Things to do in Lagos - Algarve - Portugal.....Uncovered!

You will be spoilt for choice for things to do in Lagos in western Algarve, Portugal! You can spend time simply relaxing on one of the beautiful Lagos beaches, have a fun family day out at Lagos Zoo, take a boat trip to the beautiful caves around Ponta da Piedade or go dolphin watching. If you like to be active on holiday there are lots of water sports in Lagos - windsurfing, wakeboarding, scuba diving and sailing (amongst others) or if you prefer dry land, how about horse riding, mountain biking, tennis and golf? Lagos really does have something to offer for all the family, so read on for things to do in Lagos...Uncovered!

Zoo Lagos For family holidays to the Algarve, a visit to Zoo Lagos is a must! It is a great day out for all ages with lots of animals and birds to see and a "petting farm" where you can feed some of the animals. Zoo Lagos - for opening times, directions and prices Lagos Travel - Useful information for details about local Onda buses on the Verde Linha 6 route which go to Zoo Lagos.

Lagos Boat trips There are Lagos boat trips to the caves, to see dolphins, to fish plus cruises along the stunning Algarve coastline! The Avenida and the Marina are lined with stands selling boat trips. Some of the dolphin watching trips offer a guarantee so that if you aren't lucky enough to see dolphins they will offer another boat trip on another day, so book early on in your holiday. Don't forget to take sun factor and cover ups to avoid burning. Lagos Boat Trips from the Marina

Lagos Sidecar rides There's no better way to explore the Algarve than a sidecar ride from Lagos! Relax and enjoy the sunshine and scenery on sidecar rides ranging from 1 to 3 hours. Visits to Monchique, Sagres (including an evening tour to watch the sunset) and the beautiful west coast are some of the suggestions. The Sidecar Experience in Lagos can be found just over the footbridge by the Marina.

Lagos Water Sports: Surfing and Extreme Sports Lagos and west coast Algarve offer the best conditions for all watersports including surfing, wakeboarding, kite surfing and windsurfing. Check out the following Lagos water sports websites for more information: Extreme Algarve - Surf & Kitesurf in Lagos Algarve Watersport for Lagos Water Sports Airboost for wakeboarding in Lagos The Surf Experience in Lagos

Sailing in Lagos The waters around Lagos are perfect for sailing and there are lots of companies at Lagos Marina that offer sailing courses and sailing trips along the Algarve coast. Lagos also has a sailing club, based at Batata beach and Hobie cat rental is available on Meia Praia. RuSailing - RYA training centre for Sailing in Lagos South West Training Center - Lagos Sailing & Power Boats Lagos Sailing Club (Site is only available in Portuguese) The SailCompany on Meia Praia, Lagos for rental boats & sailing courses

Mountain Biking in Lagos There are lots trails for mountain biking in Lagos and you can either hire a bike and be independent or join a guided group. From scenic days out to physically and technically demanding trails, Lagos and the surrounding areas provides something for everyone! The Mountain Bike Adventure in Lagos Mountain Biking in Lagos with Outdoor Tours

Diving around Lagos The clear waters around the western Algarve coast are ideal for diving and snorkeling and the Lagos diving schools offer courses for both beginners and more experienced divers. If you already have a diving licence then you can enjoy exploring the underwater reefs, caves, wrecks and marine life of the Algarve straightaway! Full or partial equipment rental is available and day and night time dives. Diving in Lagos with Blue Ocean Divers Dive Time in Lagos

Sea Kayaking in Lagos Sea Kayaking in Lagos is a great way to explore the caves and admire the coastline whilst getting a good dose of fresh sea air and exercise! The kayak tours start from Batata beach (near the Fort) and are suitable for beginners or the more experienced. Lagos Sea Kayaking with Axess Extreme Kayak Adventures Lagos Kayaking in Lagos with Outdoor Tours

Lagos Municipal Leisure Centre Lagos Leisure Centre is opposite McDonald's and has great facilities with a 25m laned pool and two 17m pools ( one of which also has a Jaccuzzi) and gymnasium. The pools and gym are open Monday to Friday 7am to 10pm and Saturdays 9am to 8pm. The centre is closed on Sundays and holidays. To use the pool you will need to have sandals /flip flops for poolside use, a swim cap and swimsuit (not bikini). The men need to have lycra type trunks (not baggy swimshorts). Pay by the day or get a monthly pass for longer stays.

Tennis in Lagos Lagos Clube de Ténis is near the Ship Roundabout at Urbanization Marina Sol. Tel: (+351)282 081 915. There are also two tennis courts on Rua da Santa Casa da Misericórdia near the Vilabranca complex. (Past the firestation, turn left at the Ball roundabout and right at the Tulip roundabout and they are just a short distance along on the right hand side.) Court rental is by the hour and you can hire rackets and balls if required.

Algarve water parks: Slide and Splash Slide and Splash water park is near Lagoa in central Algarve (approximately 20 minutes from Lagos) and operates from the beginning of April to the end of October. It opens daily at 10am and closes between 5pm and 6pm depending on the time of year. They operate a transfer service with pick-up points in Lagos to get you to the park when it opens with return trips later in the day. Slide and Splash water park

Horse Riding near Lagos For horse riding near Lagos there are two riding centres ("centro hípico") which cater for beginners as well as experienced horse riders. They offer a range of activities according to ability, from riding lessons to long rides in the lovely Algarve countryside complete with picnic lunch! Tiffanys Riding Centre - at Almádena near Luz Quinta Paraíso Alto - Fronteira, near Bensafrim

Ecokarting (or Landsailing) near Lagos Eco-karting is great fun for all ages and the track is only 20 minutes drive from Lagos. It is easy to find, by taking the road 'EN125' towards Sagres and it is on the right hand side, just west of Vila do Bispo. All the gear is provided - helmet, knee and elbow pads and protective clothing - and full training given. There are single or twin karts (perfect for younger children to go with Mum or Dad) and it certainly gets the competitive spirit going! Eco-karting - Uncovered!

Autodromo do Algarve Race Track and Go Kart Track Autodromo do Algarve Race Track is between Lagos and Alvor and is well signposted from junction 3 on the A22 motorway. It hosts lots of events including Superbike Championships, FIA GT1 World Championships and track days for motorbikes and cars. The complex also includes the 'Kartodrome' go kart track with several different track layouts which has karting events like the WSK World Series. Autodromo do Algarve

Wine tasting in Lagos The Algarve has always produced wines but in latter years the wineries have concentrated on quality rather than quantity and now produce some excellent wines. There are several vineyards across the Algarve that are open to visitors for tours of the vineyards and wine tastings although you will normally need to make a reservation. Monte da Casteleja Vineyard, near Sargacal, Lagos Única (Adega Cooperativa do Algarve)  in Lagoa on the main road (EN125). Wine tastings with prior booking. Tel (+351) 282 342 181 Quinta do Moragdo da Torre, Penina (near Alvor). Guided visits and tastings - reservations needed Tel: (+351) 282 476 866 or (+351) 969 033 243. They also have a shop with regional produce which is open Monday to Friday from 10.00 to 12.30 and 14.00 to 17.00.