Top ten things to do on your Algarve Holiday
Whilst many people enjoy nothing more than sunbathing, swimming, eating and drinking on their Algarve holiday, others may want a little more stimulation.
Luckily within a short distance of all of our villas there is plenty to do for all ages. So if you would like some ideas for interesting day trips to break up the endless days of sun, sea and sand, read on for our top ten things to do on your Algarve holiday!
1. Take a boat trip
Take a pleasure boat trip from Portimão harbour and enjoy a full day of sunbathing on deck, swimming from the boat and snorkelling in clear turquoise waters. You will be taken to the best beaches and shown hidden grottos en route. Lunch is usually included and is often a delicious meal of fresh sardines, bread and wine.
2. Fishing Trips
Try your luck at big game fishing! Trips run daily from fishing town Portimão between June and September. This day out is ideal for beginners and experienced fishers alike.
3. Take the kids to Slide and Splash
You can’t visit the Algarve with teenagers and not take them here! Considered one of the best water parks in Europe, Slide and Splash offers a variety of rides for all ages as well as a relaxing Jacuzzi for adults. Take a picnic and watch out for sunburn. The water park is located near to Lagoa, Carvoeiro> and Portimão in Central Algarve>.
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. 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.
10. 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)
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