Activities
Beaches
The Algarve has many attractive beaches. One popular one is Ilha de Tavira reached by passenger ferry from the picturesque town of Tavira (see "Places") . Another one we enjoy going to is Praia de Trafal situated at the end of a pinewood valley between Vale de Lobo and Almancil.
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Cycling
Cycling is becoming increasingly popular in the Algarve (the Professional "Tour of the Algarve" takes place in August), both for the local population and visitors. The climate makes it ideal for warm weather "training camps" for the serious enthusiast, but the predictably warm and dry weather makes it perfect for casual holiday cyclist too. You will see plenty of "serious" cyclists enjoying the excellent quality backroads that make this the ideal destination for a cycling holiday.
Cycling in the Algarve is fun, environmentally friendly and there's no queuing at filling stations! It's also healthy, keeps you fit and gives the heart plenty of cardio-vascular exercise. The weather is perfect for cycling, the countryside is beautiful and there are plenty of quiet backroads that will give you hours of heavy traffic-free riding - even in the summer months. There are plenty of places to hire a bike (whether you're a "roadie" or an "off-roadie") and these are listed below. If your cycling ambitions are modest, there are even opportunities to join in organized activities for a day or half-day. In fact, there are few credible excuses as to why seeing more of the Algarve on a bicycle is not for you.
The villa has ample room for the storage of bicycles (in the garage underneath the pool), and is perfectly located for road rides to Faro, Loule or Tavira (for modest road rides) or, equally, is well situated for quieter back road cycling in the immediate area.
Megasport - Faro
With two outlets (in Faro and Quarteira), this is a good shop for bike rental and has a good range of clothing and accessories - evrything you need for your ride in the Algarve.
Algarve Bike Hire - Albufeira
This company will arrange special "downhill only" rides from the top of Foia (which will involve very little pedalling at all!!
BikeLand - Quarteira
This is a wonderful shop for the cycling enthusiast (road or mountain) and is staffed by knowledgable and helpful staff.
Golf
The Algarve is a magnet to many discerning golfers. It is justly famous for its spectacular scenery along a fabulous coastline. The main golf season is from late autumn to late spring. Winters are mild and golfers from northern European countries can enjoy warm, sunny days and keep their swings smooth at a time when their home courses are unplayable. Be warned, however, that despite southern Portugal's appealing sunshine statistics, rain does fall from time to time and nearly all of it during the main golfing season. Take a look at our course guide and choose from the 35 beautifully tended golf courses.
Horse riding
Loule and more locally at Peral.
Water Fun Parks
Aqualand - near Lagoa
Slide and Splash - Lagoa
Aquashow - Quarteira
Go Karting - Almancil
Zoo Marine - Guia, nr. Albufeira
One ticket provides entry to the marine zoo and water park. Shows featuring dolphins, seals and parrots are staged through the day, and other attractions include an aquarium, cinema, sea museum, funfair, swimming pools with slides and whirlpools, and restaurants.
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Ria Formosa Nature Trail (Reserva da Ria Formosa) - Olhao
Learn all about the wildlife of the Algarve's lagoons, and meet an unusual poodle! The Ria Formosa Nature Reserve stretches for some 30km along the coast from Ancao (west of Faro) to Manta Rota, near the Spanish border. It consists of scores of sandy islands, linked by shallow lagoons, salt marshes and water channels, which are home to birds, plants and insects. Also you can, by arrangement, see the rare Portugese water dog, with webbed feet, enabling them to swim very effectively. Algarvian fisherman once trained the dogs to help them by diving into the water and shepherding the fish into their nets.
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Site updated:
1st Jan 2012