We have tried to give an idea of things to do in the algarve if you don't want to sunbathe all of the time.. From Casa Andorinha, everywhere within the Algarve region is reachable within approximately 1hr 30 mins (provided you don't get lost).

If there is an activity or interest you are particularly interested in and it is not mentioned below, please drop us an email and we will try to find out if it is available here or not.

The Algarve has some of the best beaches in the world, with fine golden sand and many with spectacular cliffs and coastline. There are many watersports to choose from at the beaches(snorkling, scuba diving, surfing, windsurfing, waterskiing, sailing (ranging from dinghy to yacht hire). Deep sea fishing and boat trips can be arranged from most tourist areas.

For golf lovers, the Algarve is one of the most popular golfing destinations in the world and offers many top class courses.

There are many attractions to suit all ages:

Zoomarine - you can see dolphins, seals, and parrots in action, there is a great aquarium, swimming pools, amusements etc. This is an excellent day out for all and well worth a visit.
If you fancy the idea of swimming with the dolphins, it is advisable to contact Zoomarine at the earliest possible opportunity to book well in advance ( 00 +351 289 560 306 for further details).

If waterparks are your thing, then you will be spoilt for choice.(www.slidesplash.com , www.aquashow@aquashowpark.com , www.bigone-waterpark.com , )

If you like animals you could visit Lagos Zoo(www.zoolagos.com), Omega Parque at Monchique (www.omegaparque.com).

Casa Andorinha is situated along a quiet country lane. The surrounding garden plays host to many birds, butterfies, moths and other interesting wildlife. Visitors have the opportunity to take quiet walks around the outskirts of the village of Nora, but if you prefer longer more spectacular walks, then only a short distance drive and you are in the hills, overlooking beautiful valleys and resevoires.

The shopping mall (Algarve Shopping) 15 minutes drive from Casa Andorinha at Guia has a great Ten-pin-bowling alley and cinema showing new realeases in English as well as Portuguese.

There is horse riding at a nearby riding school, catering for both the experienced rider and the novice

Sightseeing: The Algarve has plenty to offer sightseers. There are Moorish castles, Gothic cathedrals, dramatic clifftop views, mountain treks, museums, monasteries, and of course shops.

Here is a small selection of interesting places to visit:

Silves - Once capital of Arab Kingdom. The fortress on the hill and a 13th century cathedral are both fascinating places to visit.
Alte, a small, pretty, Algarvean village, which has a natural spring water swimming pool and barbecue area, and is a pleasant, inexpensive day out. All you do is take your own charcoal and food along and use one of the built in barbecues provided.
Lagoa - pleasant inland town is the wine capital of the Algarve. A winery tour is possible here.
Lagos - major fishing port, home of first slave market which is still visible on riverbank
Monchique - Highest 'mountain' in the Algarve. Offers spectacular views of the Region. The village is centre for handicrafts. Small village of Caldas de Monchique nearby has the only spa in the Algarve.
Sagres - located on the westerly tip of the Algarve. Fortress of Henry the Navigator still stands. Christopher Columbus learnt his skills here in Henry's famous school of navigation.

Finally, we must mention food and drink. Locally, in Messines and Silves, there are many restaurants offering traditional Algarvean food and drink at reasonable prices. In the coastal resorts, you will find any type of cuisine you fancy, but at a higher cost of course.

Times by car from Casa Andorinha to:

Albufeira - 25 mins
Portimao - 25 mins
Silves - 10 mins
Vilamoura - 35mins
Armacao de Pera - 20 mins
Faro airport - 40 mins

A wide variety of leisure interests are close by or within easy reach of Casa Rosa. We have tried to give a variety of examples below.

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