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| Algarve Local Reference INFOrmation
Information on the facilities in the Algarve for outdoors activities: walks, hikes and cycling activities in the area.
The Algarve is a suitable location for a range of outdoor activities due to its mild Mediterranean climate and varied terrain. Sports such as golf, hiking and walking, climbing, fishing and water sports are available all year round. Natural Reserves and ParksThere are two natural parks and one nature reserve in the Algarve region. Parque Natural da Ria FormosaSituated approximately 11 kilometres from Faro, the Ria Formosa nature park covers 18,000 hectares of wetland, beach and the Formosa estuary. It is a sanctuary primarily for birds, but also has fish, crustaceans, amphibians, mammals and reptiles. Species include the Purple Gallinule, Mediterranean Chameleon, European Pond Terrapin and Great Flamingo. There are also kennels for Portuguese Water dogs. Visitors to the park can follow the São Lourenço or Quinta do Lago nature trails. The São Lourenço is approximately 3 Km long and takes the walker past salt marshes and freshwater lagoons. The Quinta do Lago crosses both woodland and marsh areas. The park is accessible by road or ferry from Faro and Olhão.
Parque Natural do SW Alentejano e Costa VicentineThis park covers 74,415 hectares in western Algarve and offers views of the coastline of Sines, Odemira, Aljezur and Vila do Bispo. It encompasses beaches, estuaries and the small islands of Pessegueiro and Carrpateira. There is an array of wild and plant life contained in the park. Reserva Natural de Sapal de Castro Marim e Vila Real de Santo AntónioLocated in the eastern region of the Algarve, this nature reserve covers 2089 acres of land including a wetlands and hills. It is the natural habitat for 153 different species of aquatic birds such as flamingos, storks, plovers and redshanks and numerous species of mollusc, fish, reptiles, crustaceans and amphibious creatures. A variety of flora and birds of prey can also be found. The nature reserve is open to the public and the visitors centre at Cerro da Rocha offers routes and information on how best to explore the area. There is a 6km nature trail within the park which takes approximately 2 hours to complete and allows walkers to view a range of scenery and birdlife.
Walking & HikingThere are so many sites to go walking in Portugal and the list is literally endless. Portuguese tourist offices (Postos do Turismo) in each area have suggested lists of pathways and routes. There are routes along the coast and around the Serra do Monchique which are suitable for walking.
The Portuguese Camping and Mountaineering Federation (Federação de Campismo e Montanhismo de Portugal) has information on clubs and hiking areas in Portugal.
Climbing & MountaineeringClimbing and mountaineering are becoming increasingly popular in the Algarve and more and more climbing locations are being developed. Rocha da Pena, near Salir, is the primary location to practice this sport. Cape St Vincent is also suitable for climbing. The Algarve Mountaineering and Climbing Association has information on climbing in the Algarve area.
Cycling and Mountain BikingThere are few cycling paths in urban areas of the Algarve. Mountain biking is more popular and the region offers a number of routes for off road cycling. Mountain biking territory includes the hills and coastal areas between Faro, Vila Real, Tavira, Silves and Lagos. Lists of suitable tracks and routes are available from tourist and park offices. Several companies organise bike excursions into Alcoutim, the forest of Alcoutim and the hills of the Serra do Caldeirão.
Horse RidingPortugal has a strong riding tradition and there are many private companies, clubs and stables across the region. The combination of beaches, hills and woods attract many horse riders to the Algarve. Bensafrim, near Lagos, is considered particularly picturesque for horse riding treks. Other hacking areas include the Vale do Lobo, Quinta do Lago, Silves, Estói, Evora and west Portimão.
Canoeing and KayakingCanoeing and kayaking are popular sports both inland and along the coast of the Algarve. Recognised canoeing territories include the River Guadiana (especially between the river mouth and Alcoutim), the River Arade, the Ria Formosa Natural Park canals and the Alvor estuary.
WatersportsThe numerous beaches and easy access to the Atlantic ocean mean that there are a variety of watersports available in the Algarve. Many beaches offer equipment for hire and some offer tuition.
Scuba DivingThere are numerous dive schools and facilities for divers in Albufeira, Armação de Pêra, Faro, Lagoa, Lagos, Portimão, Quartiera, Sagres and Vila do Bispo. Recommended dive sites include Quartiera, Lagoa and Sagres.
WindsurfingDue to favourable conditions, windsurfing can be practised at many beaches across the Algarve. The strong winds and smooth waters along the Costa Vicentina attract many windsurfers to the area and in particular to the beaches of Martinhal, Tonel and Meia Praia. Praia da Rocha is also a recognised windsurfing regatta site in Europe. Other windsurfing sites include Fuzeta and the Ilha da Armona, beaches in Armação, de Pêra, Albufeira, Faro and Tavira. Equipment is available to hire at many of these places. Further Information
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