Algarve

The Algarve has something for everyone. Quiet peaceful retreats to bustling markets, shopping malls and nightlife. We have listed a few of the attractions that you might want to visit.

Places of Interest

Cape St Vincent (Lands End of Portugal)

Here stands Europe's most south westerly point, the "Land's End" of Portugal. The cape is still an important shipping landmark and the lighthouse (sometimes open to the public) is visible 50 miles away.

It's an awe-inspiring place, packed with tourists in summer, but if you venture away from the coaches and kiss-me-quick souvenirs piled high at the entrance you'll find some lovely windswept beaches and quiet corners where you can contemplate the end of the world!

Try coming out in the evening with a bottle of wine and just watch the sun go down at the worlds end. A romantic place for lovers.

Serra De Monichique

Monchique village is in a class of its own. And it's a little cooler up in these mountains too! The village, some would say town, has genuinely retained much of the olde wolde Algarvian charm which has evaporated in too many others. Here you will find potters, shoemakers and basket-makers eager to introduce you to a traditional way of life.

The highlight of the village is undoubtedly the stunning view of the Serra de Monchique, which makes an unusual base for an overnight stop.
At an altitude of 902m (just under 3,000 feet), this is the highest spot in the whole of the Algarve, some days you can see all the way to Cape St Vincent and Sintra.

Silves

Silves, picturesquely silhouetted above the River Arade, its castle looming large, dates back to the Romans. The castle is the Algarve's finest and dominates an old Moorish capital with cool shady streets.
	Historically - minded tourists will appreciate the city walls and four-arched bridge as well as the castle's interior and archaeological museum.
Photographers may get their best pictures from the beautifully restorted castle ramparts, or, perhaps, from the Cathedral next door, a largely Gothic building.

Tavira

If you want to escape the 'modern resorts', Tavira's architecture provides a pleasant suprise. It is propably the most elegant of the Algarvian towns.
Often described as the 'Algarvian Rome', and more fancifully 'the Venice of Algarve', Tavira stands on two hills on either side of the River Gilao, the two sides of the town linked by a seven-arched bridge.

Tavira is known as the Town of Churches, since a remarkable 22 churches and other places of worship lie within its boundaries.
The late Irish author and artist Patrick Swift, who lived in the Algarve for many years, visited the town and wrote:

"Tavira was like a combination of a pocket Dublin and pocket Venice. I was sorry to leave it. If it stays as it does - but what does - I should one day like to retire there."

Villamoura

It's fun watching the steady transformation of Vilamoura, particularly the huge new marina, with berthing for over 600 craft.

It's best in the evening when the quayside restaurants throw open their doors.
Vilamoura lies at the heart of golfing country of course, but there are also pleasant beaches, dramatic clifftop walks and all manner of watersports.

Its the place to come, have a quiet drink and do some people watching.

Attractions

Zoomarine

Zoomarine is a fascinating entertaining and educational oceanographic facility taking its theme from the links the Algarve has with the sea.
Zoomarine characteristics, exhibitions and shows of an exceptionally high standard make it unique in Portugal.

http://www.zoomarine.com/

Zebra Safari

The pleasure of being on road, crossing small rivers, old tracks or just swimming and relaxing near crystal lakes and clean rivers, probably will make this day the most memorable of your holiday.

http://www.zebrasafari.com/

Cruise and Nature Safari

The First, the Original and Best Adventure Tours in the Algarve
The combination of Nature Safari and Cruise on the River Guardiana

http://www.algarve-information.com/Cruise%20and%20Safari.htm

Diving

Atlantic Diving offers a complete range of PADI international standard courses to suit all levels of experience, from first to Dive masters.

http://www.atlantic-diving.com/

Fishing

Do you fancy sea adventure?
Are you keen to discover the richness of the Algarvian sea fauna?

http://www.algarve-cruises.com/english/index.htm

Horse Riding

http://www.algarve-information.com/horse_riding.htm

Water Parks

http://www.algarve-information.com/slideandsplash.htm