Friday 9 January 2015

Experiencing the Natural Beauty of the Algarve

From Turquoise Blue Waters to Serene Rolling Hills

With all the five-star facilities, iconic golf courses and excellent restaurants, it’s perfectly possible to enjoy your entire holiday making the most of all Penina Hotel & Golf Resort has to offer. However, if a sense of wanderlust does take hold, there are so many amazing examples of natural beauty to be seen across the region. Here’s our pick of the very best destinations to visit on your scenic tour of the Algarve.

 

Beaches


Found at the point where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Mediterranean Sea, the Algarve is blessed with some of the finest beaches in all of Portugal. Chief among these is the Praia de Falesia in Albufiera, which has been named as one of the very best beaches in Europe by TripAdvisor. Famous, for its soft golden sand and distinctive orange cliffs, the beach is a favourite among tourists and locals alike. Other popular beaches include the tranquil Praia de Marinha and the picturesque Alvor Boardwalk, located just a few minutes’ drive from Penina.

Serra de Monchique


Approximately 15 miles inland from the west coast of the Algarve, you’ll find the imposing Serra de Monchique mountain chain. The highest point in the chain is the mountain of Fóia, which tops out an impressive 902m. Hiking in these mountains is very popular for two important reasons: the views and the wildlife. It’s obviously essential to take the necessary precautions when heading out on a hike, but the relatively gentle slopes mean it is accessible to even novice hikers. Plus, there’s a chance you might see an eagle or rare Iberian lynx, just a few of the animals that call the Algarve home.

 

Ria Formosa Nature Park


If the trek up the Serra de Monchique is too challenging, another popular visitor attraction where you can find peace and tranquility is the Ria Formosa Nature Park. Covering over 170km² of land on one of the southernmost spots of Portugal, the park certainly has plenty to explore. Set aside to provide a home for the region’s animal and plant life, you’ll be able to see a range of wildlife and lush greenery. In particular, the array of birds that will land there during migratory periods are quite a sight to behold. You can explore the park on foot, by bicycle or even kayak around the many lagoons and tributaries.  

Ria Formosa from above.

Explore the Algarve on a Wine and Cycling Tour


All of these excellent examples of nature found in the Algarve region are within easy travelling distance from the five-star Penina Hotel & Golf Resort. However, if you really want to experience as much of the Algarvian landscape as possible, join us for an action-packed Wine and Cycling Tour. During a seven-night stay in our five-star accommodation, you’ll experience three action-packed cycling tours, exploring everything from the hills of Serra de Monchique to the bustling city of Portimao.


Click here to book or find out more.