A cookbook dedicated to the Algarve that goes far beyond the kitchen is making waves across Europe – and it’s finally arriving in Portugal.
“Algarve – A Culinary Journey” is a richly illustrated tribute to the people, recipes, and traditions of southern Portugal, set for release in Portuguese and English on September 29, 2025, with a limited edition already available for pre-order at €45 on www.cc-pr.com.
The book has already won seven international awards and sold out in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland in less than eight months. With 456 pages, over 300 stunning photographs, and more than 70 recipes, it aims to captures the Algarve’s essence – past, present, and future – through the lens of food, culture, and real-life stories from across the region.
From Aljezur to Vila Real de Santo António and passing through Monchique, Tavira, Olhão, Loulé, Lagos, Silves and Portimão, the book shares the stories of colourful kaleidoscope that is the Algarve’s diverse community, from fishermen and shellfish catchers and surfers and artisans to winemakers and artists. It’s divided into five themed chapters: Water, Land, Soul, Knowledge, and Flavour, each one offering an intimate look into the Algarve’s landscapes and culinary identity.
At the heart of the project is chef Noélia Jerónimo, who runs the famous Noélia & Jerónimo restaurant in Cabanas de Tavira and Marina com Noélia in Olhão. The chef contributed 30 soulful recipes, including her iconic sardine rice.
“This book is much more than just a collection of recipes. It is a living expression of our roots, the flavours of childhood and respect for our roots. I put my entire soul into it, as if each dish told a story that deserves to be shared and tasted,” said the chef, adding that her goal as always been to “make people happy” through her food.
The book also compiles 40 recipes and stories by other big names of the Algarve’s culinary scene, including Hans Neuner from two Michelin-starred restaurant Ocean at the Vila Vita resort in Porches, as well as João Marreiros (Loki, Portimão), José Pinheiro (Eira do Mel, Vila do Bispo), Nélia Nunes (Tasca do Petrol, Monchique), Vasco Prudêncio (A Venda, Faro) and many others.
‘Algarve – A Culinary Journey’ is the work of a dedicated creative team: Rita Henss (text), Markus Bassler and Anja Jahn (photography), Oliver Hick-Schulz (design), and Marianne Salentin-Träger (editor), with illustrations by Angela Ferreira (Kruella d’Enfer).
Editor Marianne Salentin-Träger shared her passion for the project, saying: “Each story, each face, each recipe is a celebration of this land’s authenticity. This isn’t just a cookbook – it’s a tribute to the soul of a region and the people who call it home.”
The project was made possible thanks to the longstanding support of Annabell Pohl and the Pohl family, who have had ties to the Algarve for over 35 years. Their sponsorship helped bring the book to life and share the region’s culinary heritage with a wider audience.
The book has already won several accolades including two ITB BookAwards, a GAD Gold Medal, and three Gourmand World Cookbook Awards, among others.
It will be available in selected bookstores and online for €50 after launch. During pre-sale, the special price remains €45.
