

We have such a magnificent coastline of golden sands, beautiful cliffs and impressive rock formations, it is hardly surprising there are so many boat trips on offer, too many to mention but we are happy to investigate for you - just contact us with your requirements and we will do our best. The Algarve is the perfect destination for anyone who loves water sports. The most popular water sports in the Algarve are windsurfing and surfing so places for equipment rental and tuition can be found right along our coastline and Calvin will welcome any opportunity to show you around. The Algarve is a wonderful place to explore and the variety of excursions on offer highlights the amount that there is to see and do here. It isn’t just about beaches, there is so much more... you can go on jeep safaris, guided tours, coach excursions, wine tasting events, concerts, the list is endless. There are many riding centres close by, so if you like horse riding at home, or you just fancy giving it a go then you are in the right place. Many of the riding centres offer lessons for beginners so you don’t need to have ridden before and there’s nothing nicer than getting out in the sun and the fresh air on horse back to explore some of the Algarve landscape. Bicycle hire is extremely popular in the Algarve, with residents and tourists, so there are lots of places to hire bikes. The Algarve benefits from consistently good weather, so it is easy to get out and about on a bicycle all year round. The winter months are better for exploring the towns and countryside by bike as you get a nice breeze to keep you cool, compared to the sweltering heat in summer. We are situated in protected forestry so there are plenty of walks right at your door step. We have just not had the time to explore it all ourselves but are very happy to point you in the right direction and wait to hear news of your adventures. There are many people in the Algarve offering guided walks around the area and we are happy to investigate these for you if you would like to contact us with your requirements.
You can choose from sightseeing trips, onboard BBQs, dolphin watching, fishing trips, ‘booze cruises’ and so many more. Boat trips are an excellent way to see the area and its coastline in all its glory from a unique perspective.
If you get the chance you must take a Grotto Tour by small boat to visit the enchanting sea caves along the cliffs and spectacular rock formations of the coast. You can book a trip in Lagos or Carvoeiro - see the bottom of our 'Beaches' page for more information.
Water Sports
You will also find facilities for jet skiing, inflatable rides and parascending in all of the major resorts, with scuba diving clubs dotted around as well. Sailing is also very popular in the Algarve and sailing dinghies, motor boats and yachts can be hired from ports and marinas from Portimão and Lagos.
For serious surfers, a visit to the Algarve’s west coast is a must as the Atlantic Ocean creates perfect rolling waves for surfing. Praia da Arrifana, Praia da Bordeira and Praia do Amado are particularly popular beaches and Praia do Amado has a surf school for tuition. If you haven’t had much surfing experience, just be aware that the water around the western coastline can be quite challenging, so you might be best to go out with a surf school to start off with.
The southern coastline is better suited to swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving and windsurfing because the waters are a bit calmer. You will find basic snorkelling equipment in almost any beach shop, tourist gift shop or sports shop.
(Also see our 'Beaches' page).
Excursions
Please feel free to email us your requirements and we will always do our best to find what you are looking for.
Each excursion you go on will bring you a little bit closer to the real Algarve and will give you some fantastic memories to take home, which we hope will encourage you to come back and visit us time after time.
Horse Riding
Many of the horses at the riding centres are the Portuguese breed Lusitano, or at least part Lusitano, so you should get a horse with a nice temperament and you'll find them ideal for riding along the coastal roads or through the forest. There are often smaller ponies for little ones and different Lusitano's for different levels of riding ability.
Bicycle & Scooter Hire
Generally you will find the prices for bicycle hire in the Algarve quite reasonable and you can usually expect to pay around €10,00 per day for a bike. If you want to hire bikes for longer periods, you will often find that you get a discount so the longer you have the bike the cheaper the daily rate becomes. Bicycle hire shops will also provide helmets, locks and third party insurance.
If you are thinking of a scooter or moped*, prices usually average around €25,00 per day but you'll get better rates for a longer period.
*You need to be 18 years old to hire scooters and mopeds and to have held a licence for at least a year - and importantly, check that your holiday insurance provides cover for this activity!
Walking & Hiking
We are in the perfect region for walking, whether to simply stroll along the beach enjoying the fresh sea air or to go further inland to explore the smaller villages and rural landscapes. With our excellent climate, some 300 days of sunshine, you’ll always be tempted to get out and about in the Algarve.
February to June is one of the best periods to appreciate the Algarve because the entire region is alive with colour as hundreds of species of wild flowers come into bloom. The cliffs are covered in a mass of different coastal plants; so for an afternoon walk why not head to the coastline and follow the cliff tops.
A great place to do this is Ponte da Piedade in Lagos, in the Western end of the Algarve only 30 mins away. In spring this craggy headland is beautiful and it has a great coastal path, which stretches all the way to neighbouring Praia da Luz. You can stroll as far as you like and take in some breathtaking views from the top as you look out to sea.
For more serious hikers, there are endless possibilities for walking in the two mountain ranges, the Serra de Monchique and Serra do Caldeirão, which border with Alentejo region along the northern edge of the Algarve. These mountain ranges take up approximately two thirds of the Algarve and provide a fantastic contrast to the traditional Algarve beach life. Serra de Monchique is the most accessible and fertile range and close at hand as we are situated in its foothills.
Slide & Splash (20 mins East)
Estombar, Vale de Deus
8400 Lagoa
Algarve, Portugal.
Tel: ( 351) 282 340 800
Fax: ( 351) 282 341 826
Get on the A22 take the exit for Lagoa keep following signs for Lagoa South. At the round about take the first exit and follow the signs to Slide and Splash. It is said to be one of the best in Europe and a family favourite here in the Algarve. Entry prices in 2007 were 17,50€ for adults and 14,50€ for children aged 5 to 10
Aqualand 'The Big One' (30mins East)
Estrada Nacional (EN) 125, Apartado 11,
8365-908 Alcantarilha,
Algarve, Portugal.
Tel: ( 351) 282 320 230
Fax: ( 351) 282 322 828
Just off the 125 near to Alcantarilha, Armação de Pêra
In 2008 the water park is open daily (10am to 6pm) from 26th May until 12th September and the entrance price is 18,50€ for adults and 14,50€ for children aged 4 to 10.
Aquashow (45mins East)
Estrada Nacional 396 - Semino
8125-303 Quarteira
Algarve, Portugal.
Tel: (+351) 289 389 396
Fax: (+351) 289 388 233
Plenty of water slides for the whole family to enjoy
Atlantic (Parque Atlantico) 50mins East
Estrada Nacional (EN) 125,
Quatro Estradas,
Quarteira 8100 Loulé
Algarve, Portugal
Tel: ( 351)289 397 282?
Fax: ( 351) 289 397 757
Near to Almancil, Loulé: Lots of slides and water rides, pools, gardens, daily variety show. Krazy World, Part-Zoo/Theme Park (45 mins East) Almancil Karting (between Vilamoura and Loulé):
Theme Parks & Zoos
Algoz - Messines
8300 Sines
Tel: ( 351) 282 574 134
Fax: ( 351) 282 574 898
Take the A22 and come off at Algoz, follow the signs to Zoormarine. With aligators, snakes and reptiles to admire and mini golf, animal petting farm, bouncy castle and trampolines for the children. Entrance prices in 2007 were 12,50€ (adults) and 6,50€ (children)
Zoomarine (40 mins East)
Estrada Nacional 125 KM 65 Guia
8200-864 Albufeira
Tel: ( 351) 289 560 300
Fax: ( 351) 289 560 308
Located near Guia on the EN125 Zoomarine has over 8 hectares of leisure, entertainment and education, including: dolphin and sea-lion shows, amusements, swimming pools, restaurants and shops. Zoomarine is open all year round and is an excellent day out for all the family. Entrance prices (July 2007) are: 0-4 years - free, 5-10 years 13€, 11-64 years 21,50€ and 65 and over 13€.
Parque Zoológico de Lagos (Zoo 40 mins West)
Quinta Figueiras – Sítio do Medronhal
Barão de S.João
8600-013
Tel: 282 680 100
Get on to the A22 & take the Sines-Aljezur exit (from the west point of the road). Pass through Bensafrim & then turn right to Barões. Just 3 minutes along the road and you get to Lagos Zoo.
This beautiful zoo just on the outskirts of Lagos is a fantastic day out for all ages with lots of lovely animals.
Open all year round, 7 days a week: Winter (October 1st to March 31st) 10.00am – 5.00pm and Summer (April 1st to September 30th) 10.00am – 7.00pm.
Kartódromo de Almancil (Karting 50 mins East)
Sitio das Pereiras,
8135-022 Almancil
Algarve - Portugal
Tel: ( 351) 289 399 899
Fax: ( 351) 289 393 733.
A leisure and competition complex for those who love to get behind the wheel.