October Half Term Holidays in the Algarve

Enjoy a Fun-Filled Family Holiday at Penina Resort This October

We may be a little biased, but with seasonal highs of 19˚C and a whole range of attractions on offer, we think the Algarve is the ideal destination for a family holiday this October half term. The Algarve’s wealth of outdoor activities, from golf to cycling, swimming and even go-karting can be enjoyed without the soaring temperatures of the summer… and the hustle and bustle that high-season brings. To top it off, there’s also a whole host of exciting events to look forward to! We’ve put together a short guide, making it easy to plan the perfect fun-filled family holiday in the Algarve this October.

Family-Friendly Facilities at Penina

Trying to keep littles ones (and some older folk) entertained can be quite a challenge during the holidays but we think we’ve got the secret to success… choice! Our 360 acre estate boasts the largest private outdoor non-heated pool in the Algarve, a FIFA size football pitch, five ATP tennis courts… oh, and did we mention that we’re the only resort in the whole of Portugal that’s home to three golf courses?

However, the cherry on the cake is our world-class kids club. 3,000m2 dedicated to fun with fully supervised indoor and outdoor play areas that include games, toys, a swimming pool, football pitch, bike track… and much more! While younger members of the family are having the time of their lives, parents can explore our leisure facilities and perhaps take the opportunity to enjoy a round or two on our legendary 18-hole Sir Henry Cotton Championship Course...

Prefer the less-is-more approach to holidays? Opt for lying back on one of our pool-side loungers, a warm breeze in the air and a clear blue sky above. Or perhaps indulge in a massage, treat skin to a trip to the sauna, or enjoy a pampering session in our onsite beauty salon. Once polished from head-to-toe, head over to one of our many fine-dining destinations and indulge a little more in a range of local and international gourmet dishes. The best bit? Kids eat for free with our five night family package, from just €167 per room per night.

What's on in the Algarve This October?

UK half term will be between the 24th and 28th of October for many schools this year, meaning holidays can potentially start as early as Saturday the 22nd and end on Sunday the 30th. There are a range of family-friendly events and attractions on offer across the Algarve during that time and we’ve narrowed the selection down to a few of our favourites.

International sand sculpture festival, FIESA, will be open until the 30th of October and is located just 18 minutes from our hotel. This year’s theme is music, so expect to see iconic rock stars and instruments feature heavily within what has become the largest sand sculpture exhibition in the world. It also offers the chance to learn more at workshops and demonstrations, and enjoy live music, dance and circus performances.

Though a little further away, Faro’s Santa Iria Fair should be worth the journey. Not only is it one of the largest fairs in the Algarve, it’s also thought to have started earlier than 1596, making it one of the oldest too. Thrill-seekers can enjoy the variety of rides on offer, while the rest of the family can browse stalls selling candy floss, fritters, candied fruit and arts and crafts. Enjoy hours of fun here between the 14th and 23rd.

Autódromo Internacional do Algarve is home to karting tracks, including one specially designed for children, an off-road park, racing school and one of Europe’s leading professional circuits. This impressive track boasts 32 different layout options and has hosted the likes of the Superbike World Championships and the International GT Open (find out more here). As well as offering all the above, it’ll also be hosting the Algarve Classic Festival between the 28th and 30th of October.

Over 380 drivers will be taking part in the festival’s 10 European Classics Championships, which will include the GT&Sport Car Cup featuring Pre-1966 GT and pre-1963 sports cars. Take this unique opportunity to watch as some of the world’s most admired classic cars compete and in the words of the event’s organiser ‘…appreciate the beauty… of hearing an Aston Martin DB4 Zagato or a Ferrari 512M racing at full throttle’. Located less than 15 minutes from our resort, this is a must-see for car fans and their families this October.

Last, but definitely not least, the Portugal Masters will be taking place between the 20th and 23rd at Oceânico Victória, just 40 minutes from Penina. Andy Sullivan’s nine shot victory last year will be hard to follow… but we’re looking forward to seeing this year’s contenders try! The European Tour tournament will see leading international players compete for €2,000,000 prize money in the Algarve – offering the ideal day out for golf fans staying at Penina this October.

From world-class golf to racing cars, fairground rides and the ultimate sand castles, the Algarve can boast an exciting array of attractions this autumn! If you’re planning a family holiday in the Algarve this October, take a look at our five-night package that includes daily buffet breakfast, three dinners per person, exclusive discounts and much more!

We look forward to welcoming you to Penina for a fun-filled half term this October!

Penina Golf Week Returns for 2016

Compete on our Championship Course in our 50th Anniversary Year

1966 was a legendary year for sport; England won the World Cup, Muhammad Ali successfully defended his world heavyweight title five times... and the very first 18-hole golf course opened in the Algarve. That’s right, it’s our 50th birthday! It’s been half a century since Sir Henry Cotton opened Penina’s gates to excited hotel guests and eager golfers, and we can’t think of a better way to celebrate than to invite you to join us for a round or two on our world-famous Championship Course.

With its thousands of Pine and Eucalyptus trees, stream and lakes, our scenic course will undoubtedly provide an outstanding golfing experience any day of the year. However we think the ultimate way to mark our milestone will be to take part in Penina Golf Week. Having gained a reputation for being the Algarve’s greatest golf tournament, our exclusive event will see an array of international talent compete during four glorious days on the course...as well as provide a whole host of exciting entertainment off it too!

Our seven day programme will be jam-packed with five-star experiences perfect for both competitors and their loyal entourage. A welcome cocktail on the 8th of May will kick-off proceedings (naturally), followed by a delicious buffet dinner and a chance to mingle with fellow players from around the world. Swap stories, suss out the competition and perhaps even gain a tip or two from an over-zealous rival. However, we advise against too much revelry as the first full day will offer the chance to get to grips with the curves and contours of the 50th year old course... practice makes perfect after-all!

The first half of the Aggregated Individual Stableford Competition will begin at the very precise time of 9.04am on the 10th. Watch out for the creek on the 2nd hole, ease through the large green at the 8th before bracing yourself for the demanding 13th. This challenge has gained so much admiration that its been named one of the top 500 holes in the world and requires an aim slightly to the centre-left to avoid a large lake. After two full-days of flexing golfing muscles, there’ll be the chance to relax and rest up on the 11th for the those who need it, or alternatively take the opportunity to explore our full range of five-star facilities such as swimming pools, a FIFA size football pitch and floodlit tennis courts.

The tournament will resume on the 12th with the nail-biting second half of the Stableford, before continuing with a Two Ball Better Ball the following morning. Once the last bunker’s been conquered and winners decided, it’ll be time to don your finery for what will be an unforgettable evening of celebration. A pre-dinner drink will set the tone, before prizes for the likes of 1st, 2nd and 3rd, best ‘Gross’ result and a daily ‘Nearest the Pin’ are presented. After which competitors and guests alike will be able to let their hair down at a gala dinner; a glamorous finale to an outstanding week of golf in the sun-soaked Algarve.

With limited places and prices starting from just €121 per person per night, there’s no better time to book your place on May’s Golf Week...but only if you think you’re up to the challenge of competing on the world-renowned Sir Henry Cotton Championship Course in its anniversary year. It may only be January, but 2016 already looks set to be the most exciting year yet at Penina.