Sports and Activities
The Algarve is noted for its excellent climate and year round Golf, although there are also many attractions that make the Algarve a wonderful place to visit time and time again! For more information on any of the fabulous courses or attractions on offer, please click on the name or pictures below.
Golf
Benamor
Designed by the late Sir Henry Cotton, this delightful par 71 golf course lies just a few minutes east of Tavira. Opened in March 2000, this course offers a great experience for players of all standards. The course is undulating but not hilly with stunning views of the mountains to the North and the Atlantic Ocean to the South. This course was selected as the Best Maintained Course for 2001 by the Portuguese Golf Federation.
Quinta Da Ria and Quinta Da Cima
Quinta da Ria and Quinta Cima complex offers two 18 hole golf courses that are loacted in a spectacular location known locally as "Sotavento". Quinta da Ria is situated in the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve with five lakes strategically built along the course. The greens are smoothly undulating and are well protected by bunkers. Greens, tees and fairways are covered with Bent Crenshaw and the roughs with Poa Pretensis with Fescuas.
Quinta da Cima is also located nearby and is very competitive with greens well protected by sand hazards and lakes. A stream with dams and permanent flowing water crosses a number of holes. The greens have been seeded with Bent Crenshaw and tees and fairways are covered with Zoysia. The driving ranges offer a magnificent view of the mountains and the Atlantic, but from any part of the course the sea and the Algarvean mountains are a delight. T
Castro Marim
This spectacular course opened in 2000 and is one of the newest courses in Portugal. The recently built course is in a truly exceptional setting in the peaceful atmosphere of the eastern Algarve, offering players beautiful views over the Atlantic Ocean, the River Guadiana and the nearby nature reserve. Close to the Benamor Golf Course, Castro Marim provides excellent facilities for golfers of all abilities.
Colina Verde is a small inland 9-hole course situated in Maragota, between the coast and the Algarvian mountain range. Located in a rural area away from the bustle of the busy Algarve beaches, the complex looks out towards the hillside of Sao Miguel and from all nine holes of the course there is a view of the Ria Formosa, the sea and the fishing village of Fuseta. This course places special emphasis on control when teeing off since it consists of a loop of 9 short holes (one par 4 and the others par 3). The countryside surrounding the Colina Verde course is characterized by wild flowers and the small trees and shrubs that are typical of the region, such as mastic trees, olive and carob.
Marine Parks
Aquaparks and Fun Parks
Aqualand Algarve is located in the central area of the Algarve, near the town of Alcantarilha (Armação de Pera), 15 Km from Albufeira. The park has many water attractions for all tastes, some totally unique in the country, such as the Banzai where you can surf on your board after descending a nearly vertical drop of 23 meters and gaining a dizzy speed.
Slide and Splash is located in Lagoa and boasts one of the biggest and best water parks in Europe. There are many exciting water slides, a jacuzzi and both adult and children pools. The park offers a great day out for all the family.
Alamacil Karting is a leisure complex located in nearby Almancil off the A22 and EN125 and is open the whole year round. The racetrack was inaugurated by Ayrton Senna and is a 760m length replica of the former F1 Brazilian Jacarepegua racetrack. Carts are available for all ages and abilities. Other attractions within the Complex include senior and junior track racing, radio controlled cars, mini F1, mini boats, bunjee jumping and a rodeo. Highly recommended for those with an adventurous side!
The bullfighting season in Portugal lasts from April until October. The biggest difference between Portuguese and Spanish bullfighting is that in Portugal the bull is not killed in the ring. Instead, spectators are treated to display of fine horsemanship as the matador strives to immobilize and exhaust the bull into submission. Bullfights take place most Saturdays at the Corrida do Toros in Lagos. Bullfighting is part of traditional Portuguese culture and a treat for those who enjoy magnificent sportsmanship.