ACTIVITIES
ENDLESS BEACHES
The southwest coast offers a seemingly endless variety of unique sandy beaches that are among the most beautiful in the country. Wide. Wild. Untouched. And none like the other. Some can only be reached by gravel roads or on foot. The choice is huge, ranging from vast sandy beaches to small coves hidden between cliffs and rocks. Who would have thought that there are SUCH beaches in Europe?!
SURFING
Portugal not only has great beaches, but also some of the best surf spots in the world. Surfers of all categories get their money's worth here. Whether beginner or pro - there is a beach for everyone. The southwest coast also offers several options for windsurfers and kitesurfers. There is no other coast in the whole world that offers so many spots in such a short distance as in Portugal.
SURFLESSONS FOR CHILDREN
Constantly breaking waves and standing depth in the water. It couldn't be better for the little ones. Even the smallest ones (from approx. 6 years) have quick success and great fun here.
Details here.
BODYBOARDING
Great fun for young and old. With the "little brother" of the surfboard, you can have great wave fun quickly and easily. Put on your wetsuit, get on the board and let the next wave wash you ashore with a roar.
COSTA VICENTINA NATURE RESERVE
Being on the southwest coast in a nature reserve, the Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina - one of the best preserved coastlines in Europe - you are surrounded by fascinating fauna and flora, such as the rare ospreys or white storks, which nest in sea cliffs only on this coast worldwide.
HORSE RIDING
A coastal or beach horseback ride is an unforgettable experience and is offered in various versions. Breathtaking views make the happiness of this earth on horseback perfect.
HIKING
Hiking over cliffs with a donkey as your companion is just one of the many ways to enjoy the magnificent nature. Along the Rota Vicentina there are wonderful hiking routes of various kinds. Whether in a group or alone, guided or with a donkey, or simply as a day hike - here everyone will find the right path and sometimes a little more.
BIKING
One of the most beautiful coastal landscapes in Europe invites you to take incomparable cycling tours. Along roads with little traffic and scenic routes, you will be rewarded with magnificent views of golden sandy beaches and picturesque cliffs.
SUNDOWNERS
That leaves no one cold. The breathtaking sunsets on the west coast are spectacular and moving. When the sun bends towards the ocean, surrounded by rock faces, no one misses it. Surfers, joggers, families, lovers, friends - they all come for the sunset. Almost reverently, often with a Sagres in hand, they toast to life and the beauty of the earth.
PURE NATURE
An absolute highlight is the unique lagoon landscape Parque Natural da Ria Formosa in the southern Algarve, with many rare animal species, the world's largest seahorse population and flamingos. The Serra di Monchique mountains offer idyllic mountain villages, springs and river courses, with picturesque deciduous forests interspersed with eucalyptus and pine trees. The groves full of cork oaks are particularly beautiful.
The impressive caves and rock formations of the Ponta da Piedade around Lagos can be explored on foot or by water. By boat, kayak or stand-up paddleboard.
LISSABON
The beautiful capital is only a good three-hour drive away and always worth a trip. Built on the slopes above the Tagus River, Lisboa reveals its beauty in Roman and Moorish cathedrals, wide squares, the typical tiled facades of the country, magnificent buildings from seafaring times, excellent gastronomy and picturesque alleys.
LAGOS
If you imagine a perfect tourist town by the sea, Lagos (pronounced Lahgusch) is the answer. Sailboats in the gleaming marina, small cobblestone streets full of restaurants and little shops, picturesque squares and churches plus a vibrant nightlife are all worth a visit. It's hard to imagine a more beautiful stroll in the southwest.
SIGHTSEEING
The choice here is huge. The lighthouse at Cabo de Sao Vicente, the most south-westerly point in Europe, and the neighbouring headland of Ponta de Sagres, where Henry the Navigator built his famous maritime school in the 15th century, are just some of the attractions. Furthermore, towns like Portimao, Silves, Tavira, Faro or Odeceixe, beautiful churches with the typical azulejos (ceramic tiles), handicrafts in potteries, for castle lovers the Castelo de Aljezur and much more.
SHOPPING
For those who can actually tear themselves away from the natural beauty to buy souvenirs, the following is recommended. Besides first-class (port) wines and beautiful (fish) tins, each of which is a small work of art in its own right, you can take a bit of Portugal home with you with stylish ceramics.