Adventuring in The Algarve

The Algarve is the perfect destination for anyone wanting a little bit more from their holiday. With a wide range of activities available, you can have your choice of fun in the sun and then relax on one of the many golden beaches that surround the coast giving you the best of both worlds. And with cheap flights to Faro available throughout the year, there’s nothing to stop you heading off for the time of your life.

Located in Southern Portugal, The Algarve is the most popular tourist destination in the country and it’s easy to see why with its 300 days of sunshine throughout the year! It has everything you would want in a getaway: wonderful beaches, a Mediterranean climate and all at a low cost price. Faro, the Algarve’s capital, is located right on the southern tip of the country and is a wonderful place to base yourself from. Stay near to the harbour, where the old walled city is located as the atmosphere is incredible and gives a real sense of the Portuguese way of life.

For some adventure, you really are spoilt here. With so many beaches lying on the coast, surfing in its many forms is widely available. The seas here are perfect for surfing throughout the year and whilst the waves aren’t as big on the southern coast as they are on the west coast, the seas here are quieter than their more tourist west-coast neighbours. Waves do swell through the winter months if you do want to hit the water at the best possible time. A great place to head for is Albufeira, just 45km from Faro. Not only is it a great tourist destination, it also is great for surfing and kite surfing, with lessons available for all levels of expertise. For some underwater adventure, head to Portimao which is along the coast from Faro. Here there are some fantastic dive sites and it’s perfect for snorkelling too. Fishing is popular here also and you can take trips out to sea for some deep-sea fishing or for a relaxing cruise to spot the dolphins that live in the waters around the coast.

If you’re not too keen on the water, there are many land activities for you to try your hand at in The Algarve. The Monchinque Mountains are just over 66km away from Faro and here you can explore to your heart’s content through the lush forests and look out at the stunning views below. Mountain biking and quad biking is available here and is the perfect terrain to enjoy. It’s well worth researching quad biking before you travel and booking onto a Quad bike tour from Albufeira. If the views take your breath away, look into paragliding over the hills and beaches of the Algarve coast. You can also enjoy the beaches themselves by going blo-karting which is popular in Sagres, a town located an hour away from Faro. For something more sedate, the beaches are perfect for a spot of horse riding.

Natalie Likness' love of travel was introduced to her from an early age due to a trip abroad before she was even born! Having close family and making friends across the world, she has continued to travel ever since.