Silves Town:

Boat Trips:
There are some boat trips from Portimão to Silves along the Rio Arade, which give a short time (just over an hour) in Silves before returning.

Cruz de Portugal:
Another impressive sight is the 'Cruz de Portugal' (the Cross of Portugal), a 3m tall limestone cross dating from the 15th or 16th century, just to the right of the roundabout that leads to the castle at the eastern end of the river front

Silves Castle :
Silves Castle was built between the 8th and the 13th century AD and is considered to be the best preserved of the Moorish castles of the country. A great day out!

Beaches:

Armação de Pêra - Long beaches between cliffs. Tourist facilities. 15 mins.

Meia Praia or São Roque - This broad expanse of sand stretches for 4 km (2.5 miles) and offers all kinds of facilities for those who enjoy water sports. On the isthmus of the Alvor bar stands Meia Praia fort, which defended Lagos bay in the 17th and 18th centuries.

Batata, Estudantes, Homers, Pinhão, Dona Ana and Camilo - Sandy coves tucked between brightly coloured cliffs, these beaches include some interesting rock formations. Calm and clear water. Many believe these to be the most delightful beaches in the Algarve.

Luz - A tourist centre with a cosmopolitan flavour. Large beach.

Dona Maria - A calm and isolated beach.

Golf:

Casa dos Avos is the perfect base for anyone who is keen to combine a holiday in the sun with world class golf facilities. These include the newly opened ‘AMENDOEIRA’ courses, designed by Nick Faldo and Christie O’Connor Jnr, and the ‘PESTANA’ course at Silves, all which are withina short drive of the villa. Additionally, numerous other courses to suit all levels and abilities can be found within a 20 minute drivewww.oceanicogolf.com - www.pestanagolf.com

Palmares The course is a showpiece for the imagination of Frank Pennink, one of the most prolific golf course designers in Portugal. The reputation of the course - a Par 71 - derives from its skilful use of two different kinds of landscape, as well as its excellent level of maintenance.

Activites & Attractions:

For fun-packed family days out you will be spoilt for choice, with a range of activities and attractions all within a short drive...........

Slide & Splash  Considered to be one of the biggest and best water parks in Europe, here you will find slides such as the ‘Kamikaze’ and ‘Black hole’ to test your nerve and keep the kids entertained for the whole day. For younger members of the family there is a warm and shallow kid’s pool with slides and activities suitable for babies, toddlers and young children. www.slidesplash.com 

Aqualand Situated just a 15 minute drive from the villa, this water park offers an exciting day out for all the family, with slides and pools to suit all ages from the very young to the very brave. www.aqualand.pt

Krazy World  Another great day out for the kids, with krazy golf, a petting zoo, swimming pool, and interactive reptile shows, and only a 15 minute drive away. www.krazyworld.com

Zoomarine Situated at Guia, a 15 minute drive away, this ocean life theme park is a must for all families with young children, or for those just looking for an entertaining and informative day out. Zoomarine is famous for it’s family of dolphins, and their spectacular shows are the highlight of the day. Also to be enjoyed is the sealife aquarium, swimming pool, fairground rides, 4D cinema and much more. For a truly memorable experience it is also possible to book a package to swim with the dolphins. www.zoomarine.pt

Algarve Shopping  Situated just a short drive away in Guia, and offering a huge selection of international shops, bowling, cinema complex and all the children’s favourite eating places. www.algarveshopping.pt