Day trips in the Algarve
East – Towards Albufeira and Faro
Algarve Shopping – A medium sized shopping centre on the way to Albufeira. Offers a selection of clothes and jewellery shops and a large supermarket as well as a multi complex cinema and bowling alley.
Zoomarine – Popular tourist attraction – Aquarium, Zoo, Sealife Centre with fairground rides, water park and a wide selection of family shows. Another popular attraction here is the opportunity to swim with dolphins.
Slide and Splash Water Park – A large water park just a 5 minute drive from Carvoeiro, Slide and Splash has a number of slides to choose from with activites for all ages as well as an olympic size pool and jacuzzi’s for the adults – parasols, loungers and lockers are available.
Tavira – Tavira stands on two hills on either side of the River Gilao, the two sides of the town are linked by a seven-arch bridge. There are 22 churches and other places of worship lying within its boundaries. Great if you want to see some Portuguese architecture and history.
Silves – Situated above the River Arade where you can find the Algarve’s finest castle which dates back to the Romans. If you are looking for some Portuguese history you will appreciate the city walls and four-arched bridge as well as the castle´s interior and archaeological museum. There is also a lovely selection of cafe´s and restaurants down the many cobbled streets. For one week a year Silves is transformed back into a medieval town with all the cobbled streets lined with stalls selling everything from herbs and spices to handmade jewellery, everyone dresses up and you can even change your euros so you can pay in the original currency of xelbs. The children will love the live performances and the adults can enjoy a beer or three and relax on the hay bales.
West – Towards Portimao and Lagos
Portimao – A popular and busy typical Portuguese fishing town, with a newly built marina and a selection of restaurants and bars which provide a perfect setting for a long lunch whilst watching the yachts go by. There are also Pirate Ship Cruises on the Santa Bernarda leaving from the harbour.
Sagres and the West Coast – Perfect for a day trip, a traditional Portuguese town with fantastic coastlines and approximately 20 beaches dotted around the town. Visit the lighthouse which is situated at Cape St Vincent, the most South Westerly point of Europe.
Monchique – A traditional rural town between the hills of Foia and Picota in the Serra De Monchique mountain range with an amazing view of the Western Algarve below.
Lagos – Lagos is a major port of one of the regions most interesting cities. There is a fantastic marina with sleek boats and a selection of designer boutiques. There is still a nice traditional feel to Lagos, the walls of the town remain after sections were restored and there are lots of cobbled streets lined with cafe´s and restaurants. There are many fabulous beaches and coves which can be explored on one of the many tour boats on the marina.