Many describe
the Algarve as a little corner of paradise. Marinas with all kinds of
water-sports, golf courses, sailing clubs, horse riding and motor
sports. You will be able to find almost anything in this superb
year-round destination.
Golf
– the Algarve has been a magnet to many discerning golfers for almost
three decades. Portugal’s southernmost province is proudly famous for
its spectacular landscapes and a fabulous coastline.
During the
70’s, the 80`s and on into the first half of the 90’s, golf courses
appeared all along Portugal’s south coast as it became increasingly
attractive to holidaymakers from northern Europe.
There are currently more than twenty golf courses in the space of 100
miles of coastline and more are being made. All this courses are within
one and a half hours’ drive of Faro Airport.
Tennis
– tennis is also a must on this region. There are around 35 tennis
courts divided by hotels, tennis clubs and tourist areas. The courts
are of superb quality, with floodlighting at almost all locations.
You
will find them around Albufeira, Faro, Lagoa, Lagos, Loulé, Portimão,
Tavira, Vila Real de Santo António and Vila do Bispo. Just look for the
nearest tennis court and enjoy it!
Sailing
– in an area near the sea if water sports weren’t present, then this
wouldn’t be the Algarve. It’s most likely that you will see people
sailing almost everywhere on the coast and you won’t have any trouble
finding a sailing club. There are some sailing schools in Vila Real de
Santo António, Portimão, Lagoa, Loulé, Lagos, Faro and Olhão.
Horse riding
– for horse riding lovers the options are spread a little bit over the
Algarve. Try a ride on the wonderful Algarve beaches or in the
surroundings. You may also appreciate the chance to explore the
relatively unknown area away from the beaches on the horseback of a
pure Lusitano (the famous Portuguese horse breed). Considering the wide
variety of good rides, we recommend you try the different areas.
Search for areas like Lagoa, Tavira, Lagos, Castro Marim, Albufeira,
Portimão, Loulé, Olhão, Silves and Aljezur. You will definitely find
something that suits your needs.
Diving
– you won’t have any trouble finding companies offering diving
facilities along the Algarve coast. Many of them offer year-round wreck
and night dives, courses and equipment rental.
Due to its
geographical position, the Algarve coast is one of the best locations
in Europe for scuba diving, with a coastline providing many different
types of scenery. Apart from the many fish species you will be able to
find old wrecks and reefs to explore and fascinating caves.
Experienced instructors are to be found at all licensed diving schools
and modern equipment is for hire. These schools are usually staffed by
several nationalities so communication should not be difficult. Diving
is made under the strict regulations as associated with the necessary
safety aspect of the sport.
Deep-sea fishing
– fishing has always been, among the several sports, the one that best
allows its supporters to get away from their daily worries. Being in
constant contact with nature, this activity brings everyone a quiet
state of peace of mind.
Head to Loulé and Portimão and enjoy the many facilities that professional companies have to offer!
Water-skiing – there are many locations offering water-skiing, jet ski and also some parascending facilities.
These activities can be seen almost everywhere on the Algarve coast.
Once again, the major centres for this kind of services are located in
Loulé and Portimão.
Windsurfing
– this is, almost for sure, one of the most popular sports practised
off almost any reasonable beach. Doesn't matter where you are, you
always seem to have enough breeze to head out with your board and sail.
The Meia Praia bay is one of the places where windsurfers get higher
speeds. Breezes usually coming from the Atlantic make Algarve’s coast
one of the best areas for windsurf practise. During summer you will
find boards and professional support almost in every beach.
Cycling
– we all know that the Algarve means endless golden sandy beaches and
many sunshine hours all year round. What some don’t know is that this
region is also fascinating for its landscapes, tiny fishing villages,
working windmills, castles, fertile countryside and unspoiled estuaries.
Because of its mild climate, the Algarve counts on many wild flowers, cork and olive groves and almond trees.
After this, we are sure you wouldn’t want to miss any of these
landscapes. So, why not rent a bike and head for the undiscovered
Algarve?…
Hiking
– The Algarve has so much to offer yet much remains hidden from those
who choose to explore it by car. The sheer variety of the landscapes,
the historical treasures and the unique flora and fauna are just some
of the many delights waiting to be discovered.
Time should be taken
to explore the Algarve because this is not a place to rush through.
There is no better (or slower) way of easing through a region than by
foot. This may seem a daunting task to many travellers, but if done the
right way, it can be magical, and much easier than you may think.
Carting
– in the Algarve the place to go carting is located in Almancil. It
counts on a 760 meters long carting course, carting course for kids,
snack bar and also a mechanic bull for the most adventurous ones.
Opened since 1992, it was designed to be a replica of the Formula 1
Jacarepagua racetrack in Brazil and it’s the place for everybody from 5
to 105 years old to have fun!
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