Sports in Algarve Whether you are a weekend hacker or low handicap shark, there is a golf course for you in this golfer’s paradise. No matter where your villa is located, there is an immaculate course within easy driving distance, where you can enjoy the sunshine, the fabulous scenery and the challenge to suit your game.
With this fabulous ocean, flawless beaches and stunning coastline, even the most confirmed landlubber will convert to a sun and water worshipper. And the Algarve is ready and waiting for you with water sport in all its forms.
Sea craft of all types are for hire: yachts, motor boats, speed boats and jet skis. If you prefer to let someone else do the driving, you can go out with a group on a tall ship, and then transfer to smaller craft to explore caves and grottoes along the rocky coast.
Windsurfing is available at Barragem do Arade, and there are several surfing schools for beginners. Experienced surfers head for the strong waves on the west coast. For the adventurous, sport fishing, parasailing and diving are easily available, and for families with youngsters, the Slide and Splash and Big One water parks offer a great day’s entertainment. | Algarve Food Eating in Algarve provides its own special experience. As is usual in a region blessed with a rich landscape as well as bountiful sea, the inland and coastal dishes are distinctly different.
Seafood dishes have great variety. Cataplana is a combination of clams, ham, sausage, onion, tomatoes, chili, garlic and spices sautéed in wine. Arroz de Marisco is a paella-style dish, with clams, prawns and fish, rice, onions, tomatoes and peppers. If this is a little rich for your palate, you might go for grilled tuna or fried salt cod (usually served with potatoes, olives and egg).
Inland, chicken and pork are the staples, true local dishes include lamb and baby goat, particularly in casseroles. In season, local game (boar, quail and pheasant) are popular. Delicious roasts are made with lamb, duck and suckling pig, and spicy local sausage is ever-present.
If you can, always try local wines with local food. You won’t often be disappointed. Port wine figures strongly here, naturally. We are all aware of Port to end a meal, but a cold White Port offers a pleasant change of aperitif. If you have a sweet tooth, the region’s speciality desserts will keep it happy, with many offerings laced with almonds, figs and fruit. |
 Touring AlgarveIf you decide that lounging on the beach or by the pool needs to be given a rest for a day, Algarve has lots of alternatives to offer. The region is steeped in history and culture with its distinctive Moorish architecture with terraces, chimneys and whitewashed houses, against a backdrop of deep blue skies and lush landscape.
There is a host of excursions open to you. Admire the brightly coloured fishing boats in Albufeira, with their eyes, animals and stars. Or enjoy the river scene at Castro Marim, with its background of orchards and flower-covered hillsides.
For lovers of history and architecture, the choices are endless. Gothic cathedrals in Faro and Silves, museums, churches are all waiting to be explored. Faro is an ancient, Roman walled city, and a stroll around the old city is made all the more pleasant for being traffic-free. Enjoy a relaxing coffee or aperitif at one of the many outdoor cafes there.
If you like to browse, visits to Sao Bras de Alportel and Loule may be on your list of things to do. Both are busy market towns, as well being rich in history and (damaged) architecture.
The Portuguese holiday destination of Algarve offers so much to its visitors! The Algarve water sports are excellent! Windsurfing in Barragem do Arcade is world-class, and kite surfing is becoming the new 'it' sport. You can find jet skis for hire in Algarve at almost all of the beaches and seaside resorts. Golf in Algarve caters to the highest and lowest handicap on pristinly kept courses. Explore Silves: stumple through the ancient Moorish ruins and during your tour of Faro, make sure you spend a lot of time in colourful Old Town. The markets in Loule will be a great place for your wallet to get thinner! Thank you for reading the Algarve Tourist Information Guide and good luck finding that perfect villa rental in Algarve. |
