Raising a glass to a British music legend on his 85th birthday became the highlight of an unforgettable Portuguese getaway for a group of new friends. The occasion was a visit to Sir Cliff Richard's acclaimed Algarve vineyard, a key stop on a solo travel holiday designed to foster connection and discovery.
A Taste of Stardom at Adega do Cantor
The group, travelling with Friendship Travel, found themselves at the Adega do Cantor (Singer's Winery) near Albufeira. This is where Sir Cliff and his partners have cultivated their award-winning Vida Nova and Onda Nova wines for years. One of the labels, 'Lucky Lips', pays homage to his 1963 hit song.
The 25-acre vineyard is meticulously maintained, with all work from planting to harvesting done by hand or tractor. The wine production is a careful process, with the final product aged in used barrels of American or French oak before being bottled and corked on the estate itself.
The Perfect Base for Solo Explorers
The travellers were based at the beautifully appointed Casa Rosa, a blush-pink luxury villa in Olhao. Located just 10 km from Faro and a short stroll from the town centre and waterfront, this UK-owned property offers an exclusive retreat with only nine bedrooms.
Guests enjoyed stylish, comfortable rooms, a pool, sun terrace, and a team of staff dedicated to impeccable service. Mornings began with a generous breakfast buffet featuring fresh croissants, Greek yogurt, local honey, and fresh fruit, with eggs cooked to order.
Evenings were often spent enjoying home-cooked meals with included wine on the terrace, accompanied by a perfectly curated music playlist. The experience was managed by the dynamic host, Suzi, who ensured everyone felt welcome and the group stayed connected.
Discovering the Charms of the Eastern Algarve
The holiday offered a rich itinerary showcasing the region's beauty and culture. Olhao itself is a relaxed fishing town with a colourful harbour, where a grilled mackerel lunch with a sea view could be had for just eight euros.
A major highlight was a full-day motor launch trip around the Ria Formosa, a stunning natural network of inlets and lagoons. The group learned that 99% of the area's clams and oysters are exported to France.
They also visited the idyllic island of Armona, a sliver of land only about nine by one kilometres, for a swim in the clear Atlantic. The area includes a protected zone dedicated to preserving the habitat of seahorses, a diminishing species.
A culinary experience stood out, guided by expert Paola. The group visited the local market—the largest in the Algarve—to buy fresh produce. This was followed by a cookery demonstration and a magnificent six-course lunch featuring regional favourites like sea bream and seared chorizo.
Other excursions included a visit to Faro's impressive cathedral, founded in 1713, and its haunting Bones Chapel, lined with the remains of over a thousand holy men. A more lighthearted, if challenging, mosaic workshop at a local craft centre tested the group's creativity, with results ranging from impressive yachts to more abstract designs.
For those travelling alone, particularly for the first time, the trip provided a safe and welcoming environment to quickly form bonds. With no single supplements and a wide choice of destinations, Friendship Travel specialises in making solo holidays a rewarding and friendly experience.
