Horse riding in the Algarve
There is an abundant selection of facilities for both horse riding and stabling across the Algarve. Below are a few of these establishments:
Pinetrees Riding Centre is a British run riding school in a 5 star holiday resort in Almancil. The team provides qualified riding teachers speaking many languages amongst them. The two arenas are used for dressage, jumping, beginners’ lessons, and ‘Riding for Disabled Riders’ sessions. The horses can cater for children and adults of up to 14 stone. Changing rooms with toilets and showers are on site and riding equipment is supplied.
Vale Ferros is a well equipped riding centre close to Portimão and Lagos, a short distance from the sea and beautiful sandy beaches of the Algarve. Programmes are designed for novices – ‘Learn to Ride’ – and for riders who seek a more intensive experience on horseback – ‘Discovery Trail’ – a true adventure with rides taking place in the mountains, on the beach, and on the plains of the Algarve, mainly within the Monchique Natural Park. Another programme provided is entitled ‘Dressage with Lusitano Stallions’.
Tiffany’s Riding Centre is situated in Almádena, on the outskirts of Lagos. It caters for all the family, including lead reins for tiny tots, beginners’ rides, hacks from 1 to 3 hours, and all day adventure trails through stunning scenery.
Trekking in the Algarve
Quinta de Paraíso Alto is one of the largest stables in the area. They offer a wide variety of quality rides and competition horses, and lessons from qualified instructors, rides to suit all standards, individuals or small groups, all through beautiful scenery with breath taking views. They also accept horses for livery and training.
Quinta do Lago Riding Centre has stabling for 26 horses and a large arena for show jumping and dressage. The staff caters for all standards, from novice to advanced riders. Quinta do Lago has miles of riding trails and the surrounding countryside and uncrowded beaches have much to offer the horseback explorer.
Red Horse Ranch, tucked away beneath the gently hills above Loulé, is the ideal base for horseback safaris. A 1 or 2 hour trek in the immediate surroundings of the ranch incorporates spectacular panoramic views of the coast and the Algarvean countryside. These short rides are suitable for the less experienced riders. For more experienced riders there is a choice of whole day, overnight, and week long treks.
Does it get any better?
Wildlife in the Algarve
The Algarve is a haven for an eclectic mix of wildlife species, many of which are sadly waning in numbers.
The Stork
The Algarve makes an ideal stopping point for migratory birds during the winter months. Storks are a common sight and often build their nests on church bell towers, chimneys, and other high buildings in town. The Parque Natural da Ria Formosa is considered the most important wildlife sanctuary in the Algarve. This natural reserve stretches along 40 miles and its rich ecosystem is ideal for the development of varied flora and fauna. The Ria Formosa lagoon was created by the last great earthquake in 1755 and has been a nature reserve since the mid-eighties, where sea water birds can find protected breeding places. Its lagoons, marshes, channels and islets are abundant in shellfish such as cockles, clams and oysters, and shelter a variety of birds such as flamingos, the cattle egret, white stork, oyster catchers, ibis, and cranes, to name but a few. Another nature reserve is that of Castro Marim, covering over 5 acres of land. The biggest attraction here is the large number of birds, especially aquatic birds. There are 153 species to spot including storks, avocets, sand pipers, mallards, and flamingos. This reserve is also home to many species of mollusc, fish, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals. A visitors’ centre at Cerro da Rocha provides literature and guided visits.
Portuguese water spaniel
The Portuguese water dog has long been associated with the Algarve and is now a regular character in the Ria Formosa National Park. The breed was long ago used by fishermen to work on the boats and was treated as much a part of the crew as the men, earning the right to their fair share of the catch. Renowned for its ability to swim, dive, and retrieve, they were used to herd fish, retrieve nets, and relay messages between the boats. This dog is highly intelligent and possesses incredible swimming and diving techniques, magninfied by its characteristic webbed feet. It also has the ability to detect sharks by staring into the water. As the number of working boats began to dwindle due to modern fishing techniques, so did the need for the water dog. Whilst this creature can still be found in the Algarve as a pet or working dog, it is still recognised as a rare breed. The kennel in the Ria Formosa Natural Park, near Olhão, specialises in this breed and gives visitors the opportunity to see and stroke the dogs, talk to their handlers, and learn more about the breed.The Iberian Lynx, the most endangered of the world’s 36 cat breeds, teeters on the edge of extinction. This cat is just over twice the size of a domestic cat but with longer legs. They have distinctive bob tails and tufts on the ear tips. An average adult can weigh up to 15kgs. Their ideal habitat is a mixture of mature Mediterranean scrub and forest, and open meadows in which to hunt. To avert the tragedy of extinction, the conservation organisation ‘SOS Lynx’ has been formed.
Dolphins in the Algarve
The Dolphin is a natural visitor to the shores of the Algarve. Dolphin watching boat trips provide visitors the chance to see the dolphin in its natural environment. Several companies run these trips from the marinas of Lagos and Portimão and Alvor Harbour.
Take the opportunity to appreciate the natural wildlife of the Algarve whilst you are here on holiday. After all, there is more to know of the Algarve than simply lying on one of its beautiful beaches.
Algarve Marinas – Chic waterfront living
The Portuguese have long been a maritime nation and the sea is in the blood of the Algarveans. For such a compact area of land, it enjoys a vast expanse of coastline. The climate and gentle waters of the Algarve ensure a pleasant voyage along its 150 kms of coastline, and the marinas and ports provide safe harbour and excellent facilities.
There are currently 5 marinas in the Algarve, all enjoying facilities such as restaurants and bars, and 3 future constructions in the pipeline including one in Ferragudo, one in Olhao and a second marina in Vilamoura.
Algarve waterfront property
VILAMOURA MARINA was the first in the Algarve. It features a working shipyard but is generally known as a vibrant, sparkling hub of entertainment within the tourist resort of Vilamoura. This marina is popular with local residents, tourists from over seas, and Portuguese holiday makers from outside the Algarve. It boasts many restaurants and a sprinkling of bars, including the bar owned by the Portuguese footballer Figo which has a football theme and shows all the big football matches on large screens. Vilamoura is also home to a marina and a nightclub, both open until the early hours, and many shops, and enjoys a lively, bustling atmosphere.
view properties for sale in the Vilamoura area, here.
ALBUFEIRA MARINA is a recent addition to the directory of marinas in the Algarve. Once seen, never forgotten, this marina is of a unique design involving an unusual use of pastel shades for the residences that line the bowl of the marina. Visitors can enjoy a few bars and restaurants but the marina is gradually building up its range of tenants so a more eclectic mix can be expected in the future. The marina is a stone’s throw from the bustling tourist town of Albufeira where you will find all the normal facilities associated with tourism, but if you look hard enough, some traces of the quaintness of the older Albufeira remain.
Algarve Marina
LAGOS MARINA has received many awards over the years and is currently titled a ‘5 Anchor Award’ marina. Within the marina you will find lots of residential, commercial, and leisure facilities, including health clubs, swimming pools, and adventure parks. The historical town of Lagos played an active part in creating the history of the world. It was from this port that the ‘caravelas’ of Prince Henry sailed to discover parts of our present world. The town has maintained a lot of its architectural charm and this, coupled with its popularity with the tourists, makes it a good location for food, drink, and entertainment.
PORTIMÃO MARINA, a neighbour of Lagos, features some 300 apartments, plenty of shops, a reserved beach, boating facilities with a shipyard, and a huge swimming complex. It is within walking distance of the beach of Praia da Rocha and the town of Portimão – a commercial area once known for its fish canning industry. The advantageous position of this marina provides excellent opportunities for wind surfing.
Algarve marina property
VILA REAL DE SANTO ANTONIA MARINA was opened in 1998. The port town itself was rebuilt in 1755 after a disastrous earthquake destroyed its previous buildings. Across the Guadiana River is the Spanish town of Ayamonte. This area also offers the opportunity to explore the Ria Formosa Natural Park. With many rare species of flora and fauna, this park covers some 60 kms of coastline and is home to rare breeds such as the Portuguese water dog.
Whether you are a boat lover or simply appreciate historical towns or modern nightlife, you are bound to find a marina on the Algarve where you can feel at home.
Algarve Beach Apartments
CABANAS: An excellent rental investment within walking distance to the waterfront and ferries to the beach. Currently under construction, this private condominium of 1 and 2 bedroom apartments is in a prime location just 100m from the waterfront and the fishing village of Cabanas. The apartments come with air conditioning, fully fitted kitchens, fitted wardrobes in the bedrooms, ample terrace areas, and underground parking. The complex is built around a tropical garden area which incorporates 2 private swimming pools. Some limited off plan properties are available.
BENAGIL: This unique development of 49 x 2 bedroom townhouses is in a prime cliff top location in this small but beautiful fishing village. Specifications include fully equipped kitchens with Zanussi appliances, double glazing, security entrance door with intercom, pre-installation for air conditioning, and an electric safe. The development has a communal swimming pool, parking, and automatic irrigation, and each townhouse benefits from a spacious roof terrace with sea views.
CARVOEIRO: This development consists of 80 x 2 bedroom townhouses in a great cliff top location close to the centre of Carvoeiro. The houses are sold fully furnished and with air conditioning, satellite T.V, and fitted kitchens, and many enjoy sea views. Facilities include tennis courts, communal swimming pool, gymnasium, health club, restaurant, and discounts on nearby golf courses. Quarter share options are available from just €49,500.
LAGOS: This luxury 5 star spa and beach resort is situated between Lagos and Praia da Luz, overlooking the picturesque Porto de Mós beach. The development comprises 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments and penthouses, spa bedroom suites, and 2 bedroom townhouses, the majority with sea views. All are surrounded by beautiful secluded landscaped gardens with a bar and restaurant. The leisure facilities include a 5 star health and beauty spa, hydrotherapy pool, sauna and steam rooms, gymnasium, aerobics studio, 1 indoor and 4 outdoor swimming pools, and 2 tennis courts.
Lagos development
LAGOS: This new development can be found just a few steps away from the town walls of Lagos and its historical centre, with breathtaking views of Lagos’s natural bay and sandy beaches. The development features a commercial zone, swimming pool, private parking and ample green spaces. The apartment comes with fully fitted kitchens, pre installation for air conditioning and with high quality wood finishings.
LAGOS: This private electric-gated condominium consisting of only 15 apartments is in an amazing location, just 100 metres from the beach. The heart of the apartments – the kitchen and living room – was designed in an open plan style and exudes space and light. The contemporary fixtures and fittings are of a very high standard with feature doors and furnishings. The ‘pièce de résistance’ of these apartments is a most beautiful communal roof top terrace, complete with heated swimming pool. The views are simply stunning – the longest stretch of beach in the Algarve, Meia Praia, over to the Monchique Mountains, and along the coast to Alvor and Portimão. The apartments also feature: elevator, satellite T.V, air conditioning, luxury kitchen with appliances, double glazing, electric shutters, and pre-installation for central heating, central vacuum system, and surround sound system.
PRAIA DA LUZ: Close to the heart of Praia da Luz and less than 200 metres from the beach, this complex comprises luxury studio apartments and 1 & 2 bedroom apartments. All the apartments are fully equipped with under floor heating, satellite TV, and a central vacuum system. The underground parking comes with a large amount of storage space. Leisure facilities include gymnasium, aerobics studio, indoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, café, bar, and restaurant. There is a poolside snack bar, a multi purpose sports area for tennis, basket ball and football, a playground, and outdoor swimming pools for both adult and children.
BURGAU: This brand new development of apartments with high quality finishings is ideally situated in the small fishing village of Burgau, just minutes away from the small bay and cafés and restaurants. The apartments benefit from private parking, a communal swimming pool, and some have sea views. Additional features include air conditioning, double glazing, and pre-installation of central vacuum system and surround sound system.
Penina, Portimao
Built in 1966, the 18-hole par 73 Championship Algarve Golf Course is Sir Henry Cotton’s masterpiece – the course by which he wished to be remembered. Originally paddy fields for rice growing rice has been converted into a flat challenging course and especially for the stronger player. Something short of half a million shrubs and trees were planted in the conversion. As the fairways are flat Henry Cotton introduced strategically placed water hazards to catch the unwary long hitter. This Championship Golf Course was the first course in the Algarve and it has been ranked ever since amongst Europe Top 100.
The resort also encompasses two 9-hole facilities, The Resort Course, a pleasant Par 35 with 2,987 metres; and The Academy Course, a Par 30 with 1,851 metres. The Hotel rises above the 360 acre wooded estate, providing beautiful views of the golf course and lush countryside with the backdrop of the Monchique range.
While Le Meridien Penina is recognised for its golf courses, it also offers an amazing range of other sporting and leisure facilities, with a choice of training programmes for all ages and abilities. These include a FIFA-sized football pitch, jogging circuit, Olympic size swimming pool and fitness studios with sauna and massage services, while The Tennis Academy has six floodlit courts and a resident pro. The Penguin Village is both fun and educational, where children are occupied while parents may relax or practice their favourite sport. A courtesy hotel shuttle runs to Alvor Beach in summer, where a private area is available for clients, equipped with sun lounges, shades and towel service.
Portimao is the Algarve’s main fishing port and both the fishing industry and tourist fishing trips thrive here. You’ve a choice of divine Algarve beaches around the location, including one of the best beaches on the Algarve – Praia da Rocha. There are historic buildings and stylish architecture as well as the new Algarve villas and additionally Portimao also benefits from a developing new marina offering a choice of more chic restaurants, bars and shops.
