Well, they never built sand castles like this when I was a kid on the beach.

When you're in town, you just gotta go and see the Fiesa2007 sand sculptures at Pera. It started last week, and runs through till October.

More details and map (all in Portugueses) at the Fiesa2007 website.

Or you can see a taster set of photosI took a couple of days ago

great photos, Richard. And great sculptures, too bad this kind of thing only happens in the summer time. Heini

They are absolutely fantastic Richard..Ive just showed them to son and he likes the first one 'pagan face' .
Hope Ill be able to get to see them during September..they really are works of art !
Thanks for posting them

I would advise people to visit around 8.00 in the evening. You just have enough time to go around in daylight and then once again when the spot lights are turned on. The effect of the lights is excellent, combined with the music that piped all around the display area.

Roundy wrote:I would advise people to visit around 8.00 in the evening. You just have enough time to go around in daylight and then once again when the spot lights are turned on. The effect of the lights is excellent, combined with the music that piped all around the display area.

That sounds good Roundy..very atmospheric, music & all? Ill have to give it a go in Sept

[quote="Roundy"]I would advise people to visit around 8.00 in the evening. quote]

Which is when we went. The light is brilliant for general filming but the way the sun was setting on some of the taller sculptures was brilliant.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNyHkZrYilg

We have visited for the last 2 years, and are always impressed. When we first saw the the ads we assumed they were small sand castle like stuctures and were totaly amazed by the size of the sculptures. Something we should be proud of in the Algarve.

Here's 2008

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=8FcKu41Pr2E

It closed at the end of October - I went 3 times this year with different people. Fabulous display. Looking forward to seeing next years!

In all the years we've been coming to & lived in Portugal we have never been to see these & I pass them on a regular basis, I am determined that next year will be the year. Can anyone tell me what amenities they have there such as restaurants, etc..

There's a ok'ish snack bar. I don't think they have a restuarant. If you take kids there's an area where they can make their own sand sculptures.

There is a snack bar with icecreams, crisps, cakes and cold/hot drinks. There are plenty of shaded areas to sit and a shaded play area for the children. There are a couple of portatloos which were in very good condition at the end of the season. However, you wouldn't have lunch there - literally just a snack. The longest I spent there was just over an hour walking round. I would like to go in the evening next year.

There are a couple of kiosk type places selling nicknacks - that's about it really.

But do go along next year - it really is amazing. I bought the DVD this year and it was fascinating watching them building it (and knocking down the one from last year).

Thank you for the info', I'd like to take my nine year old nieces next year so wanted to know what we could get in the way of refreshments, ice cream crisps & cakes should just about cover all their requirements.

Perfect for 9 year olds. If you go an hour or so before dusk you can see it in daylight, have a snack and then take another look under floodlights.

laserblazer wrote:Perfect for 9 year olds. If you go an hour or so before dusk you can see it in daylight, have a snack and then take another look under floodlights.

Believe they do a very nice Sand......wich