If you are a keen golfer or want to improve your short game, there is plenty of choice. From the nearby 9 hole par 3 at Vale do Milho to the wonderful ocean views at Palmares (near Lagos); the challenges of the two Pestana Resort courses - Pinta and Gramacho - to the magnificent championship course at Penina, there is a course to suit all tastes and abilities. Discounts for Rocha Brava guests at many local courses - enquire at reception.

For families with children there are water parks - Aqualand at Alcantarilha and Slide & Splash at Lagoa; the famous ZooMarine theme park is just 30 minutes drive where you can swim with dolphins. Boat trips are available from Benagil, Portimao and Lagos to see the caves and grottoes of this spectacular coast and watch dolphins in the wild. 

For the explorer there are some fascinating old towns to visit including Silves, the ancient Moorish capital of the Algarve, just 15 minutes drive from Rocha Brava with a colourful market, excellent fish restaurants, cafés, ancient castle and museum, all worth exploring.

Portimao, with its port and marina has a good shopping district, coffee shops and restaurants. The historic port of Lagos has a wonderful promenade with fort, pedestrian precinct and good shops. The covered market sells an array of fresh fish, fruit and vegetables and there ia a great view from the roof terrace!

At the western end of Portugal are the delightfully fishing villages of Sagres, Salema and Burgau, with wide sandy beaches, welcoming bars and restaurants. Near Sagres is the wind compass and fort and the impressive lighthouse of Cape St Vincent. 

For walkers there are plenty of places on the coast and in inland and the scenery is stunning especially in Spring with wild flowers in abundance. For surfers the magnificent beaches on the west coast are a paradise. Take a day trip to the mountains of Monchique and then head west to Aljezur and amazing beaches at Arrifana and Amado.