Things to do when the sun doesn’t shine

Zoo Marine

Located in Albufeira, Zoo marine is a must see.  It has been running for more than ten years and every year attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world. Enter into Zoomarine and dive into a fantastic reality made up of unique shows and emotions, observe the special relationship between animals and humans. There is also a fantastic dolphin interaction program.

Estrada Nacional 125
Guia
8200-864 Albufeira
Algarve, Portugal
Contact Tel: 289 560 300
or for the Dolphin Interaction Programme 289 560 306

 Forum Algarve

Located about 15 minutes away by car is Forum Algarve. The Forum Algarve has a huge selection of shops, a multiplex cinema, cafes and good parking facilities. The Forum Algarve can be reached by travelling in the general direction of the airport and following the signs into Faro. The shops in the Forum include the likes of Zara, Bershka, Levis, Benetton, Mango, Womens Secret, Casa and Pull and Bear. The shops are usually open from 9:00 AM 11:00 PM.

Faro Town 

The pretty town of Faro has an array of shops, cafes and restaurants. The main shopping districts are found in the streets of Rua Santo Antonio and Rua Francisco Gomes. Leather shoes, ceramics and wine are a speciality. Most of the shops open Monday to Saturday until late with many closing on Sunday.

Igreja de São Lourenço (St. Lawrence’s Church)

The breathtaking Igreja de São Lourenço is located on a hill to the east of Almancil. It was built in the 17th century and dedicated to Saint Lawrence of Rome. It was commissioned by local inhabitants in gratitude to Saint Lawrence for answering their prayers for water. The interior is covered by blue and white glazed tiles. The glazed tiles cover the cupola, the walls of the chancel, the nave and the nave vault and depict episodes of Saint Lawrence’s life.

Lagos Zoo

Lagos zoo houses over 120 different species of animals and 200 botanical species. Expect to see primates, lemurs, wallabies, lynx and exotic birds all in their natural environment. Children love the petting zoo where they will find ponies, sheep, goats and chickens to name a few! There is ample parking, children’s playground and two snack bars in Lagos Zoo.
 

Tavira Town 

The beautiful town of Tavira is located about 25 minutes away by town. Tavira’s origins date back to the late Bronze Age (1.000-800 BC).  The Moorish occupation of Tavira between the 8th and 13th centuries left its mark on the agriculture, architecture and culture of the area. That influence can still be seen in Tavira today with its whitewashed buildings, Moorish style doors and rooftops. A castle, two mosques and palaces were built by the Moors. The impressive seven arched “Roman bridge” is now not considered to be Roman after a recent archaeological survey, but originates from a 12th Century Moorish bridge.  There are plenty of shops, cafes and restaurants in Tavira where you can eat the best fish with a bottle of wine for less then €10.