Excursions in the Algarve
Excursions are a great way to explore the Algarve. Some take you to places you wouldn’t visit otherwise. And others provide you with local knowledge about the area. Above all, excursions are fun. But there are so many options: where do you go? In this article you can find the top 10 excursions in the Algarve that we recommend for your perfect holiday. The excursions themselves are provided by GetYourGuide.com. We have worked with them for several years and can say their excursions and their guides are very good. Get ready to be inspired by the possible trips you can take in the Algarve.
1. Boat tour to the Benagil cave
This excursion starts in Portimão or Albufeira.
Highlights:
- The beautiful landscapes of the Algarve coastline
- The sensational Benagil Sea Cave
- The Fort of Santa Catarina and the Ferragudo Castle
Discover one of the most exotic beaches in the world and gaze at the breathtaking Benagil Sea Cave. The 2-hour trip of fun starts at Cais Vasco da Gama in Portimão. Along the way you will see the Fort of Santa Catarina, the Ferragudo Castle, and the small fishing village of Ferragudo. You will discover more than 30 caves and pass the beaches of Pintadinho, Paradise, Carvoeiro and a number of deserted beaches. The Benagil Sea Cave is near praia de Benagil, but you can only get there by boat. This is one of the best excursions in the Algarve!
2. Dolphin watching boat tour
This excursion starts in Albufeira, Lagos or Faro.
Highlights:
- Fall in love with the dolphins
- The fascinating caves
- Learn about the sea life
The Algarvian waters are home to one of the most favourite animals in the world: dolphins. During a 2.5 hour cruise, you will go dolphin watching and see these beautiful creatures from up close. Next to the dolphins, you might see the minke whale, the orca, sharks or sea turtles. The wonderful cruise starts from the harbor of Albufeira and you will head to Carvoeiro beach, passing one of a kind caves and spectacular rock formations. A truly joyful experience!
3. Islands of the Ria Formosa by catamaran
This excursion starts in Faro.
Highlights:
- Sail on a modern catamaran
- The magnificent canals in Ria Formosa Natural Park
- The beautiful islands of Armona, Culatra, Farol and Deserta
The beautiful Ria Formosa Natural Park is best explored by sailing a catamaran. This 4 hour trip will take you along the Ria Formosa canals and includes stops at the magnificent islands of Armona, Culatra, Farol, and Deserta. Also, there will be plenty of breaks for swimming! The catamaran leaves twice every day from Faro and can take up to 12 passengers. A one of a kind must see excursion!
4. Ponta da Piedade and caves by kayak
This excursion starts in Lagos.
Highlights:
- Scenic kayak tour
- The impressive Ponta da Piedade from the water
- Snorkeling in the deep turquoise water
Ponta da Piedade near Lagos is one of the most precious parts of the Algarve. One of the most exciting ways to explore the unique caves and golden rock formations is by kayak. Being so close to the crystal clear water, you can truly feel the wonders of the world that were created millions of years ago. The guide will teach you about the history of the place and direct you to the countless fossils carved in the rocks, showing the spectacular life that once lived there. The 2 hour kayak tour includes plenty of time for swimming and snorkeling in the transparent water. This is the perfect excursion for an unforgettable holiday!
5. Algarve Jeep safari tour
This excursion starts in Albufeira or Portimão.
Highlights:
- Adventurous and educational jeep safari in a four wheel drive
- The hidden Algarve’s architecture and rural villages
- The cork tree forests and the orange groves
- Firewater tasting
This half-day jeep safari tour starts in Albufeira and will take you on a journey through the picturesque villages, fragrant orange groves, beautiful cork forests, Arabic castles and spectacular waterfalls. Fall in love with the Portuguese countryside, taste homemade produce at a local farm and drink the sweet honey liquor called Medronho firewater! A beautiful off-the track experience, where you will learn about the customs and traditions of the rustic villages from a passionate guide!
6. Algarve coastline boat tour
This excursion starts in Albufeira or Lagos.
Highlights:
- The golden coast of the Algarve
- Swimming and snorkeling in the water
- The beautiful rock formations along the way
A boat tour along the coastline of the Algarve will show you another side of the region. You will see the golden coast and stunning rock formations. The difference between this tour and the Benagil cave tour is its length and focus: while the Benagil cave tour focuses heavily on the Benagil cave and lasts for 2 hours, this tour lasts for 4-6 hours and focuses more on the beautiful sights you can see of the Algarve coastline. Some boat tours even end with a BBQ on the beach. Highly recommended.
7. Sunset tour
This excursion starts in Sagres, Portimão or Lagos.
Highlights:
- See the sunset from a beautiful place
- Have a glass of wine while you enjoy the sunset
The sunset is the Algarve is truly amazing. This is because the combination of cliffs and colours are magical. When you go on a sunset tour, they will take you to one of the best places to see the sunset. Enjoy the sunset while you sip on a glass of wine.
8. Cultural and scenic villages tour in the countryside
This excursion starts in Albufeira, Portimão or Tavira.
Highlights:
- Discover traditional villages in the interior of the Algarve
- Admire the breathtaking landscapes
- Taste regional food and delicacies
In the interior of the Algarve you can find traditional villages where time seems to have stopped. It is a completely different world than the towns near the coast. Discover this world by going on an excursion. You will stop at unique villages, where you can walk around and taste the culture of the traditional Algarve.
9. Quad bike tour
This excursion starts in Albufeira.
Highlights:
- Drive a quad and feel the adrenaline
- Enjoy the views of the countryside of the Algarve
If you would like to explore the Algarve in a unique way, try a quad bike tour. You will drive the quad yourself through the countryside of the Algarve. If you like adrenaline, this is a great excursion.
10. Visiting a water park in the Algarve
There are water parks in Alcantarilha, Guia, Lagoa and Quarteira.
Highlights:
- Feel the adrenaline in your body during fast slides
- Relax in the pool and jacuzzi
- Have a great day out in the park with plenty of facilities around
There are four water parks in the Algarve, each providing an amazing experience with unique attractions. You can go to either Aqualand, Aquashow, Slide & Splash or Zoomarine. Visiting any of these water parks is a lot of fun. Kids usually love to visit these parks as well. It is a great day out with the entire family.
