Breadcrumb Trail
Activities
Here are a few suggestions for days out if you are bored with "chilling" by the pool!
Oasis Parque is a good central place from which to the local area. To the far West there is Sagres with lovely beaches.
Just 20 minutes drive away to the West is Lagos with its lovely marina, town and numerous places to eat and drink. Take the little train which runs from just near the footbridge which will will take you to the cliff top where there are stunning views right back to Portimao. There are some potteries on the way to Lagos which are worth a visit.
Alvor is a 10 minute drive and here you will find a beautiful beach and little cobbled streets with numerous shops and restaurants. Alvor is the place to watch the sunset whilst sipping cocktail before dining in one of the restaurants. This is a nice way to finish a relaxing day in the sun.
Portimao has some quality shops and the walk along the quay is very pleasant. You could always have lunch in one of the "Sardine Restaurants" just under the bridge. Fresh fish by the kilo is displayed here. The beaches of Praia de Rocha and Praia du Vau are worth a visit too.
Monchique is a must. It takes approximately half an hour to drive there and you can sit in the little square with a beer or a coffee watching the world go by. If you drive on beyond Monchique for a further 20 minutes you come to Foia where you will be rewarded with the most wonderful views stretching for miles, but it has to be a clear day. There is a café/restaurant and a gift shop there.
To the East there is Carvoeiro with its little coves. Here you can sit in the square and enjoy the sunshine or ask a fisherman to take you on a trip to the caves. Further on at Guia there is Algarve Shopping with plenty of designer shops and a food hall. Also, there is a retail park where there is a Nike factory shop.
Albufeira has beaches and shopping. There is also nightlife here, but it is a little commercialised by comparison.
Further east there is Vilamoura with its large marina surrounded by eateries and shops. This is well worth a visit.
About an hours drive on the A22 from Oasis Parque is Tavira. This is a very pleasant place to spend a good part of a day and if you drive for just a few kilometres more you will cross the Spanish border.
There are numerous other places to visit and plenty of trips available.
