Algarve Vacation Activities

The choice is yours when it comes to Algarve vacation activities. There's plenty else to do in the region, if you're worried that you might fry yourself to a crisp on those fabulous Algarve beaches...

...or if you're just feeling the need to indulge in some muscle-stretching activity. To help you choose, this page includes a wide variety of available activities. Click on a link to learn more about anything that takes your fancy.

Choose from (in alphabetical order): 

Or, read on to discover what things to do that would enhance your next Algarve vacation...
 

Golf

Probably the most popular in any list of Algarve vacation activities. There are many and varied Algarve golf courses, for which the region is justly famous. Enthusiast friends tell me that, apart from the 'wow factor' of the Algarve's scenery, there are golf courses to test your game to the limit, whatever your standard of play.
 

And, however well or badly your game goes on a particular day, your spirit will soar in the fine weather and spectacular views you'll enjoy while completing a round of Algarve golf.
 

Exploring

There are oodles of interesting day trips that can restore a sun-addled brain to something like normal functioning.

Just for starters, your could try a full- or half-day trip:  Around Faro

Then, once your appetite is whetted, try the Sotavento circuit, or the Barlavento circuit... Or just get hold of a map and let your imagination take flight.

You might even like to drive across the border and check out the 'Spanish' Algarve -- it's only 40 minutes or so from Faro by road.
 

Sailing

And if staying on terra firma doesn't top your list of great pastimes for an Algarve vacation, why not try sailing? It's no surprise, with a coastline and a climate like the Algarve's, that 'messing about in boats' is so popular.

Whether you're interested in hiring a yacht, or just finding somewhere to moor your own vessel, there's plenty of choice for sailing in the Algarve.
 

Tennis

If this is your sport, you might like to try out an Algarve vacation at one of the region's top-class tennis clubs and tennis centres.

Yes, you can improve those strokes at the same time as enjoying some of the loveliest settings in the Iberian peninsula.

Whatever your standard, you'll find a club or facility (with a qualified coach if you wish) that's just right for you.

It's definitely more enjoyable when you can indulge in your favourite sports in the sort of climate and scenery that the Algarve offers...
 

...and imagine the looks on the faces of your tennis friends back home when you reappear refreshed, tanned and with a killer backhand that they don't remember at all! Just don't forget to tell them that you got it while enjoying some great tennis as part of a wonderful Algarve vacation.
 

Cycling

I love cycling in the Algarve. If you can find some quiet routes, it's just about as close to perfect as you could wish.

That amazing climate complements outdoor activities - and you see so much more of the beautiful Algarve countryside from a bike than you do from a car...

I learned recently of a new bike-hire place in Armacao da Pera called, unsurprisingly, Algarve Bike Hire. They also offer arranged downhill tours in the area, if you're unsure about your route-finding abilities in a strange place. (Or if you're concerned about 'running out of puff'). You can contact them here.

Fishing

There's a choice of the all-action, deep-sea angling experience, with the chance of catching something worth boasting about, or you could opt for the more tranquil pastime conducted from a beach, rock, jetty or the edge of a reservoir.

Most resorts have places that hire out fishing equipment. Some fishermen will charge a reasonable sum to take you out to sea in their boats, but be prepared for a more 'basic' experience than you'd get on a 'proper' deep-sea angling trip.
 

Watersports

Needless to say, in a friendly climate such as is provided by that wonderful Algarve weather, many more active holidaymakers opt for the thrills and spills of Algarve watersports.

Or perhaps you'd rather do something more restful, like exploring the beautiful coastline in a masted sailing ship, or just relaxing on a pleasure trip or river cruise?

Whatever your aquatic taste and requirements, here's a page where you can read all about the variety of Algarve vacation activities that can include watersports.

...and if none of the above tickles your fancy (wow, you're hard to please!), there's plenty more choice left yet. It all depends on your taste, level of fitness, length of stay and what you consider to be 'fun'. I still haven't mentioned:

Hobie Kayaks

Rather than a paddle, you can propel these kayaks by pedalling, or with a sail. It's fun, not at all tiring - and it all takes place in the beautiful Ria Formosa nature reserve, so there's plenty of wildlife and aquatic stuff to see. Algarve kayaks offer a great family adventure day out! Read about my own fun day by clicking on that link above...
 

Horse Riding

The Algarve is famous for its horse riding centres. (I'd heard of them long before I ever ventured here). And the countryside can be appreciated at a more leisurely pace while you're on horseback.

There are riding schools that cater to all levels of ability (as proved by the one that coped with me and my lack of 'horsewomanship'!)

Hone your equestrian skills, or just enjoy the fabulous Algarve scenery while perched atop a noble steed (for perched, read 'precariously balanced' in my own case).
 

Kids' Stuff

Great news! The Algarve is set up to offer loads of the sort of activities that keep younger visitors to the region enthralled, day after day.

There's so much choice that it deserves its own page: Algarve For Kids.

'Safaris'

A recent addition to the list of fun things to do on your Algarve vacation, these so-called safaris are a great way to take in the less accessible parts of inland Algarve.

You'll be driven around in off-roaders like Jeeps or Land Rovers, so the type of terrain you encounter won't be a problem.

(I was almost tempted once, but Nev reminded me that I can get sick in a saloon car if the road is bumpy enough, so I let the others get on with it and returned to the beach with my holiday blockbuster novel)...

But, if you like the idea, contact those nice** people at:

Zebra Safari
The Strip
Albufeira
Tel: 289 583 300

**('Nice' because they didn't take the mickey when I was the only one to 'chicken out').
 

Marine Life

You can see marine creatures in one of the aquaria (pretty sure that's the plural) that are dotted about the Algarve, or... as Nature intended, in the ocean.

I loved my day out with the dolphins at:

Dolphin Safari
Marina de Portimão
Tel: 282 792 586

or there's another (which I haven't tried) at Marina de Lagos (same telephone number).

Blokarting  

I was intrigued when I first learned about this exciting-yet-simple family sport.

Plenty of wind is needed if it's to be enjoyable, so you can see why it's located over Sagres way!

What I've learned so far is:

These Blokarts are much lighter and more transportable than other types of 'wind karts'.

And apparently, skills are not at all difficult to learn. A 40-minute introductory training lesson is recommended for beginners, and most people have the hang of it within 5 minutues or so!

Read more about Algarve Blokarting.

Blokart Sagres
Tel: (00351) 913 372 332 or 967 460 989

Beaches

What? You thought I'd leave these out? No chance! Algarve beaches are the mainstay of the region's popularity and, even when you've spent some of the day in other activities, you can't beat chilling on a beach to finish things off.

Read up all about the best Algarve beaches.

I'll be adding more pastimes and sports here that would fill just about anyone's Algarve vacation. Just don't expect me to have a go at any of those 'extreme' sports. My holiday insurance doesn't cover for that! (And they usually end in a 'bad hair' day).
 

Cultural Algarve

The Algarve year includes many cultural and religious events. You might like to see what goes on when, so that you can incorporate some of it into your own Algarve vacation, whenever and wherever it takes place.
 

Arts and Crafts

If painting or drawing the wonderful Algarve scenery is not your thing, but you'd like to look at the results of someone else's artistic endeavour, there's plenty to choose from, wherever you spend your Algarve vacation.

Most sizeable towns have a cultural centre, and there are art galleries well worth a look at Lagos, Sao Bras de Alportel, Almancil, Tavira, Boliqueime, and Portimão.

There are also wonderful examples of local glassmaking skills and crystal ware. Keep your eyes peeled as you travel around the region. (But Loulé is a good place to start looking).

Or, if you'd like to see some art produced locally, or even try your hand at painting the beautiful Algarve countryside, why not visit this Algarve art gallery, where you can browse the original works or have some tuition from the artist himself?  

Night Life

What to do after dusk has descended? Why head off to enjoy some Algarve nightlife, of course.

Your choices can depend on where you are staying.

Read here all about Algarve nightlife.

Casinos

The Algarve boasts three stylish casinos, should you feel the urge to indulge in a bit of glamour and gaming on an evening or two during your stay.

The casinos are located in Praia da Rocha (Portimão), Vilamoura and Monte Gordo.

Even if you don't feel the need to have a flutter at the tables, they offer top-quality professional spectacular shows with a choice of tariffs. You can pay a little, see the show and have a complimentary drink; pay a bit more and have a set-menu meal plus see the show, or pay more still, have an a la carte meal and see the show. Read more on my Algarve Events page to see what's showing now.
 

If you have any suggestions of activities for inclusion on this page (either because you've enjoyed some great experiences on an Algarve vacation, or because you're curious about something) please let me know, using the Your Algarve Best form, and I'll see about updating this page.

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