ABOUT FIGS ON THE FUNCHO
Figs on the Funcho is ideal for nature enthusiasts seeking a slower pace of life. A range of art and walking packages, cookery courses, paddle boarding and wild swimming activities are on offer. Its idyllic riverside setting overlooking the Funcho dam makes it the perfect location for large events, including weddings, business events, milestone birthday parties and other celebrations.
Back Story
Cheryl and Graham of Figs on the Funcho are recently retired IT consultants from London and have developed Figs on the Funcho as a riverside retreat location over the last 10 years. They grew up in Africa and whilst living in London they dreamed of living in a warmer climate and have now made it a reality.
Cheryl and Graham feature in the seventh TV series of “A New Life in the Sun” (February 2022) which is about Brits who have left their homeland in favour of a new start in Portugal.
You can read their story in the AlgarvePlus magazine, about how they bought a property on the banks of a river and turned it into a 10-year rental business and how they changed their then current business model from a self-catering holiday break to special interest holidays for holiday makers looking for more than the beach. A full account of their adventures can be read in Alyson Sheldrake’s Book, ““A New Life in the Algarve,Portugal””
About Cheryl and Graham
Now settled here in the Algarve and having worked hard to make Figs on the Funcho a place that you will want to return to time and again, their passion for the region, and for making your holiday the best experience shines through. You can read more about them on the About Us page.
Culture
Cheryl and Graham are working towards being recognised as a responsible travel destination. They have partnered with Vita Nativa, an association whose aim is to develop conservation and environmental sustainability projects, one project being the Local Accommodation for Birds, that aims to encourage nesting sites for birds in the Algarve region, and to promote the important role birds have in the biological control of the pests the farmers have to endure, without having to resort to the use of poisonous products.
Press Kit
Media Contact Person
Cheryl Smith
Mail: [email protected]
Tel: 00 351 912 595 539
Approved Photos
You are free to use these photos with our permission as long as send us a link at [email protected] to where they are being used.
Channel 4
U.K. CHANNEL 4 TV
A New Life In The Sun: Cheryl and Graham feature in the seventh TV series of “A New Life in the Sun”, episodes 23 – 25 showing how they open their villa to walkers and trekkers and painting artists.
Figs on the Funcho Appearing on “A New Life In The Sun” TV Show Jan 22: Cheryl chatting to The Portugal News about their recent filming experience on Channel 4’s “A New Life in the Sun” TV programme, what are their hopes from being on the show and what they want to do at Figs on the Funcho in the future. The news feature has a link to the TV trailer.
Filming on the Funcho and walking event – Tomorrow Algarve Magazine Aug 21: A walking event run by Figs on the Funcho, guided by Cheryl, along the Barragem Funcho to the iconic “church hill”. The mayor from our village, São Bartolomeu Messines, joined us on the walk and she happily shared her local knowledge with the walkers about the historic 1834 Sant’Ana battle.
Figs on the Funcho soon to be on TV – Algarve Daily News Sept 21: News about what’s happening at Figs on the Funcho including upcoming events and news about Cheryl and Graham to be featured in the seventh TV series of “A New Life in the Sun” which is about Brits who have left their homeland in favour of a new start in Portugal. The series follows the highs and lows of setting up a business in a foreign country.
Arts
Painting Activities at Figs on the Funcho – The Portugal News Sept 23: A unique opportunity to improve your artistic skills and benefit from the positive healing effects of nature.
Painting Holiday and Other Special Interest Holidays – The Portugal News Jul 21: News about Cheryl and Graham running art workshops and much much more at their Portuguese riverside location.
Painting Holidays – Not in the Guide Books May 20: Cheryl chatting to NITGB about Portugal’s Algarve and the painting holidays she runs.
Win a Painting Holiday – Artist and Illustrators Nov 21: Figs on the Funcho teamed up with Artists & Illustrators, a magazine for artists and art lovers, to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a six-night painting holiday.
The 10 Best Picture Perfect Art Holidays – The Daily Mail: Writer and keen painter Simon Heptinstall picks this year’s best ten art escapes.
Holiday of the Month Portugal’s Figs on the Funcho – Leisure Painter Magazine April 20
About Us
Algarve Daily News Nov 23: LuxLife Magazine, a premier publication within the luxury lifestyle and hospitality sector, bestowed upon Figs on the Funcho the title of “Algarve’s Most Idyllic Riverside Retreat of 2023
Interview Portugal Letter Magazine Aug 22: An interview with expats, Cheryl and Graham, about how they set up Figs on the Funcho as a stunning holiday accommodation by Alyson Sheldrake.
Figs on the Funcho – Algarve Plus Magazine Aug 21: A feature about how we bought a property on the banks of a river and turned it into a 10-year rental business with a special character and how we change our current business model from a self-catering holiday break to special interest holidays for holiday makers looking for more than the beach.
The Portuguese Chamber of Commerce in UK: Our “Moving to Portugal” story.
A New Life in the Algarve, Portugal An Anthology of Life Stories – Published Book April 21: Read about Cheryl & Graham’s adventures and what brought them to where they are now in Alyson Sheldrakes’ book A New Life in the Algarve Portugal
A Portuguese Hideaway – Inside Carvoeiro Magazine April 17: Graham and Cheryl talking to Mia about their rural riverside retreat on the banks of the Funcho lake.
10 Best Portuguese Peaches: Alistair Sawdays tells us why Figs on the Funcho’s River House is a dream getaway.
Well Located Rentals – Gurgle Magazine 18: An article enlightening sun seekers where to go in Portugal, including Figs on the Funcho with headline “Room with View”.
Comment on Covid – The Guardian Live 2021
Experiences: Walking, Bird Watching, Exploring
Take a Hike – AlgarvePlus Magazine February 23: I share some of my favourite walking routes in the Algarve with the AlgarvePlus Magazine.
Feathers on the Funcho – Tomorrow Algarve Magazine June 22: Sharing my bird watching journey at Figs on the Funcho and tips about installing your own nest box with Tracy Burton from the Tomorrow Algarve Magazine.
My Top 5 Algarve – Snapshot Newsletter May 22: The Algarve has won Europe’s Leading Beach Destination on eight occasions, but it isn’t all beach and golf in the Algarve. Read about “My Top 5 Algarve” I shared with Alyson and Dave Sheldrake.
We made some interesting discoveries – The Portugal News Dec 21: Bird nesting and discoveries with Vita Nativa at Figs on the Funcho.
Two days in Silves – Algarve Plus Magazine Jan 22: Jenny Weitering stayed at Figs on the Funcho as a base for exploring the local town of Silves.
Food and Health
EAT Messines- AlgarvePlus Magazine Oct 23: Cheryl highlights some local Algarvian restaurant gem
Health and Wellness Day at Figs on the Funcho – Portugal News Aug 23: Unlocking the healing potential of your body through effective detox and support.
Health and Wellness Day at Figs on the Funcho – Portugal News May 23: Recharge your mind, body and soul.
One of Europe’s Top 50 Pizza Restaurants, Arte Bianca – AlgarvePlus Magazine Nov 22: Pizzas that are officially recognised among Europe’s best got Cheryl from Figs on the Funcho up to Arrifana.
Trend setting restaurant, O Balcao – AlgarvePlus Magazine Oct 22: Cheryl went up to the historical town, Santarem, to sample the special treats served up at a trend setting restaurant.
Carob Harvesting Celebration – Tomorrow Algarve Magazine Oct 21: Cheryl and Graham hosted an event at Figs on the Funcho to celebrate the end of the carob harvesting season. Cheryl gave an informative talk and demonstration on the benefits of the superfood carob and how to include it in your diet.
How to Use Carobs in your Diet – The Portugal News Oct 21: Cheryl was chatting with Paula from The Portugal News about how to use carobs in your diet.
News & Events
Cat Charity Walking Event Success!- The Portugal News Mar 23: Event to raise funds for our street cats in Silves.
Alerta Charity Jubilee Tea Party at Figs on the Funcho – Portugal Resident Jun 22: Event to raise funds for our firefighters in the Algarve and Lower Alentejo regions of Portugal.
Get Involved Events at Figs on the Funcho – Algarve Plus Magazine Sept 21: A list of events taking place at Figs on the Funcho for the month of September
December Events at Figs on the Funcho: Golfing, Coffee & Cake Meet-up and Christmas Dinner events scheduled for December.
Painting Holidays at Figs on the Funcho: Join us in Portugal’s Algarve at a fabulous riverside location with wonderful tranquil views and stunning sunsets.
Weddings
A Relaxed Garden Party – Weddings-ie: A real wedding story at Figs on the Funcho.
Boho Wedding Photoshoot – Spring 21: Inspiring gallery of wedding photographs taken at Figs on the Funcho. Creative ideas showing different poses, table decorations, cake, wedding dress, wedding car, flowers and catering. The team behind the day included a wedding planner, photographer, makeup artist, wedding dress outlet, lights and rentals, catering, florist, styling, cake, models.
Fairytale Wedding – Zank-you: Zank you lists fairytale wedding venues on the Algarve including the riverside wedding location, Figs on the Funcho.
6 Best Farms to Get Married on the Algarve – Zank-you: Zank you lists the best location for rural weddings including the rural destination wedding location, Figs on the Funcho.