Ya dancer… Portugal is courting us again and proving once more that tennis is a smash in the Algarve.
We first crossed racquets with the tennis set in Quinta do Lago when Judy Murray put me through my paces.
Of course despite her peerless coaching qualities it was clear that my tennis was as good as my dancing.
Keeeep Daaaancing: Judy Murray
Which as many have found out around the world gives Dancing Dads a bad name.
Thing is though that tennis players, as Judy showed, are naturals on the dancefloor… all that moving from foot to foot.
Croft original
Watching brief: Annabel Croft
Another hotfooting it out to the Algarve is the charming Annabel Croft who also wowed us on Strictly Come Dancing.
Annabel, of course, has her own Tennis Academy at the Pine Cliffs Resort, a luxury collection resort in the Algarve.
And it hosted the 13th edition of their annual tennis competition the Winners’ Cup with Annabel dropping in to see the action.
Court of call: On the Algarve
Annabel, who came fourth on Strictly and will be dancing again with her former Strictly partner Johannes Radebe during his live tour played a few rallies.
The first day of the cup was full of free activities for competition participants and their guests, where Annabel led the Tennis Clinic.
Go for a padel
Cage fighters: Padel
Meanwhile, Diogo Schaefer, Portuguese national padel player and professional coach, headed the Padel Clinic…
Padel was explained to me as the child that squash and tennis would bear.
The Winners’ Cup 2024 golf grand final took place on the second day with an 18-hole tournament, while the tennis semi-final and grand final took place shortly after.
Posting on her Instagram, Annabel wrote: “A wonderful weekend at my Tennis Academy at @pinecliffs Resort 🎾. It felt so amazing to be back wearing my tennis shoes and in Portugal, one of my favourite places in the world 😎.
Congratulations to all the players who competed in the Winners’ Cup – I so loved watching you all 👏🏼🥳 xxx”.
Every day is an education
At your service: Annabel
The Annabel Croft Tennis Academy at Pine Cliffs has been running since 2013, and offers a huge variety of coaching activities as well as tennis camps over five days with 10 hours of coaching focusing.
There are camps for all ages, including a Junior Tennis Camp (4-13 years) and Teenage Tennis Camp (13-17 years), which start from €280/£254 per person. Meanwhile, an Adult Tennis Holiday starts from €340/£314 per person.
Private lessons can also be booked from €70/£64 per hour or shared lessons from €33/£38 per hour per person.
The resort won ‘The Best Family Resort’ in Europe by the World Luxury Hotel Awards.
Dip your toe in: Pines Resort
And it boasts the Porto Pirata children’s club with life size pirate ships, MIMO Algarve – a cooking school with family classes.
For adults there is also a 9-hole golf course and Serenity Spa – The Art of Wellbeing with a myriad of treatments and its indoor Thermal Oasis with a herbal sauna, hydrotherapy pool, jacuzzi, steam room and a salt sauna.
The resort offers hotel accommodation as well as luxury suites, apartments, and private villas, for self-catering.
There are eight swimming pools at the resort, as well as 11 restaurants and bars, which offer a wide variety of cuisines and dishes to cater to every taste.
Now we all love our home cities but my old mucker and guide Jose Madomis takes civic pride to a whole new level and we just know he’ll be flagging up his people’s part in Portugal’s Carnation Revolution.
Jose, as you’ll discover, as we did, on a first meeting will need no invitation to talk about his beloved Coimbra in Portugal Centro.
Which he rightly credits with being the birthplace of the Portugal Revolution fifty years ago this year…
And hence our indulgence here.
As our friends gathered again in our second home of Dublin to mark the April 25 uprising early (but who needs an excuse) we reflect on our Portuguese peregrinations…
From then until now.
Port in a storm
Boat c0mes in: Aveiro
A pup back then I could still feel a tension around the house as we readied ourselves for what was still a very exciting trip.
Into the unknown to a Portugal which was bubbling with rebellion.
And we probably didn’t help ourselves when my brother smashed the skylight in the villa in which we were staying with a football.
Let us pray: In Fatima
It was probably as violent as Portugal got that year with the changeover of power.
With the uprising christened the Carnation Revolution on account of the flowers a restaurateur gave to the soldiers which were then put in the muzzles of guns.
With the local football club Academica de Coimbra and its fans who had turned the 1969 Portuguese Cup final into a showpiece political protest against the regime.
Coimbra and Portugal Centro is as its name signifies the heartland of Portugal, south of the quirky and popular Porto, west of legendary Lisbon and north of the Algarve hotspots.
Raise a glass of Vinho Verde
Kicking back: In Portugal
All of which will be worth visiting and which we have enjoyed.
And who have hosted us as only the Portuguese can.
There will, of course, be celebrations across Portugal this year.
To mark the Carnation Revolution.
And the brave and radical students of Coimbra who have gone on to greater things, though we can’t imagine much greater than this, will proudly take their plaudits.
We’ll certainly be raising a glass of Vinho Verde to Portugal’s Carnation Revolution and all those who stood up to oppression.
We’re all spiralling headlong towards the end of the world so let’s make it fun on a Portutrail.
Our Medieval forebears thought Algarve, the south-westernmost corner of Portugal and the Old World was it for us.
Those that is who weren’t doing Celtic pagan things at the north-westernmost bit at Finesterre in Galicia post-Camino.
Now getting away from it all and out into nature is beneficial for us all.
And with experts helpguide to keep us right we’ve got a week here away from the packed beaches on a liberating Portutrail.
They recommend five minutes in nature to boost mood and self-esteem… lucky then we’ve got a whole week.
Days I’ll remember
Take it as red: Stunning sunsets
DAY ONE: Cape St. Vincent (Cabo de São Vicente) – And, of course, the end of the world should and does have a lighthouse which has been here since 1520.
Arriving at Cabo São Vicente you can image yourself in the shoes of the pilgrims who used to finish their journey at the burial place of St Vincent.
From there, hikers can either walk from the Cape all the way to Sagres.
Or to Vila do Bispo and follow the Fishermen’s Trail.
Sagres (yes, the beer is called that too) is 6 km away, while Vila do Bispo is 10 km away.
And the trail is marked with blue and green stripes on wooden poles and rocks.
Duration: Cape St. Vincent to Sagres 1hour 30 minutes / Cape St. Vincent to Vila do Bispo 2hours 30 minutes / Challenge Level: Moderate
Hang on there
Rock’n’roll: Seven Hanging Valleys Trail
DAY TWO: Seven Hanging Valleys Trail – The trail passes through limestone cliffs, offers spectacular sea views.
And it leads walkers to hidden beaches and natural arches.
This 5.7-kilometer route connects Praia da Marinha to Praia de Vale Centeanes.
Although you can begin from either end, it’s more common to start at Praia da Marinha and head west.
Duration: This hike takes an average of 3hours and 30minutes to complete / Challenge Level: Generally considered a moderately challenging route
The joy of Foia
Walk this way: And you’ll have it to yourself
DAY THREE: Foia, Monchique – One of the big draws to Serra de Monchique is the nearby mountain peak of Fóia.
And at 902m high, it’s the highest point of the Algarve.
From the top you can see incredible views of the Algarve coastline including Portimão and Lagos to the south, and Cabo de São Vicente on the west.
Discover the richness of the mountain, the forest, the water and the pure air of the Algarve.
With a guided hike by Algarvian Roots or Proactivetur.
Depending on which option you chose, this guided trek also includes an experience on a potter’s wheel, a visit to an olive mill with olive oil tasting, and a soap workshop.
DAY FOUR: Ria Formosa Natural Park – Covering over 18,000 hectares, this series of saltwater lagoons and islands is a haven for bird watchers and SPORTUGAL lovers.
Where you can see flamingos and other migratory birds.
The São Lourenço Walking Trail takes you through different habitats: marshland, scrubland, and freshwater lakes.
Meanwhile, the Marim Centre of Environmental Education Walking Trail, in Olhão, can take up to two hours.
And it covers all the habitats that can be found in the Ria Formosa Nature Park as well as Roman ruins and a tide mill.
Duration: São Lourenço Walking Trail 3hours / Marim Centre of Environmental Education Walking Trail 2hours / Challenge Level: both Moderate
The protected area nearby is fed by the waters of the Ribeira da Menalva and supports a large diversity of flora and fauna.
And animals such as insects, butterflies, turtles, lizards, salamanders and many more species.
Fonte Fonte da Benémola walk is easy 2.5-mile circular track in the Loulé municipality.
Duration: Up to 2 hours / Challenge Level: Easy
Algarviana mirabilis
Sign of the times: And the Algarve will keep you posted
DAY SIX: Via Algarviana trail – The north-eastern part of the Algarve is less frequented by visitors.
But it offers a unique blend of rolling hills, traditional villages and untouched beauty.
The Via Algarviana hike spans the entire region from Alcoutim, near the Spanish border.
All the way to Cape St. Vincent on the western coast – approximately 300 kilometres in length.
However, if you’re specifically interested in the north-eastern section, you can walk from Alcoutim to Balurcos.
And see the Guadiana River, cork oak forests, traditional villages, and rich flora and fauna.
Durations: Around 1hour 45 minutes / Challenge Level: Moderate
Guadiana of honour
Sea that: Take time to soak up the scenery
DAY SEVEN: A Window to the Guadiana – This trail begins in Azinhal, a typical village in the Baixo Guadiana, Eastern Algarve, and ends at Várzea das Almas.
Along this route, trekkers can stop at the towns and enjoy their traditional architecture and see incredible scenery.
Such as wetlands, dryland orchards of almond and carob trees and hills covered in cistus, gorse and lavender.
Along the riverbank, the salt marches take over the wide wetlands, and, looking south, walkers will be wowed.
With the bridge connecting Portugal and Spain near the mouth of the Guadiana.
Duration: This walk takes 2hours 30 minutes on average to complete / Challenge Level: Moderate
Where to stay?
Dip in: Casa Modesta
And because our friends in the Algarve are nothing but thorough they have given us chapter and verse on the best billets.
But because we trust you to browse by yourself, we will just point you in the direction of Casa Modesta.
It is a renovated family house with views of Ria Formosa and the Atlantic Ocean..
Prices: €180/£155 per night for a room with sea-view, based on two adults sharing a room.
The Grand House Algarve, a Relais Chateaux Belle Epoque hotel in the East Algarve in the historic town of Vila Real de Santo Antonio.
Prices: €227/£195 per night for a Small Room based on two adults sharing a room.
The best resort: Praia do Canal
The Praia do Canal Nature Resort, within the Vicentine Coast Natural Park of 74,000 hectares is the perfect midway point for many of the walks.
It is only a 45-minute ride from Cape St. Vincent, 45 minutes from Foia.
Or a 50-minute car ride from the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail.
Prices: approx €258/£221 per night based on two adults sharing a deluxe natural park view.
While the Pure Monchique Hotel, located in Serra de Monchique Natural Park, in the Western Algarve has the beautiful Monchique flows as its backdrop.
With modern lines and décor, this luxurious boutique hotel offers 22 rooms, a thermal spa and two outdoor swimming pools.
Prices: €113/£97 per night based on two adults sharing a Classic room.
You’re fishing off the Algarve coast and The Scary One wants to know when the Portuguese boat comes in.
Or more where the toilet is.
The answer at the westernmost point in Europe is Madeira!
Safer then to indulge in the any number of fish outlets in Piscine Portugal.
Now sardines have become a go-to family meal dish for as long as we can remember on this island of ours.
And we probably take our links with Portugal, the home of the sardine, for granted.
But our love of this fish dish is just another link in the world’s longest-standing alliance, between England and Portugal.
The Old Alliance
Portuguese fishing men of awe: And calming seas
Dating back to 1373, the Anglo-Portuguese Alliance was formalised in 1387 when John of Gaunt’s daughter Philippa wed John I.
English and Portuguese nobility discovered they got on quite nicely and Charles II and Catherine of Braganza further extended the links.
And most notably brought tea to this island.
Now you may be asking why we’re bringing you this royal history lesson.
Well, possibly because of the day that’s in it with Queen Elizabeth celebrating her 96th birthday today.
But also because our Portuguese friends have been in touch with an update on their bounce back ahead of a busy year.
And they have flagged up these Algarve treats when you venture further afield than poolside.
Nine lives in the Algarve
And what’s on the menu? Fish, of course
■Take a boat trip in Ria Formosa Natural Park, a unique coastal lagoon in central Algarve, elected as one of the 7 Natural Wonders of Portugal.
■Visit Cape St. Vincent, the southwest edge of mainland Europe, which is particularly spectacular at sunset.
■Hike along some of Algarve’s key walking routes such as the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail near Lagoa, with views over the Benagil Cave.
A window into another world: Of caves
■Cycle on the Ecovia trail to discover the natural marvels of the region. Highlights include the birdwatching haven of the Alvor Estuary (and my old friends the spoonbill birds).
■And we all love a Sagres when we’re in Portugal but probably don’t take in the majestic cliffs of Sagres point, or the pretty coastal fishing villages of Salemaand Burgau.
■Now southern Spain is rightly proud of their Moorish history but the North Africans were in the Algarve too. The Castelo de Silves is a great national monument to learn about the Moors.
■ You’ll want to get out on the water too. Take a ferry from Olhão to Armona Island or from Faro to the least developed and inhabited Deserta Island.
■Ah, yes, our sardines, or fresh seafood in Portimão, at one of the many riverside restaurants or in Olhão, next to Ria Formosa promenade. Head inland and try the stews too.
■But not forgetting the beaches. And the award-winning beaches like Dona Ana, Camillo, Meia, Marinha and Falésia beach.
That’ll keep you busy and I think you’ll agree that it’s all there when your Portuguese boat comes in.
Ria Formosa is also an important breeding ground for many coastal birds.
Such as oystercatchers, cranes, and flamingos, whilst also being a hotspot during the migration season.
Head to the deserted island of the aptly named Deserta.
And enjoy the day sunbathing, swimming and enjoying a long lazy lunch at local favourite Estamine.
It serves up fresh fish and seafood, among other genuinely Algarvian specialties from its solar powered kitchen.
And a mountain too
Rocky mountain high: Monchique
The Monchique mountain range is a chain of mountains found in the western part of the Algarve about 20 km inshore.
The highest point is the peak of Fóia which stands tall at 902m.
Picota is another notable peak at 774m high.
These peaks can be reached by foot, mountain bike or by Jeep with many tourism companies provide routes and services.
Reaching the peak of Fóia provides phenomenal panoramic views over the Algarve.
And when the weather is clear, you can see the Atlantic Ocean.
To explore the mountains take a Jeep Safari Experience by Extremo Ambiente.
It includes sampling the local brandy Medronho, Melosa liqueur, honey and & wine. Mmmm
The tasting is organized by a sommelier with comparatives and tasting notes, with a pairing with cheese and Monchique cured meats.
Village people
Castle walls: Portuguese heritage
Go inland to visit small villages such as Aljezur on the west coast and Querença near Loulé in the surrounding Algarvian mountains.
Aljezur is in a river valley surrounded by hills with a cascade of zigzagging narrow streets.
On one side of the river stands the old town, which was developed in the tenth century when the Moors first settled there.
The village is dominated by the ruins of a Moorish castlebuilt at that time which sits at the top of a narrow and very steep cobbled hill.
Not only were the Moors responsible for many buildings in the region, but also various legends and myths living among people even now.
More, More, Moor
Water view: Tavira
The village of Querença is one of the most ‘typical’ villages in the Algarve with clear signs of an Arab architectural influence.
The town is renowned for its rich traditional gastronomy, kept alive by local restaurants.
The village also distils the famous arbutus-berry brandy and produces a very popular variety of chorizo sausage, in addition to many other traditional products.
Visitors must try one of their wintry delicious stews (lamb, goat, chicken), finished with a “medronho” to warm up the soul.
Watch the sunset at Cacela Velha and then straight to the small alleys of Tavira old town for a gourmet tapas dinner.
Life’s a beach: With the Scary One
Cacela Velha village is situated on top of a hill with a view of the easternmost lagoon of the Ria Formosa.
The village has a beach known for its dreamy landscape and its fantastic sunset.
With sand that changes shapes according to the winds and tides.
In Tavira you will find a unique mix of traditional architecture.
With Moorish influences incorporated plus 37 churches.
Zippidee
Always a beach near by: In the Algarve
Alcoutim on the south-eastern border of Algarve is known as a hidden treasure in the Algarve.
This interesting river town is set among beautiful green hills.
Here you will find the perfect combination of history, nature, and tranquillity.
And you’ll be only a 30-minute drive from the coastal area of the Algarve.
The town is located on the Guadiana River, a river running the length of Portugal’s south-eastern border with Spain.
After meandering its way through some of the most picturesque landscapes, the river eventually spills out into the Atlantic Ocean.
At the border town of Vila Real de Santo António in the Algarve.
For a thrill do the only cross border zipline in the world that starts in Spain, crosses the Guadiana River on a 720 m line and finishes in Alcoutim.
