Festive Season at Gecko

Top 5 Things Your Kids will Love in Algarve
14 items · Local Expert · Public
Here's our pick of fun activities and things to do that the kids will love to do while in the Algarve. Waterparks, adventure golf, boat trips and more....If the kids are happy, the parents are happy!
How to keep the kids happy in the Algarve – 5 things your kids will love.
Check out the links below for details on each suggestion.

Water Parks and Theme Parks
For pure waterpark fun, a visit to Aqualand is in order. There are slides for thrill seekers and relaxation as well as a great water playground for junior visitors. Check their online ticket shop for offers and promotions.
Lagos Zoo is an excellent spot to spend a few hours and children of all ages enjoy it. Home to a wide range of animals, pelicans, peacocks and even wallabies wander the pathways. There is a fabulous pool where humans and penguins can swim side by side, separated only by a glass wall.
A holiday essential! Zoomarine, the Algarve’s biggest attraction, is a marine theme park where you can learn about the ocean world, see the amazing dolphins and seals in action, as well as enjoy time on the slides and rides and Zoomarine’s urban beach. Visit the aquarium, feed the rays and watch out for the pirates….

Mini Golf
So you’ve heard the Algarve has superb golf courses? That’s true of the mini golf courses too. There are two Roman themed courses in Vilamoura at the Family Golf Park and Dinosaur inspired fun at Adventure Golf Alvor. While the kids will love the courses, they are perfect for adults too, as the golf is more challenging than you might think. And for something different, why not try Algarve Footgolf? This is exactly what is says – a game of golf played with your feet and a football on a mini course. Great fun for groups.

Boat Trips
There are boat trips to suit all tastes on offer. Relaxing trips aboard a graceful sailing boat such as the Condor, or speedy trips in a RIB that heads out to sea to search for dolphins in the wild. Board a pirate boat like the Santa Bernarda for a sea-adventure and visit the amazing caves along the coast or take a family fun trip with Alvor Boat Trips.

Fun on Wheels
Kids love to move! Junior, teen and adult drivers can test their skills at karting tracks. Hot Wheels is an indoor karting track at Albufeira marina (bonus fun – Hot Shots Bowling is next door) or you can drive in the sun at Karting Almancil Family Park. There are karts to suit a range of ages, including two-seater karts so that under 8’s can drive with an adult. If you prefer off-road fun, you can take a Buggy Safari into the hills for some dusty fun.

Beach Days
Always a crowd-pleaser, kids of any age love time on the beach. Go in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid peak sunshine hours. There are family friendly beaches with rock pools to explore, beaches with waves to ride, particularly on the Costa Vicentina (west coast). Towards the East, the Ria Formosa is where the waters are calmer and warmer. Be sure to bring a sun umbrella for naps in the shade. If ice-cream is required (and maybe a cold beer for Mum and Dad) most beaches have great beach bars and restaurants where you can recharge.

Check these links for more details.
Fun Activities in Algarve
18 items · Local Expert · Public
Suggestions for active fun in the Algarve - boat trips, off road adventures, water parks, footgolf and speedy fun on an indoor karting track. Great for when a break from the beach is needed or if you need suggestions for rainy day fun in the Algarve.
These fun activities are great for families and groups, even for Hen & Stag parties.

While the Algarve coast gets most of the attention, take an off road trip with Alsafari to explore the countryside by jeep. For a bird's eye view, a tandem jump from 15.000ft above Alvor beach is about as good as it gets - head to SkyDive Algarve for this unforgettable experience. In the water, explore the coast by boat or kayak with Seacret Tours or join the Dolphin Emotions programme for some in-pool dolphin interaction at Zoomarine.
Best Restaurants with a View in Algarve
10 items · Local Expert · Public
Many restaurants in the Algarve have fabulous views to suit the amazing food they serve. Restaurants with beach views, cliff top views, views of sleek yachts and beautiful people. Check out these recommendations for restaurants with views to die for.

The Algarve coast is one of the most beautiful in Europe and these restaurants offer amazing views. Ababuja looks out on the Ria de Alvor and the old fish market. Caniço reveals its view with a suspenseful walk through a cliff tunnel before opening upon the ocean. Salsada do Ze is tucked away at the base of Praia da Rocha's cliffs, looking out to the golden sands and wide blue ocean, while Parrilla Beach Club overlooks the dunes and endless horizon on Ancão beach.
Best Beach Huts in Algarve
11 items · Local Expert · Public
Find the best spots for beachside drinks at these super beach bars. From chic and stylish to feet in sand and laidback vibes. Find the best beach clubs with live music or DJ sessions and super sunset parties or look for chilled bars where the waves are the background music.
Best Boat Tours in Algarve
17 items · Local Expert · Public
Charter a luxury yacht for a day, search for dolphins in the wild, explore the Ria Formosa and discover the wonderful sea caves, like the Benagil cave, along the Algarve coast. Taking a boat trip is the best way to discover the fabulous coastline. You can join a boat trip from one of the Algarve's marinas or from the smaller harbours or beaches along the coast.
Best Venues for Weddings in Algarve
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The Algarve has some amazing venues for that perfect wedding. If you plan on getting married in Portugal you can choose between fancy and fabulous 5 star resorts, chic boutique hotels and rustically charming spots - usually with the ocean in the background.
Most wedding venues offer a complete package with planning services and a range of menu options making planning your Algarve wedding easier than you might expect.
Best Sunset Spots in Algarve
14 items · Local Expert · Public
Enjoy sunset parties at the Algarve's best beach bars and clubs. Drink in hand, toes in sand, watch the day wind down while enjoying live music or DJ sets. Sunday is a favourite day for Sunset Sessions - check out our Events Calendar so you don't miss the party. And the best parties aren't always on land - the are some fabulous sunset boat parties to enjoy too!
Special shout out for the Afro Nation festival at Praia da Rocha in August and the huge BPM Festival in September in Portimão at NoSolo Agua.
If you're looking for a more tranquil sunset experience, simply get to a beach and face west - we recommend the Costa Vicentina (the West Coast) for fabulous sunset viewing.
Best Romantic Restaurants in Algarve
9 items · Local Expert · Public
Planning a romantic evening in the Algarve? Check out these restaurants where romance is always on the menu. From centuries old buildings with timeless charm to beachside restaurants or fine dining and gourmet options. There are some fabulous romantic places in the Algarve for you to enjoy!

If you're thinking of 'popping the question' check out these great proposal ideas.
Best For Stag & Hens in Algarve
17 items · Local Expert · Public
Hen and Stag parties in the Algarve have lots of fun activities to choose from. Hire a luxury yacht or a speed boat for a few hours of cruising along the coast, do a tandem skydive from 14.000 ft or stay on land but off road in a jeep safari. Pampering is on offer at the region's spas or some friendly bowling or mini golf competition or speedy fun on the karting track.

For great Hen and Stag party ideas, also see Hen and Stag Parties in the Algarve and How to Throw a Stag and Hen Weekend.
Best for People Watching in Algarve
9 items · Local Expert · Public
The best places to sip a drink and watch the world go by in the Algarve. People watching is always a favourite passtime on holidays. Settle at the bar of a beachside restaurant, watch the yachts as well as the people at a marina or get front row views of the resort's main street.
Best Tips about Algarve
12 items · Local Expert · Public
Top tips about the Algarve! Over 100 insider tips about where the best beaches are, discover awesome things to do, the top attractions and boat tours, what to do if it rains, the best places to get married and the most scenic drives!
Best Child Friendly Restaurants in Algarve
12 items · Local Expert · Public
If you're looking for restaurants in the Algarve where the kids are welcome, then you've come to the right place! Check out these fab restaurants that you and the kids will love. There are restaurants with supervised play areas, restaurants by the beach and menus to entice even the fussiest of junior eaters.
Michelin Star Restaurants in Algarve
8 items · Local Expert · Public
Read about the eight restaurants holding ten Michelin Stars in the Algarve. Spread across the Algarve, from Praia da Rocha to Quinta do Lago, with emphasis on local produce and fabulous seafood these restaurants should be your foodie must-do list.

The Michelin Gala announcing the stars attributed for 2019 was held in Lisbon in November 2018 - a nod from the prestigious guide that Portugal is firmly on the map of amazing world gastronomy. In total, 26 restaurants across Portugal have been awarded Michelin stars.

Portugal's reputation as a foodie destination is growing. The abundance of fresh and quality local produce, from the sea and the land, has wooed some of Europe's best chefs to the country as well as inspiring a genearation of home-grown talents. Portuguese wines too are being recognized for their quality and their quality/price. Check out these recommendations for the best Portuguese white wines and the best Portuguese red wines and fnd out more about the Michelin star restaurants in the Algarve below.

Note - in November 2019, when the new list of Michelin star restaurants is announced, Restaurant Henrique Leis will no longer hold a star. Of his own volition, chef Henrique Leis will return the star which he has held continuously for 19 years.
Best Places to Live in Algarve
10 items · Local Expert · Public
The most popular places to live in the Algarve. If you are planning on moving to Portugal, here are some of the most popular towns that people choose to live in or retire to. All blessed with a wonderful climate, each town has it's own unique character, from inland towns such as Silves, smaller villages like Alvor, historical towns like Tavira or chic resorts like Vilamoura.
Best Beaches for Families in Algarve
8 items · Local Expert · Public
We can help you find the perfect family friendly beach! From East to West, here are the best beaches for a great family day out in the Algarve. Almost every beach along the coast is great for families from small coves to long sandy beaches. Some are easier acess with great beach restaurants and some do tend to get some surf, particularly the beaches on the west coast - the Costa Vicentina. Most beaches have life guards during the summer months. Check our our Top 10 Algarve beaches for more ideas!
Best Golf Courses in Algarve
6 items · Local Expert · Public
The Algarve is an award winning golf destination, considered to be among the best in the world. Portugal has won the World Golf Awards for World's and Europe's Best Golf Destination four years in a row! This golfer's paradise offers superb facilities and services along with outstanding courses.Algarve golf attracts thousands of travel loving golfers each year. And it's not just the courses that make the Algarve such an great golf destination - it's the choice of accommodation, the aprés golf entertainment and some excellent services like My Caddy Master golf club hire.
Where to Watch the World Cup in the Algarve
10 items · Local Expert · Public
Wondering where to watch the World Cup in the Algarve? Portugal is a football crazy country and you can be pretty sure that all the World Cup 2018 action will be on a TV screen near you. Enjoy the best of both worlds by watching the football at a beach bar - check out The Beach Bar at Vale do Lobo praça and The Shack at Quinta do Lago lake. If you want to add some yachts to the mix, then the views at O'Neills and The Irish Pub at Vilamoura marina, and Strikers Bar at Albufeira marina should tick the boxes. Let the kids off to play on the beach while you watch the footie at SeaDeck and Salsada do Zé beach restaurants. And of course, for added cráic and a few pints to go with the football, it's got to be an Irish bar....
Towns along the Algarve, like Portimão and Faro, will have Fan Zones - public viewing areas with big screens and pop up bars - so you can join the locals.
Best Bars to Watch Sports in
10 items · Local Expert · Public
Wondering where to watch the match? Find the best bars for watching sports in the Algarve. There's no need to miss any of the action from your favourite leagues, no matter what the sport. Catch the Premier League action, rugby games, GAA matches, top golf and tennis tournaments and much more at these great bars. Enjoy a drink or two, order up some food and cheer your team on! Opt for a more traditional pub experience at one of the great Irish bars in the area or go all out Algarve and watch the sport with your toes in the sand at The Beach Bar or The Shack.
Cosy Winter Restaurants in the Algarve
11 items · Local Expert · Public
Looking for cosy Algarve restaurants where you can tuck into tasty food during a winter getaway? These restaurants are super summer eateries as well as being cosy and welcoming in the autumn and winter. Move from the garden terraces to the fireside tables at Vabagondo and Casa do Campo, enjoy the stylish inside decor of Bovino, Parrilla Natural, Medusis and Wildfire, or watch the winter tides and waves at Ababuja and Parrilla Beach Club.
Alvor - Things to Do, Restaurants, Beaches and Bars
17 items · Local Expert · Public
Alvor is a fishing village on the southern coast of Portugal that charms visitors with a mix of old-world serenity and top travel experiences with excellent restaurants and bars and plenty of fun things to do. Visitors from around the world rub shoulders with generations of local Alvor folk, old men sitting in the shade playing cards and discussing football, young children chasing seagulls, and they return year after year as Alvor works its magic. Check out our suggestions below for some of the best restaurants and bars, things to do and places to stay in Alvor.

The huge beach and estuary boardwalk are top attractions in Alvor. This is one of the best beaches in the Algarve. The boardwalk meanders between the ocean and the river estuary, and can be accessed from the village harbour as well as from the beach. The beach is several kilometres long, made of fine golden sand. To the east, known as Praia dos Tres Irmãos, there are cove beaches and cliffs to explore to low tide, with some spectacular caves and arches connecting this part of Alvor beach to Prainha. To the west the curving bay is expansive with ocean to the front and the river to the back. This is the favoured spot with kite surfers who speed across the water. There are some great restaurants on the beach - perfect for a cold drink, a quick snack or a delicious meal as the sun sets.

Alvor is a wonderful family destination. Aside from the fun on the beach there are plenty of things to do that appeal to all ages. The dinosaurs at Alvor Adventure Golf appeal to the kids while the adults enjoy the more challenging than expected course. Adrenaline junkies can jump out of airplanes with SkyDive Algarve and those looking for more relaxed fun can take a sunny cruise along the coast with Alvor Boat Trips.

Alvor may be small but it has a huge number of restaurants to tempt you. The standard of food served is generally very high and there is a great range of cusines - from typical portuguese fare and freshly grilled fish to Italian, Indian and modern steakhouses. Many restaurants have open air terraces or patios which are perfect for summer evenings. After dinner, wander the streets and enjoy a drink or two at one of the many bars.

Being a very picturesque village, Alvor is a popular wedding destination. The village church is charming and the resort has some very good hotel wedding venues.

Check out these Alvor suggestions:
Best Honeymoon Places in Algarve
18 items · Local Expert · Public
The Algarve is a super place for destination weddings and as a honeymoon destination. From luxurious honeymoon suites to breathtaking natural scenery, the region has plenty to offer honeymooners. Check out these suggestions for honeymoon hotels and villas, romantic restaurants and scenic spots.

For luxurious privacy, the ocean-facing Residence Grand Suite at VILA VITA Parc ticks all the boxes. The contemporary styling and timeless elegance of the suite, in hues of sea blue and sandy beige, match perfectly with the stunning views from the ample terrace. The suite has its own private garden with wondrous views of the Atlantic and coastline. From dawn to dusk, as the sun moves through the sky, nature treats you to an ever-changing light show. Also located at VILA VITA Parc is the Cave dos Vinhos - the Wine Cellar. 9 metres below ground is a treasure trove of wines from around the world and the Cave dos Vinhos sommelier will guide you through the arched vaults, home to about 7,000 bottles of amazing wine. You don't have to be a resident at the resort to enjoy this experience - you can book your visit with VILA VITA Parc reception.

The sumptuous honeymoon suite at Boutique Hotel Vivenda Miranda, in Lagos, is a spacious, colourful and private oasis, with gorgeous sea and coast views from the terrace. Even the shower room has a sea-view! Perched on top of the cliffs overlooking the ocean, Boutique Hotel Vivenda Miranda is small and intimate with a spectacularly scenic pool and sun area as well as an excellent restaurant that offers vegetarian, vegan and raw food menus.

Vale do Lobo resort is a fabulous honeymoon destination. It's private and tranquil, with miles of beautiful beach to explore, fresh air to breathe and top class facilities. There are the famous golf courses, tennis and padel courts, for active fun and the natural beauty of blue skies, golden sands and green pine trees is very conducive to relaxation.

At the Eastern end of the Algarve, in the border town of Vila Real de Santo Antonio, is the newly opened and refurbished Grand House Hotel. Dating from 1926, the hotel has been beautifully restored, mantaining original features wherever possible, while also offering top level comfort for modern travellers. This is a hotel with romantic charm in abundance and a perfect setting for your honeymoon.

With such fabulous scenery all around, it is no surprise to find so many great romantic restaurants as well as restaurants with great views in the Algarve. Opt for day to night pool and beach clubs like Medusis and NoSolo Agua, the serene elegance of Quinta do Lago's Casa Velha or the unique cliff and beach location of Caniço. Charter a yacht for a day of relaxed sailing along the coast, visiting the amazing Benagil sea cave , exploring the Ria Formosa or Ponta da Piedade. See more details below.

The Algarve isn't just a great honeymoon destination. It offers excellent wedding venues and great day after possibilities such as a fun BBQ on the beach. and it's a great place to pop the question - check out our Algarve proposal ideas below.
Kids Party Venues in the Algarve
9 items · Local Expert · Public
Looking for somewhere to hold a kids party? Check out these great childrens' party venues where the kids are sure to have a blast, which means the adults will be happy too!
From younger children to pre-teens and almost-adults, there are options here to suit a range of ages. Everything from Dinosaur inspired mini golf, dolphins and pirates at Zoomarine, speedy fun on the karting track or at the bowling alley. Of course, a party at the beach is a great option too - and there are some fab family friendly beaches in the Algarve where the kids can play games, run around and generally work off some energy.
Or bring the family and friends together for a meal at one of the Algarve's child friendly restaurants - great food and few drinks for the adults and supervised play areas for the kids sounds like the perfect kids party!
Where to Watch the Rugby World Cup in the Algarve
7 items · Local Expert · Public
Wondering where to watch the Rugby World Cup action in the Algarve? Here are some suggestions on good spots to cheer on your team. Both the England and the Ireland Rugby teams choose the Algarve for some pre-season training with Eddie Jones' English side training in Vilamoura while Irish Rugby choose to train at the high performance centre at The Campus in Quinta do Lago.

While soccer is the sport of choice and one of the things Portugal is most famous for (thanks Cristiano) rugby is growing in popularity. If you want to catch all the action from Japan for the 2019 Rugby World Cup here are some suggestions on venues where you can follow the action and enjoy a big match atmosphere. Wile most venues will be showing all the matches, given the time difference between Portugal and Japan, some may not show the earliest matches live, so we advise checking for these beforehand.
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Top 5 Things Your Kids will Love in Algarve

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Lagos Zoo

Adventure Golf Alvor

Aqualand Algarve

Santa Bernarda Boat Trips

Zoomarine

Dolphin Emotions

Algarve Footgolf

Family Golf Park

Condor de Vilamoura Boat Trips

Alvor Boat Trips

Hot Wheels Raceway Indoor Karting

Hot Shot Bowling

Karting Almancil Family Park

Buggy Safari

Fun Activities in Algarve

Guide Options

Adventure Golf Alvor

Zoomarine

Lagos Zoo

Alsafari Tours

Dream Wave Boat Trips

Algarve Jeep Safari

Seacret Tours

Dolphin Emotions

Algarve Footgolf

Mission Masters Escape Rooms

Family Golf Park

Hot Wheels Raceway Indoor Karting

Skydive Algarve

Catamaran Vital

Buggy Safari

Santa Bernarda Boat Trips

Hot Shot Bowling

Luxury Boat Charter

Best Restaurants with a View in Algarve

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Ocean Restaurant at Vila Vita Parc Resort

Sandbanks Fish & Seafood Restaurant

Casa Velha Restaurant

Canico

Mirandus Restaurant

Parrilla Beach Club

Casa do Lago Restaurant

Ababuja

NoSoloAgua Club Restaurant

Salsada do Ze Beach Restaurant

Best Beach Huts in Algarve

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NoSoloAgua Club Restaurant

Sandbanks Fish & Seafood Restaurant

Izzys Beach Restaurant

Praia Dourada Beach Restaurant

Canico

Parrilla Beach Club

BJ's Oceanside

The Shack Bar

The Beach Bar

Windsurf

On the Rocks Bar

Best Boat Tours in Algarve

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Algar Experience

Ocean Quest Algarve

Salt & Sea Ria Formosa Boat Tours

Dream Wave Boat Trips

Benagil Express