Interpret Europe conference 2026

Study visits

Exploring the treasures of Algarve

Wherever our study visits take us we dive deep into the heart of heritage, both natural and cultural, tangible and intangible. During these visits we aim to apply our conference theme to site practice and real-world experience.

We are delighted that front-line interpreters and site managers from the Faro area are keen to introduce their interpretations and let us look behind the scenes. They will tell us about their ambitions, the limitations they faced, their achievements and lessons learnt from difficulties and challenges.

Together we will explore what it would mean to consistently apply the Faro spirit to heritage sites and interpretive offerings. How could community involvement be enhanced? How could diverse and even conflicting perspectives be identified and integrated into co-creative interpretation?

Friday 17 April tours

For Friday 17 April you have the choice of six parallel tours. Each of these tours will lead to very different destinations in the Algarve.

During the registration process, you will be asked to sign up for a tour, as well as for an alternative in case your preferred tour is already full or cannot take place for any reason.

1 - It's all about stories

In the ‘cubist town’ of Olhão, we will trace the path of legends, immersing ourselves in narratives that have influenced lives for centuries. Passed down from generation to generation, these legends act as keys to interpreting the territory. They open access to the symbolic dimensions of the urban space and reveal the emotions, fears, and hopes that have shaped the daily life of the Algarvian people.

Each legend evokes characters, events, and beliefs that help us understand the collective identity of Olhão: the courage of its fishermen, their respect for the sea, their coexistence with the unknown, and the deep sense of belonging to a community that has always known how to resist and reinvent itself.
Imaginative sculptures bring an exciting visual dimension to the legends.

We’ll end the tour with a tasting of some of Olhão’s traditional gastronomic delights and a discussion about the museum’s work with its local communities.

2 - Cork is everywhere

A visit to the Eco-cork factory in São Brás de Alportel immerses us in the world of cork, one of Portugal’s most emblematic natural materials, one of Portugal’s greatest natural treasures and one of its most exported products worldwide.

In this family-run factory the love for cork has been passed down from generation to generation. Here, the ancestral knowledge of cork harvesting and transformation is preserved and at the same time adapted to modern times.

We’ll learn about the complex relationship between this remarkable material and the region's economy and environment. Here, we’ll witness the meticulous craftsmanship involved in harvesting and processing cork, a craft steeped in tradition and skill.

By the end of our visit, you’re sure to carry with you a newfound appreciation of cork – not just as a product but as a symbol of sustainable practices that connect us with nature and the hardworking individuals who dedicate their lives to this industry.

3 - Once a coveted treasure, now an everyday commodity: salt

Our visit to the Loulé Rock salt Mine will take us 230 meters below ground in one of the most important and fascinating geological sites of the Geoparque Algarvensis.
Today, small businesses like the Loulé salt mine face significant challenges. Our visit will demonstrate how opening the mine up to visitors has ensured survival, maintained and created jobs and fostered a deeper understanding of this vital resource and of the broader contexts in which it operates. We’ll see how the innovative use of the underground space for art exhibitions is attracting new

audiences.
We will not only delve into millions of years of Earth's history and learn about the diversity of salt, and also discuss how interpretation can help small businesses find new ways to thrive in challenging times.

4 - Through time and cultures

Surrounded by a serene agricultural landscape with orchards, orange groves and fertile gardens fed by abundant natural springs the ruins of Milreu are the impressive remains of a luxurious Roman villa. Situated at one of the important ancient trade routes in the green hinterland of the Algarve the archaeological site of Milreu reflects the complex history of the region, shaped by the various cultures that settled here over the centuries.

For the locals, the ruins of Milreu are far more than just a tourist attraction. They are a symbol of their cultural identity and historical heritage. Milreu invites us all, locals and visitors, to reflect on the enduring connection between past, present and future. As you explore the site, you will discover not only the splendour of rich families’ lives in Roman times and the spirit of a community deeply connected to its heritage.

5 - Ria Formosa: A natural sanctuary

Hop aboard a boat and experience the stunning Ria Formosa with its barrier islands, salt marshes and sand dunes as well as its rich flora and fauna. Discover with us this unique dynamic coastal ecosystem which is constantly changing with the tides, currents, and winds.

The Ria is not only a resting and feeding stop for migratory birds on their way to the South. It’s also home of emblematic species like seahorses shrimp, crabs, molluscs. Serving as nurseries for many marine species, the Ria is essential for Atlantic biodiversity.

The importance of the Ria Formosa goes far beyond its ecological value. It supports traditional economic activities such as fishing, shellfish harvesting, aquaculture, and salt production. Culturally, it has always been a vital part of the identity of coastal Algarve communities, with traditions that remain alive today.

Fully booked!

6 - The other Algarve

Discover the hidden gems of the Algarve beyond its stunning beaches and rugged cliffs. Locals insist that the true character of the Algarve can only be revealed inland.

On the one hand, a visit to the Algarvensis Geopark is like a journey into the past, uncovering millions of years of geological and natural history. On the other hand, in the Algarve’s hinterland, centuries-old traditions and crafts have developed through the interplay between the landscape and the people who live there. Much has survived, while other practices, forgotten over time, have been rediscovered and adapted to the present day. Innovative initiatives now foster a vibrant identity and a deep sense of pride among local communities.

Experience with us the “other” Algarve, its natural beauty and the dedicated people who work to enhance and safeguard its cultural, environmental, and geological heritage.

Sunday 19 April tours - Discover the city

On Sunday afternoon we will split up for several walks in Faro. It’s rich history and dynamic culture provides countless opportunities for inspiration. We count on your active participation in fruitful and inspiring discussions with the site staff and international participants.

For the Sunday tours you can sign in at the registration desk upon arrival.

1 - A treasure between the walls and the nuns’ secret

Our guide, Luis, knows more stories about Faro than almost anyone else in the city. Follow him from the cathedral square through the winding cobblestone streets of the old town, past impressive buildings and monuments that have shaped the city's secular and religious life for centuries. Once you arrive at the city museum, you'll finally discover the secret of the nuns who once lived here.

2 - Flowing through Faro

Starting from 'Arco da Vila', the main entrance to the old town, we will follow the ancient water system outside the old city walls. Travelling through time and cultures, walking past some of the most relevant monuments of Faro, we will hear about the most determinant moments of Faro’s history - from the foundation of the city to recent times, including everyday life and the importance of local culture.

3 - Ciência Viva Science Centre

The Centro de Ciência Viva is a place full of stories and curiosities waiting to be discovered. The touch pool, where visitors can meet species typical of the Algarve coast and the Ria Formosa National Park, is one of the main attractions of this science centre, whose main exhibition is dedicated to the sea.

Located in the centre of the city of Faro, in a century-old building originally constructed to house the Algarve’s first power station, it was the first interactive centre of the National Network of Ciência Viva Centres to open its doors, in 1997. Part of the exhibition area is occupied by aquariums and rooms dedicated to the physics and chemistry of light, the brain and the senses.

4 - It’s not a museum – it’s the Faro Story Spot

In the heart of Faro’s historical centre, this visit takes you on a multimedia and immersive self-guided journey. You will travel through the centuries from antiquity to the present day, explore the origins of the city, the heartbeat of the Ria Formosa, and learn about the essence of the Mediterranean diet. Step by step, following the designed route, you will uncover the secrets of the Algarve, diving into its ecosystem, its culture, and its people in a dynamic and engaging way.

5 - Stories beyond history

Often it's the smallest things that tell the greatest stories. Our guide knows many of them and will share lesser-known details and curiosities about the places with you.
Follow him through the streets of Faro and immerse yourself in the world of Portuguese tiles, an important testament to Portugal's cultural identity.
Architecture used these 'Azulejos' as a decorative element – the interiors of churches, monasteries, and palaces were extensively covered with them. As in other art forms, tile motifs evolved into fashion trends; one variation was 'azulejos de tapete' - stone oriental carpets for the wall. In the 19th century, azulejos moved outside and, as facades, enlivened the cityscape.

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