A page of Things to do, Sports, Pastimes, Attractions and Activities in and around Praia da Luz. Whilst I've tried to keep the contents of this section as close as possible to Praia da Luz, some of these places listed are a bit of a drive (
I've marked them very roughly with a single * 15-30 minutes or a double ** within 30-45 minutes ), but are all in the Algarve. Also see my Sights and / or Events pages, you may
be able to combine a journey.
I have added ( Google Map ) directions to the towns and villages from the centre of Praia da Luz. They are accessible from the
icon in the pop up information boxes attached to each marker on the map
below. Accuracy may be poor but should be sufficient to get you to the Town or Village.
New for 2010
Added in 2009
If you see the
icon on any of the individual details then click for a more accurate directions map for that specific location.
- Any of place names in light blue are links to their own web sites.
- For accurate directions to the actual place of the sport or past-time you should telephone the contact number for the business shown in the details.
- Any prices I've shown are as a guide only, please check before booking.
- Check your map before you start out. ( Click here for map ) or use the map below.
- I strongly suggest telephoning during the peak season to avoid disappointment.
- Don't forget that if you phone using your own mobile ( not on the Portuguese network ) you will need to use the 351 prefix for any of the numbers below.
- If you use any of the businesses listed here I would appreciate a mention where you found the information, for no other reason other than to ( hopefully ) get them to assist me in keeping updated with any changes to their details.
- If you have used any the activities below, and are happy to share your experience ( good or bad ) with other viewers of this site. Please use the following link. Share your experiences?
If you are a proprietor and wish to include your business, add to or amend any existing detail.
Want a FREE listing? or Update your current listing?
| Contents Menu |
Map of Things to do in the Algarve
Sand Sculptures |
Fiesa 2010If you haven't been or don't know about this festival, then make sure you don't miss it this year. Basically a yearly festival of themed sand sculpturing. This year the theme of inspiration is the Living World. The fauna and flora of the five continents, since prehistory to the present day.. Consisting
of over 35,000 tonnes of sand and 60 sculptors. Throughout the summer there are also concerts and other events.
|
Various Outdoor Activities |
Activity AlgarveA good, varied mixture of outdoor activities on offer. Walking and Cycling tours ( supervised or not ). Buggy and Quad bike tours. Worth noting is that they will cater for single travellers,
providing a complete package with transfers, accommodation and selection of activities or single walking or cycling tours ( excludes flights ).
|
Various Adventure Sports |
Tour RaidMoto X, Paintball, Jet Skiing, Water skiing. Multi sports. Moto Cross / Scrambling in the Monchique mountains. Surfing and Body boarding, Paintballing.
|
Various Water Sports |
Beach Hut
|
Archery |
Parque da Floresta
|
Ballooning |
CloudHopper Ballooning.3 - 3.5 hour flights. Early mornings and late afternoons. Various launch sites along the Algarve.
|
Canoeing |
AlternativTour MonchiqueThis company features several times on these pages as it seems to be the only (established) one that caters for the slightly diverse sports and past times in the (western) Algarve. See also Mountain Biking and Climbing categories.
|
Casino * |
Hotel Algarve CasinoThis is the nearest to Luz, about 45 minutes drive. Open in the afternoon, the Casino has modern slot machines and table games - Roulette (American and French) and Blackjack. In the evening,
there is also the Aladino Restaurant with its international shows and live musical entertainment. Casinos will charge an entrance fee. Foreign visitors must produce their passport. Men are usually
required to wear jackets and ties. I've seen discount vouchers for here being given out in the street (Alvor) and in hotel / resort receptions.
|
Casino * |
Solverde GroupThere are three casinos belonging to the Solverde group in the Algarve: |
Climbing |
AlternativTour MonchiqueFully qualified instructors, professionally organised climbs at various locations in the beautiful Monchique mountains.
|
Cricket |
Barringtons Leisure CentreClub for cricketers. All players welcome.
|
Cricket |
Browns Sports & Leisure ClubSports training centre for professional athletes and players including athletics, rugby, football, hockey and cricket.
|
Cycling |
Passeios do Sodueste( Not on the Map )
|
Cycling |
Pedal in Portugal( Not on the Map )
|
Cycling |
Megasport Portugal( Not on the Map )
|
Dolphin Watching |
Algarve-DolphinsGuaranteed to see Dolphins ( or a free trip next time ). Using semi rigid inflatables (can be quite bone shaking), you travel out for a 90 minute run with the dolphins.
|
Football * |
Algarve Stadium ( Faro ) - Estádio AlgarveThe really smart 30,000 seater ( built Oct 2003 ) is home to both first division club SC Farense and Loulé's Louletano. Built for Euro 2004, it is now no longer overly used.
|
Fishing ( Beach ) |
More than 200 varieties of fish are to be found in Portuguese waters. Even from the beach there is a good chance of landing sole, plaice, bream or bass. There is good fishing from the
extensive rocks or cliffs adjoining the beach at Praia da Luz. At greater depths skate, mackerel and tuna can be caught. |
Fishing ( Coarse ) |
The Portuguese seem to have little or no interest in coarse fishing, which is amazing given the number of places, and fish to be caught in Portugal.
Some serious thought needs to be given before you start out ( rod & tackle wise ) as you are quite likely to catch something big. In the rivers you can find a wide variety of Carp, Barbel, Pike,
Nase, Tench, Lamprey and Eels. The reservoirs hold Tench (9.2kg), Carp (32.65Kg) and wide-mouth Bass. Wherever you choose to setup, it will never get crowded / over fished so its a great place to experiment with your baits ( but bread / luncheon meat can do just as well ). Most of the fishing is between the region of Lisbon and the Algarve. In the south is the huge,
pretty much empty region of Alentejo where there are several reservoirs. The nearest reservoir to the Algarve coast is the one near Bensafrim ( X ) or the river that runs through Silves( H ) to Portimao.
|
Fishing ( Sea ) |
PescamarCatch and Release Big Game fishing out of Lagos marina. Marlin, Shark & bottom fishing. 33ft sport fishing boat. If you are an experienced fisherman you would be advised to let them them know at the time of booking otherwise they will 'take control' as they will naturally assume you are an amateur ( like me ). This is fine for me but perhaps a bit
aggravating for the 'pro'. As of September 2008 it was €75 p.p. for about six hours shark fishing.
|
Fishing ( Sea ) |
Espadarte do SulComplete fishing trips from Lagos harbour, including coastal trips, snorkelling and big game fishing.
|
Fishing ( Sea ) |
SurpescaComplete fishing trips from Portimao
|
Fishing ( Sea ) |
VampiraComplete fishing trips.
|
Fishing ( Sea ) |
EstemarComplete fishing trips.
|
Flying |
Gerry Breen / Algarve Airsports CentreLagos Aerodrome offers plane and microlight flights, aviation courses and lessons.
|
Flying |
Aero AlgarveHas been established for 30 years. Sightseeing flights from £90.00 for up to three people. Plane rental, Workshops.
|
Flying |
AerovipTransport, Cargo, Rental, Tourist, Film / Photography, Workshops. The largest company to operate out of the airport.
|
Golf |
See the separate Golf page for details. |
Go Karting * * |
Karting Algarvethe 760m race circuit is a replica of the Jacarepagua Formula 1 circuit in Brazil. 160cc / 200cc / 400cc models available.
There are also various other rides and attractions at the track including a mechanical bull, trampolines and electric boats.
|
Go Karting * |
Autodromo Algarve Motor Park 05/2009 The Motor Race track is up and running, the Karting facilities are currently under construction.
|
Gym |
Ocean Club (Luz Bay)A self-contained holiday centre with gym, 5 tennis courts and 3 swimming pools.
|
Horse Riding |
New Forest LodgeThe newly formed Algarve carriage driving club provides an opportunity for members to enjoy life on horse back. To attract more interest in their sport they are offering a very different Sunday.
Join them for the Wild west rides every Sunday. Sit back and enjoy the view from one of the well-sprung carriages or ride one of the horses or ponies. Setting out every Sunday morning from the stables and ride out into the national park.
Leaving late morning, with a light refreshment break, returning to the Lodge late afternoon for a mouth-watering feast, served either in the log fired dining hall or al fresco on the terrace ( subject to the weather ). Guests who do not wish to ride or drive may dine only. There are plenty of sheltered shady corners to sit and admire the view and watch the horses and you're welcome to wander amongst our forests where you'll see a great variety of bird life and small animals.
|
Horse Riding |
Tiffany's Riding CenterEstablished 15 years. All rides are led by a fully qualified guide who knows the horses and has excellent knowledge of the local area and the flora, birds and other wildlife.
|
Horse Riding |
Quinta do Paraíso AltoSpecial West Coast Rides, Beginners courses, Packages.
|
Horse Riding |
Horse Shoe RanchA comprehensive range of packages.
|
Horse Riding |
Quinta da BicaA friendly riding centre offering activities for the whole family with quadbike tours, kyaking, mountain biking and jeep safaris as well as horse riding. Catering for all ages and abilities.
|
Horse Riding |
Quinta da GilCatering for Novices, Intermediate and Advanced.
|
Horse Riding |
Herdade do CastanheiroCourses for Novices, Intermediate and Advanced riders. Also caters for handicapped children.
|
Horse Riding |
Centro Hípico Vale de Ferro30 horses on 10 hectares.
|
Horse Riding |
Quinta Martins Riding Centre
|
Horse Riding |
Country Riding Center
|
Horse Riding |
Herdade Beiçudo Riding
|
Ice Skating |
Ice SkatingA winter only special. A 10m high ice ramp as well as an ice rink for children. Complete with an artificial snow fall, ( daily, 11.00 and 17.00 ).
|
Jeep Safari |
Zebra SafariExplore the Algarve interior from the back of an open topped 4WD. Full day Jeep Safaris including a traditional lunch.
Super Combi Safaris - combined boat trip and jeep safari. Aquafun Safari to include a visit to Aquashow. Water Park and jeep safari.
Surf Tour - a day surfing on the Sagres coast with all equipment, transport and professional trainers. Pick ups from any resort between Quinta do Lago and Praia da Rocha, but telephone for other places.
|
Jeep Safari |
RiosulA selection of different Safaris are on offer including four wheel drive vehicles, boats and jeeps. The different trips on offer can include lunches and drives through
the large Nature Reserves.
|
Land Yachting |
Blo-KartingWhere :On the right hand side on the N125 going toward Sagres. 30 minutes blokarting costs €20 and an hour’s blokarting costs €30 ( 2008 ).
|
Lawn Bowls * |
Parque da Floresta Golf and Leisure ClubTwo all-weather Greengauge greens offering up to 14 Rinks.
|
Marina |
Marina de Lagos
|
Marina |
Marina de Albufeira
|
Marina |
Marina de Portimão
|
Motorbike tours |
Sidecar ExperienceA truly unique way of sightseeing. A couple of smart, comfortable Honda Gold Wing motorbikes with sidecars operate out of Lagos, by the Marina ( just over the foot
bridge ). Professional drivers. 1, 2 and 3 hour tours to Bravura, Sagres or Monchique.
|
Motor Racing |
Algarve Motor ParkThe new ( Oct 2008 ) racing circuit is now open and building a good fixture list for 2009. See the Events page for more details. The circuit also hosts national and international motor cycling events. The go-kart course is also about complete.
See the web site for fixtures. |
MicroLight |
Gerry Breen / Algarve Airsports CentreLagos Aerodrome offers plane and microlight flights, aviation courses and lessons.
|
Mini Golf * |
Roma Golf ParkTwo 18 hole courses in a 'roman' setting. Miniature golf for children. Fountains, lakes and gardens for walking. Roman styled club house.
|
Mountain Biking |
AlternativTour MonchiqueDistance: 21 km, Terrain: tarmac / dirt track, Duration: 3-4 hours, Difficulty: average. Adults: €40. Children (to 15): €27, including equipment, transport, picnic, water and insurance.
|
Museum |
Municipal Museum Dr José FormosinhoExhibits include Neolithic artefacts, Roman mosaics found at Boca do Rio near Budens, fragments of statuary and columns, and other remains from excavations along the Algarve. |
Museum |
Municipal Museum Do PortimaoNewly opened in 2008. PORTIMAO’S new municipal museum was inaugurated in May by the Minister of Culture, Pinto Ribeiro. The Museum is housed in an old sardine canning factory and it hosts regular, as well as temporary exhibitions that cover art, history and general culture, all of a local and national content. On permanent show are a large selection of donated artefacts from the region, such as industrial equipment, photographs, documents and archaeological and naval pieces, among others. A local fishing boat, built in Galiza, in 1911 and restored by Portimao Town Council is being exhibited outside the museum.
|
Nature Reserve |
Ria Formosa Nature ReserveDesignated as a protected nature reserve, Ria Formosa Nature Reserve covers 60km of coastline from Tavira in the east to Ancao in the west, encompassing almost the entire Formosa Estuary. A bird watchers paradise. |
Para-Gliding |
Para-Gliding and Adventure ActivitiesSulaventuras
|
Sailing * |
O Cavalo Marinho.Sailing trips.
|
Sailing trips |
Bom DiaVarious trips out of Lagos marina.
|
Sailing trips |
Champagne CruisesVarious trips out of Villamoura marina. Champagne cruises. Charter hire.
|
Skydiving |
Extreme AlgarveAll year round Skydiving courses. Duration from 1 day ( for a tandem jump ) upward. From 195 euros p/p.
|
Skydiving |
Skydive AlgarveJump out of a plane at 12,000 ft with an experienced Tandem Mater ( after just 20 minutes instruction ). All year round Skydiving courses. Duration from 1 day ( for a tandem jump ) upward. From 195 euros p/p. German owned and run.
|
Snorkelling and Scuba Diving |
Dive-time.netThe Algarve offers snorkelers and scuba divers excellent opportunities along the coast, especially in areas where the cliffs are high and the beaches rocky: Armacao de Pera and also from Praia
da Luz to Sagres. Equipment and instructions are available at Alvor,
Luz Bay Club ( Praia da Luz ) and Lagos. Also web search for Lagos-Sub, the local diving school. Lagos has a good diving school and gear rental information here.
|
Snorkelling and Scuba Diving |
Escola de Mergulho ScubadoCourses and Equipment hire.
|
Snorkelling and Scuba Diving |
Blue Ocean DiversCourses and Equipment hire.
|
Sports Centre |
Burgau Sports CentreOffers 3 tennis courts, swimming pool, well-equipped gym, two squash
courts, table tennis, bar and restaurant. There are children's football and tennis coaching sessions. There is also 18 piece circuit training Monday to Friday. Chalet-style accommodation available.
|
Squash |
Luz Bay ClubPraia da Luz - The club offers tennis, squash, sauna and a Turkish bath at reasonable rates (£7 for an adult for use of most facilities in peak season and £4 for a child).
|
Surfing |
The Surf ExperienceBeginners, Intermediate and Advanced courses. Guided courses. Surf Camp or Self-Catering Accommodation.
|
Surfing |
Windsurf PointSurfing school.
|
Surfing * * |
Torpedo DivingSurfing school.
|
Swimming Pool |
'Pescine'Closed for 2008Praia da Luz. |
Swimming Pool |
Vila LuzSmart, self contained Apartments in an hotel ( Aparthotel ) with a large adult's pool, children's pool landscaped gardens and a good sea views. The good news is that they are happy to let you use the pool(s) at no charge ( but they do expect you to have a drink / snack whilst you are there, which is only fair ). Perhaps it would be a good idea if you checked first before swimming just in case they have had a change of heart ( it was still o.k. at the end of August 2008 ).
|
Tennis |
Mark WarnerA Mark Warner Leisure Centre at the Ocean Club complex. There are five tennis courts and operate a full coaching programme for adults and children and also the specialist Academy Course.
|
Ten pin Bowling * |
American Ten PinAmerican style ten pin bowling alley.
|
Walking |
There is a cliff top walk from Luz to Burgau. The return walk takes about 3 hours. Until I have more information ( by actually doing it myself! ) try this link for more details. |
Walking tours |
Julie StathamJulie Statham organises popular walking tours covering many areas in the western Algarve. They are always at a gentle pace and suitable for all levels of fitness. There is a programme of 2 - 3 hour
guided walks which changes monthly, everyone is very welcome to come along and there is no need to book. There is a charge of 5 euro for each walk which includes a donation to charity. See the
website for the many scheduled walks coming up. Exclusive, private walks can be arranged.
|
Walking ( Nature ) |
WildawayAnother Julie Statham creation with the emphasis on Birds, Fauna and Flora. Day trips, personal packages and group outings available.
|
Walking |
AlternativTour MonchiqueTrail A - Semedeiro – Picota - Caldas de Monchique
|
Waterpark * |
Slide & SplashOpened in 1986. One of the biggest and the best in Europe (6.5 hectares).It has two self-service-restaurants, pizzerias, an ice cream-parlour and several kiosks. 25,000 square meters of lawn,
a 1,500 square meter pool for children, a 1,600 square meter main swimming pool. Coach collection from Lagos and Praia da Luz (must be pre-booked, the booking agency on the promenade can do this for you).
|
Waterpark ** |
Aqualand AlgarveThe biggest Water Park in Portugal. A Family day out. Wave Pool, Flying Carpets, Raging Rapids, Kamikaze etc.
|
Waterpark ** |
Wild WatersWhere :Montechoro Park, near Albufeira. |
Waterpark * |
AtlanticoWhere :near Vilamoura. |
Waterpark * |
AqualineWhere :near Monte Gordo. |
Water-Skiing |
Water SkiingUsually only available in peak season water-skiing can be found at the beaches of Vale do Lobo, Vilamoura, Praia d'Oura, Albufeira, Armacao de Pera, Alvor, Praia da Rocha and (Ocean Club) Praia da Luz. |
Windsurfing |
WindsurfingWindsurfing is very popular along the coast. Experienced windsurfers can rent a rig and newcomers can sign up for tuition at most of the beaches along the Algarve including Quinta do Lago, Vale do Lobo, Vilamoura, Albufeira and (Ocean Club) Praia da Luz. |
Wine Tasting |
Adega Cooperativa de LagoaWine Tasting Tour of the Lagoa co-operative.
|
Wine Tasting |
Wine Tasting Tours AlgarveAn established but small scale company run by a South African couple that knows Algarve Wines. Based in Lagos, it offers collection and tours to the various vineyards and co-operatives by luxury mini bus.
|
Wine Tasting |
Adega do CantorExperience an exclusive tour of the vineyards and winery at Quinta do Miradouro and enjoy a tasting of Sir Cliff Richard’s Vida Nova, which is vinified ( The conversion of the juice of grapes into wine by the process of fermentation ), matured and bottled on the estate.
There is a charge of €7.50 for the tour and wine tasting.
|
Yacht Charter |
Southwest ChartersCharter, Days out, Exploration, Tuition. Irish owned.
|
Zoo |
Krazy WorldA great little zoo. Bars / Restaurants. Mini Golf. Petting zoo. Approx Euros 17 (adult), Euros 10 (5 to 12 years), Free (under 5).
|
ZOO Lagos |
Zoo LagosWith more than 250 animals from 50 species ( as of 2004 ) such as wallabies, monkeys, lemurs and exotic birds, all kept in good conditions. A natural and extensive habitat in the village of Barão de S. João,
in the Algarve mountains. (which is not actually Lagos so check the location on the map above by clicking on the map marker at the top left of this box. Open daily from 10am. Approx €8.
|
Marine Zoo * |
ZoomarineAmusement Park. Swimming pools for both adults and children and a few shops and restaurants. All activities are free. Its worth while going early as a lot of the 'displays' run at the same time, so you may only manage one or two if you are late arriving. Has a
fascinating interactive Dolphin program ( albeit at a pricey €145 / €126 on-line ). Park entrance prices as follows:-
|




