| Planning a short break to Algarve? Check out Travel Library's recommended Top 10 Things To Do in Algarve. It's a perfect companion for weekend city breaks to Algarve. Once you've been you can add your own tips and suggestions to help other visitors. |
| Top 10 Things in Algarve on a Short Break |
|
 The Aqualand Big One - Children’s Activity |
The Water Park provides 6 hectares of family fun. Within the landscaped gardens you will find a variety of thrills that offer speed, excitement, or just gentle pleasure. Attraction include: the 23 meter Banzai Boggan, the Kamikaze (a 92 meter bi-slide), a Wave Pool, Flying Carpets and the Corkscrew.
Trained lifeguards watch all the pool ares and employees permanently control all the slides in the park. There is also a terraced Restaurant, Coffee Shop, Pizzeria, Ice-cream kiosks, and a Souvenir Photo Shop.
Entrance: Adults € 16, Children (4-10) € 13, Under 4-year-olds are free. Located in the center of Algarve, EN 125 Alcantarilha. Tel: 28/232-02-30.
For more information visit - www.portugal-info.net/thebigone/ |
|
 Estalagem do Cerro - Hotel |
| Overlooking the blue sea of Albufeira Bay, the hotel is ideal for easy access to the main beach and the lively 'old town' center. All rooms are equipped with telephones, satellite TV, and air-conditioning. The public rooms of the hotel include a popular bar (with live entertainment), a coffee shop, pool bar and games room. There is also an Internet Kiosk and a 'Bon-vivant' Boutique, with choice Portuguese wines and selected items. The hotel offers a selection of activities and smaller children have their own pool and playground. Expect to pay € 50 - € 130 per room for two persons (depending on when you visit), the first additional child stays free and rates include breakfast. Located on the west side of Town, 8200 Albufeira. Tel: 28.959-84-80. |
|
 Praia Da Rocha - Natural Attraction |
| Possibly the oldest and best known beach in the Algarve. This beach has been seriously enlarged with the sand that was pumped out during the dredging of the Portimao Harbour. This area has a rugged atmosphere and at times the wind can be biting. During the season, the beach has lifeguards on safety patrol and it offers all the usual water sports facilities. There is restaurants and snack kiosks on site. The beach is located just south of the main town of Portimao, and well worth the visit. |
|
 The Village Inn - Restaurant or Cafe |
The restaurant maintains a menu with character, that offers food that uses everyday dishes, in an imaginative way. Understated stylish table setting create a warm hospitality that accompanies the meal. It has a daily (interestingly varied) 'a la Carte' menu with several Special Dishes of the Day. Highly recommended is the vegetarian dishes on the menu, which are prepared so well that it will please even the most ardent meat eater. The main courses are priced between € 5.50 and € 9.50. Due to popularity, it is necessary to book at least a couple of days in advance. Located Mexilhoeira da Carregacao. Tel: 28/241-20-36.
For more information: www.portugal-info.net/villageinn/ |
|
 Ria Formosa Natural Park - Tourist Attraction |
| One of the most beautiful natural wealth of the Algarve, both for the variety of its ecosystems and for its location. This incredible natural paradise is the shelter for migratory and rare bird species. There are two rivers feeding the lagoon all year round (the rest of the streams and rivers are seasonal), and the area is used for mussel and oyster farming. The objectives of this park are to preserve and develop natural resources. Though there is human activity in the park, the equilibrium of the ecosystem is not altered. This spot is worth a visit and is located between Loule and VR St. Antonio. |
|
 ZooLagos - Natural Attraction |
The Lagos Zoological Park is a location where conservation, education and Nature protection are of great value. The spot was started as a farm and developed from a hobby onto a commercial project. Tourists, local residents and school groups regularly tour the farm. The park is near Barao de S. Joao, next to the road between Bensafrim and Barao de S. Joao.
Visit www.zoolagos.com/ |
|
 Monchique - Tourist Attraction |
| One of the most charming places on the Algarve. Near to the beach area, with dazzling views and a mild climate, Monchique is famous for its spa and its bottled water. Those who choose to visit this spot will find quietness in the surrounding gardens. The air is fresh and many activities take place on the range of hills. These activities include: guided walks, horse riding, flower and bird watches, aromatherapy and crystal therapy - to name a few. Monchique is located on the Serra de Monchique range of hills, 30-minutes away from the coast of the Algarve. |
|
 Alcoutim - Tourist Attraction |
| This name was given to the village during the Roman occupation. Alcoutim still keeps its traditions alive, and here you will find traditional handcraft, flower arrangements, the bobbin lace, ceramics, basket work and weaving products that will suit any budget and taste. The area gives a nostalgic feeling with orange plantations. Here you can enjoy local cuisine that is based on pork and lamb, olive oil and homemade bread. Other delights include delicious hunting dishes made from hare, partridge and wild boar. Surely a place to visit if you are into shopping, and if you enjoy good food. |
|
 Algarve Scuba Diving - Sporting Activity |
The geographical background of the Algarve coast, makes it one of the best locations in Europe for scuba diving. The coastline offers many varieties of water in which to dive. The water temperature along the coastline tends to vary between 16 and 22 degrees C. There is an abundance of fish species and several old wrecks and reefs to explore. Very popular is the night dives, especially in the many fascinating caves. Dives are made under strict regulations and experienced instructors are found at all licensed Diving Schools in the area.
For details go to algarve-info.com/info/scubadiving.htm |
|
 Armacao de Pera - Tourist Attraction |
Originally a small fishing village and apparently the area where fishermen had a vision of the Virgin Mary. In the area is the tiny Romanesque Chapel of 'Senhora da Rocha' (Our Lady of the Rocks), where fishermen used to pray before setting off for a night's fishing.
The resort has one of the most beautiful beaches in the Algarve, with an excellent choice of fish restaurants, especially in the 'Fishermen's Beach' area. There is a promenade along the beach that offers a Casino and a mini-golf course.
The beach is perfect for children because of its calmness and gradual slope. Armacao de Pera is a great place for a relaxing family holiday. |
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| Downhill cycling trips |
| Enjoy this easy-going downhill cycle trip from Foia, in the middle of the Monchique Mountains! Our ATB's have safe hydraulic brakes, comfortably gel seats and front suspension.
With a sports guide and a service car following, this is the perfect way to see the little mountain villages and learn about the varied vegetation in this sub-tropical climate.
Call or text Dutchman Frank for more info at 00351 916 736 226. |
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