Sports and Golf in the Algarve

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!

Recommended Golf Hotels

Pestana Delfim
Pestana Dom Joao II
Pestana Viking
Parque da Floresta
Quinta da Encosta Velha
The View Salema Beach

OTHER

DESTINATION GUIDES:

Lisbon • Madeira Guide • Portugal • Tenerife • Gran Canaria

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