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The Algarve is famous for its fabulous sandy beaches, picture-perfect coves, and exciting nightlife.
Whilst we fully understand the temptation to spend your holiday on the Algarve soaking up the sun, wining and dining, we wanted to share some of our other favourite attractions for you to discover in this beautiful part of Portugal.
So, we have to start with the beaches as they definitely rate among Europe’s finest. The pin-up of all the Algarve beaches has to be Praia da Marinha, just south of Lagos. You'll immediately recognise the cliff formation as it's often used to showcase Portugal’s best beaches. We also love the sandy Praia da Falésia, between Albufeira and Vilamoura. For a truly ‘escape from the crowds’ experience, head for Praia Barreta beach on the uninhabited island of Ilha Deserta. You can get a boat from Faro to enjoy the island's rich scenery and sounds - birds love it here too!
After the beaches, one of the best things to do for families on the Algarve is a day out at a theme park.The top family attraction on the Algarve is the Zoomarine theme park, near Albufeira, with dolphins and other water creatures, a wave pool, water slides and entertainment galore. Also close to Albufeira is Aqualand Algarve for another fun day out with more waterslides, rides, a wave pool and slides.For even more water-y adventures, we recommend Aquashow in Quarteira. This has an incredible water coaster, slides and rides - some of which will get the heart pumping faster and faster with excitement.
Head out to sea on an Algarve boat trip through the caves and little grottoes. Children will get excited with so many boats to choose from including sailing boats, chic catamarans and speedy RIBS.
From Alvor, you can sail away in a traditional Portuguese boat to drink in the views and have a refreshing dip in the ocean. This is a truly blissful way to spend a day on the Algarve.
A fun afternoon can be spent playing FootGolf at the Desert Pines course near Vale do Lobo. Instead of using golf clubs, you kick the ball and hope for a hole in one!
Alternatively, head inland to enjoy great walks amid nature as you seek out the ideal spot for a picnic. Top spots for a country walk are at the Fontes de Estombar natural springs and Monchique for its magical thermal waters.
One super way to immerse yourself in the local culture is to learn how to cook Portuguese food. There are several great companies on the Algarve where you can enjoy a few hours cooking, meeting new people and sampling the fruits of your labour.
Portugal Farm Experiences offers many experiences in one. First, you go to the local market to buy seasonal produce, which you then take back to the farm to cook. Learn how to cook a very traditional fish and seafood cataplana dish and impress your friends and family back home.
Alternatively, you can learn to cook the famous Portuguese stew, caldeirada de peixe, at Gosto Lagos cooking classes using ingredients from the morning market.
If you’re staying in or near Quinta do Lago, discover the natural beauty of the Algarve at the Ria Formosa - one of Portugal’s seven natural wonders.
It’s a chance to unwind, especially if you’ve been sampling the famous Algarve nightlife. Discover the natural beauty and wildlife including pine woodlands, salt pans, and marshes which are home to many species of birds, including the beautiful Purple Swamphen, which is the symbol of Ria Formosa nature park.
Mingle with the rich and famous at Quinta do Lago
Staying at Quinta do Lago, you can swap birdwatching for celebrity spotting.
Celebrities tend to act as a luxurious endorsement for a holiday destination. The rich and famous can pick anywhere in the world to enjoy their time, so the fact they've chosen the same resort as you speaks volumes for your exquisite taste for the finer things in life.
Quinta do Lago has an enviable reputation as an exclusive celebrity hotspot. World-class footballers like Steven Gerrard and Michael Owen, former prime ministers like David Cameron, and TV celebrities such as Holly Willoughby are among the jet-setters who've been spotted in Quinta do Lago.
Dine out in style at Vale do Lobo
The Vale do Lobo's picturesque resort makes a beautiful backdrop for a sundowner or fabulous meal.
Choose a beachside restaurant with a view serving favourite dishes from across the globe including the freshest Portuguese fish and seafood dishes. Whether you fancy Mediterranean, Mexican, Italian or Asian flavours, the restaurants at Vale do Lobo have you covered.
We love them all but our top pick has to be the marvellous terrace overlooking the Atlantic at The Roof at Sandbanks. Divine cocktails, superb ocean views, a sunset to be savoured and the hottest seats to live music in the Praça - nothing else quite matches up.
Play golf at Vilamoura
Many people come to the Algarve to play golf at any time of year. And a particular favourite beach and golf resort for many is Vilamoura.
With six picturesque golf courses to pick from - Laguna, Millennium, Old Course, Pinhal, Victoria and Vila Sol - you'll never run out of golfing holiday options.
We like the challenge of the Old Course to test our skills, particularly at the 16th hole.
Looking for holiday accommodation on the Algarve? Check out owner direct holiday home listings and book your next Portuguese holiday today!
Stay in one of our villas in villas in the Algarve and discover the charming towns of Vilamoura, Albufeira, Alvor, Luz & many more.
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