There is a real variety of sporting activities and pastimes that you can try in the Algarve. Lessons in all watersports are available in the Algarve region of Portugal. As always safety comes first with all water sport activities. There are several very experienced watersport instructors along the Algarve coastline. The Algarve offers snorkelers and scuba divers excellent opportunities along the coastline, especially in areas where the cliffs are high and some of the beaches are rocky, such as Armacao de Pera and also down towards Sagres. See Planning Your Holiday for more information about sporting pastimes in the Algarve.

Sailing facilities in the Algarve range from small junior dinghies to yacht hire. Beach clubs that offer sailing dinghies for hire can be found at most of the major beaches including Albufeira, Vale Do Lobo and Vilamoura.The Algarve is one of Europe's most popular destinations for golfing holidays, with many world class courses to choose from. The region has 29 courses, and some of them are renowned throughout the world for their challenging terrain and beautiful surroundings.

It is not surprising that the Algarve is one of the world's most popular destinations for golfing holidays. With fantastic climate of 300 days of sunshine a year, it is one of the few areas of Europe with all year round golf appeal, not too mention the best golf courses. Some of Europe's best surf beaches can be found in the Algarve's coast beaches, which are within 10 minutes drive of Guia and Casa Romantica. The wind is usually off shore and the big rollers cascade in from the open Atlantic on most days of the year. Specialist surf schools in the Albufeira and Carveoiro area offer different courses in both surfing and bodyboarding depending on experience.

Paddle through crystal clear waters to discover hidden beaches, grottos and caves on the Portugal coastline.The facilities available in the Algarve allows you to swim, snorkel and relax reading a book or painting a picture all in one single holiday.

With its gently shelving beaches and warm air currents, the Algarve has drawn visitors to its sun-drenched shores for years. The coastline is simply beautiful - long stretches of golden sands are washed by refreshing seas and sandstone cliffs seclude delighful bays. For a more up-tempo holiday, horse riding, golf and watersports are in abundance, while wooded hills offer beautiful walking terrain. Whatever you want to do, you can create your own adventure, beginning your journey by the coast, where centuries-old fishing villages climb up into beautiful countryside dotted with carob and almond-trees. Make for the hills with a picnic and explore the hidden beauty as you wander through the olive groves and terracotta-roofed villages. Or simply spend your days unwinding, lazily soaking up the sun on the beach.

Many of the resorts across the Algarve are superb for scuba diving and snorkeling; others are ideal for activities above the water, such as sailing, waterskiing and windsurfing. You can take a PADI diving course if you want to learn whilst you are away on holiday.

Bicycle hire is a great way to explore the Algarve. Many local councils in the region have created bicycle lanes and marked routes along the coast and through the countryside.

For more information on holiday activities in the Algarve please go our links section where you will find some useful contacts details.