Local Golf: The Western Algarve is famous for its excellent golf facilities and the Eastern Algarve is no exception - there are five 18-hole courses all very close to Praia Verde:
Benamor - 18 holes, Par 71, 5,500m designed by Sir Henry Cotton - situated near Conceiçao just off the N125 (ask us for website link).
Colina Verde - 9 holes, Par 28, 1,145m is situated between Olhão and Tavira.
Quinta da Ria -18 holes, Par 72, 6,016m designed by Rocky Roquemore and situated near Vila Nova de Cacela just off the N125.
Quinta da Cima - 18 holes, Par 72, 6,256m new sister course to the Quinta da Ria and is located next door!
Castro Marim - 18 holes, Par 71, 5,265m designed by Terry Murray and situated near the historic town of Castro Marim.
In the western Algarve there are the more famous golf courses, such as Villamoura, which hosted the World Cup in November 2005, but they are more expensive than the courses above.
Shopping, food & other activities: Both Vila Real de Santo Antonio & Tavira (with new large Shopping Mall) are real-life small towns with shops for everyday items - some excellent bargains are to be had in household linens - towels, bed linen and table linen. Along the coast road and inland, fantastic local pottery is available. The beach resorts of Monte Gordo and Altura provide holiday shopping with gifts, clothes, shoes and beach equipment. There are many other activities open to the more adventurous - from walking, riding, cycling, sailing and surfing - all within easy access from Praia Verde. There is an excellent beach-side restaurant near the house, Pezinhos N'areia, for drinks, lunch, snacks or evening dinner - great for watching the sun go down with an ice cold glass of the local vinho verde. Excellent restaurants abound in the Algarve, both in the towns and nearby villages and along the coast road. Choose from the local 'black' pork, cataplana (seafood stew) or fresh fish and you won't be disappointed.
Beaches: Every type of beach is available - from small coves to wide-open spaces. Casa Serena is located only a few hundred metres from the wide-open, blue-flag beach of Praia Verde, with a pedestrian access path leading straight down. From the beach it is possible to walk to Monte Gordo in the East and Altura to the West, each taking less than 45 minutes. If you feel really adventurous just keep on walking - the beaches stretch for miles! The whole beach area is very much orientated towards families and is a very safe, clean environment with ample open space, even in peak times, for sunbathing, swimming and playing with the kids! This area is truly one of the most outstanding areas of natural beauty - you will not be disappointed!
