Off course attractions

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The previous pages emphatically show the Algarve has courses to satisfy even the most discerning golfer. the off-course attractions are just as enticing…

1 THE BEACHES
You could spend weeks, months and even years exploring all the beaches of the Algarve. From east to west there’s a stretch of coastline – over 200 kilometres of it – to suit everybody, from sheltered dunes to rocky coves, from tiny bays to vast stretches of open sands, from shallow lagoons to the crashing surf of the wild Atlantic.

2 WATER SPORTS
Its 300 days of sunshine a year means lots of things are more fun in the Algarve and aquatics is one such activity. Swimmers and snorkelers,sailors and surfers, naturalists and naturists; you’ll fi nd them all savouring the clean, safe beaches, the stunning scenery  the fabulous weather, and the host of many exhilarating water sports on offer.

3 GREAT FAMILY FUN
From racing tracks (Algarve’s Karting Almancil) and ocean safaris to 4D cinemas and nature trails, the Algarve can cater for every family – even with wide-ranging tastes! You can be thrilled by jeep safaris or river canoeing or head to a Water Park, which are in plentiful supply in the Algarve. One of the top water parks in the Algarve is Aquashow in Quarteira, home to the biggest watercoaster in Europe – 750m long and reaching speeds of up to 70mph. Or, Zoomarine combines entertainment with education. Located just outside Albufeira, this is a fantastic day out for all the family.

4 GET ON THE NATURE TRAIL
Ria Formosa Nature Park comprises sand dunes, marsh lands, lagoons and fresh water-lakes as well as a diverse group of inhabitants – birds, fi sh, mammals and amphibians. Accessible by road or ferry from Faro andOlhão, it makes for a great day out exploring. The Algarve is the perfect spot to see dolphins migrating from the Mediterraneanto the Atlantic. There are several companies that offer dolphin boat cruises from Lagos, Portimão and Alvor. A boat trip is also the perfect way to enjoy the Algarve’s weather – just make sure you wear sun screen!

5 FOOD
‘Cataplanas’ and the ‘Caldeirada fi sh stews’ are delicacies in the Algarve and are dishes that every visitor should try. From the tuna steak of Tavira to the octopus of Santa Luzia, the Algarve excels in seafood. Local cockles, razor clams, oysters, squid and cuttlefi sh are also commonly featured on menus due to the region’s long-standing fi shing tradition. Inland delicacies include almonds, oranges and fi gs that are great eaten fresh or used as ingredients in
desserts. A paradise for seafood lovers, the annual Festival do Marisco (Seafood Festival) takes place every August in the Jardim do Pescador Olhanense in the town of Olhão just eight kilometres from Faro.

6 GET ACTIVE
The Algarve is an adventure playground – with magnifi cent views for horse riders and cyclists to enjoy. Or, take a surfi ng lesson or have a go at kite boarding. There are a number of schools along the coast to show you the ropes.

7 FABULOUS FISHING
Cast off in lakes, reservoirs, rivers and the sea. And cook your catch fresh that same day over a sizzling barbecue.

8 INLAND ADVENTURES
Visit the Algarve Mountains of the Serra de Monchique, where a stop at the thermal spa of Termas de Monchique is sure to help you relax. Tavira, situated on the edge of the Ria Formosa Nature Park, is a must-see for visitors to this part of the Algarve. This pretty town abounds with historical churches and fi ne mansions and a plethora of excellent restaurants where you can sample some of the delicious local seafood. Once a rich and powerful city, Silves is today a sleepy town lying in the foothills of the Serra de Monchique mountains with the best-preserved castle in the Algarve. Its turreted walls dominate the town andprovide panoramic views over the surrounding countryside.

9 NIGHT LIFE
The Algarve is renowned for offering a chilled out holiday but if you want to step up the pace, there’s plenty of options; there is an excellent selection of entertainment and a variety of nightlife. It ranges from cabaret shows at casinos to lively discos and quiet welcoming bars. Vilamoura harbour is the HQ for trendy bars andfi rst-class restaurants.

10 EXPLORE AND LEARN
The remarkable Infante D. Henrique, who was a driving force for the Portuguese Discoveries as well as founding a school of navigation, came to Sagres during the 15th Century. The era of maritime exploration was born. Moving east, Henry the Navigator was also extremely infl uential in Lagos. Set on one of the largest bays in the Algarve, Lagos was once an important naval centre and is now an attractive, bustling town. Evidence of its important naval history is still visible today with a large statue of Henry the Navigator situated in one of the town’s main squares, gazing out to sea. And don’t ignore the city you arrive in – Faro is a commercial, artistic and cultural centre with fascinating  architecture inspired by the region’s rich history.

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