Country Club

Situated in Alte, a typical village of the Algarve, the cascade of Alte, better known as the Cascade of the Vicar, is about 24 meters high and ends in a lake. This space has undergone refurbishment and now has a beautiful expanse of grass that can be enjoyed by its visitors.

The fountains of Alte are one of the most pleasant places in the region, with its crystal clear waters of the ribeira de Alte, surrounded by a wooded area of great beauty and peace of mind.

In this space, recently improved, the waters of the fountains form a pool of great beauty, promoting pleasant moments of leisure, much frequented during the summer months.

The Vicar (GPS): 37.231554,-8.179913.

Large Fountain (GPS): 37.238617,-8.168568.

Stroll through the region by bicycle. Scroll through the Ria Formosa nature reserve and allow yourself to be marvelled about the Ilha do Farol. It’s a very easy ride for the whole family.

Enjoy to be part of a tour that allows you to observe exotic birds in one of the most interesting places of the Ria Formosa: Quinta do Lago and Ludo.

Walk among the pine trees, wetlands and salt marshes of the Ria Formosa and observe the flora and fauna through the eyes of your experienced guide. Within this nature reserve you will feel in harmony with nature. You can also do a private boat tour of the area.

The closest is the equestrian centre “Pine Trees”, on the road between Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo.

Contact the Reception for reservations and other information.

Walk along the Ria channels and watch fishermen performing an old tradition: collecting clams and oysters. Witness some of the richest flora and fauna of Portugal and discover the islands of the lighthouse or deserted, with its white-sand beaches and crystal clear water.

Loulé was occupied since its prehistory, including the Roman occupation, also by the Arabs, whose fortification still remains, the Albarrana Tower. D. Afonso III, in 1249, aided by Knights of the order of Santiago, conquered the Castle, which was delivered to this order.

Already very degraded, the Castle suffered a blow with the 1755 earthquake, which was followed by the occupation of housing at areas of the walls. Classified as a national monument, what remains has been restored and inside the Castle you can find is the archaeological museum and the municipal library.

Address: Rua Dom Paio Perês 17, 8100-564 Loulé.

Opening hours: 10:00-18:00.

Phone: (+ 351) 289 463 900.

GPS: 37.139732,-8.023935.

In the heart of the city is the Municipal Market building, traditionally called “the square”. Opened in 1908, the construction of this building was the most striking architectural masterpiece of the first decade of the 20th century, in the municipality of Loulé.

Of Neoarabic style, the market has four pavilions and four gates to access which with their magnitude symbolize the size and prosperity of the County. This building, given his position and characteristics, is the main landmark of the town of Loulé, having been presented with the Tourism Award in 2008.

Address: Praça da Republica, Loulé, Portugal 8100-001.

GPS: 37.138516,-8.022281.

Phone: (+ 351) 289 401 080.

Timetable: Monday –Saturday: 07:00 – 15:00.

We recommend the São Lourenço route to better explore the beautiful Ria Formosa Natural Park. Every week our activities coordinator is pleased to be your guide.

Route: Pedestrian.

Location: Quinta do Lago, Almancil, Loulé.

Approximate distance: 3-4 km (roundtrip).

Approximate duration: 1:30.

Degree of difficulty: low.

The route starts and ends at the Quinta do Lago Country Club. On the Ria side you can see the extensive dunes, the Laguna and the marshland. On the other side are the golf courses and the pine forests.

On this dirt trail (no slopes) are two Bird observatories. The first one is next to the Ria and the second one is located in the artificial lake of the São Lourenço course.

Upon arriving at Roman ruins is time to reverse course and return to the starting point. From this point on you’re again in contact with the Ria and with the birds such as Waders and Flamingos.

Located to the West of the historic village of Estoi, 8 km from Faro, the Roman village of Milreu was continuous occupied from the 1st century until the 11th century.

The richness of this rustic village is reflected in the important volume of archaeological finds, as predominantly marine-themed mosaics, marmóreos and ceramic coatings, painted stuccoes and decorative sculpture.

Address: ruins of Milreu-Estoi Faro 8000-Portugal.

GPS: 37.094818,-7.904791.

Phone: (+ 351) 289 997 823.

Email: milreu@cultalg.pt.

Timetable:

-Summer (May to September): 10:30 to 13:00 and the 14:00 to 18:30.

-Winter (October to April): the 13:00 and the 9:30 14:00 at 17:00.

The Ria Formosa is extraordinarily attractive at sunset. What better way to see the sunset than with a glass of champagne in hand, while eating seafood caught in local waters.

There is a wide range of water sports for you and your family, both on the Lake as well as on the beach.

The closest is the Aqua Show Quarteira, with easy access from the 4 Estradas, next to the Vila Sol golf course. For other options please contact the Reception.

The Zoomarine is the principal place of fun for the whole family in the Algarve, offering a set of shows with sea mammals, informative exhibitions and water park attractions, all in one location.

The Zoomarine is open to the public between March and October and is the Algarve’s tourist attraction that captivates more families, well known for their live shows.

In addition to the animals, there are many other attractions on offer where you can spend the day having fun, such as the new T-Rex Show, the enormously popular mini theme park, which does not lack a Big Wheel, or the pool area, which provides a pleasant opportunity to cool off in the summer months.

Address: EN 125-Km 65, guide, 8201-864 Albufeira, Portugal

GPS: 37.125024,-8.315000

Email: info@zoomarine.pt

Website: http://www.zoomarine.pt