Sports and Activities near Villa Alfarroba

Sporting enthusiasts are particularly well catered for in Albufeira and activities such as tennis, golf and water sports, horse riding and cycling and much more are available to everybody, from experienced sportsmen to those wishing to try the activities for the first time.

Golfing

These days Portugal is as famous for the quality of its growing number of golf courses as for its rolling sandy beaches and 300 days of sunshine. There are more than 20 top quality, 18 hole courses on the Algarve, many of them around the towns of Albufeira and Almansil, about 20 minutes from Faro airport.

Swimming

Complex - 4 large communal pools
Sea - the beach at Albufeira is only 2Km away and a host of other beautiful beaches and coves are within easy reach.

Sailing

There is a large, popular marina in Albufeira.

Fishing

Sea Fishing

The locals fish off the pier at Albufeira Fisherman's Beach. Hire boats are available for big game fishing from Albufeira and Vilamoura marinas.

Freshwater Fishing

Freshwater fishing is not a big sport in the Algarve and licences are required. In reservoirs (the Arade is the nearest), there are Black Bass, Carp, Perch and Eels. In the rivers, notably the Guardiana, you can catch Mullet and Lampreys.

Scuba Diving

Scuba diving and other water sports can also be arranged from the marinas.

Horseriding

There are several riding schools within easy reach, see the Gids Tourist Guide.

Tennis

Tennis courts can be booked by the hour, either at one of the specialist centres with professional coaches on hand, or at any of the hundreds of private courts.

Bowling

There is a bowling green at Clube Praia d'Oura, at the end of the famous strip in Montechoro. Visitors are always welcome and prices, including hire of woods, are reasonable.

Walking

The area is a rambler's paradise, with stunning coastal walks and beautiful inland routes, especially in Spring when an abundance of wild flowers are in bloom. There are two excellent walking books with maps at the villa for your use, giving detailed instructions for a variety of different walks.

Bicycle Hire

Bicycles can be hired locally from :

• Easy Rider, Avenida da Liberdade n.º 115 8200 Albufeira Tel: 289501102 Fax: 289541078 easy.rider@netc.pt, 300m north of the old town square.
• Cycle hire shop next to Mary Ann's behind the Kilt & Kelt, just off the strip.

Water Parks

Great fun for the whole family - just a short drive away (one to the west, near Porches, another to the east near Almancil). They may be closed during the winter months. Details from the reception or local Tourist Office.

Zoo

The largest Zoo in the Algarve is near Lagos.

Zoomarine

Near Guia, is a superb ocean theme park, the best in southern Europe. It offers great entertainment and education for children and adults alike, with super shows and exhibitions featuring dolphins, seals, sharks, parrots, crocodiles and other species.

Winery visits

Adega do Cantor 968 776 971

For people interested in wine and/or Sir Cliff Richards this winery is a must, situated within 5 minutes drive of the villa directly behind Algarve Shopping Complex. The winery shop is open Monday to Friday, normal shopping hours. Bookings for winery tours, costing €7.50 per person, should be made on the phone.