Things to do in the Algarve

Boat tour to Ria Formosa Natural Park from Olhão

Take a boat tour from Olhão to discover Ria Formosa Natural Park, stop for lunch in the fishermen's village of Culatra, and to admire the nature in Armona Bay.

Hop-on, Hop-off Bus Albufeira Ticket

Albufeira's beaches and party vibe are world-renowned, but there's another side to it, too. Take in the laid-back charms and abundant sights of its beautiful Old Town from the excellent vantage point of an open-top bus.Freedom is the name of the game with this offering – your ticket will be valid for 24 hours, and you can hop on and off whenever something on the route piques your interest. The open-top of your double-decker bus affords you 360 degree reviews of the Old Town around and below you.Check out the main square, with its mix of enchanting old churches, cafés, bars and restaurants. One of the most endearing aspects of Albufeira is it hotchpotch of architectural styles, which are the result of a devastating earthquake during the 18th- century. Consequently, a large amount of local landmarks now display a fusion of architectural styles combined with several centuries-old Moorish sights dotted around the old town. Wander amongst the many cobbled streets at your leisure – and just hop on the next passing bus to take you on to the next attraction.

Slide & Splash Ticket

Spiralling chutes. Shriek-inducing slides. Laughs a minute. And plenty of space for you to relax in the sun while the kids have fun. That's what Slide & Splash waterpark in Lagoa is all about. And this summer, it's even better than ever with the addition of The Big Wave and Disco River.

Zoomarine Ticket Only

Enjoy a day at Zoomarine, Portugal's only animal and marine park, with this great value ticket-only trip. Getting to and from the park under your own steam, you'll be free to spend as long you like enjoying the attractions.Top billing goes to the dolphin shows, where you'll watch these frisky mammals perform feats and tricks in their pool. And if you're up for more aquatic action afterwards, there are also the sea lion shows, water birds and an aquarium, too. Then peer into the alligator compound or watch a bird of prey exhibition, gazing into the skies as falcons and eagles swoop through the air.When you want something different, have lunch at one of the restaurants or while away your time sunbathing on the lawns, splashing in the pool or braving the amusement rides. There's a big wheel, flume and pirate ship to keep the kids happy while you chill.

Algarve 4x4 Off-road Safari

Away from the coastal resort towns, the Algarve is still a very rural and rugged region. Explore its winding dusty trails and sleepy villages on this off-road 4x4 adventure. You can choose either a full-day excursion, or one that takes just an afternoon.

Algarve coastal tour with wine-tasting

Some of the Algarve's hardest-to-reach areas are in the spotlight on this scenic day tour. Your adventure kicks off in Porches at a pottery workshop where you can see traditional crafting techniques. From here, you'll make a few quick stops at Praia da Marinha, Benagil and Algar Seco, to see the different cliff and rock formations there. Then, you'll visit the fishing village of Ferragudo. Here, you'll have plenty of free time for lunch at the harbour, before ending the day with a wine-tasting session.

West Algarve Tour with Lagos, Sagres and Cabo de São Vicent

The rugged coast of the western Algarve is crammed with dramatic cliffs sheltering sandy coves and characterful towns. On this trip you'll have ample time to explore the historic city of Lagos and see some of the Algarve's most picturesque points, including Sagres, the ‘end of the world' and Baleeira fishing village. Beatriz, one of our expert local guides, says, 'Lagos has a long history, and was once an important hub for maritime traffic in the 15th century during the Portuguese Age of Discovery. You'll get a sense of its history as you mander through the old town on patterned cobbled streets flanked by handsome buildings.' Sheltering by a river mouth, the town of Lagos has a great location by the beach and within reach of all that amazing scenery. Get your culture fix with a tour of Lagos town, plus free time to enjoy the vibrant streets and cafés. Your guided tour takes in Praça do Infante to see Henry the Navigator's statue as well as the building that served as Portugal's first slave market. Afterwards, you could choose to spend your time having lunch, shopping or exploring.Next, you'll head to Sagres to admire its 15th century fortress, where you can explore the grounds and admire its impressive architecture while learning about the region's maritime history. After this we'll visit Cabo de São Vicente, also known as the ‘end of the world' – Europe's most south-westerly point. You'll round off the day taking in even more panoramic views over the fishing harbour of Baleeira.

Faro, Olhão & Tavira Tour with Fado Show

The east is one of the jewels in the Algarve's crown, and this full day excursion offers a flavour of its local culture as well as a chance to get to know its biggest city. You'll visit Faro, Olhao, and Tavira and travel through beautiful countryside in the Ria Formosa National Park. Sofia, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘This excursion is special because it brings the local culture to life. You'll see a performance of Fado music which is the heart of Portuguese tradition, a soulful singer fronts a group of musicians and together they convey passion, struggle, and longing. It's a hugely significant part of Portuguese culture.'We'll begin in Faro, the regional capital, where you'll have free time to explore the old town – the cathedral is a must-see. Next up is Olhao, a village on the banks of the Ria Formosa. You'll visit its famous fish market and then enjoy free time for lunch and shopping. Sofia adds, ‘As well as showcasing the fruits of the sea, the market is a good place to make contact with smallholders selling their own produce, such as honey, jams, cakes, and liqueurs.'In the afternoon, we'll head to Tavira to see its top sights and visit the castle for a stroll along its ramparts. Along with the castle, the seven-arched Roman bridge and a pair of historic churches are just a handful of the best things to do in Tavira. Cap off the day by dropping into a church for a live show of fado singing – the melancholic music genre that is a national treasure.

Guadiana River Cruise with BBQ

As the natural border between Spain and Portugal, the River Guadiana cuts through areas of natural beauty. You'll navigate your way upriver from Vila Real de Santo António to Foz de Odeleite and Quinta do Rio, and enjoy a barbecue and live music on board.Once you arrive at Vila Real de Santo António, you'll board the boat ready for a relaxing cruise up the Guadiana. Take a seat and enjoy the passing scenery and once we reach the timeless village Foz de Odeleite, we'll anchor up, and you can stroll around at your own pace. Back on board, we'll cruise a bit further to Quinta do Rio.Here you'll have views over the river and village, and you'll even be able to cool down with a swim and a drink at the bar. We'll then serve up a barbecue lunch, complete with local wine and live music in the background. The rest of the afternoon is for relaxing on the sun terrace and cruising back downriver.

Algarve Villages 4x4 Safari Tour

With valleys that dip and dive, coastal roads that swing by craggy bays and villages suspended in time, the Algarve has so much more to offer. This half-day 4x4 tour sees you travelling off-road and along tracks to hidden places, tasing local produce along the way. First on the agenda is the village of Paderne before you hit the trails inland towards Esteval dos Mouros past orange groves and almond, fig and olives trees. You'll make it to Rocha Amarela for panoramic views and an insight into life as it was centuries ago, then continue on to Nave dos Cordeiros where you'll see first-hand how cork is harvested. Next stop will be Nave das Sobreiras to taste some local honey and medronho before it's back on the road to Picota via vineyards to gaze out over the Algarve coastline.

Half Day Monchique & Hidden Algarve 4x4 Tour

If you're after some different photo opportunities of the Algarve, then look no further than this half-day 4x4 excursion. You'll travel off road and along country tracks to see hamlets set in the Monchique hills – an area famed for medronho, honey and cork – with tastings included.

Ophelia Catamaran & BBQ with Transport

The Algarve coastline is in a class of its own. On this boat trip aboard the Ophelia, you'll spot its most secluded beaches, eye-catching rock formations and fishing villages. Highlights include Ferragudo castle, Carvoeiro lighthouse and Benagil beach. And to round things off, there's a barbecue on the beach, too.