Below are details of some of the places you may wish to take the opportunity of visiting whilst at Vila Senhora da Rocha. Please note that this is just a sample of the attractions and places of interest in the Algarve and that there are many more that have not been mentioned.

Vila Senhora da Rocha is situated close to Armação de Pêra, a bustling small town with many restaurants, cafes, a local indoor market, its own fishing fleet and fish market, and one of the longest beaches in the Algarve. It is approximately 25 minutes walk from Vila Senhora da Rocha (or take the regular mini bus). As well as the covered market, open every day except Sunday, Saturdays sees local growers set up their stalls with all their produce.

On the sea front is the Tourist Information Bureau from which you can obtain details about the area and its attractions. Why not take the train and see the town and seafront in style? or why not come earlier in the year at carnival time and join in the fun?

If you hire a car, then within easy reach of Vila Senhora da Rocha and to the East are:-

Guia - where you will find one of the most famous piri-piri restaurants in the Algarve.
Algarve Shopping - This is similar to the outlet villages in the UK (but with even better prices!).
Albufeira - one of the largest tourist centres in the Algarve with more bars, restaurants and cafes than any other town in the region. It is also a centre for night life with many night clubs. Despite the influx of tourism the town, once a village perched atop steep cliffs, has retained much of its original charm.
Vilamoura - developed in the 1980's round the harbour, Vilamoura has a marina providing moorings for about a thousand luxury yachts and other more modest craft. It is surrounded on three sides by restaurants, bars and shops making it an ideal place to spend time sipping a coffee or beer and watching the world go by. Beyond the marina there are plenty of spacious green areas and a proliferation of golf courses. There is also a purpose built cross country course which hosts international events.
Quarteira - a weekly regional market is held here and is an experience not to be missed.
Algarve Zoo and Krazy World - a theme park including reptiles, pets' corner, swimming pools, restaurant, fairground and more.
Zoomarine - an oceanographic theme park, including a dolphinarium.

To the West are:-

Aqua Land - one of the Algarve's noted water parks with large water slides.
Slide and Splash - another of the Algarve's fabulous water parks.

Monchique/Caldas de Monchique - Monchique is the highest town in the Algarve and near to Foia Peak, the highest point in the Algarve. From the summit there are magnificent views right along the coastline from Portimão to Lagos and beyond. Caldas de Monchique, which you pass through on the road from Silves to Monchique, is an attractive spa resort developed on the site of Roman baths. Its thermal waters are said to be effective in the treatment of skin diseases

Portimão - the second largest city in the Algarve combining the advantages of an industrial city with those of an important fishing port. It is renowned for its sardines which are specialities of the many restaurants and cafes along the harbour. It is also a major shopping area. Many trips can be taken from the harbour including trips up the River Arade to Silves in gondola type boats, which are both informative and relaxing.

Lagos - regarded as the most beautiful town in the western Algarve, Lagos was rebuilt after the earthquake of 1755 with the Old Town retaining much of its charm to this day. There is a long, wide promenade along the harbour where you can sit and watch the fishermen and the yachts coming and going from the marina. It also has a multitude of restaurants and cafes, and its beautiful beaches are set among spectacular coastal rock formations. Also worth a visit are the museum and the "Golden Church".

Sagres - this small town in the far south west corner of the Algarve is famous for its links with Henry the Navigator, who formed a maritime academy here where Christopher Columbus spent some time. It is the nearest town to Cape St Vincent, the most westerly point in Europe. The scenery here is rugged and the lighthouse possesses what is believed to be the strongest beam in Europe, able to be seen for some 59 miles.