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 Not Golfing?
Apart from having a fantastic time relaxing at the villa and in the pool, or taking beach trips there are lots of other places of interest local to the area.

Zoomarine Park at Guia offers a bookable "swim with dolphins" experience for over 5's to adult, a “life” experience and only a short trip down the motorway (about 30 minutes). The Park is brilliant for children (of all ages!) and the food and amenities are good quality. The dolphin show, among others, is part of the entry ticket and moving if you like dolphins. Other shows include performing seals and hilarious parrots (really) and some small rides for younger children. You can book tickets from Alto Club Reception to save queuing including the separate booking needed for the dolphin swim, but to do that during high season or school holidays, you should book a couple of weeks at least before you leave.

There is also an excellent water-park about 20 minutes away: Slide and Splash, famous for the Black Hole ride. Because it has a lot of lawn surrounding the water slides (unlike some of the others) you can set up camp using the smaller beach umbrellas, cool bag etc. from the house. There is some shade under palm trees but, beware, do not leave home without a hat, good sun protection, a bottle of water and the sunglasses.

A day or half day trip (it's not far, 40 minutes) trip to Caldas de Monchique is also highly recommended if only to walk up to the mineral water source. In April and May this is a particularly beautiful walk because the water is high and the arum lilies are out. Then go back down for a coffee in the lovely tree shaded sunken town square. It is always a bit cooler up there so dress accordingly. There is also a world famous health - spa (must be booked in advance) for treatments. (Alternatively for pampering, Prainha Club towards Alvor on the cliff road close to the villa, has a spa which is more convenient, if not quite as famous, but reasonably priced: wander in to reception for latest prices etc.)
A trip to Lagos is also a treat for shopping and/or eating and the Marina is lively and the town elegant the whole place gleams of calcada stone. Here you can take boat trips out to visit caves and grottos in the various cliffs around the area. If that is too far, there is a newish marina at Portimao where you can also take a fast boat and go on a Dolphin safari, also must be booked. Wrap up or at least take something warm as it gets cool on the water at high speeds: you are out there for three hours. Not for everyone, but the boat ride is exciting for those inclined- it is fast out and back but you move more gently once further out in the ocean.
A slight detour to Silves on the way to or from Caldas de Monchique (or higher up to Monchique - a small town named after the mountain itself) is worthwhile. There is a Moorish fortress in very good repair (it costs to go in) but the town is not a tourist trap at all. Really great restaurant d’Angelterre under the castle walls for lunch or dinner…….. If you drive beyond Monchique town you will find, on the way to the peak, some very cheap restaurants specializing in Piri-Piri. Most have stunning views from their terraces – looking all the way back to the ocean.
For those interested, horse riding, whether lessons or hacking, including beach riding can be arranged by the Alto reception. Some of the schools do pick ups.
There is a lot to do, or you can just chill-out and read in the sun or shade around the garden. There is usually a pleasant breeze around the villa which means mosquito are not the nuisance they can be in towns or further inland. The sun sets over Lagos Bay and sunsets are visible from the back garden across the golf course and are very photogenic.
 
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