Outings in the Algarve
Posted: Wed Aug 22, 2007 7:13 pm
Just back from a lovely two week break, and thought I would post about a few "different" things that I did during this break.
Sand Sculpture at Peta
It was excellent and I would really recommend people went along to see the display. I wasn't sure what to expect, and was really surprised that a load of sand in the Algarve could keep me occupied for well over an hour. There is loads of parking and it is only 5 minutes off the A22 so very easy to find.
Anyway - I think it is running throughout August and September and is also open in the evenings. I think I would have preferred the evening visit as it was swelteringly hot at 11am which was when we finally got there. The theme this year is Wonders of the World. There is a bar and small cafe, a covered area where children can make their own sand sculptures.
Fatacil
Not been before, so was interested to see what it was all about. There were about 30 or so Anadlusian stallions tied up, but we did not see them do any displays which was a shame. Loads of craft type stalls with some lovely gifts and household items, also a lot of the more "Wembley Market" type stalls which were not so nice. Lovely atmosphere, plenty of parking, loads of food and drink areas.
Horse Riding
Lesley Jean and I met up to ride at Pine Trees (or Cliffs - can't remember!) Despite my appalling map reading skills where we went wrong several times, we finally found the place. It was the best stables abroad that I have ever seen. Run by an English lady who has been out in the Algarve since 1972, the horses were clean, well fed and very happy. We had a lovely hack in the neighbouring farmland for 2 hours, which quite a lot of fast work as well as chilling out in the sun. My horses was about 17hh ex Spanish show jumper (I was expecing a little portuguese type horse) - he was great fun - well mannered without being boring.
Will definitely go back for another ride in the future.
Plus it was lovely to meet Lesley!!!
Does anyone have any other "touristy" type things that they have done this year that they can recommend?
Sand Sculpture at Peta
It was excellent and I would really recommend people went along to see the display. I wasn't sure what to expect, and was really surprised that a load of sand in the Algarve could keep me occupied for well over an hour. There is loads of parking and it is only 5 minutes off the A22 so very easy to find.
Anyway - I think it is running throughout August and September and is also open in the evenings. I think I would have preferred the evening visit as it was swelteringly hot at 11am which was when we finally got there. The theme this year is Wonders of the World. There is a bar and small cafe, a covered area where children can make their own sand sculptures.
Fatacil
Not been before, so was interested to see what it was all about. There were about 30 or so Anadlusian stallions tied up, but we did not see them do any displays which was a shame. Loads of craft type stalls with some lovely gifts and household items, also a lot of the more "Wembley Market" type stalls which were not so nice. Lovely atmosphere, plenty of parking, loads of food and drink areas.
Horse Riding
Lesley Jean and I met up to ride at Pine Trees (or Cliffs - can't remember!) Despite my appalling map reading skills where we went wrong several times, we finally found the place. It was the best stables abroad that I have ever seen. Run by an English lady who has been out in the Algarve since 1972, the horses were clean, well fed and very happy. We had a lovely hack in the neighbouring farmland for 2 hours, which quite a lot of fast work as well as chilling out in the sun. My horses was about 17hh ex Spanish show jumper (I was expecing a little portuguese type horse) - he was great fun - well mannered without being boring.
Will definitely go back for another ride in the future.
Plus it was lovely to meet Lesley!!!
Does anyone have any other "touristy" type things that they have done this year that they can recommend?
I agree about the sand sculptures. We went in the early evening and had a good look in daylight then when it got dark we saw it under lights. It was around €8 to get in and well worth it.