Sports & Outdoors
Vilamoura International Showjumping Contest
Sep 2008 (annual)
Vilamoura Showjumping Course, Vilamoura
Once again the International Showjumping Contest takes place in the Algarve resort of Vilamoura. With first-class showjumpers from Portugal and overseas, the competition is as hot as the destination.
Ria Formosa Nature Reserve
Daily
Ria Formosa Nature Reserve, Faro
Ria Formosa, on the coast of the Algarve close to Faro, is one of the area's most popular tourist destinations and a wonderful place for nature lovers to spend the day. Designated a protected…
Quinta do Lago
Daily
Quinta do Lago, Almancil
Used several times for the Portuguese Open, the Quinta do Lago is a deluxe golf course situated close to Almancil. Designed by William Mitchell and opened in 1974, the course favours the long…
Algarve-Gold Luxury Coastal Cruises
Daily
Lagos
For a luxury day out, hire the Algarve-Gold 45ft motor cruiser, built by one of Britain's leading yacht builders. Periods of hire range from a few hours to days, weeks or even months.
Parque da Floresta Golf Course
Daily
Parque da Floresta Golf Course, Budens
The Algarve is renowned for its golf courses and the Parque de Floresta is one of the finest in Europe. Designed by Spanish golf architect Pepe Gancedo in 1995, it is an undulating course with…
Alto Golf
Daily
Alto Golf, Alvor
Opened in 1991, the Alto Golf course was the last to be designed by the legendary Sir Henry Cotton. Located close to the coastal village of Alvor, golfers can enjoy the occasional picturesque…
Boavista Golf Course
Daily
Boavista Golf Course, Lagos
This 18-hole course near Lagos was designed by Howard Swan and opened in 2001. Good for the average player, the course is set amongst umbrella pines, fig, almond and olive trees, with various…
Palmares Golf Course
Daily
Palmares Golf Course, Lagos
Designed by Frank Penninck in 1976, this course is renowned for its breathtaking views and overlooks the Bay of Lagos. It is an open 18-hole par 71 with five challenging holes on sand dunes.…
Penina Championship Golf Course
Daily
Le Meridien Penina Golf & Resort, Portimão
The Algarve is renowned for its golf courses and Penina was one of its first. Designed by Sir Henry Cotton in 1966, it was built on what was once paddy fields. With flat fairways and…
Vilamoura Casino
Daily
Vilamoura Casino, Vilamoura
As well as international shows and game rooms, Vilamoura Casino has the famous Blackjack disco, all promising a night of adult entertainment.
Ocean Golf Course
Daily
Ocean Golf, Almancil
One of the many golf courses designed by Sir Henry Cotton, the Ocean golf course opened in 1968. As the name suggests, it boasts views of the Atlantic, with some holes along the cliff tops.
Algarve-Gold Traditional Sailing Trips
Daily
Lagos
For the perfect family day out, hire a traditional Portuguese sailing vessel, with a trip round the Lagos Bay and to the grottoes at Ponto de Piedad and the beaches at Burgau. Then anchor…
Monchique Thermal Baths
Daily
Monchique Thermal Baths, Monchique
Between the blue sky and the green Monchique mountains lies Monchique Spa, or Caldas De Monchique, the perfect place to soak away your worries (and maybe even the lines from your face) as the…
Festival do Marisco
Aug 2008 (annual)
Jardim do Pescador Olhanese, Olhão
One of the most important gastronomic events in the Algarve, the Festival do Marisco (seafood festival) in the fishing town of Olhão has rows of stalls selling all kinds of fresh fish dishes.…
Ria Formosa Nature Reserve
Daily
Ria Formosa Nature Reserve, Faro
Ria Formosa, on the coast of the Algarve close to Faro, is one of the area's most popular tourist destinations and a wonderful place for nature lovers to spend the day. Designated a protected…
Algarve Shopping
Daily
Algarve Shopping, Albufeira
AlgarveShopping is a giant shopping mall and entertainment centre just a short drive from Albuferia in the town of Guia. It features all the most popular high street and designer shops as well…
Vilalara Thalassa
Daily
Vilalara Thalassa, Lagoa
It may sting your eyes, but sea water and its derivatives can do wonders for the mind, body and soul. The thalassotherapy centre at Vilalara is one of the best places in Europe to get a good soaking.
Monchique Thermal Baths
Daily
Monchique Thermal Baths, Monchique
Between the blue sky and the green Monchique mountains lies Monchique Spa, or Caldas De Monchique, the perfect place to soak away your worries (and maybe even the lines from your face) as the…
Moorish Nights
Jul 2008 (annual)
Cacela Velha
During the Moorish Nights, the Algarve village of Cacela Velha recreates the ambience of the Arab presence in the region from the 10th-13th centuries.
Ria Formosa Nature Reserve
Daily
Ria Formosa Nature Reserve, Faro
Ria Formosa, on the coast of the Algarve close to Faro, is one of the area's most popular tourist destinations and a wonderful place for nature lovers to spend the day. Designated a protected…
ZooMarine
Daily; not Mon
ZooMarine, Guia
Located at the heart of the Algarve tourist region, the ZooMarine oceanographic theme park in Guia offers a great day out for the whole family.
Krazy World
Daily
Krazy World, Algôz
Krazy World is a theme park that combines a mini-zoo and petting farm with a crazy golf course.
Castelo de Silves
Daily
Castelo de Silves, Silves
Located at the highest point in Silves, this impressive castle once formed part of the wall that encircled the city and was an important defence when it was the capital and residence of the…
Algarve Live Science Centre
Daily; not Mon
Centro de Ciência Viva do Algarve, Faro
For adults and children alike, the Algarve Live Science Centre in Faro is a place of discovery and learning. The exhibits are interactive, encouraging the visitor to stretch the boundaries of…
Moorish Nights
Jul 2008 (annual)
Cacela Velha
During the Moorish Nights, the Algarve village of Cacela Velha recreates the ambience of the Arab presence in the region from the 10th-13th centuries.
Cova dos Mouros Mine Park
10 May - 31 Oct 2008; Thu only (annual)
Cova dos Mouros Mine Park, Alcoutim
If you're interested in archaeological finds then head for the Cova dos Mouros Mine Park. Discover the remains of copper mines dating back to the Chacolithic period (2500 BC) and learn all…
Loulé Carnival
Feb 2009 (annual)
Loulé
At carnival time the people of Loulé really let rip and stage a lively event with plenty of floats, fancy dress, parades and parties, mostly along the Avenida José da Costa Mealha.
Easter Festival
Mar 2009 (annual)
S. Bras de Alportel
Easter Sunday is celebrated in São Bras de Alportel with an unusual ceremony. The men of this inland town hold decorated torches while running through the streets shouting "Hallelujah".
Castelo de Silves
Daily
Castelo de Silves, Silves
Located at the highest point in Silves, this impressive castle once formed part of the wall that encircled the city and was an important defence when it was the capital and residence of the…
Algarve International Film Festival
10 - 18 May 2008 (annual)
The annual Algarve Film Festival, (FICA - Festival Internacional de Cine do Algarve), in the town of Portimão, is Portugal's oldest cinema event, dating back to 1972. It centres on a short…
Festival Med
25 - 29 Jun 2008 (annual)
Loulé
The best of the Med comes to Loulé in the Algarve this summer for a music, dance and arts extravaganza in the form of Festival Med.
Faro, the easiest way to take advantage from the sun and the sea
Faro is one of the main councils of Algarve. In the capital of the district of Faro is located the only international airport of Algarve and the second largest of the country, that links Portugal to several european countries, making possible the entrance in Algarve of thousands of tourists a year.
Faro is also the capital of the sun. It is in the coast of Faro that several people pass the summer time, taking advantage from the beautiful landscapes of the city.
In the summer, the streets of Faro become full of visitors who wants to live unforgettable moments. So, the beach of Faro is one of the most visited places of the council. But the attention is also divided among the islands of the Culatra, Deserta e Farol.
Let’s begin our trip in Culatra, the house of the sea’ devoted. When we arrive in the Culatra we realize that there is a place of fishermen. The beach is a natural refuge of fishing embarkations, colored on the calm waters.
The island Deserta is one of the better conserved and fewer frequented beaches of Algarve, what attracts the visitors' attention that seek peace.
The famous island of Santa Maria's Cable or island Farol is the one that is located more to south of Portugal. Their limpid waters invite you to discovery a world of new experiences of the sea life.
But beside the natural point, Faro still has a great variety of historical monuments that tell the history of the council. One of the places more appellatives is the historical centre of Faro, where you can find a little of the traditional and historical scenery of the city.
Composed by the “freguesias” of Conceição de faro, Estói, Montenegro, Santa Bárbara de Nexe, São Pedro and Sé, these two in the city of Faro, the council lives intensely with the inherent landscapes of the sea, from the day by day of the fishermen to the landscape and the regional gastronomy.
In the council you can visit the Arch of the Town, Bank of Portugal, Barns of San Francisco, “Cerca Seiscentista”, Convent of San Francisco, Convent of Capuchos, Small chapel of “Nossa Senhora da Boa Esperança”, Small chapel of Santo António, Small chapel of São Luís and Small chapel of São Sebastião. About the religious side, you can also visit the Small chapel of the “Pé de Cruz”, Church of the Cathedral, Church of Santa Barbara, Church of San Francisco, Church of São Pedro, Church of Carmo, Church of Estói, Church of Mercy and Church of “Nossa Senhora da Conceição”. To demonstrate the victories of the past, there are the walls and the castle. We have also the Episcopal “Paço”, “Palacete Belmarco”, Episcopal Seminar and the Theatre.
The history is contemplated in the Municipal Museum of Faro, Museum Marine Admiral Ramalho Ortigão, Regional museum and the Science Centre.
The council maintains a dynamics life, with the presence of several alternatives for who intends to seize the night. During the year, Faro is the capital of several events, as parties, fairs and pilgrimages. In this place, we find the easiest way to take advantage from the sun and the sea.
The sun of Albufeira
Albufeira is one of the councils of the district of Faro, in Algarve, with the largest number of beaches, distributed by a coast of great beauty. Who seeks Albufeira chooses a paradise place for practicing aquatic sports, as surf, body-board or even dive.
There are more than a dozen of beaches that promise to delight the visitors.
The beaches are Barranco das Belharucas, Coelha, Falésia, Galé, Oura, Rocha, Baixinha, Albufeira e Aveiros, besides Olhos de Água, Santa Eulália, São Rafael, Castelo, Evaristo, Forte de São João da Oura, Arrifes, Salgados, Tomates, Manuel Lourenço and Maria Luísa.
The quantity of beaches puts Albufeira in the route of the best beaches of Portugal. Albufeira is also the capital of the tourism in the country, because the council has about three thousand hours of sun a year.
The underwater dive is other activity you can enjoy in Albufeira. But if you have interest about living moments of adventure and of discovery, you can participate in some jeep walks, where you will glimpse the beauty of interior Algarve.
But in Albufeira, the visitors will be able to know a little of it’s history through the historical centre and of the monuments, as the Tower of the Clock, the Tower “Sineira”, Mother church, Chapel of the Mercy, Church of Sant'Ana, Church of São Sebastião, Small chapel of “Nossa senhora da Orada”, besides Santana's Door, one of the doors of the castle, Statue of São Vicente, Wall of Albufeira, “Bateria” of Albufeira, Arch of the Crossbar of the Old Church and the Municipal Museum of Archaeology, where is exposed pieces related with the history of the city.
Inside the city the best viewpoints are the observatories of “Rossio” and the “Bem Parece”. A lot of grottos and tunnels exist to explore, as “Cerro of Malpique”, “Lajem of Cónego” and the “Cova of Xorino”.
Albufeira has also the Zoomarine, a space where you can find sea mammiferous, fish and aquatic birds, an alternative of entertainment for the newest.
Albufeira has several golf fields, for the lovers of that modality.
The municipal district is also known by it’s cultural and social dynamism, like the realization of several folklore events, craftmanship, classical music, concerts with groups of the actuality, theatre, several movies rooms, literature, besides exhibitions of plastic arts, fairs and pilgrimages.
The nightlife is equally attractive, with the presence of countless bars, clubs and discos, with good atmosphere and excellent music.
Composed by the “freguesias” of Albufeira, Ferreiras, Guia, Olhos de Água e Paderne, the council of Albufeira is a natural habitat of who wants to appreciate the sea and the people's of Algarve.
Loulé, the happiness of the Carnival
The council of Loulé is known by their traditions and beaches, but also by it’s famous Carnival party that looks like the brazilian. Nowadays, the Carnival of Loulé has several themes, as the society, the political system and the most important events of the year. All those ingredients are mixed with a good critic dose full of good mood and diversion.
But in the summer the council gets hotter. The visitors seek Loulé with the intention of taking advantage of their beaches, dispersed in a beautiful coast. The beaches of Vilamoura, Quarteira, Vale do Lobo, Garrão, Ancão, Quinta do Lago, and Falésia are authentic natural paradises. And in the waters of Loulé you can enjoy nautical sports.
The golf is also a sport very practiced in Loulé, with countless fields. Maybe for that reason, the council is known by being a demarcated area of the golf. The golf courses extend from the Vila Sol to the Quinta do Logo, passing through Vilamoura, Quarteira, Vale Garrão, Ancão, Quinta do Lago, Vale do Lobo and São Lourenço, all in a natural gorgeous scenery. Loulé receives during the year great names of the world golf, and also intellectuals and politicians, artists and soccer professionals, musicians and people of businesses that come from everywhere to play golf.
Loulé promotes several sport and cultural events along the year, as Vale do Lobo Grand Champions and Algarve Summer Festival, one of the most important summer festivals of Portugal.
Loulé also has a vast historical and cultural patrimony, like the Roman Bridge of Tôr, Castles of Loulé and of Salir, Mother church of São Clemente, Mother church of São Lourenço of Almancil, Small chapel of “Nossa Senhora da Conceição”, Church of “São Pedro do Mar”, Mother church of Alte, Igreja Matiz of “Nossa Senhora da Assunção”, Small chapel of “Nossa Senhora das Portas do Céu”, Mother church of São Sebastião, Church of “Nossa Senhora da Glória”, besides the natural beauty of the gardens of “Amuados” and of “Comunidades”. Other places of interest are the Archeological Station of “Cerro da Vila” and the historical area of Loulé. In spite of having a vast history and a great dimension, the municipal district includes only two cities: Loulé and Quarteira.
For who tries to pass a very good night, Vilamoura is the centre of the nightlife of the council of Loulé. Besides the famous dispersed bars along the sea area, as the Bar Seven, the soccer player's Luís Figo property, El Salero, Irish Pub, among others. Another attraction is the Casino of Vilamoura, a reference for the thousands of tourists that visit Algarve. Besides the room of the machines and of the roulette, the visitors can see beautiful shows. The Casino still concentrates one of the most popular discos of that area, Black Jack. In fact, it is in Vilamoura that is located another reference disco for all lovers of the nightlife, Kadoc. The city of Loulé still has several bars, as well as the Campus, Joker and Breath, used by the academicals students. The Bar Satori is part of the itinerary of alternative bars of the country. There you can enjoy several rock shows and art exhibitions.
Quinta do Lago and the Square of Vale do Lobo are also other alternatives for the national and foreign tourists that prefer hotter nights of summer.
For who seeks an outdoor atmosphere, it is possible to visit the Municipal Park of Loulé, where you can exercise yourself.
Loulé is composed by the “freguesias” of Almancil, Alte, Ameixial, Benafim, Boliqueime, Quarteira, Querença, Salir, São Clemente, São Sebastião and Tôr.
Olhao is a town with a gem of a waterfront. Its fishing port is the most important in the eastern and central Algarve and its fish market is the biggest. It also has many shops, restaurants and an entire summer festival devoted to sea food. The king of clams - is both grown and eaten in abundance and is a 'must-try' entreé. Olhao is very Portuguese, very Algarvean and very un-touristic. Most of the tourists which doesn’t know the area and drive through the E.N. 125 crossing Olhao even don’t stop or enter the town. Indeed the E.N. 125 is not very inviting, but Olhao by itself is definitely a town to be discovered – probably the last in the Algarve. The pedestrian shopping area winds in cobbled streets through the Moorish-looking old town to the waterfront with its markets (fruit, veg, meat, deli as well as fish), its cafe's, parks and sparkling views out over the Ria Formosa lagoons. From the pier, you can take boats to the island villages and beaches of Armona, Culatra and Farol - all great day trips. The official visitor centre for the Ria Formosa nature reserve is just outside Olhao. Its worth a visit to see: the restored tidal mill (of which there were once many in the Ria Formosa), the bird life, and the chance to spot the very rare symbol of the park, the Purple Galinule.
For the Sea Food festival in August, half of the water front gardens are closed off and turned into a massive gastronomic and entertainment delight. The sea food is plentiful and excellent; the entertainment is top class and the organisation great. Its a hugely popular event and deservedly so. Don’t miss it if you are here at the time.
Olhao highlights
- Sea food, sampled in any of the restaurants or bought to cook at home.
- A coffee, a beer, a glass of wine in one of the market cafes looking over the lagoon.
- Sea food festival in August - brilliant!
- Boat trip to Farol or Culatra
History
The first documented reference to Olhao is from 1378 when it was a small settlement of fisherman's huts. However, it wasn't until the early 18th century that the first stone buildings appeared. In 1808 Olhão gained its royal town charter, as 'thanks' for the town people's loyalty and for a remarkable piece of enterprise by some Olhao fishermen. When Napoleon's armies invaded Portugal in 1807, the British Navy evacuated the Portuguese court to Brazil for safety. When the British expeditionary force and Portuguese forces had defeated the French in June 1808, it was fishermen from Olhao who sailed all the way to Brazil in the ship to give the good news to the Portuguese court (a replica of the ship can be seen at the small jetty in front of the markets at Olhao). The town of Olhao prospered in the 19th century through the fishing and fish canning industries, which remain important to this day.
Links
www.cm-olhao.pt - the council site (unfortunately only in Portuguese language)
Quarteira, contemplating the beach and the history
The beach of Quarteira is one of the main attractive of this “freguesias” of Loulé. Located in the city of Quarteira, this beach is the favourite of thousands of tourists that visit Algarve during the summer.
With two kilometres and an extensive sand dune, the beach of Quarteira became in a popular destiny of vacations starting from the sixties, also because of it’s climate.
Around the beach, we find a beauty landscape. To assure the swimmers' pleasure, the place suffered a deep improvement, through the construction of beach supports and of the new Marginal Avenue.
The beach is known by it’s quality and for the white sand. The medium temperature of the water in the summer is about 22 centigrade degrees.
The visitors' safety is assured by the surveillance of the Marine Delegation, with the presence of life-savers.
The beach still has restaurant and coffee in the highway, restaurant in the beach, you can also rent awnings and chairs.
The religious traditions are also a tourist mark in Quarteira. The Church of São Pedro of the Sea is part of the religious patrimony of the “freguesias”.
To follow the example of other places in Portugal, in summer, S. António, S. João and S. Pedro brings a lot of colour, music, dances and happiness to the streets of Quarteira, in an authentic celebration to the popular saints of the place.
The parade along the Marginal of Quarteira, in the Infante Sagres Avenue, has several marches that represent the streets of the city, involving hundreds of people dressed with typical clothes associates to the sea.
But who prefers the historical theme, the ideal is to visit the Roman ruins of Cerro da Vila, a great trip through the humanity's origins.
The population of Quarteira has been increasing in the last years, since several people have realized the pleasure of living in Algarve.
The number of restaurants has also been growing, to support the tourist exhibition of that area.