Entertainment

Golf: The Algarve was recently selected by the German golf magazine as the best place in Europe to play Golf. The Algarve is a highly regarded year-round golfing destination, a true golfer’s paradise. There are almost 30 fabulous golf courses in the Algarve with many more under development. Several of them are close to Casa da Figueira.

• Boavista(18 holes, 6,053m) is located 5 min from Casa Figueira and overlooking the beautiful Atlantic Ocean. You can rent golf clubs here, so no need to bring your own.
  
  
• Palmares (18 holes, 5,961m), Meia Praia is located 10 min from Casa Figueira in Lagos with spectacular views of the Bay of Lagos.
  
  
• Parque da Floresta (18 holes, 5,670m), Budes, Vila de Bispo, 10 min West of Casa Figueira.
  
  
• Alto Golf (18 holes, 6,125m), near Alvor, a picturesque fishing village.
  
  
• Golfe do Morgado (18 holes, 6,399m), new Championship course lies on the lower slopes fo the Monchique mountains.
  
  
• Penina (18 holes, 6,343m), West of Portimao, and surrounded by Eucalyptus trees.
  
  

There are plenty of Outdoor Activities for both children and adults in the Algarve. Many amusement parks exist including such as Slide & Splash in Lagoa only 20 min away. There are also local Cave boat tours (from Lagos harbor), Dolphin watching boat tours (tickets available at the harbor in Lagos), horse back riding, cycling and bike renting, fishing charters, surfing, diving, and many other water sports.

A 30 min trip inland to Omega Parque Zoo is also recommended.

Many people only associate the Algarve with golfing and beaches. However this region is also a nature lovers paradise offering excellent conditions for bird-watching, for hiking and mountain biking along the numerous trails and paths.

Our favorite trail starts right behind Casa da Figueira. As you follow the cobble stone road up the hill towards the obelisk you get onto a beautiful single track trail along the cliffs which can only be traveled by foot. You'll be have magnificent views of the beautiful Praia da Luz beach, enjoy the ocean winds, see the harsh coastal scenery between villages and the wild and powerful natural landscape. On this trail you can walk all the way to Lagos. You can get back to Casa da Figueira by bus or by taxi. You can also find a similar trail on the West side of Luz that you can hike all the way to Burgau and beyond. One of our favorite pastimes is in fact hiking the all Algarve coast from beach to beach.

There are two other unique trails worth visiting. Rota Vincentina is a 210 miles-long Atlantic coastal path from Cape St. Vincent in the Algarve to Santiago do Cacem in Alentejo. This coastal path connects local ancient footpaths that trace rural clifftops and empty beaches. Our favorite segment is near Carrapateira, a small town 20 min driving from Casa da Figueira. Carrapateira also has a couple delicious restaurants where you can relax following your ocean cliff hike. 

Finally Via Algarviana is a 300 km bike or hiking trail that crosses all nine municipalities in the Algarve (Alcoutim, Castro Marim, Tavira, S. Brás de Alportel, Loulé, Silves, Monchique, Lagos and Vila do Bispo). Most of the route is fairly off the beaten track, although there are some smaller sections that are closer to busier roads. Starting near to the Spanish border and the Guadianna river the path crosses the tranquil countryside of the East Algarve. The central section of the Via Algarviana meanders around more fertile countryside near Alte, Salir and Silves. Our favorite part of the trail is Sector 11, which near Monchique where the path rises towards Picota and Foía – the highest point in the Algarve at 902m. You'll be walking on top of an old volcano whose lava formed the "black rock" on Praia da Luz near Casa da Figueira.

Dining and bars:

There are plenty of opportunities to dine in Praia da Luz and in Lagos. Our  favorite restaurant in Praia da Luz is called Onda Luz Restaurant and is located right when you enter the village of Luz and walking distance from Casa da Figueira. It looks plain and simple from the outside, but the food is just delicious and the service by Francisco or Carlos is great. Mama Ines's (the owner and cook) monkfish cataplana is the best!

Closer to the beach in Praia da Luz, also walking distance, try out the renovated and romantic 16th century Fortaleza or try one of the many small fish restaurants adjacent to Praia da Luz church. There is also a good Indian restaurant next to the church.

The Dolphin Restaurant, also walking distance from Casa da Figueira, is a fairly new South African restaurant in Praia da Luz that serves several very interesting and tasteful dishes. The atmosphere is also very nice.

The Papagaio in nearby Espiche where you can eat as much as you want with a variety of 7 meats baked right at your table on a hot stone is also one of our favorites The Portuguese atmosphere is enhance by live music or Fado, every Saturday night. Make sure to taste the Portuguese wines, they are delicious. 

But no matter where you go, Sardines are a must when in season. You can also buy them very inexpensively at the local fish market and grill them on the barbecue in Casa da Figueira.

The Algarve also has many award winning wines. About 15 wineries are located within 1 hour drive from Casa da Figueira. Many of the wineries provide wine making tours and/or wine tasting opportunities. You can download an Algarve Wine guide here. Enjoy!

To book your stay at Casa da Figueira, please visit the villa's HomeAway website.