GO See - GO Do

What you need to see and where you need to be seen

There’s never a shortage of things to see and do whilst you're in the Algarve.

Zoomarine

Promoting environmental knowledge, preservation and education in a fun and exciting way is the order of the day at Zoomarine. One of the Algarve´s biggest attractions spectacular shows include: Dolphins in Motion, a breath-taking demonstration of the dolphins’ agility, intelligence and the special bond they have with their trainers. The Magic Book, a pantomime performed by seals, sea lions, The Enchanted Forest, a slap stick show with tropical birds and Sweeping the Skies, a dramatic and educational birds of prey display. There’s also an aquarium and 4D cinema plus fairground rides. For a once in a lifetime experience, you can swim with the dolphins which includes an educational talk. Adults and children alike will enjoy a priceless experience that touches the heart and stimulates the mind.
www.zoomarine.pt/

Slide and Splash

Billed as the best water park in Europe and great for children of all ages.
There’s an Olympic sized pool. There are masses of slides to choose from. For an adrenaline rush try the Kamikaze and The Bonzai or the less daunting plunge pools, elephant slides, tunnel and wide lane slides. For the safety conscious you’ll be happy to know that each slide has lifeguards constantly present. Additional facilities include a 25,000m of grass entertainment area, self service restaurant, snack bar, ice cream parlour and souvenir shop. You can also hire out sun loungers, parasols and lockers.
www.slidesplash.com/

International Sand Sculptures Festival

A must see is the annual offering of spectacular sandcastles in Pera, Central Algarve.
From 22nd May until 22nd October 2009, this is the only event of its kind in the Iberian peninsula and the largest in the world. Each year the festival is dedicated to a different theme. It occupies an area of 15,000 square metres and showcases the skilful and intricate work of artists of various nationalities. In preparation for the festival the artists shape over 35,000 tons of sand during just one month!

During the day the sculptures can be admired in all their infinite detail and at night there’s a varied programme of live music, theatre, dance and circus acts.
www.fiesa.org/

Boat Trips and Yacht Charters

When you go on a boat trip or cruise you'll benefit from the crew's local knowledge- where the biggest fish are to be caught, where the dolphins feed, where the best photos can be taken, where the sun sets over the cliffs. All the inside info!

Being out on the sea always works up an appetite and the crews can rustle up a barbecue on the pristine beach or can take you to some great local restaurants. Many boat trips and cruises offer extra activities such as snorkelling, swimming, water skiing, jet skiing, dolphin watching or fishing or you can just take in the views and relax in the sunshine.
www.southwestcharters.com

Sightseeing Boat trips

Lagos lends itself to interesting boat trips with shoals of dolphins, breath taking views, intriguing grottoes and caves to explore, excellent fishing and bird watching. You'll find a wide choice of craft including small sailing boats, RIBs, catamarans, power boats and traditional fishing boats. If you're interested in Portugal's maritime history, or you’ve got a wannabe pirate in the family, you can even take a trip on a schooner or caravela.
www.bomdia-boattrips.com www.dolphinseafaris.com

Skippered Yachts

Lagos marina is full of gleaming yachts so for an indulgent day out, you can join a pre-arranged cruise or charter a motor or sailing yacht privately. From the luxury of champagne cruises to the romance of sunset cruises each is designed to take in the best of the western Algarve’s coast.

Licensed Sailors

If you have an appropriate sailing license, insurance and proof of identity then you can hire a yacht bareback or with crew. It is best to contact the sailing company before hand to discuss your exact requirements and the rules and regulations.

Autódromo Internacional do Algarve

The Algarve’s state of the art motor park is designed to be one of the best and most modern multi-functional race circuits in Europe, the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve has 64 possible layouts, including those approved by FIA for Formula 1 and FIM for Superbikes. Located in Sítio do Escampadinho, Mexilhoeira Grande, it’s approximately about 5 kilometres north of the A22 Algarve motorway, just a 10-minute drive from Lagos and is set to attract about one million new visitors per year to the Algarve. Covering an area of 300 hectares, the natural terrain has ensured the creation of a unique circuit, with accentuated undulations, curves and straights, which follow each other at an exciting rhythm.

The circuit holds 100,000 spectators and stands boast spectacular views with standing room at various vantage points around the track. Aside from the infrastructures for sports use, there are leisure areas and entertainment with ample parking and a wide range of activities and commercial services. A multi-purpose karting circuit will represent major innovations and be home to the first Race Academy in Portugal, set to become a breeding ground for the next generation of racing competitors with driving and racing schools. This new racing and sports facility will boost the economy of the Algarve, provide direct employment for some 1,500 people and bring unparalleled publicity to the region and the country. Competitive races will be broadcast worldwide on more than 80 television channels reaching more than 2 billion viewers.
www.autodromodoalgarve.com

Microlight Flights

Microlight aircraft are as close as it gets to flying like a bird. What can be more breathtaking than skimming the clouds and watching the Western Algarve coastline glide along below you? Lagos Aerodrome is run by Gerry Breen. Check the British Microlight Aircraft Association web site and dotted throughout the historical pages you’ll find Gerry constantly mentioned for all his accomplishments. He was the very first person to coin the word ‘microlight'. A mind-blowing thrill yet very safe and you'll be transported into a totally unique dimension.

Trial flights, lessons and courses are available from Monday to Saturday with a selection of flight duration times from 10 to 60 minutes. Gift vouchers are available and a first flight certificate or pilot's logbook is included.
www.gerrybreen.com

Lagos Zoo

This zoo is a unique cultural and educational resource welcoming all in the Western Algarve Region. Thousands of visitors enjoy its many treasures in a safe, family-friendly, fun environment with 120 species of animals, primates and birds and over 300 plants from five continents are all thriving in naturalistic habitats. Facilities include a bar and restaurant, playground, educational area, veterinary clinic, events garden and a shop.
www.zoolagos.com

Ciência Viva

This interactive science and technology museum has opened to offer kids a breath of fresh air. Here it’s forbidden NOT to touch. The emphasis is on learning by doing. Active investigation abounds between children and their parents. Instead of silence, this children's museum hums floor to ceiling with enthusiastic dialogue as families play and learn with a sense of adventure and amazement. The exhibition is devoted to the history and culture of Portuguese seafarers, “the Age of Discoveries” and its influence on civilization. It’s an imposing reminder of the crucial role the Portuguese played in pushing back the horizons of the world. Lagos shipyards built and launched Prince Henry’s caravels. In 1415 a giant fleet set sail from Lagos to seize Ceuta in Morocco which set the stage of transforming seabourne exploration from a groping process to a science.
www.cm-lagos.pt

Karting Almancil

A total leisure and competition complex available to all lovers of the racing sport: Inaugurated by the late Ayrton Senna, the main track is a 760m length replica of a former Formula One Brazilian race track. There’s an Adult Track (160cc, 390cc and 400cc), Junior Track (120cc), Babies Track (Mini F1), Rodeo, Trampolines, Mini Boats, Indoor Mini Z, Mechanical bull, and a snack-Bar open all day. The centre receives over 250,000 visitors every year and is the perfect place to spend some quality time with your family, friends or colleagues and show your competitive spirit!

Algarve Jeep Safari’s

Guaranteed to be one of the best days out during your stay in the Algarve. It’s fun, informative and takes you to corners of the Algarve that you would never find on your own. Travel in 4 X 4 jeeps, to explore the white-washed villages, learn about local flora and fauna and traditional harvesting of cork. Sample local produce such as honey and medronho, the firewater of the Algarve made from arbutus berries and stop for lunch at an adega for chicken piri-piri.
www.portitours.pt/entrada.php?lang=en

Horse riding

If you exchange horsepower for a real thoroughbred, you can best experience the Western Algarve and it’s breathtaking scenery and wildlife.

Quinta do Paraiso Alto is approved by the Portuguese Equestrian federation and the Association of British Riding Schools and they make safety paramount. BSA hats can be supplied as well as boots and chaps if required and the centre has comprehensive insurance for riders. Open 7 days a week they offer a host of services, from lessons, pony rides, 1-2 hour hacks, lunchtime picnic and evening restaurant rides as well as full holidays with accommodation. They also hold competitions, events and on a Saturday morning they hold a children’s pony club.

Quinta do Paraiso Alto offers an excellent standard of horses and equipment, superb scenery and knowledgeable guides happy to help the novice as well as guide the experienced rider.

Holistic horseriding

3km from Barão de São João, a deserted track leads you to Vinha Velha, an organic farm set in beautiful open valley bordered by gentle rolling hills and the Mata National park. Ex Olympic horse trainer Andreas Endries and his partner Antonia Lehrach run a holistic riding project. Lessons start with grooming and tacking up and you'll learn to watch for signs from the horse. This is followed by a trip to the ‘picadero’ where you start with exercises related to tai chi and yoga that focus on your balance and breathing. It’s only after this you start to lead the horse and work on posture. As well as private riding lessons for adults, there are fun themed days and adventure camps for children, as well as trail rides and trips to the West Coast
www.holistic-riding.com