Golf Golfers are spoilt for choice since this is Europe's foremost winter golfing destination. There are over 20 golf complexes and over 468 widely differing holes to play. Many of the courses offer multiple green fees at discount prices for limited periods. All the courses are open to visitors and most of them require a handicap certificate; all insist on a dress code and proper course etiquette. The Golf TAP Open takes place in November, with golfers coming from all over the world for the events; it is considered to be one of the Algarve's biggest amateur golf tournaments. There are two excellent golf courses, Palmares Golf (4 minute drive) and Boavista Golf (10 minute drive) from the Marina: Palmares An interesting course, best known for its breathtaking scenery. The setting is idyllic, with the majority of the holes on gentle slopes above the extensive beach stretching from the new Lagos Marina to the mouth of the Alvor River. Course architect Frank Pennink took full advantage of the magnificent site and, in passing, threw in a sequence of five pure links holes between the railway and the beach, evoking memories of famous British layouts. The upper holes wind through groves of almond and fig trees and the course is renowned for its annual Almond Blossom tournament week in February. It is then that the trees, covered in a mass of pink and white bloom, create an unforgettable sight. Boavista Set overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the historic town of Lagos, and inland to the Monchique hills, Quinta da Boavista is a very welcome addition to the growing variety of golf courses available in the Algarve to the discerning golfing visitor. Designer Howard Swan has successfully integrated his layout into the existing natural terrain, using the very features that make Boavista a delight to the eye. In addition to the 18-hole championship golf course and driving range, there is a teaching academy. The view from the tee of the par 5 thirteenth is breathtaking: from the Monchique hills, sweeping across Lagos and its bay, with Portimão glistening in reflected light. Having recovered from this, a good drive down the centre of the fairway will set one up for an attempt at crossing the pretty stream which bisects the fairway in front of the green. The sixteenth tee is set at the highest point of the course but it is not until you address the ball for your second shot that the panorama of Boavista really manifests itself. Other courses and distances: Alto Golfe: 12 Km Carvoeiro Club: 30 Km Le Meridien Penina: 7 Km Morgado do Reguengo: 16 Km Parque da Floresta: 20 Km Quinta da Boavista: 8 Km Salgados: 45 Km Horseriding Portugal is the birthplace of the Lusitano thoroughbred, the world's oldest breed of saddle horse. Most of the horses used by various riding centres are at least part Lusitano. They are hardy, medium-sized horses of good temperament. Their sure-footedness makes them ideal for riding - either through soft, sandy, coastal pinewoods or along stony trails in the hills. There are several horseriding centres in the area. Boat cruises Discover the marvellous beaches and rock formations of the Algarve coast, on board a catamaran, with the utmost comfort and safety. Do not miss a trip to the Ponta da Piedade grottos, where on a clear day you can see east to Carvoeira and west to Sagres. From the Marina de Lagos to the Fortaleza Ponta da Bandeira, you will come across local fishermen who will be glad to take you on an unforgettable boat trip. Water sports This is a windsurfer's paradise due to the predominantly offshore winds. Visitors can also enjoy parasailing, scuba diving, snorkelling, kayaking, surfing and fishing. A variety of boat trips and water sports are also available, such as a half-day BBQ-cruise with lunch on board, and a visit to the caves. Dolphin Safaris Dolphins, such as the Bottlenose dolphins and Risso's dolphins are frequently seen in Algarve waters. Cycling Cycling is a popular pastime in the Algarve and you can exlplore the quaint narrow streets of the cobbled villages, the terraced fields of wild flowers and the rolling foothills with an organised tour or quite safely on your own. Other activies available in and around Lagos: Tennis Water parks Hiking Zoo