SUMMER FAMILY FUN ON THE ALGARVE
With the summer season in full swing, we’ve been lucky enough to take some lovely families on their favourite days out whilst holidaying on the Algarve.
Let’s start with Zoo Marine. What a fabulous day out we had not just at the park but also swimming with the dolphins! Wow!
Tallulah (above) absolutely loved meeting dolphins Hugo and Apollo, what a magical experience,
Meeting the dolphins lasted for most of the morning. The group was briefed about how the dolphins behave with people and the health and safety of swimming with dolphins. Then armed with lots of information they excitedly changed into their wetsuits and split into two groups of six before meeting their new friends.
After getting to know the four dolphins in the shallow water and having a photo shoot the fun really began. Being pulled through the waves holding onto the dolphins’ fins and giving the dolphins instructions to twist and turn following arm and hand movements was just amazing! An experience Tallulah and her friends will never forget.
There’s also many other attractions in the park where families can spend the day taking in the dolphin show, seal show, pirate show, tropical birds and the birds of prey show.
When it all gets too hot why not head down to the wave beach where the kids can cool off and swim in the waves or go to the little kids’ water play area complete with slides and fountains. There’s also plenty of food stalls, drinks stations, ice cream carts and souvenir shops.
You can book your tickets online for Zoo Marine to avoid summer queues and receive a 15% discounted ticket price, or alternatively use a voucher from the Portugal News which gives a discount of €16. For further information on this amazing family experience visit www.zoomarine.pt.
For an activity on firmer ground, why not try out the latest craze Footgolf at The Algarve Tennis and Fitness Club. Located on The Desert Pines Course, Footgolf is a combination of football and golf where players must kick a football in to a cup in as few shots as possible.
This brand new 9-hole course is suitable for all the family, and we took eight children, four per team, to kick and score and try and get a hole in one. Two of the children in our group were so excited to achieve 3-hole in ones, well done from The Real Algarve team!
9 holes for a family of four costs €27 with ball rental of €1.
To book just call +351289385028
Kartodromo de Almancil
The karting track is open all year round from 10am to 7/8pm and is based just outside Almancil. There are three tracks available the adult track – 200cc and 390cc, junior track – 120cc and baby track mini F1. There is a height chart to determine which kart and track is most suitable, however if a younger child wishes to go on the big track they can be accompanied by an adult.
There’s also other activities including a mechanical bull Rodeo, trampolines, mini boats and a large snack bar for drinks and refreshments.
Our team had great fun, lining up for prize giving like Lewis Hamilton, and then celebrating with a birthday chocolate cake.
Allow a couple of hours for karting, special rates are available for groups and general prices range from €20 for 10 minutes on the track.
To find out more email Info@kartingalgarve.com
Our little team moved onto the Segway next with Nelson the guide and had a fabulous tour around the Ria Formosa.
During the tour, we cruised through the bird sanctuary to see what you can spot from one of the hides, then moved on past the San Lorenzo golf course and onto the salt mountains where the salt is harvested and dried. After passing the salt area you head for the Ria, passing close by the bridge to Faro Island then on up to the beautiful villas at Atlantico.
The best tour takes around 1.5 hours and costs €40 per person. There are different sized Segway and they are restricted for the first part of the journey until the driver becomes acclimatised.
The tour guide Nelson can be contacted on +351962006153 and you must book in advance.
There’s so many activities and events taking place on the Algarve this summer – however sun, sea, sand and swimming aren’t the only things on offer in this beautiful location. As well as the family activities, don’t miss the festivals and concerts taking place – we’ll keep you up to date here with all the events in July and August.
Why not try the musical festival of Motoclubefaro? A bike Mecca for all motorbike enthusiasts, the festival sees hundreds of bikes come from all over Europe to camp and attend this four day show. It is possible to attend on Saturday night, when the highlights of the festival take place with motor bike displays, dancing and live bands. The festival takes place from the 20th to 23rd July.
Go to motoclubefaro.pt for more information.
The renowned Arrifana Sunset Festival is on the 30th July this year at Pria da Arrifana. This annual music festival takes place on the popular surfers beach near Alijezur.
For sporty activities, there’s Val Verde in Quinta do Lago, with two all-weather, floodlit, artificial grass tennis courts, and the surrounding wall is painted with a practice line.
Next to the courts you’ll find the Thai Bistro Bar which offers tasty Thai cuisine from lunchtime onwards, the Green Valley restaurant serving beautiful Mediterranean food in the evenings, and Mind, Body and Soul, the onsite beauty and massage salon.
Here you can join in adult tennis with private lessons costing €45/hr or €205 for 5 hours if prepaid. There’s also mixed doubles, coached matches and tactics and teamwork sessions! For the kids, there’s Junior Club which starts this week. At €35 per session including lunch, the children will enjoy tennis, badminton, football, games, boules and swimming. Sessions are 10am-1pm or 11am-2pm.
Watch this space for more events taking place in July and August and make sure you join our facebook page to keep up to date with a fantastic Summer on the Algarve.
