If you want to see more than the admittedly magnificent beaches and sea of the Algarve, may we suggest some places you really should not miss?
CARVOEIRO
Algar Seco, located some 14 km away from the hotel, overlooking the sea, and surrounded by magnificent rocky coastline.
Carvoeiro's main church, XVIth century in true Manueline style.
Beaches - Carvoeiro, Centeanes and Carvalho.
FARO
The region's capital boasts some splendid monuments - the Cathedral, the Convent of Nossa Senhora da Assunção, and some extremely interesting museums such as the Infante Dom Henrique Museum and the Ethnographic Museum.
LAGOA
10 kms away from the Tivoli Arade, São José Convent, an XVIIIth century building with a chapel boasting a gilt wood-carved altar. At the door, the old revolving panel, used to receive unwanted babies. The convent now hosts a variety of events and exhibitions.
Lagoa's main church, a XVIth century building, of which only a Manueline doorway exists, was rebuilt towards the end of the XVIIIth century. Note the elegant baroque façade and neoclassical influence.
LAGOS
18 kms from the Tivoli Almansor, Lagos was formerly the capital of the southern part of the Iberian Peninsula, and was the last port before the Portuguese caravelas set off on their long sea journeys, during the great Discoveries of the 16th century. The Governor's Palace and the Portas de Portugal e do Postigo are attractions not to be missed.
Other places of interest are: the Regional Museum, the Pau da Bandeira Fort and the old Slave Market.
The Lagos Marina is the first stopover for boats coming in from Western Europe to the Algarve, and is thus much sought after on the way in and out of the Algarve by sea.
MONCHIQUE
Wander amongst the charming townhouses, clustered on the hillside, discover the wealth of little churches and stop for a refreshing break at the nearby Monchique Spa.
PORTIMÃO
In this fishing town, a visit to the main church (Igreja Mãe) and the Town Hall is a must. Just outside the town, you cannot miss the bustling Praia da Rocha, but do not forgot the lesser-known Roman ruins of Abicada.
Near the Tivoli Arade:
Dolphin Seafaris
Cruises along the Arade River
Roman ruins of Abicada
SAGRES
Five centuries ago here in Sagres, Prince Henry the Navigator founded the Navigation College, essential to the Portuguese Discoveries and seafaring future. The famous Sagres fortress with its wind rose - a giant rose-shaped compass, 43 metres in diameter, is well worth a visit. At continental Europe's south westernmost tip, the imposing St Vincent Cape stands guard, a vast horizon in which sea and sky com etogether.
SILVES
Silves Castle - considered the Algarve's most important castle and built on Roman and Phoenician fortifications. In the wide courtyard, a deep well and two cisterns - the Dogs' cistern and the Enchanted Moorish Damsel cistern.
The Nossa Senhora dos Mártires chapel - built in the 7th century as a sepulchre for Portuguese crusaders killed during the first siege of Silves.
Fábrica do Inglês - a popular leisure attraction in itself, together with the recent Cork Museum.
TAVIRA
Apart from the irresistible golden beaches nearby, Tavira itself is authentically and vividly picturesque with its views over the River Gilão and its Roman bridge. The typical Algarve rooftops and chimneys are unique - stroll along the Travessa de Dona Brites, where the medieval houses with Gothic doors and windows are quite unique.
VILAMOURA
The Algarve's main bustling resort is where it really all happens: beaches, marina, bars, restaurants, shopping arcades, casino, innumerable hotels, several golf courses, riding centre, tennis courts and shooting range. Who could wish for more?
VILA DE PORCHES
Famous for its ceramics and pottery, and where you can actually watch items being made and painted.
OTHER PLACES OF INTEREST
Albufeira, Alcoutim, Aljezur, Almancil (the magnificent church of São Lourenço, a true Baroque masterpiece), Alte, Cacela, Castro Marim, Estombar, Loulé, Moncarrapacho, Ponta da Piedade, São Bartolomeu de Messines, Vila do Bispo and Vila Real de Santo António.
SHOPPING
Portimão Marina, Portimão, Guia and Faro.
May we suggest some tours?
VISIT ALTE - (afternoon)
Pass through the magnificent Algarve inland scenery until you reach Alte, one of Algarve's most picturesque villages, and stop over at Querença, a small village, half-hidden on the hillside.
JEEP SAFARI (with lunch)
Experience the thrill of true 4 by 4, across rivers and streams, or relax and swim in the crystal clear mountain lakes and streams.
THE REAL ALGARVE
A guided tour in the Parque Natural da Ria Formosa, passing through OLHÃO, with its Moorish influences, the fishing village of SANTA LUZIA, the Roman ruins at ESTÓI and the charming SÃO BRÁS DE ALPORTEL (Museu Etnográfico).
DAY CRUISES
Departing from Portimão, discover the marvellous beaches and rock formations of the Algarve coast, on board a catamaran, with the utmost comfort and safety.
LOULÉ MARKET
SEVILLE (1 day)
Spend a day discovering this fascinating historical city, founded by the Romans, with its unique people and culture.
HISTORICAL ALGARVE - (1 day)
Visit Silves's Moorish Castle, the Cork Museum, Monchique with its handicrafts, Lagos, so closely linked to the Portuguese Discoveries and Sagres.
TRIP UP THE GUADIANA RIVER
An unforgettable 2 in 1 trip combining cruise and safari, along the Guadiana River.
BY CAR
Rent a car and discover one of the most important cities of the Algarve, passing through Tavira and its 24 churches, famous for its Manueline and Renaissance style buildings. Faro boasts a fine shopping district, an Ethnographic Museum, as well as the famous Chapel of Bones in the Carmelite church.
For information and bookings, contact the Hotel Reception, who can also provide you with more information on other activities such as:
Paintball
Golf
Riding
Scuba Diving
Deep sea fishing
Sailing
Bars, clubs, shows and restaurants
For more information on the Algarve, visit these websites:
Algarve Tourist Board
Aquatic and Leisure Parks
ZOOMARINE – LIFE IN THE OCEANS
A spectacular OCEANOGRAPHIC PARK PACKED WITH EDUCATIONAL ENTERTAINMENT located in Guia, near Albufeira. On show are dolphins, seals, sharks, turtles, exotic and aquatic birds, alligators and tropical fish. Zoomarine is recognized for the exceptional quality of its shows and exhibitions and for its recent DOLPHIN INTERACTION PROGRAMME. A unique opportunity to get to know and interact with bottlenose dolphins under specialized professional supervision. 90-minute programme including lecture on dolphins, the extraordinary ambassadors from the oceans. Also includes preparation, equipment and contact with the dolphins in the water for approximately 30 minutes.
LAGOS ZOO
Wild life from around the world together with many local species have found a natural and extensive habitat in the village of Barão de S. João, in the Algarve mountains.
KRAZY WORLD
Entertainment park in Algoz with mini-golf (Krazy Golf & Jungle Golf), petting-farm, pony rides, fun fair, swimming pool, restaurant and “Amazonian” park with crocodiles, snakes, turtles, lizards, mammals and birds. When weather permits, live shows are given with the reptiles.
SLIDE & SPLASH
Considered one of Europe's best waterparks, it is located a few minutes away from Lagoa, Praia do Carvoeiro, Portimão and Praia da Rocha and has fun and games for all the family.
AQUALAND - THE BIG ONE!
The Water Park is normally open from May to September. Our doors are open to the public daily from 10.00 a.m. Entrance prices are minimal and available on request from your Rep or hotel reception.