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!

Video Walkthrough of the Sir Henry Cotton Championship Course

Learn How to Navigate our World-Class Course Before Arriving

Those who haven’t had the pleasure of teeing off on the lush green grounds of the Sir Henry Cotton Championship Course yet can now take the unique opportunity to experience what its 18-hole layout can offer from their laptops and phones. Using exclusive footage filmed from a low flying helicopter, we’ve put together an 18 section walkthrough of our renowned course to offer the chance to see what challenges and beautiful scenery lay ahead before booking your luxury golfing break at our resort.

Built in 1966 by three times British Open Champion Sir Henry Cotton, the renowned par 73 course has hosted the likes of the Portuguese Open, National Finals of the Audi Corp and Daily Telegraph Senior’s Match Play. With the vision of offering year-round golfing in an area known for its sought-after climate, Sir Henry Cotton transformed what was once paddy fields into the first 18-hole golf course in the Algarve. His creation boasts thousands of shrubs, eucalyptus and pine trees, alongside streams, lakes and a variety of ditches and slopes; making for a truly unrivalled experience.  

If that’s whet your golfing appetite, our walkthrough will undoubtedly excite and inspire. Watch with trepidation as footage traces the curves of the lake at the 13^th hole; the key here is to aim for a well struck shot slightly angled to the centre-left to conquer what’s been voted as one of the best 500 holes in the world. Admire the long, narrow green of the 9^th hole, framed with towering trees as you turn towards our hotel, and imagine crossing the quaint bridges of the 5^th hole while taking in the stunning sun-soaked surroundings.

Though our video footage, tips and course plans will offer an exceptional level of insight into each of the course’s 18 holes, nothing will quite prepare you for the awe-inspiring views and competitive task ahead upon arrival. After taking a mental note of each bunker and creek to avoid, browse our latest offers and packages before booking an outstanding golfing holiday in the Algarve at Penina Hotel & Golf Resort. 

World-Class Racing Experiences in the Algarve

Unforgettable Holiday Activities That’ll Have More Than Just Your Heart Racing

Though Penina Hotel is renowned for offering luxury golf holidays, its location also offers easy access to a range of activities that’ll boost adrenaline a little more than approach shots. With the opportunity to admire incredible views during a skydive, catch a North Atlantic wave, and climb jaw-dropping cliff faces, the choice available in the Algarve certainly won’t leave you feeling underwhelmed. However the ‘cream of the crop’ has to be the chance to take an array of sports cars for a spin at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve, one of Europe’s leading professional circuits. With state-of-the-art facilities praised by Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher, we invite you to fasten your seatbelt and take control of the steering wheel during a five-star stay in the Algarve.

Autódromo Algarve

Located less than 15 minutes from the luxury Penina Hotel & Golf Resort, Autódromo Internacional do Algarve boasts over 700 acres of world-class facilities that have attracted the likes of BMW and McLaren to present here. From 32 different circuit layout possibilities, to one of the largest karting tracks in Europe and an extensive off-road course, it has been designed to both impress and challenge. The 15,000 seat VIP viewing tower and steep slopes ensure the 100,000 capacity venue offers great views over the track, which can stretch up to the F1 length of 4,684 metres. Alongside hosting annual and seasonal events that have included Le Man Series, Superbike World Championships and the International GT Open, it offers the chance to try out the tracks for yourself with courses and once-in-a-lifetime experiences that’ll have more than just your heart racing.

Racing School

Whether you’re hoping to master one of the world’s most sought-after sports cars or simply fancy a couple of electrifying laps, the Autódromo in Portimão will more than deliver. Take a short trip down the M532 after a relaxing round on the Sir Henry Cotton Championship Course, and you can soon be revving up the engines of a Porsche GT3, Nissan GTR or Porsche Cayman S. For something a little more indepth, a selection of four courses will offer the chance to learn from technical briefings, agility exercises and trips around the track; varying in price from €299 with a Peugeot RCZ, to €999 with a Porsche 911 Carrera… and a whole host of additions.

Motorbike fans can benefit from Miguel Praia’s advice during the ultimate day out. Discover tricks for riding at the Autódromo do Algarve through lectures, practical activities and video analysis, ensuring you’re fully prepped for a timed track session. Meanwhile, those looking for the rush without the worry can sign-up for ‘taxi’ experiences, during which you simply sit back and watch while professional instructors take you for two unforgettable rounds.

Off-Road & Karting Experiences

Alongside the smoother curves of the professional circuits, a 5,180 metre off-road route will offer a less-polished, all-terrain experience. Those holidaying with their own high performance vehicles can enjoy navigating man-made obstacles and water splash areas during track days. While a moto course offers a range of techniques to help riders rise to the demands of the off-course experience. Fun experiences for the whole family also await on a specific children’s karting track for under 6’s. Ideal for group outings, Karting International Algarve also contains a restaurant, shops, a 1,531 metre track and over 50 karts available for hire.

After a challenging day spent pushing an array of powerful vehicles (and your nerves) to their very limits, Penina Hotel & Golf Resort will offer a luxurious place to rest your head. With six restaurants and bars to choose between, you’ll easily find a delicious bite to eat and the perfect tipple to toast an outstanding day out, before retreating to your five-star room or suite. Use the hotel’s Wi-Fi to share photos of your incredible driving experience and look forward to waking up to another morning at the leading luxury golf resort in the Algarve. Find its latest offers and packages here.