, low-impact activity fun group walk is the ideal way to get out and about, enjoy the sun and fresh air, meet others, and take in VdL’s beautiful natural surroundings.

39th Vale Do Lobo Open Foursomes Week

Vale do Lobo Golf Club 289 353 464 golf@vdl.pt 14-20 May

Closing date for booking, 10 May

Now in its 39th year, the Foursomes Week promises to provide exciting golf and enjoyable social opportunities, starting with a practice day on the Sunday and culminating in a prize giving cocktail and dinner on the following

Saturday, 20 May. Combine a break in Vale do Lobo with entry to Foursomes Week and take advantage of the special play and stay package from €850, including seven nights’ accommodation in Vale do Lobo.

HALF TERM JUNIOR GOLF ACADEMY

Vale do Lobo Golf Club 289 353 464 golf@vdl.pt

29 May –2 June, 14:00–16:00 €125 per child for five days

With expert tuition and small group sizes, this is a perfect opportunity for children who have already had some golfing experience but now want to progress to a new level, and to perhaps challenge their parents by the end of the week!

Pre-registration is required; classes will be of maximum ten children.

Botanical Printing With Gadjodilo

13 May

Alte, Loulé Contact: GadjoDilo – Vanessa Vinhais

To register: casadoartesao. alte@gmail.com

910 084 192

NEW FINDING THE BOUQUET: ESPIGA

DAY

18 May

Quinta da Tôr, Loulé

Partner: Quinta da Tôr

To register: turinox.lda@hotmail.com 964 026 310

Walk around the Quinta da Tôr vineyard with the owner to collect the elements of the typical ‘Espiga’ bouquet. Finish with wine tasting and tapas.

NEW CYANOTYPE EXPERIMENT WITH ALGARVE FLORA

20 May

Palácio Gama Lobo, Loulé Partner: Sandra Nascimento

To register: deepblue.hello@gmail.com

Photographic printing technique, Cyanotype, is a process of photographic printing in blue tones, which produces an image in cyan when in contact with UV light.

Visit kitandcaboodle.pt/productcategory/workshops/ for details and prices of May’s workshops – Chalk Tuesdays, Glaze Art on 10 May, and An Introduction to Annie Sloan on the 18th.

Bring And Transform Stuff

13 May

Palácio Gama Lobo, Loulé Coordination: Margarida Valente

To register: loulecriativo@ cm-loule.pt

New Traditional Chair Stuffing

27 May

Palácio Gama Lobo, Loulé Coordination: Maria João

To register: loulecriativo@ cm-loule.pt

Faro Architecture Modernist Tour

contact@themodernist.pt, instagram @themodernistfaro

14, 17, 18, 24, 31 May

Inspired by The Modernist Weekend event, this 90-minute guided walking tour in Faro city centre

A 90-minute walking tour in the city centre in which you will discover the amazing modernist architecture built in Faro between the 50s and the 80s. Learn about the actors involved, the buildings accomplished (and not), the tension between the architects, the developers and the regime, etc. In three decades (50s-80s) Faro experienced a boom in construction and economic growth which was defined as a ‘miracle’.

This new tour is hosted by Francesca Vita, designer, researcher and PhD candidate in Architecture (Porto FAUP).

It is also possible to check and book this experience on airbnb airbnb.fr/experiences/4341209

FARMERS’ MARKET

7 May, Quinta Shopping, 10:00–13:00

Lots to buy – foods from the farm, homemade sweet treats, spices and artisan goods including jewellery.

Experiences

Vegan Picnic And Hike

Figs on the Funcho cheryl@figsonthefuncho.com https://tri.ps/IPtYL and https://tri. ps/AxhlM

12 May and 16 May

10:00 start

Take in breathtaking views of the Algarve countryside and indulge in a delicious vegan picnic prepared by Cheryl and Graham. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just looking for a fun day outdoors, this walking event is perfect.

Health And Wellness Day

Figs on the Funcho cheryl@figsonthefuncho.com https://tri.ps/to2rd

23 May, 11:00–16:30

Learn easy and relaxing techniques to improve your well-being, boost your health and energy, and discover natural approaches to wellness and disease prevention. Enjoy a delicious vegan lunch and a fun team-building session. End the day with a restorative walk in the Algarve countryside led by Cheryl. Leave feeling refreshed and rejuvenated, ready to tackle life’s challenges.

Amigos Do Museu

Museu do Traje São Brás 966 329 073 admin@amigosdomuseu.com amigosdomuseu.com

21 May, Spring Fair, 10:00–17:00

25 May, Second hand books sale, 10:00–13:00

26 May, Opening new photography exhibition, 19:00

27 May, Jazz concert, Cool Manouche, 17:00, €12/Amigos €10 28 May, Fado concert, 21:00, €5

There’s a good chance you’ll know someone by the name of Amber, it relates to the gemstone, which is also known as the sun stone due to its bright orange-yellow colour.

Although gemstones are generally specified as a mineral of crystal origin, Amber is an exception to the rule as it’s organic and relatively soft and light. Amber is the result of resin that forms to heal the bark of a wounded tree. Over time, the trees and their resin became buried beneath the Earth’s surface, the trees eventually decayed and disappeared. But the resin hardened further, until it became Amber. Many pieces contain the remains of insects or plants in the form of fossils, trapped alive in the resin as it hardened.

The vast majority of Amber can be found in the Baltic Sea region - it is extracted from mines or directly from the sea, often washed upon the shore. There are findings of rings, amulets and decorative objects dating back to ancient times when Romans and Greeks believed that Amber had magical, protective and healing properties.

It is also said that Amber has the power to attract good luck and positive energy, reduce stress and anxiety and speed up the development of wisdom and patiencecharacteristics we could all benefit from.

So I have designed a collection of Amber necklaces and silver rings and it is up to you to decide whether or not these spiritual properties have merit.