Vanessa Flórido found a mission in craftsmanship: to give it a future. In Algarve, where the hands of masters shape tradition, she believes that time, dedication, and new generations are needed to keep this knowledge alive. This is the essence of the TASA project, which she manages with passion – a collaborative network between designers and artisans that reinvents ancient crafts and creates pieces rooted in Algarvian identity.
In the heart of Loulé, on Rua de Portugal, the TASA space showcases this art made of history and innovation. And at Octant Praia Verde, it is possible to discover the authenticity of these pieces, the result of the meticulous work of those who keep the Algarve’s artisanal soul alive.
Turning craftsmanship into a profession with a future is the mission João Ministro has embraced.
An environmental engineer by training, he worked at ICNF and played a key role in the creation of Via Algarviana—a 300-kilometre hiking trail that crosses the Algarve from end to end through the Serra.
A proud Loulé native, this project gave him deep insight into the hidden traditions of the Algarve’s interior. Today, through his travel company, Proactive Tours, he manages TASA, a brand developed by CCDR Algarve.
We need to bring young people into craftsmanship. The biggest challenge is passing on knowledge—mastering techniques and becoming an artisan takes time,” he explains.
TASA is a collaborative network, bridging the gap between designers and artisans in the Algarve. It supports a portfolio of 50 products and works with over 50 artisans. Its headquarters, located on Rua de Portugal in Loulé, is a space where visitors can discover these handcrafted pieces.
Through Proactive Tours, João Ministro also provides support for travellers exploring the Via Algarviana and Rota Vicentina—on foot or by bike, ensuring a deeper connection with the land and its traditions.
