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 Algarve Activities & EntertainmentWhatever your favourite passtime or activity, The Algarve offers something for everyone - and loads to keep the kids smiling every day! Waterparks, Beaches, Theme Parks, Zoos, Karting, Water Sports, Boat Trips, Excursions, Horse Riding, Biking, Walking and Hiking, plus many of Europe's finest golf courses are just moments from Conscious-Earth. • Algarve Beaches
(also see the Algarve Beaches page) • Water Sports  The Algarve is a great destination for anyone who loves water sports or is keen to give it a go for the first time. The most popular water sports in the Algarve are windsurfing, surfing and scuba-diving, so places for equipment rental and tuition can be found right along our coastline.
You will also find facilities for jet-skiing, inflatable rides, kite-surfing and parascending in all of the major resorts - sailing is also very popular in the Algarve and sailing dinghies, motor boats and yachts can be hired from ports and marinas from Portimão and Lagos. The southern coastline is better suited to swimming, snorkelling, scuba-diving and windsurfing because the waters are calmer and warmer. You will find basic snorkelling equipment in almost any beach shop, tourist gift shop or sports shop. (also see the Algarve Beaches page) • Excursions
• Algarve Golf  Golf on the Algarve is truly unique and an all round unforgettable experience. The year round sun and warm climate attracts many enthusiasts from chilly Northern Europe to play in the peak season of October to May.
There are now more than 35 golf courses on the Algarve, the first being designed by the famous Sir Henry Cotton and the rest helping establish the Algarve as one of the premiere golfing destinations in Europe. Warm playing conditions and immaculately manicured fairways and greens are to be expected, as are facilities catering to all levels of golfer - whether a complete beginner or a seasoned professional. (also see the Algarve Golf page) • 'Grotto Tours' by boat  With such a magnificent coastline of golden sands, beautiful cliffs and impressive rock formations, it's hardly surprising there are so many boat trips on offer - choose from sightseeing trips, onboard BBQs, dolphin watching, fishing trips and so many more. Boat trips are an excellent way to see the area and its coastline in all its glory from a unique perspective. If you get the chance you should take a Grotto Tour by small fishing boat to visit the enchanting sea caves along the cliffs and spectacular rock formations of the coast. You can book a trip in Lagos or Carvoeiro.
(also see the Algarve Beaches page) • Horse Riding  There are many riding centres close by, so whether you are an experienced horse rider or just fancy giving it a try, you're in the right place. Many of the riding centres offer lessons for beginners so you don't need to have ridden before, and there's nothing nicer than getting out in the sun and the fresh air on horse back to explore some of the Algarve landscape. Many of the horses at the riding centres are the Portuguese breed Lusitano, or at least part Lusitano with great temperaments - you'll find them ideal for riding along the coastal roads or through the forest. There are often smaller ponies for little ones and different Lusitano's for different levels of riding ability.
• Bicycle & Scooter Hire Bicycle hire is extremely popular in the Algarve, with residents and tourists, so there are lots of places to hire bikes. The Algarve benefits from consistently good weather, so it is easy to get out and about on a bicycle all year round. The cooler autumn to spring months are better for exploring the towns and countryside by bike as you get a nice breeze to keep you cool, compared to the heat in summer. Generally you will find the prices for bicycle hire in the Algarve quite reasonable - you can expect to pay as little as €10.00 per day for a bike. If you want to hire bikes for longer periods, you will often find that you get a discount so the longer you have the bike the cheaper the daily rate becomes. Bicycle hire shops will also provide helmets, locks and third party insurance. If you are thinking of a scooter or moped, remember that you need to be 18 years old to hire scooters and mopeds and to have held a licence for at least a year - and importantly, check that your holiday insurance provides cover for this activity! • Walking & Hiking We are situated in protected countryside, so there are plenty of walks right on our doorstep and there are many people in the Algarve offering guided walks around the area. This is the perfect region for walking, whether to simply stroll along the beach enjoying the fresh sea air or to go further inland to explore the smaller villages and rural landscapes. With an excellent climate boasting some 300 days of sunshine, you'll always be tempted to get out and about in the Algarve. February to June is one of the best periods to appreciate the Algarve because the entire region is alive with colour as hundreds of species of wild flowers come into bloom. The cliffs are covered in a mass of different coastal plants; so for an afternoon walk why not head to the coastline and follow the cliff tops. A great place to do this is Ponte da Piedade in Lagos, in the Western end of the Algarve only 30 mins away. In spring this craggy headland is beautiful and it has a great coastal path, which stretches all the way to neighbouring Praia da Luz. You can stroll as far as you like and take in some breathtaking views from the top as you look out to sea. For more serious hikers, there are endless possibilities for walking in the two mountain ranges, the Serra de Monchique and Serra do Caldeirão, which border with Alentejo region along the northern edge of the Algarve. These mountain ranges take up approximately two thirds of the Algarve and provide a fantastic contrast to the traditional Algarve beach life. Via Algarviana (more information available at www.ViaAlgarviana.com) • Events Silves Medieval Festival FIESA Sand Sculptures FIESA also incorporates a playful dimension with a space for sand sculpture activities, where each day, adults, teens and children may experience and show their creative abilities in this form of artistic expression. During the day the sculptures can be admired in all their detail and elegance, while at night, the lighting takes you to a mystical atmosphere, enhanced by performances of live music, theatre, dance and performing arts. • Water Parks
Aqualand 'The Big One' (30mins East) Aquashow (45mins East) Atlantic Park (Parque Atlantico) 50mins East • Autódromo Internacional do Algarve
(more information available at www.AutodromoAlgarve.com.pt) • Theme Parks & Zoos
Krazy World, Zoo/Theme Park (45 mins East)
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So many beaches, so little time! The Algarve boasts some of the best and most picturesque beaches to be found in Europe with golden sands and azure waters - from long sandy bays where you'll always be able to find a good bit of 'breathing space' (yes, even in the height of summer!), to numerous secluded rocky coves that dot this spectacular and beautiful coastline. The beaches along the south here have calmer waters than the western Atlantic coast, so are perfect for families with children.
For serious surfers, a visit to the Algarve's west coast is a must as the Atlantic Ocean creates perfect rolling waves for surfing. Praia da Arrifana, Praia da Bordeira and Praia do Amado are particularly popular beaches and we can help you find a surf school - the water around the western coastline can be quite challenging, so you newcomers and inexperienced surfers might be best to go out with a surf school to start off with.
The Algarve is a wonderful place to explore and the variety of excursions on offer highlight the amount that there is to see and do here - after all, it isn't just about beaches, there is so much more - jeep safaris, guided tours, quad-bike safaris, coach excursions, wine tasting events, concerts, the list is endless. Each excursion you go on will bring you a little bit closer to the real Algarve and will give you some fantastic memories to take home, which we hope will encourage you to come back and visit time after time.
We think this event deserves a special mention. It ranks as one of Europe's largest medieval festivals - you truly feel as if you are transported back in time as you roam the tiny cobbled streets of Silves during this festival. Expect to be approached by belly dancers, snake charmers, beggars, jesters and traders from far-off shores... and why not try spit roast hog and a mug of mead! This years event runs from the 8th-16th of August, so book early to avoid disappointment.
Slide & Splash (20 mins East)
Designed to be one of the best and most modern circuits in Europe, the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve hosts many regular national and international motorsport events including the World Superbike Championship, the World Endurance Championship, the Historic Festival, Touring Cars, GT Championship and many more. The development also offers Track Days and Taxi Experiences with support from their own Driving School, featuring many high performance Sports and Racing cars.
Zoomarine (40 mins East)
Kartódromo de Almancil / Almancil Karting (50 mins East)
Parque Zoológico de Lagos / Lagos Zoo (40 mins West)