If you like the beach, then the Algarve is made
for you.
Miles of golden sand backed by sand dunes or dramatic cliffs include scores of beaches which fly the EU Blue Flag denoting freedom from pollution.
As well as swimming and sunbathing, on many beaches you will be able to rent a pedallo, canoes, windsurf boards, sailing dingies and water skis as well as the more prosaic sunshades and sun-beds.
Some of the beaches are fairly developed but many, including those nearest to COAA, have just the minimum of facilities which you will need to buy refreshing drinks and snacks.
To study the beaches of the western Algarve in more detail, click here.
For those who prefer their boating to be under
someone else's control, there are trips in little fishing boats
to explore the caves at the foot of the cliffs, trips in larger
sailing vessels which serve meals during the cruise, a
glass-bottomed boat which allows you to see the undersea life
without getting wet and deep-sea sport-fishing trips which give
you a chance to catch something bigger than you! If you are nervous of the open sea, a river cruise takes you from Portimão up the Rio Arade to the moorish capital, Silves.
If you are really ambitious, there are courses in
snorkelling or, if you have a scuba-diving certificate,
scuba-diving trips to see the marine life at first hand.
If you are not attracted to the water, there are still many activities to make your stay in the Algarve enjoyable.
Remaining on the marine-life theme but
not on the beach, a superbly-run dolphinarium allows visitors to
learn more about these fascinating mammals who respond so
magnificently to the love that their carers show them. For an extra charge, you can even join the dolphins in the water and be pulled along by them.
If you would rather see dolphins in the wild, you can take a high speed launch far out to sea and watch them speeding along in the surf.
Golf is a major attraction in the Algarve and
many of the championship courses are just a few minutes by car
from COAA. We can book a game for you before you arrive so that
you are sure to get a round.
If sports are your interest, a well-equipped
sports centre is not far away where you can enjoy tennis and
other sporting activities.
Close to COAA, a riding centre offers horseriding for all grades of experience.
If you enjoy walking, there are miles of forestry tracks in the hills around COAA where you can enjoy the unpolluted air and commune with nature.
There are footpaths along almost the entire coastline of the Algarve. With stunning views of the cliffs and hidden coves, the extreme southwest corner of Europe is a sight not to be missed. The promontories of Sagres and Cape St Vincent are a striking sight plunging hundreds of feet into the deep blue sea. Sagres is the cradle of the Portuguese expoloration of Brazil and southern Africa and Cape St VIncent has the most powerful lighthouse in Europe.
Another way to get out into the 'bush' without exerting any energy is to take a jeep safari. An experienced driver will take you on some off-road routes up into the mountains which are just behind us. These trips usually include lunch.
A more exalted view of the landscape comes from
the air. Two aerodromes are close to COAA; one offer trips in a
microlight and the other offers trips in light aircraft. Both are
superb and memorable ways to see the Algarve. For the more
ambitious, paragliding courses are offered which enables you to
wheel silently over the cliffs among the birds. Talking of
which....
In the same parish as COAA there is a bird
field-study centre and all around birdwatchers will find species
to make their binoculars quiver. In the coastal marshes a variety
of interesting waders are frequently sighted.
In the garden at COAA we often have Hoopoes and Azure-Winged
Magpies and in the summer months, we have Golden Orioles and
Bee-eaters. Waxbill warblers and sardinian warblers nest nearby. In the spring we are often serenaded by Nightingales while observing and the regular call of the Red-necked Nightjar accompanies us during summer nights. Large raptors including Short-toed Eagles and
Buzzards are about and in the south-west, Griffon Vultures
sometimes form huge flocks.
Apart from birds, there are interesting mammals such as Gennets and Mongooses (..geese?) and reptiles such as the ubiquitous Geckoes and the rarer Chameleon.
If you like wildflowers, try to come in the
Spring. With no effort on our part (!) we have a riot of wild
flowers in the garden at COAA including several species of wild
orchid. The flowers attract lots of butterflies and some visiting
lepidoptertists have identified some 'lifers' while exploring
COAA. This photo of a Swallowtail butterfly was taken here by
Steve Wainwright. 
Please send us an email if you would like more information on any of the topics listed above. We may be able to send you a leaflet specifically about the subject that interests you.
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