The Algarve offers a lot of different attractions to appeal to different tastes and interests.

Beaches

The beaches are renowned for their cleanliness and range from the typical Algarve golden sands sheltered by orange cliffs to long and wide sandy beaches. Many have lifeguards, beach furniture and small cafes. There are three attractive beaches within a few minutes of Balaia. The closest beach is about six to seven minutes’ walk from the entrance to Balaia Golf Village.

Golf

Golfers are well catered for by a wide selection of courses. The cost of golf is rising on the Algarve and it is advisable to check the golf magazines to see the cost of pre-booked packages of green fees which can offer a considerable saving. Alternatively, there are groups on the Algarve (at Vilamoura Marine or Modelo Shopping Centre, Albufeira) which sometimes have good offers. Guests at Balaia can also obtain a discount on several courses from Reception.

Sightseeing

The Algarve has a variety of scenic, historic and architectural points of interest from Roman and Moorish times through to the period of Portugal’s great wealth during the age of the voyages of discovery.

Activities

Surprisingly, given the volume of tourism and the proximity of developments, there is a lot to interest the bird watchers, including a bird hide on the Sao Lorenco golfcourse and an area of wetlands close to the Salgados course. There is a wide variety of species not seen, or seen infrequently in Britain, and some whose habitat is limited to Southern Spain and the Algarve (see birds of the Algarve, all of which we have personally observed).