THE ALGARVE

The Algarve is blessed with a climate that encourages year round sporting activities. For this there are several large, well equipped sports and leisure centres dotted across the region, for everyone – permanent member and holiday makers alike – to participate in their favourite sporting activity.

Brown’s Sports and Leisure Club:

This centre is located in Vilamoura. It offers a first class year round practice facility in an ideal climate for professional athletes and sports players in Southern Europe. The modern set up and facilities at Brown’s allow trainers and coaches to organise training sessions and team meetings, and take advantage of the opportunity to practice other sports activities, thus providing a complete training approach and better preparation for the demand of professional sport. The excellent standard of Brown’s training centre, the first rate organisation, and the services provided, all make it the preferred choice of a number of the world’s teams for pre-season training and in the run up to important games and competitions. Brown’s also provides accommodation for these worldwide teams in the form of bungalows and villas.

Team games facilities at Brown’s include:

Rugby league
Rugby union
Football
Athletics
Hockey
Cricket
Gaelic football.

The fully equipped sports club caters for: aqua-aerobics classes, squash, racquetball, spinning, gymnasium, and studio classes i.e. aerobics, combat, body conditioning, step. Outdoor facilities include: Tennis courts; beach football, rugby, volleyball, and handball; 5 a side football, 5 a side hockey, uni-hockey, and a running track with workout stations.

After all that energetic running around you might want to visit the relaxation suite with sauna, Turkish bath, and massage therapy room.

 For a selection of properties for sale in Vilamoura click link below

http://www.algarveprop.com/property-for-sale-Vilamoura.html

Barrington’s Golf and Health Spa:

Barrington’s is the ideal location for training sports fanatics, whatever their sport or background. The centre provides all the onsite facilities that teams could possibly require for a training break including pitches and training grounds adjoining the club. Barrington’s can tailor-make packages to suit your needs. Facilities include football, rugby, bowling, cricket, and golf. There is also a fully equipped gymnasium, squash courts, indoor and outdoor pools, a sauna, Jacuzzi, and steam rooms. Classes provided include yoga, Pilates, body pump, combat, stretch, dance classes, and aqua aerobics. On site accommodation is also available in the form of air conditioned rooms and apartments.

Alfamar Beach and Sport Resort:

This glorious establishment is set on a cliff top looking over the endless sandy beach of Falésia, surrounded by pine trees. It is an ideal location for training breaks for professional athletes due to the amazing facilities and the surrounding areas. Sports undertaken here include: volleyball, basketball, badminton, handball, and table tennis. Outdoor facilities include 3 grass football pitches, track and field athletics, running tracks, high jump, discus, outdoor tennis courts, and golf. Indoor facilities include tennis courts, fitness gymnasium, snooker hall, and a Jacuzzi, sauna, massage suite.

For a selection of properties for sale in Vale do Lobo click link below

http://www.algarveprop.com/property-for-sale-Vale%20do%20Lobo.html

The Algarve is a haven for an eclectic mix of wildlife species, many of which are sadly waning in numbers.

The Algarve makes an ideal stopping point for migratory birds during the winter months. Storks are a common sight and often build their nests on church bell towers, chimneys, and other high buildings in town. The Parque Natural da Ria Formosa is considered the most important wildlife sanctuary in the Algarve. This natural reserve stretches along 40 miles and its rich ecosystem is ideal for the development of varied flora and fauna. The Ria Formosa lagoon was created by the last great earthquake in 1755 and has been a nature reserve since the mid-eighties, where sea water birds can find protected breeding places. Its lagoons, marshes, channels and islets are abundant in shellfish such as cockles, clams and oysters, and shelter a variety of birds such as flamingos, the cattle egret, white stork, oyster catchers, ibis, and cranes, to name but a few. Another nature reserve is that of Castro Marim, covering over 5 acres of land. The biggest attraction here is the large number of birds, especially aquatic birds. There are 153 species to spot including storks, avocets, sand pipers, mallards, and flamingos. This reserve is also home to many species of mollusc, fish, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals. A visitors’ centre at Cerro da Rocha provides literature and guided visits.

The Portuguese water dog has long been associated with the Algarve and is now a regular character in the Ria Formosa National Park. The breed was long ago used by fishermen to work on the boats and was treated as much a part of the crew as the men, earning the right to their fair share of the catch. Renowned for its ability to swim, dive, and retrieve, they were used to herd fish, retrieve nets, and relay messages between the boats. This dog is highly intelligent and possesses incredible swimming and diving techniques, magninfied by its characteristic webbed feet. It also has the ability to detect sharks by staring into the water. As the number of working boats began to dwindle due to modern fishing techniques, so did the need for the water dog. Whilst this creature can still be found in the Algarve as a pet or working dog, it is still recognised as a rare breed. The kennel in the Ria Formosa Natural Park, near Olhão, specialises in this breed and gives visitors the opportunity to see and stroke the dogs, talk to their handlers, and learn more about the breed.The Iberian Lynx, the most endangered of the world’s 36 cat breeds, teeters on the edge of extinction. This cat is just over twice the size of a domestic cat but with longer legs. They have distinctive bob tails and tufts on the ear tips. An average adult can weigh up to 15kgs. Their ideal habitat is a mixture of mature Mediterranean scrub and forest, and open meadows in which to hunt. To avert the tragedy of extinction, the conservation organisation ‘SOS Lynx’ has been formed.

The Dolphin is a natural visitor to the shores of the Algarve. Dolphin watching boat trips provide visitors the chance to see the dolphin in its natural environment. Several companies run these trips from the marinas of Lagos and Portimão and Alvor Harbour.

Take the opportunity to appreciate the natural wildlife of the Algarve whilst you are here on holiday. After all, there is more to know of the Algarve than simply lying on one of its beautiful beaches.

Click the link below for a selection of properties in all areas of the Algarve and Silver and Blue Coast areas

http://www.algarveprop.com/all-listing.html

The Algarve is ideal land for all manner of outdoor sports and activities. The more popular of these include walking and hiking, and cycling and mountain biking. This hilly terrain was almost designed for these activities and because of this it is easy to find many companies providing activity holidays, and many stores providing the necessary equipment, be it for sale or hire, such as ‘Megasport’, the bicycle store for rentals and sales www.megasport.pt. The teams will provide details of imminent events such as the Lisbon off road marathon. They can help with race applications, bike and equipment hire, and bicycles and equipment on sale. They will also carry out any repairs or services required. Megasport have three stores in the Algarve, all fairly centrally located in Faro, Loulé, and Albufeira.

Created especially for lovers of nature and outdoor activities, the ‘Algarve Way’ is a long-distance footpath that runs from the Spanish border at Alcoutim on the Guadiana River to Cabo São Vicente, at the point where Portugal’s southern and western coasts meet. This is not the first attempt at an east-west walking route across the Algarve. A full Algarve Way was established in 1998 covering 243kms, and a slightly modified version of this can be traversed on horseback.

The hills of Monchique provide an excellent setting for hiking and mountain biking. Home to ‘Fóia’, the highest peak in the Algarve reaching 902m, these hills have been renowned since Roman times for their springs with therapeutic qualities. This thickly wooded mountain range divides the Algarve from the region of the Alentejo. The view from Fóia is fantastic and on a clear day reaches as far as Cabo São Vicente in the west and almost as far east as Lisbon. Unfortunately the landscape at Fóia itself has been somewhat blighted by an array of military communications aerials, but nothing can spoil the distant views and the long climb to the top is truly worthwhile.

For a list of properties for sale in Monchique click on the link below

http://www.algarveprop.com/property-for-sale-Monchique.html

Wherever you are in the Algarve, you are never far from the opportunity to take to the hills and fall in love with the wild and rugged nature of this truly wonderful region.

 

Built in 1966, the 18-hole par 73 Championship Algarve Golf Course is Sir Henry Cotton’s masterpiece – the course by which he wished to be remembered. Originally paddy fields for rice growing rice has been converted into a flat challenging course and especially for the stronger player. Something short of half a million shrubs and trees were planted in the conversion. As the fairways are flat Henry Cotton introduced strategically placed water hazards to catch the unwary long hitter. This Championship Golf Course was the first course in the Algarve and it has been ranked ever since amongst Europe Top 100.

The resort also encompasses two 9-hole facilities, The Resort Course, a pleasant Par 35 with 2,987 metres; and The Academy Course, a Par 30 with 1,851 metres. The Hotel rises above the 360 acre wooded estate, providing beautiful views of the golf course and lush countryside with the backdrop of the Monchique range.

While Le Meridien Penina is recognised for its golf courses, it also offers an amazing range of other sporting and leisure facilities, with a choice of training programmes for all ages and abilities. These include a FIFA-sized football pitch, jogging circuit, Olympic size swimming pool and fitness studios with sauna and massage services, while The Tennis Academy has six floodlit courts and a resident pro. The Penguin Village is both fun and educational, where children are occupied while parents may relax or practice their favourite sport. A courtesy hotel shuttle runs to Alvor Beach in summer, where a private area is available for clients, equipped with sun lounges, shades and towel service.

Portimao is the Algarve’s main fishing port and both the fishing industry and tourist fishing trips thrive here. You’ve a choice of divine Algarve beaches around the location, including one of the best beaches on the Algarve - Praia da Rocha. There are historic buildings and stylish architecture as well as the new Algarve villas and additionally Portimao also benefits from a developing new marina offering a choice of more chic restaurants, bars and shops.

Click here for properties for sale in Portimao, Algarve

Golf Algarve is now renowned for its beautifully tended golf courses with spectacular scenery along a fabulous coastline. The main Algarve golf season is from late autumn to late spring as most northern European countries suffer from cold and wet conditions. Winters are mild in southern Portugal and golfers can enjoy warm, sunny days and keep their swings smooth at a time when their home courses are unplayable.

It was the legendary Sir Henry Cotton who put the Algarve on the golf globe. In 1966, at Penina, he designed the first proper grass course from a rice field after the necessary earthworks and planting 300,000 trees. Tourism was becoming more popular in the Algarve and immediately after the Penina course was inaugurated, the courses at Vale do Lobo and Vilamoura appeared. A few years later, another emblem of world golf was built - the first golf course at Quinta do Lago.

Though none of the existing courses are more than 15km from the coast, the terrain varies from the steep hillsides of Parque da Floresta to the near sea-level flatlands of Vilamoura III and Salgados, which in common with Palmares, includes links holes.

The mainly arid Algarve countryside, familiar to summer visitors, gives way to verdant oasis at each of the golf complexes thanks to large, state-funded water catchments and distribution schemes, as well as private boreholes which tap into subterranean water sources for irrigation. Holes made tricky by water hazards are, therefore, not an infrequent feature on the Algarve courses.

The Importance of international golf in the Algarve is so evident that, by tacit agreement , the Open de Portugal is held there at least every other year.In general, you will find that the Algarve, with its mild climate, reasonably priced restaurants, breathtaking scenery, friendly people and excellent golf courses, all combine to make it a memorable holiday.

Find detailed information on Golf in the Algarve here

Click here for a selection of properties for sale on or near golf courses in the Algarve

http://www.algarveprop.com/index.html

Read the rest of this entry »

Benamor Golf Club is located just a few kilometres east of the ancient city of Tavira and was completed in the spring of 2000. In the nearby hills of Barrocal you will enjoy some of the best mountain and sea views the Algarve has to offer whilst golfing in the Algarve. But maybe most enjoyable of all, is the peaceful dream location and surroundings of a construction free golf Algarve resort… possibly the only one in the Algarve.

The course was officially opened in 2000. It is a par 71 and is undulating, although not excessively so, offering views over the mountains to one side and the sea to the other. Here, the most common trees are the carob, the olive-tree and the fig-tree. In each half of the course, the first few holes are the easiest to play and birdies can be obtained without too much difficulty, although the following ones are longer and therefore harder to play. The greens are reasonably wide and the ball is retained here quite easily.The strategic placed bunkers and occasional water hazards make the course a never too comfortable experience!

The first hole is a par 4 dogleg with an elevated green protected by bunkers. Many of the par 4s on the front nine are relatively short, so this course is friendly to all playing levels. On the back nine, water comes into play on the 10th hole, a par 3 over water, on the 13th where a stream crosses the fairway, and on the 17th where a pond guards the green. To finish, there is a long par 5 of 512 metres. The 18th green is backed by a charming Algarvean church. There is a driving range, putting and chipping greens, putting course as well as the pro sho.

Click here for a selection of properties for sale in Tavira

Boavista Golf Club in the Algarve offers superb facilities in a uniquely sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere and is already attracts people from all over the world. It opened on 1st January 2002 with the impressive 18 Hole Championship golf course being designed by Howard Swan.

The resort is a prestigious 260 acre site in the western Algarve and lies in a prime location just off the A22 motorway west of Lagos and only 45 minutes drive from Faro International Airport.

With two distinctive sections the course is a par 71, 6,053 long and offers a variety of holes commencing with the welcoming first hole, a meandering downhill par 4, bordered by beautiful sub-tropical landscaping leading to harmoniously designed properties.
The signature hole on the outward nine is the stunning par 4, 7th hole set against a glorious backdrop of the Atlantic ocean with exhilarating panoramic views extending from Praia da Luz round to with the hills at Monchique creating a spectacular backdrop. Umbrella pines, blossoming almond, fig, palm and olive trees line the rolling fairways, weaving their way between water hazards and carefully placed bunkers. Breathtaking views, spectacular scenery and the clear Atlantic Ocean, which is visible from most holes, all combine to make this course a delight for the golfer.

The new clubhouse provides guests with a range of wining, dining and relaxation facilities. Enjoy the best of Mediterranean cuisine on the terrace of the Clubhouse that overlooks the 18th hole. There is also a teaching academy, driving range, pitching and chipping area, practice bunkers, putting green and pro shop.
The Boavista resort has everything you could desire…a fabulous championship golf course and golf academy, clubhouse, restaurant, indoor & outdoor heated swimming pools, children’s pools, a luxurious health club/spa including jacuzzi, sauna, steam room, massage facilities, beauticians and gymnasium as well as a tennis academy with two floodlit courts, five-a-side football pitch and a safe children’s play area.

Click here for a selection of villas apartments golf properties in Lagos