Top ten things to do on your Algarve Holiday

4. Visit a colourful Algarve Market

Regular markets are held throughout the Algarve and most towns and villages have their own. Ask in local shops to find the nearest market to you, or visit one of the larger tourist markets such as the one in Loulé, held every Saturday morning.

You can expect to find a range of things for sale including bags, shoes, fake designer goods and souvenirs. Take care with personal security when visiting markets. Avoid wearing too much jewellery and keep a close eye on your wallet.

5. Explore Silves and Monchique

Spend a day exploring the best of the Algarve’s historical heritage. Start at the medieval castle at Silves – the town once known as the Algarve’s Moorish capital. Then visit the cork museum at the Fábrica do Inglês, which offers a permanent exhibition demonstrating how cork is processed.  Finish up taking a walk around Monchique, just a short drive away from Silves. Situated in the Monchique Mountains, this is the most beautiful part of the Algarve and is an ideal place to stop for a meal with an excellent selection of friendly restaurants.

6. Visit lively Vilamoura

Visiting Vilamoura offers an excellent day of shopping; eating and watching the world go by from a pavement café on the Marina. This lively resort also offers a casino.

7. Swim with dolphins at Zoo Marine

Enjoy dolphin shows at Zoo Marine, which is located near to Albufeira. It is also possible to swim with dolphins here, although you must pre-book for this. The centre is also home to seals, sea lions, and a variety of tropical fish, small tiger sharks and exotic birds.

8. Take a family outing to Krazy World

Krazy World offers a top family day out with animals (llamas, deer, wallabies, camels) for petting, crazy golf, swimming, pony rides and quad biking. New attractions are added regularly and in summer there are live animal shows. Located near to Algoz in central Algarve.

9. Go Shopping

The best shopping locations in the Algarve include the elegant Quinta Shopping at Quinta do Lago, the Marina at Vilamoura and Faro. There are also a number of large malls near to Albufeira, offering high quality shopping under one roof, open daily until late.

Algarve shopping bargains include leather goods, which are locally made, pottery, decorated tiles, crystal, copperware, embroidered tablecloths, filigree jewellery and cork products.

You will also find pottery sold from shops along the old main coastal road (N125)

10. Learn to play golf

The Algarve is an ideal golf destination due to its long sunny days throughout the year and large selection of golf courses. If you’ve never tried it before why not indulge yourself with a few lessons? Or spend a day improving your game. Try Penina Golf Club near Portimão or Pestana Golf Academy at Carvoeiro Golf Club.