Algarve holidays with beach and golf

Discover the Algarve, region of sun and sea, golf and hills..

The Algarve is a treasure trove in shades of blue and green. Of sea and golf, of rivers and hills. But it is also a treasure of stone ochre, whitewashed houses, a treasure chest rich in oranges and almond trees, carob and strawberry trees, in sea but also in rivers such as the Guadiana and Arade, in plains and ranges of hills, such as those of Monchique and Caldeirão, made even more precious by its Formosa Estuary which guards in its borders an ecosystem unique in the world. No, the Algarve is not just beach. But the beaches of the Algarve are its pulsating heart, beating strongly and pumping blood into all the other regions of its body. They are the air that allows it to breathe, the oxygen that makes it the most important tourist region of Portugal and one of the most famous of Europe.

The Algarve also offers activities for all tastes – and at all times of the year. Golf is one of the most sought after. With courses unique in the world, framed in a special type of nature, surrounded by an unrivalled tranquility, golf is enjoyed by players of all handicaps. From the Sotavento (eastern downwind) to the Barlavento (western upwind), along the approximately 200 kilometres of the southern coast of Mainland Portugal, there are numerous golf championship courses, some of which have already received the best professional players of the world and been the stage of important tournaments of this sport. Close to the shoreline or in the hinterland, the architects of the fields have skilfully perfected the design of the layouts, making the most of the spectacular natural surroundings. Some of the best courses of Europe, greatly appreciated both by amateurs and professionals, are at Quinta do Lago, Vilamoura, Vale do Lobo, Tavira, Albufeira, Portimão or Lagos.

For those arriving by boat, there are four marinas with modern infrastructures capable of receiving boats of all sizes and formats. The oldest is Vilamoura Marina, with the others being located at Albufeira, Portimão and Lagos. This southern region of Portugal also hosts different international sports events. The World Championship of Formula 1 Powerboat Racing is held every year at Portimão and, in 2009, the city became part of the Sailing Audi MedCup Circuit when it held the Trophy of Portugal - City of Portimão. Very close by, the new Algarve International Circuit, with a Formula 1 racing track, regularly hosts various motor vehicle competitions and rounds.

And then there's the climate. Balmy, temperate, exceptional, cool in the winter, hot in summer. A great enticement for many who finally decide to move here definitively. About two hours by car from Lisbon or Seville and the main European capitals, with direct flights from Faro International Airport, travelling to the Algarve is easy and creates millions of stories to tell. From the more rural traditions to the architecture, from the grilled fish to the food of the hills, from the increasingly more prestigious wines to the outdoor terraces overlooking the sea, from its landscapes to the people. Difficult to be indifferent.

Salgados Lagoon - Nature Reserve

This is one of the wetlands of greatest ornithological interest in the Algarve. Its importance for various bird species is of national and international renown. The area regularly receives a high diversity of aquatic birds, where over 40 to 50 species may be observed in a single day. This is one of the most important zones of the country for the Western Swamphen, it is the only location of reproduction of the Ferruginous Duck, the nesting place of over 20 species, such as the Wading Bird, the Avocet, the Little Tern, the Snowy Egret, the Common Pochard, the Northern Shoveller, and one of the few regular nesting areas in Portugal of fives species of anatidae. This is the wintering site of over 1200 aquatic birds, such as the Spoonbill, the Flamingo; this is the hunting grounds of the Peregrine Falcon in the winter and the Booted Eagle in migrations. Relatively rare species in Portugal regularly gather here, such as the Squacco Heron, the Bare-faced Ibis, the Audouin's Gull, Gull-billed Tern, among others.
This is Salgados Lagoon, close to Herdade dos Salgados, one of the most beautiful Nature Reserves of Portugal, an important area for birds and one of the most popular places for bird watching in the Algarve, recognised by BirdLife International, ideal for observing bird life and visited by thousands of foreigners who come to our country precisely for this purpose.
Around 150 species have been recorded here, in particular the Wading Bird, Purple Swamphen, Grey Heron, Flamingo and Ferruginous Duck, which see in this place the only location of the country in which to build their nest. We are, therefore, in a sacred place, a site to respect and be respected, to observe and enjoy to its full, to extol the wonders of nature.

Salgados Beach (Albufeira)

Extensive sandy stretch, warm and crystalline water and a natural paradise right alongside. Salgados Beach is certainly special. Close to Albufeira, in the continuation of the sands of Praia Grande, east of Salgados Lagoon and at the end part of Ribeira de Espiche. Crossing the estuary zone of Ribeira de Espiche, which sporadically communicates with the sea, the Praia Grande nature path can be strolled along, where information is given on the flora and fauna of the dune fields and Salgados Lagoon. Salgados Beach is highly sought after due to these unusual features: a sandy stretch running along a coastal lagoon populated temporarily by migratory birds. The accesses and car parks, the bars, restaurants and other structures supporting the beach of good taste and quality encourage the affluence. An ideal beach for long strolls along the beach, so long that Armação de Pêra can be reached on foot by the sand.

This beach has infrastructure which includes:
- Restaurant - Bar (does not belong to the hotel)
- Parking
- Showers
- Bathrooms
- Lifeguard
- Hire of sun loungers
- Hire of nautical sports
- Information board
- Accessible to people with constrained mobility

Praia da Galé Oeste (Albufeira)

Its brand image are the rocky outcrops emerging from the sand. Around 1.2 kilometres long, Galé (Oeste) Beach has an extensive sandy area and clam water, a well conserved dune system, a wooden walkway as a footpath. Bathing in the coves carved out among the rocks is the most delightful aspect of this beach. Irresistible.

Galé Oeste Beach has infrastructure which includes:
- Bar (does not belong to the hotel)
- Parking
- Showers
- Bathrooms
- Lifeguard
- Hire of sun loungers
- Information board
- Accessible to people with constrained mobility