We all have our own ‘Bucket Lists’, whether they include walking from tree to tree in the forest or kayak through Europe's most famous cave. But whatever yours is, with this ‘Summer Bucket List’, you would better get ready for some action! Because in this Top 10 you will find that must-have experience everyone would wish to have. Ready?


1. Safari Tours

What more exciting experience than discovering the Algarve on a unique jeep safari tour? Enjoy the mountains, try the traditional liqueurs and the homemade medronho (a berry that grows wild throughout the Algarve region). Among stunning landscapes, you will be able to taste honey directly from the farmer and visit old villages still reminiscent of Arabs. Choose your half day (3h30 jeep tour) or all-day safari tour (7h30 jeep tour with lunch included) 


2. Pedestrian trail

2.1.The seven valleys route 

If Lisbon is known as the city of the seven hills, Lagoa can be called the city of the seven hanging valleys. Surrounded by a water line, this route is along the cliff next to the coast, starting near the beautiful Praia da Marinha, which has won numerous awards over the last few years. Not only has it been voted one of the 100 most beautiful beaches in the world by the Michelin Guide, but also one of the 52 best beaches in the world by CNN. Recently, it was considered the best romantic destination in Europe. 

On this rail, you will see sea caves and various species of fauna such as the cormorant and flora such as the juniper tree. You can also rest and enjoy the view from one of the various viewpoints and have a picnic, relaxing amid nature.

Location – Praia da Marinha, Lagoa (trail until Praia de Centeanes - 12km – round-trip, in an average 5-hour walk).
GPS: 37º 05’ 24,635’’N, 8º 24’ 46,181’’W (begining) / 37º 05’ 28,799’’ N, 8º 27’ 14,762’’W (end)
 

2.2. Praia Grande Interpretation Trail

If you love birds and biodiversity, this is the perfect walking trail for you! Starting at Praia Grande, in Pêra, you will pass by the Lagoa dos Salgados (Salgados Lagoon), the natural habitat of flamingos, black-winged stilts, purple herons and brown macaws. Following the beach towards an area of umbrella pines, you can travel back in time, spotting windmills and barns from ancient times.

Location – Praia Grande, Pêra (a 5km round-trip, in an average 2-hour walk).
GPS: 37º 05’ 44,304’’ N, 8º 20’ 11,296’’ W (beginning) / 37º 06’ 19,743’’ N, 8º 20’ 20,544’’ (end)

 

3. Birdwatching at the Lagoa dos Salgados

Considered a place of choice for its rarities, the Lagoa dos Salgados belongs to the Silves council and is characterized by a great number of species, where more than 200 species of birds have already been registered. Easy to access, this shallow coastal lagoon is an Important Bird Area, where you can observe, among others, marsh harrier, purple heron, eurasian crag martin, common sandpiper, sea partridge, rufous-crested titmouse, and blue-breasted sandpiper. The lesser yellowlegs and the pectoral sandpiper are also some of the rarities registered annually in this area.

Location: Lagoa dos Salgados (4hour-walk for 2 people minimum). 

4. Arborism

Feel like a true explorer of nature and challenge the heights walking from tree to tree in a unique arborism experience. In this adventure, you will discover new sensations and experience strong emotions in a strategy game in the middle of the forest. Will you be brave enough to climb the trees?

3 Levels available:
Curious level - minimum age 4 
Level Adventurer - minimum age 8 
Level Fearless - minimum age 12 

Location: Parque Aventura, in Albufeira


5. “Rota da Laranja” (Route of the Orange)

Surely you have heard of the famous 'Laranja do Algarve' (Orange of the Algarve), but do you know its true origin? In the "Rota da Laranja" experience you will have the opportunity to get to know the historical heritage, cellars, gastronomy, orange picking experiences and visit orange groves, and packing plants. Depending on your availability, time, and desire to learn more, you can find the right experience through a free app that creates routes adapted to each user. Can you imagine a route with so much sweetness and vitamin C?


6. Water activities

6.1. Benagil cave

Have you heard of the Algarve’s most delightful rocky formation with orange hues bathed by a turquoise sea? It is called Benagil cave and will surprise you on a 3h30 kayak tour. Bring your favorite hat, get your camera ready, and let yourself be inspired by this treasure of the Portuguese coast! 

Meeting point: 9.30a.m. at Marina de Albufeira.  


6.2. Private boat trip

Enjoy full freedom on a trip where the ocean is starring. Let the sea breeze guide you through a thrilling adventure along the Algarve coast, and feel like a real James Bond on the high seas. To make the experience truly memorable you can include the option of catering on board or stopping off at a luxurious seaside restaurant. Maximum capacity: 12 people. Duration: 2h30.

Morning: 10a.m. – 1p.m. 
Afternoon: 2p.m. – 5p.m. 
Sunset: 6p.m. – 8.30p.m.  
Full day: 10a.m. – 5p.m.  
BBQ Bajan: 10a.m. – 5p.m. 


6.3. Dolphins and caves

Explore the Algarve coast in the company of the world's most sociable marine inhabitants and enjoy a family moment that will last forever. Between spotting cetaceans (dolphins) and a visit to the region's most dazzling caves and rock formations, you can explore the idyllic beauty that stretches from Marina de Albufeira to the famous Benagil Cave. It is a case of saying: unforgettable experience at sight! Duration: 2h30. Maximum capacity: 12 people. Semi-rigid boat.

(Not suitable for children under 5 years of age or pregnant women).


 

7. Bike rental at Amendoeira

Discover 270 hectares of nature on (two) wheels! Explore the biodiversity of this golf resort in Portugal by bike and feel part of the surrounding nature. This summer, Amendoeira brings you the opportunity to book a personalized bike tour or rent a bike and ride the routes of one of the best Algarve resorts. Leisure Bike (kross trans 7.0 model) or Bike for MTB (KTM ultra-fun 29 model). Helmet and bottle of water included.

8. Golf Clinic 

Wishing to play golf in the Algarve? Whether you are a golf rookie or simply curious to try out this sport, we know the perfect place to practice your golf swing: the Amendoeira Golf Clinic. Bring enthusiasm and the will to learn (we provide you the necessary equipment!). Duration: 1 hour. 

9. Night Golf at the Academy Course

Are you familiar with the only floodlit 9-hole golf course in Portugal? This summer we introduce you to the Academy Course PAR3 at Amendoeira, perfect for beginners and for those who wish to improve their short game. Surrounded by two of the best golf courses in Portugal (the Faldo Course and the O’Connor Jnr. Course), here you can enjoy the unique experience of playing golf under the moonlight. Full moon, full round! Duration: 1 hour. 

10. Parceria Vilalara Thalassa Resort

Close your eyes and awaken your senses. Summer season is time for personalised programmes with a 15% discount on the entire à la carte offering at the Spa at the Vilalara Thalassa Resort 5*, in Lagoa. A partnership with Amendoeira that will bring you unique relaxing moments. Find out more here!

Interested in trying any of these activities? Contact Amendoeira’s reception or send an email to amendoeira@amendoeiraresort.com  and schedule your experience. Have a great (and exclusive!) summer holiday!

Note – Please contact our reception to find out more about each activity, and the prices per person.