Sports & Activities
From stunning award winning baches to some of the best cusines in Europe, the Algarve is known for its ultimate watersports! With some of the highest waves crashing against the shores up in Nazaré, Portugal has become a Meca for Watersports, whether surfing, kiaking, waterboarding or sailing. Many water activities can be found along the coast, mainly in nearby Portimao, Praia da Rocha and Alvor as well as Lagos and a host of other seaside areas. Activities can range from surfing and waterskiing to dolphin watching cruises and river trips, from exploring coastal caves to trips on old pirate ships, modern yachts or powerboats. You will see many vendors offering trips to the caves along the promanades with some offering group disconts. We would recommend going in one of the smaller cheaper boats at Lagos, as they will take you right into the sea caves and show you the weird and wonderful sculptures provided by nature.
One of the Algarves largest waterparks is Zoo Marine! Built in the early 90s, this large park offers the best of marine life and water adventure, loved by young and old alike. You can swim with dolphins, take a huge waterslide, or sit back and watch one of Europe's largest nature reserves do their work protecting the marine life which has suffered world wide.
Portugal has taken the lead in helping clear the beaches and rivers which over the years has suffred from plastic polution. Many municipalities, in land and coastal have taken the challenge to collect dumoed plastics which wash up on the shores. So much so it is no surprise that here in the Algarve we have so many award winning beaches, priased for their cleanliness. In nearby Lagoa the city council have constructed a fish like sculpture made entirely from water palastics.
More recently a Portuguese delegation attended the COP26 held in Glasgow to further strengthen the commitment to lower world polution which has resulted in the tradgic efects of climate change which we are all facing, even here in Portugal. With the country's commitment, Portugal aims to bring a better life for future generations, protecting our world and this fantastic country many have come to love.
Golf & Land Sports
The big golf course at Morgado de Reguengos is only about 12 km from the villa, on the road to Portimao.
There are many other golf courses within easy reach including the wonderful courses at Penina. Details can be found at: www.algarvegolf.net There is also a 9 hole course at Vale de Milho in Carveiro which often has off peak golf offers, so that is worth considering.
For those of you who like to take to the air, there are Flying opportunities in nearby Alvor, including parachuting at Alvor airport or mainly microlights at Lagos airport. These activates do get booked up quite quickly, so do check with the reception on booking dates early on in your holiday. Meanwhile if you prefer your feet on the ground there are several companies which rent Bikes for sports or leisure, these are available from Praia da Rocha and Lagos: www.motorent.pt Also there are plenty of Bike shops around Portimao and Praia da Rocha stocked with everything for your biking needs, from compression clothing to helmets, bikes and accessories. Check out OneBike www.one-bike.jumpseller.com
Zipline across the Spanish-Portuguese Border
Autódromo Home of Grand Prix
The relatively new Autódromo Internacional do Algarve is a vast autosports centre and racetrack built especially for the F1. Most recently the 2021 F1 Grand Prix was held here and became home to the one and only Michael Schumacher. Covering hundreds of acres you will find everything to do with motor racing, Sports cars, racing cars, motorbikes and a big public go-cart track are all there. It may be another future F1 venue and is only a 20 minute drive from the villa, off the A22 motorway in the direction of Lagos.
Not far from us is the local Buggy tours, these small but fast gocart like buggies are perfect for Monchiques mountianous terraine, offering a unique way tosee the countryside at speed. Buggies are avvailble off the N266 towards Portimao.
Most other sports and activities are catered for in the Algarve, be it horse riding or jeep tours you are certain to find your favourite. Ask at the tourist offices or most travel agents or if you have a particular request ask us and we will endeavour to find it for you.
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Portugal's Markets
Most towns and villages have huge gyspy markets each month, so there should be one on somewhere during your stay.
At some, you can buy anything from a suit to a cooking pot, an orange tree or a horse. The fried donuts, known as a Fatura, are worth trying, generally available for as little as €1 or 6 for €5! Some of the best country markets are at Odiaxere, Algoz, Monchique, Alte, Messines and Silves. Excellent but more ‘touristy’ ones are at Quarteira, Lagos, Portimao and Albufeira.
For more information about the local area visit Turismo de Portugal: www.turismodeportugal.pt
Quinta da Mimosa
