Jeep safaris
The passengers sit in open jeeps on beds across the direction of travel. The jeeps - often several in a row - race through the untouched nature at considerable speed. Young people in particular enjoy it. Perfect for adventurous people who also want to get to know the hinterland of the Algarve.
Museums
Older children will definitely find the cork museum in Silves interesting. The old cork factory clearly shows how the bark of the cork tree has to be processed in order to finally become a well-formed bottle cork. Children interested in ships will enjoy the Naval Museum in Faro. Many ship models, depictions of fishing methods and images of fish can be admired in the relatively small museum. Also in Faro is the Ethnographic Museum. The replica Algarve houses, the donkey cart, the agricultural equipment - to name just a few of the exhibits - appear colorful and lively. You almost forget you are in a museum.
Sailing
The Atlantic offers the best opportunities for sailing. From yacht sailing to beginner courses to catamaran sailing; Everything is possible in the Algarve, for example:
Hobie Cat College open all year round at Meia Praia in Lagos. Here there is the opportunity for training for beginners, advanced users and professionals.
www.sailcompany.com
Canoe trips
With the canoe along the river
If you don't want to rock too much, you can take a canoe trip on the Arade River to Silves (departure from Portimaõ). You can also travel the border river Guardiana by boat from Vila Real de Santo António.
Amusement parks
Our number 1 theme park is Zoomarine. Children have great fun at the animal shows, and the rest of the leisure activities on offer are also very good. The park is conveniently located on the EN 125. You should plan a whole day for the visit and, if possible, be there when it opens at 10 a.m. The "Cova dos Mouros", Moorish copper mines with reconstructed cave dwellings, which can be visited in a large eco-park, are also very interesting. The only disadvantage of the park, which is worth seeing, is that it is located away from the coast in the Serra, so you have a longer journey to get there. “Action” is the name of the game at the “Crazy Golf” amusement park near Algoz. Your children can race loudly on four-wheel motorcycles or play on the 36-hole mini golf course. There is also a petting zoo and an animal show with crocodiles. Playgrounds, a swimming pool and a restaurant are of course also available on the extensive grounds. The water parks have come under fire for safety issues since a fatal accident in 1993 near Lisbon. After the sad event, there are stricter security conditions and controls, but freedom from defects is not guaranteed; especially since there is a lot of crowds in high season. “Big One” on the EN 125 near Alcantarilha is considered the safest water park. Your children (and you too) should not miss a visit to the Lagos Zoological Park, about 12 km north of Lagos, which was only opened on November 16, 2000. The zoo is mainly populated by exotic birds and monkeys, and there is also a farm with black pigs, goats and other domestic animals. About 2/3 of the area is reserved for birds. The monkeys, which take up about 1/3 of the zoo area, are certainly particularly interesting for children. They live on islands in a lake with ropes, tree houses and logs available for them to climb. Gibbons, hooded monkeys, white-nosed monkeys and other species do gymnastics. Lemurs, prosimians from Madagascar, can also be seen. Swans, pelicans and ducks swim around the “monkey islands”.
Cave tours
Cave tours on small boats are offered throughout the Algarve. The caves are located near Lagos and are a popular excursion point. You will see enchanting rocky landscapes that cannot be reached from the mainland.
Water sports
The Algarve offers its holidaymakers a wide range of water sports options. The list of activities includes water skiing, jet skiing, knee surfboards, catamaran sailing and of course windsurfing. Furthermore, some places, for example Lagos, offer sailing/marinas. Another hot tip for all body surfers: The west coast of the Algarve offers the best conditions for all surf fans!
Painting courses
Near Lagos (Bordeira) you can take painting holiday courses. The artist teaches colour theory, composition, drawing, watercolour, acrylic/oil techniques, printing techniques and experimental painting.
Ride
There are various riding stables available to guests in the Algarve (beginner to advanced). Horse rides to the west coast and western riding are particularly recommended! Corresponding contacts are made with a book.
Golf
The Algarve offers golf lovers a wide variety of wonderful golf courses: Lagos: Palmares Golf, 18 holes, length: 5961m Park da Floresta, 18 holes, length 5787m Penina, the Portugal Open took place here in 1973, 1995, 1997, 1992 and 1998. Alvor: Alto Golf (the 16th hole, called the giant hole, a par 5 with a length of 604 meters, is considered the longest hole in Europe) Carvoeiro Quinta do Gramacho, hole course with 18 tees Vale de Milho, 9 holes Get more information You can request it when booking your holiday home.
Horse riding
In the Algarve there are various riding stables available to guests (beginners to advanced riders). Particularly recommended are rides on the west coast and western riding! We will pass on the relevant contacts when you finalise your booking.
Markets in Lagos
Markets: farmers market every Saturday and gypsy market every 1st Saturday of the month.
Surfing
During the summer, Portugal is one of the regions in Europe that offers surfers the most swell. The Algarve, especially on the west coast near Carrapateira (there are always waves here), offers excellent conditions for beginners, surfers and advanced surfers.
Fishing
Portugal offers its visitors a wide variety of fishing opportunities. Fishing from the beach, cliffs or boat. The variants are numerous. In Portugal, not only the sea is suitable for fishing but also the many lakes (e.g. reservoirs...) sea bass fishing, fly fishing, carp, barbel, zander and pike, etc...
