Albufiera

At the end of a long beach that stretches all the way from Faro, in recent years Albufeira has grown from a tiny fishing village to become the most well known holiday resorts on the Algarve. Although retaining some of its original charm, in the summer tourists from all over Europe can always find something going on at any hour of the day or night.

Aside from lounging on the beaches, visiting the cafés and buying souvenirs, what activities are there to do when on holiday in Albufeira? Well, you could visit the Museu Arqueológico in the old town hall if you are there from June to September. It has a well-organised collection of Neolithic artefacts, Roman mosaics, and other pots and treasures from various periods in the town's history.

The old church of Ermide de São Sebastião exemplifies some Manueline architecture mixed with Baroque construction, and is just to the west of the tunnel leading down to the beach near Praça Miguel Bombarda. Inside the church there is a religious art museum, which is in attractive surroundings if a little insipid itself.

The Caves

Take a trip on a traditional fishing boat from Albufeira Marina. along the coastline of the Algarve.

The cruise will take you west along the high rocky cliffs of this spectacular coast, with views of lovely sandy coves, some of which can only be reached from the sea. The skilful fishermen will take the boat inside the some of the caves, providing a safe and fun adventure for "children" of all ages.

ZooMarine

Zoomarine is only about 9 kilometres from our apartment in the direction of Guia.

Shows include the wonderful Dolphin displays; among others there are amusing shows featuring sea lions, seals and parrots, a walk-through Aquarium with petting pool and bird-of-prey displays.

With restaurants, cafes, swimming pool and so much more, Zoomarine is an excellent family day-out. To save on the entrance cost shop at local tour shops for family deals including pick up.

Aqualand - The Big One

There are many things to keep you entertained while you are at The Big One.

The Corkscrew, Raging Rapids, Flying Carpets, Super Surf, Rainbow Park, Crazy Leap, Banzai Boggan, Kamikaze, Wave Pool, Congo River, Super Size Pool.

And, if you don’t want to take part, you can have almost as much fun watching the others.

Krazy World and Animal Park

Krazy world and Algarve Zoo is an excellent day out for the family. It includes Amazonia, Petting Farm, Ponies, Pools, Fairground, Krazy Golf and Restaurants.

Caldas (Spa) de Monchique

Drive to Silves, turn right across the bridge then left, following signs to Portimao and Monchique. After several kilometres you will turn right on the Portimao/Monchique road. The road is lined with pottery and handicraft shops, which are often surprisingly reasonably priced and about 5 km before the town of Monchique a sign directs you to the Spa village of Caldas de Monchique. In recent times this beautiful woodland area and its old buildings around a lovely square have been totally renovated. This is an ideal spot for a picnic, short stroll or a leisurely lunch. You can continue your journey through Monchique, and its surrounding wooded hills to Foie, the highest point of the Algarve and return by several alternative routes.

Faro (Old Town) and Lagos - by Train

Leave your car and take a leisurely trip through the countryside to avoid the parking restrictions in these 2 busy towns. The journey time to each is about an hour; Stations are close to their Marinas and provide easy access to the town centres. Stroll around the shops in pedestrian precincts and visit the Museums and ancient buildings in Faro Old Town. Alternatively, of course, you can drive via the A22 Motorway and the N125.

In 1816, when construction threatened a monastery cemetery in the seaside resort of Faro, the monks there dug up their brothers’ bones and built a chapel out of them in the garden behind the Carmo Church. With only 1,250 skeletons to work with, the Faro chapel is much smaller than Evora’s Chapel of Bones. But what it lacks in size, it makes up for in integrity, for every inch of the Carmo chapel-even the altar and the barrel-vaulted ceiling-is made entirely of bones and skulls. The floor is composed of flat gravestones covering still more bodies. Yet the small chapel is brighter, more cheerful, cuter somehow than Evora’s-and thankfully, no murderer is displayed on its walls.

Tavira

Using the A22 Motorway or N125 or the train from Faro, you can reach the attractive town of Tavira and beyond the Eastern Border Town of Vila Real de San Antonio. Tavira is situated on the river which flows out to the island sanctuaries of the Rio Formosa. It is well known for its multitude of churches, attractive buildings, cafes and restaurants. Stroll by the river and take a trip by boat to the estuary.

Silves

This is the heart of one of Portugal's best citrus growing areas. It also has factories processing cork. Although now an agricultural centre, its fascination for visitors is historical. The town's two most visible buildings, its red sandstone castle and the red and white cathedral next to it, are reminders that in medieval times this was the most strongly fortified and most strenuously fought over place in the Algarve.

Horse riding

Horse riding is an activity enjoyed all over the Algarve, since it is considered both educational and therapeutic. In Albufeira you will find several riding centres, suitable for every ages and skill. Here, you can ride and enjoy beautiful sights and landscapes.