Praia da Falesia beach

Fifteen minutes’ walk from the hotel you will have the privilege of enjoying one of the best beaches in the south. Overlooked by a cliff with reddish hues, the golden sand of this beach stretches for 8 kilometres. Its waters are intensely blue and the waves glitter with the reflection of the sun.
The pleasant sea breezes will refresh you, cooling the heat of the Algarve. The wind will also enable you to enjoy windsurfing, one of the most popular sports in this area, and many other activities, too, such as water scooters, banana boats, water skiing, etc.

Hotel beach

Descending some steps that defy the cliff on which the ClubHotel Riu Guaraná and Riu Palace Algarve hotels stand, you come to a small cove of pale golden sand. There is little to do here except lie in the sun or take a refreshing dip in the water, making this an ideal place in which to relax and enjoy the peace and quiet.

Loulé

This important craft town is also a pleasant interior town. The pretty traditional chimneys that decorate many of the houses in the historical centre are one of the main attractions. Only a few vestiges remain of the wall that formerly surrounded the town during the Muslim era. But the copper, esparto grass and ceramics workshops that still survive in the surrounding area are a living legacy of the Arabs. Every Saturday the market fills up with tourists attracted by the beautiful craft items produced here.

Church of São Lourenço dos Matos

This Baroque jewel is one of the Algarve’s greatest treasures in terms of heritage. The outside is sober and elegant, and the whitewashed façade contrasts with the profusion of colour on the inside. The main chapel is decked out in bright tiles surrounding a beautiful gilded altarpiece bearing the image of Saint Lawrence.

Alte

Without doubt this is one of the most picturesque villages in the region. Its little streets and white houses huddle around the church of Nossa Senhora da Assunção, with its tiles and a beautiful Manueline portal. The river that passes close by winds its way between orchards of almond and carob trees.

Sierra do Caldeirão mountains

The undulations of this modest mountain range spread out in the north of the Algarve, on the border with the Alentejo region. Far away from the hustle and bustle of the coast, here you will find villages still anchored in their traditional way of life. 
The landscape is dominated by forests of eucalyptuses, cork oaks and pine trees, and fields of cereals. Amongst the gentle hills you will witness the everyday life of the people – cork workers, shepherds, millers or women working in their gardens.
The architecture is clearly influenced by Arab tradition. The whitewashed villages emerge from a rough landscape which offers up nothing to ease the eye. Whilst austere, the houses are decorated with picturesque chimneys, ovens, roofs and walls, combining sobriety and elegance.
Do not hesitate to stop for lunch in any of the villages in the region. The cheese, wine and cured sausages are excellent.

Sagres and Cabo São Vicente

Although it is 1 hour away by car, the beauty of this place is worth the trip. The tiny fishing port of Sagres is located on top of impressive cliffs pounded by the wind and the waves.
Linked to the sea since time immemorial, this is where the great Portuguese navigators who conquered the seas in the 16th century trained. Little remains of the fortress that defended the town centuries ago, although the rock walls that plunge vertically down into the sea give us an idea of just how impregnable it was.
Near Sagres is Cabo São Vicente, the point of continental Europe lying furthest towards the south west. The Romans believed the world ended here.
The spectacular views and its position, defying the elements, were partly to blame. The wind is usually very strong here, as is the influx of tourists. Every evening the lighthouse erected on the tip of the cape fills up with people who come to admire the exceptional sunsets.

Watersports

The long beach of Praia da Falesia is ideal for anyone who wants an active holiday. When the wind is strong, the conditions are ideal for windsurfing and kitesurfing, both of which have a large number of enthusiasts in the area.
You can also take part in other activities such as water skiing and scooters, banana boats and diving, amongst others.

Zoomarine

This oceanographic park that combines education and entertainment lies close to the neighbouring town of Albufeira. The shows it offers include dolphins, seals and exotic birds. It also has an aquarium with sharks and turtles, and a species rehabilitation centre.
If you feel like burning up some energy, the park has slides and pools which both children and adults can enjoy.

Golf

Pine Cliffs: Part of this course is located on the edge of a cliff overlooking Praia da Falesia. The views are spectacular. At times the wind is strong, putting your technique to the test. In spite of having only 9 holes, it is one of the most popular courses in the area.

Salgados Golf Club: Here water is the main feature. As well as being pleasant, the lakes that are dotted all over the course demand precision. If we add to this the strong wind that often accompanies players, we are left with what is a difficult and enjoyable course.

Specialities

Fish: One of the most famous dishes is seafood cataplana, which is cooked in a copper pot. Other local delicacies include grilled sardines, smoked swordfish, grouper skewers, stuffed squid, grilled tuna and cod. And don’t miss the delicious oysters of Cacela Velha.

Meat: If you prefer meat, the fried loin of pork and marinated venison are both excellent.

Wine: The best wines come from Lagos, Lagoa, Portimão and Tavira.

Liqueurs: In the village markets one can often find homemade liqueurs made from blackberries, almonds, lemons, oranges, figs, honey or cinnamon.

Shopping

Craft: The craftsmen of the Algarve having been working with miniature date palm leaves for centuries to create hats, baskets and bags. Pottery, small items of furniture and wooden toys also have a significant presence in the regional markets, and are outstanding for their quality and decorative beauty. Occasionally one can acquire them at low prices. The town of Loulé, one of the main craft centres of the south, has a very prestigious weekly market.