After living across multiple countries and eventually settling in the Algarve with her family, Sixtina found herself facing a challenge many expats struggle with: how to truly connect.

What started as a personal frustration quickly turned into something bigger. She is originally German and explains that Algarve Connects reflects a mix of German structure and quality combined with Portuguese warmth and community.

Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you came to live in the Algarve?

I am from Germany, but I have lived in many different countries, including the USA, Ireland, Spain, Mexico, and the Netherlands.

I am very extroverted and outgoing, and I enjoy learning new languages. I love networking, meeting new people, and trying new things. I am also a big foodie and eat almost everything.

After finishing my bachelor’s in international business and management, I worked in IT software sales but did not like the pressured, toxic work environment. So, I have been exploring ways to be self-employed and do something I enjoy that has meaning.

I always said I wanted to live in a warm country, near the ocean, with fresh food, friendly people, and a slow lifestyle. I used to tell my mom that one day I would live in Barcelona, but Portugal made so much more sense, especially for my child, language-wise. We already speak German, English, and Portuguese at home, as my husband is Brazilian. This way, my child didn’t need to learn a 4th language, and I got everything I wanted. That’s how we ended up in the Algarve.

What inspired you to start Algarve Connect? Was there a particular moment or problem you wanted to solve?

The idea grew out of my own pain once we moved to the Algarve. I was trying to find activities for my child, but couldn’t find any because many businesses here don't have much of a digital presence yet.

I, being new to Faro and knowing no one, relied on Google Maps. I also joined loads of Telegram, Facebook, and WhatsApp groups and spent hours scrolling, trying to find something to do and connect with people. It was very time-consuming, and I was annoyed by all these groups because I couldn't keep track of them.

I thought there must be a central place to find all this information! And that’s how the idea for Algarve Connect was born.

How would you describe Algarve Connect to someone who’s never heard of it?

Algarve Connect is an all-in-one community app for the Algarve, where you can look up local events and service providers by category and city. There are also group chats to join based on topics, hobbies, and cities.


What gap in the local community or market did you see that Algarve Connect is filling?

The main problems were scattered information across different platforms and groups, a lack of a digital presence, and incorrect or outdated contact information for service providers. Algarve Connect is closing this gap.

What makes Algarve Connect different from social media or other local apps?

Algarve Connect isn’t another social feed. It’s a structured, searchable community platform.

On social media, information disappears quickly. You’re scrolling through posts, asking the same questions over and over in different groups, hoping someone replies.

Algarve Connect brings everything into one organised place - events, businesses, local chats - so people can actually find what they’re looking for instead of hunting across dozens of groups.

It’s not built around algorithms or likes. It’s built around usefulness and real-life connection.

How do you attract businesses and users to the platform?

I advertise in different ways. One big one is Facebook and Instagram ads.

I also printed loads of flyers and put them in different social places.

Lastly, my husband always takes flyers and a large poster to market and festival events he attends with his coffee business.


Do you have plans to expand beyond the Algarve, or is it focused entirely on this region?

Yes, in my big vision, I want to expand the app to other regions of Portugal. Big cities like Lisboa and Porto would definitely benefit from it, but the rest of Portugal would, to be honest.

If you could go back to when you first had the idea for Algarve Connect, what would you tell yourself?

I’d tell myself to focus on clarity from day one.

It’s easy to want to build everything at once - events, chats, businesses, deals - but simplicity wins. I’d also remind myself that growth in a community project isn’t overnight. It’s about consistency and trust, not virality.

And honestly, I’d tell myself to enjoy the process more.

What’s your favourite hidden spot in the Algarve that most visitors don’t know about?

One of my favourite spots is the Ludo Trail near Faro. It’s perfect for quiet nature walks, especially early in the morning or around golden hour. You have the salt flats, birds flying everywhere, and reflections on the water, all creating a calm, almost surreal feeling.

This peaceful atmosphere feels very different from the busy beach areas.

It’s one of those places that feels hidden in plain sight. Many people visit the Algarve for the beaches, but spots like this show its quieter, more authentic side.


How do you spend your free time when you’re not working on the platform?

Before I was a mom, I played group sports like volleyball and badminton and went to any social event I could find, like brunches or creative workshops. I also love going for hikes or doing anything in nature.

I am a person with a billion hobbies, and almost everything excites me. I really enjoy doing creative things like painting, pottery, embroidery, or anything fun that can be done off the screen and with my hands.

Obviously, I still like these things, but since my me-time is currently short with little kids, I usually spend my free time with them. Once they are older, I am sure things will change, and I will have more free time again to continue all the above-mentioned.

What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned about the Algarve community since launching Algarve Connect?

How many people genuinely want connection.

From the outside, the Algarve can feel transient - people coming and going - but once you start building something for the community, you see how many people are actually looking for belonging.

There’s a real willingness to support each other, especially among small businesses and newcomers.

That’s been the most encouraging part.