Things to Do in Algarve

A tour of western Algarve welcomes you to a region rich in natural beauty, history and heritage. You'll explore the historic city of Lagos where St Anthony's Church and the old slave market are musts. Plus, there's a visit to the timeless fishing village of Sagres, and epic views from Cape St Vincent – what was once known as the ‘End of the World'.

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.

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.

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.

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, we'll visit Cabo de São Vicente, also known as the ‘end of the world' – Europe's most south-westerly point. This place is famous for its sheer cliffs, panoramic views, and the iconic lighthouse perched at its tip. Soaking up these views looking out over the fishing harbour of Baleeira is the perfect way to round off this tour.

The Atlantic waters off the Algarve are home to a multitude of wild dolphins. On this short dolphin-watching excursion from Albufeira, you'll explore the Carvoeiro sea caves by boat before heading out to ocean in search of these friendly and captivating creatures.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The mysterious sea grottoes and stunning rock formations of the coastline near Albufeira can't be properly appreciated from land. Witness their splendour by speedboat, and then go in search of wild dolphins on this two-hour nautical adventure.

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.

Few capitals are as diverse as Lisbon. From the tightly packed alleys of the old town to the elegant boulevards of Baixa Pombalina, it's a city bursting with charm and life – and classic yellow trams. Gonçalo, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘Much of Lisbon was destroyed in the 1755 earthquake, and was then rebuilt under the Marquis of Pombal's guidance into the first city with innovative earthquake-resistant designs – hence today's name for the district: Baixa Pombalina.'Things kick off reasonably early, allowing you to reach Lisbon in good time. Get ready for spectacular views over the city as you cross the Golden Gate-like 25th April Bridge over the River Tagus to the seafront district of Belém. You'll get to see Belém Tower, the Monument of Discoveries and much more. Gonçalo says, 'Belém Tower was built in the early 16th century and is an iconic symbol of Portugal's Age of Discoveries. It once stood on a small island near the riverbank, but as the river's course changed, it now sits near the shore. Over the years, it's served as a defence point, a lighthouse, a customs house, and even a prison.'Next, sightsee by bus passing by the Basilica Estrela among other sights. Your guide will then point out the best areas of the city to check out during your free time – whether you prefer to shop, dine or simply stroll streets lined with impressive buildings from Portugal's imperial days. You'll return to the Algarve via the Vasco da Gama Bridge – the longest in Europe.

Loule boasts a rich medieval history, and it has always been a hugely important commercial centre for the Algarve region. Explore its open-air market stalls and its thriving indoor farmer's market on this half-day excursion. Although Loule is the Algarve's second-biggest city, its markets are conveniently located within striking distance of one another. Wander the narrow lanes of open-air “gypsy” market, where locally produced ceramics and all manner of other items weigh down the plentiful stalls. This is the prime territory for picking up some great souvenirs at a bargain price.You might want to cool down by taking things indoors to the beautifully restored farmers' market. Savour the wonderful sights and smells of the plentiful produce, which has been transported that very morning from the surrounding countryside and the clear Atlantic Ocean. And if there's time left over, delve into the narrow side streets that surround the markets. Here, you'll stumble across Loule's little handicraft shops, stuffed with hand-worked copper pans and wicker baskets

Get ready to shop ‘til you drop with this transfer to the Algarve Commercial Complex, your new shopping destination in Loulé. Here, you'll find a full price retail centre, MAR Shopping, and an outlet village, Designer Outlet Algarve, selling all your favourite brands. There's a leisure area with restaurants, bars and fun for the kids when you need a break. Then, your return transfer is at 14:00, just in time to hit the sunloungers in the afternoon.

Bursting with glorious buildings, dotted with leafy parks and drenched in Andalucian colour, Seville is a must-visit. Some of Spain's most important monuments are in the spotlight on this guided tour, including the bullring, Santa Cruz and Plaza de España. You'll also have some free time to explore. Mariasol, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘I always feel uplifted when I visit the Plaza de España because it's so colourful. It is full of painted ceramic tilework, known as azulejos. Each azulejo depicts Spain's regional culture and heritage and every province is represented.'You'll strike out early for the Andalusian capital, allowing plenty of time to explore some of its cultural and architectural highlights. Once in Seville, your walking tour begins at the Moorish Torre Del Oro. You'll see Seville's bullring, the Real Maestranza, the Triana Bridge, and the Plaza d'America. Next, you'll visit the colonnaded Plaza de España – and the surrounding Maria Luiza Park. After a rest in the park, we'll continue our walking tour, which takes us to Barrio de Santa Cruz – once known as the district of Moors and Jews. This most characterful district of Seville, right in the historic centre, is overflowing with orange trees, pretty plazas and jasmine-scented patios. And before heading back, you'll have some free time to explore on your own to grab some tapas – and maybe a souvenir or two.

As the heart and soul of Andalusia, Seville makes for a mesmerising daytrip. You'll explore the city's cobbled streets, secret patios and colossal cathedral on a panoramic bus tour. There'll also be free time to indulge in some shopping.

The Algarve is famed for its beautiful beaches, yet the area's countryside is also filled with historic and natural gems that are well worth discovering. You'll head into the mountains to visit Silves, Foia and Monchique, and taste some local treats along the way.

This trip has to be one of the best ways to discover the real Algarve. Jump into a 4x4, leave the coast behind and make your way up into the Monchique hills. You'll discover the real heart of the region, one that most visitors never get to see. Ines, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘These hills feel almost untouched by time, with little farming villages where life moves at a slower pace, offering a glimpse of traditional Portuguese life.'Travelling in small groups winding along earth tracks and past tiny villages, you'll get a sneak peek of a peaceful lifestyle that's quickly disappearing. One of the highlights is the whitewashed village of Alferce, home to a pretty church dating back to the 16th century. Any cultivatable patches of land in the area are filled with citrus orchards and eucalyptus groves. Next, you'll continue on your journey to explore the natural wilderness of Barrancos dos Pisoes.There'll be plenty of stops along the way to capture those perfect holiday pictures and then we'll travel up to the highest point in the Algarve. At this special viewpoint, you'll watch the sky change colour as the sun sets and toast the view with a glass of sparkling wine. Hop back into the 4x4 and as darkness blankets the landscape, you'll head to a local restaurant for a traditional dinner including specialities from the Monchique hills.

How about enjoying two completely different perspectives of the Algarve in one action-packed day? This exhilarating excursion takes you to the hidden parts of the region with an off-road safari and then swaps the hills for the waves with a cruise.

Seeing dolphins in their natural habitat is one of life's special experiences. Observe these fascinating and friendly creatures on this cruise down Portugal's sunny, south coast. Welcomed aboard by the crew, you'll set sail from Portimao harbour. Passing caves, coves and beaches, your knowledgeable skipper knows just where to head. Both bottlenose and common dolphins call this place home and they just love to show off. A captivating Algarve experience.

Wedged between the Atlantic and the Monchique Mountains, the Vicentine Coast has stunning landscapes, lots of flora and fauna but very few people. This is a wild world where you least expect it. Highlights include Costa Vicentina Natural Park, Carrapateira and Sagres.

This full day tour takes you on a pilgrimage all of your own. You'll journey from Albufeira early in the morning to cross the Portuguese hinterlands towards ‘the Shrine of the World', which attracts about four million pilgrims every year – the one and only Fatima.

Perched on the banks of the River Guadiana that separates Portugal and Spain, Ayamonte blends the best of both country's cultures. Discover Andalusian charm and delicious cuisine on this tour of an Iberian gem.Located just a stone's throw from the border, arriving in the Spanish town you'll get an impressive view of Portugal's Castro Marim castle – a remnant of the centuries of war between the two. Delve deeper into the history here with a guided tour of the medieval quarter and admire the traditional blue and white tiles at every turn.After free time to sip coffee in the square, shop the boutiques or rummage for trinkets and treasures in the marketplace, you'll be ready for lunch. Stop by Vive Ayamonte gastro-shop and a feast of tasty tapas, traditional paella and wine awaits. What's more, it's all served up with a side order of fantastic flamenco entertainment in their beautiful courtyard, reserved exclusively for TUI.

Eastern Algarve is one of Portugal's most beautiful regions – and this excursion in an eight-seat minibus is ideal for discovering its pretty villages and biggest city. You'll visit Faro, Olhao, Cacela Velha and Tavira and as well as travel through beautiful countryside in the Ria Formosa National Park.

See the spectacular shores of the Algarve from above – get a different perspective on Portugal with this exciting parasailing experience.Perfect for thrill-seekers and first-timers alike, you'll hop in a state-of-the-art boat and zoom along the coast from Albufeira. Then, after a quick safety briefing, you'll strap on your parachute and be ready to fly.Soaring up to 80m above the waves, you'll feel the wind in your hair as you enjoy 10-minutes of incredible views from the air, then make a splash as you land in the Atlantic. And if you don't fancy flying through the air yourself, you can board the boat as a spectator and watch your friends and family in action.

Seeing dolphins in their natural habitat is one of life's special experiences. See these fascinating and friendly creatures on this cruise down Portugal's sunny, south coast. Welcomed aboard by the crew, you'll set sail from the harbour in either Cabanas or Fuzeta. Passing the lagoons of Ria Formosa Natural Park, you'll then head out into the Atlantic. And your knowledgeable captains know just where to head. Both bottlenose and common dolphins call this place home and they just love to show off. A captivating Algarve experience.

Live the dream on this fast boat experience along the Algarve coast. Zoom between Albufeira Marina and Carvoeiro Beach and spot dolphins along the way.Feel the speed as the Dreamer whizzes across the water, past rocky outcrops and cove beaches slowing down to explore the caves and grottoes which pepper the coastline. This boat is small enough to be able to enter them, without having to change boats.Then on the way back to the marina, the boat will shift away from the coast and further out to sea to look for dolphins. There are many bottle-nosed and common dolphins living in these parts and there's nothing like seeing these remarkable creatures leaping and frolicking in their natural environment.

Enjoy a boat trip out of Albufeira Marina and head out to sea for some, sun, sightseeing and – with a bit of luck – dolphin spotting.Sit back and enjoy the fresh sea air as you sail past breathtaking rocky outcrops and golden, cove beaches in search of the most beautiful caves and rock formations of the region. The coastline here is varied and your Captain will take you to explore the grottoes nestled in the cliffs.On the way back the boat will shift away from the coast in search of dolphins. There's a good chance of spotting them along with a whole host of other marine life as there's literally hundreds that live in these parts.

Tearing through the sea with the breeze blowing in your face is a tough holiday experience to beat. So this jet ski ride on the Algarve's golden coast is a must.

Tearing through the sea with the breeze blowing in your face is a tough holiday experience to beat. So this jet ski ride on the Algarve's golden coast is a must.

This excursion offers contrasting ways to discover the hidden Algarve. In a 4x4, you'll roam through a nature reserve, head into the hills, stumbling upon timeless villages along the way. And you'll also visit country homes and enjoy a relaxing river cruise.

Seeing dolphins in their natural habitat is one of life's special experiences. See these fascinating and friendly creatures on this cruise down Portugal's sunny, south coast. Welcomed aboard by the crew, you'll set sail from Portimao harbour. Passing caves, coves and beaches, your knowledgeable captains know just where to head. Both bottlenose and common dolphins call this place home and they just love to show off. A captivating Algarve experience.

See the spectacular shores of the Algarve from above – get a different perspective on Portugal with this exciting parasailing experience.Perfect for thrill-seekers and first-timers alike, you'll hop in a state-of-the-art boat and zoom along the coast from Albufeira. Then, after a quick safety briefing, you'll strap on your parachute and be ready to fly.Soaring up to 80m above the waves, you'll feel the wind in your hair as you enjoy 10-minutes of incredible views from the air, then make a splash as you land in the Atlantic. And if you don't fancy flying through the air yourself, you can board the boat as a spectator and watch your friends and family in action.

There's nothing quite like the exhilaration of riding a quad bike through the countryside. And these three tour options allow you to explore the hills around Albufeira while mastering your quad bike driving skills. Choose from a mini tour, a three-hour one or a full-day off-roading adventure complete with lunch.You'll set off around the hills of Albufeira, but this time with some adrenaline-pumping action thrown in. The mini hour-and-a-half tour gives you a quick burst of off-road action, suitable for families and beginners, with a stop at Paderne Castle. But you can upgrade your experience to the three-hour tour, which features a few challenges – streams, riverbeds, steep inclines and wide open trails.There's also the six-hour exploration, which takes in a variety of terrains to really hone your quad biking skills. There'll be steep inclines to panoramic viewpoints and trails that take you past old ruins. You'll also stop off for lunch at a typical Portuguese restaurant.

Hit the waves with this intro surf lesson on Portugal's sunny, south coast. Hop on your board from the sands of Praia de Gale beach and fully-qualified instructors will have you riding rollers in no time. Maximum groups of eight means you'll get personal, one-on-one coaching. And with all equipment provided, you'll have everything you need for a great day on the water.

Enjoy the Algarve's great outdoors with a double dose of adventure on both land and sea. You'll combine a cruise to the famous Benagil grottoes with the Seven Hanging Valleys trail – one of Europe's best hikes.With an experienced guide by your side, we'll set off on a four-kilometre scenic route that runs from Praia da Marinha in the east, to Praia do Carvalho in the west. Hiking along dramatic clifftop trails and through wildlife-packed woodland, highlights include the Alfanzina lighthouse and a host of beautiful beaches. If you're lucky, you may even spot an animal or two – this area of outstanding natural beauty is home to rabbit, fox, mongoose and more.The walk ends in the seaside town of Ferragudo, where you'll have some free time to explore or have a bite to eat, before heading to Portimão for the next leg of the adventure. Hop in a boat, and we'll round off with a cruise along the coastline to Algar Sêco and Benagil grottoes – two incredible caves carved by the passage of time.

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.

Away from the coast, southern Portugal has a few secrets up its sleeve. This trip serves up a trio of top experiences most tourists miss out on. You'll visit history-packed Silves – the Algarve's ancient capital – and stop by the cloud-piercing viewpoint, Foia. And to round off, there's a wine tasting session at Quinta dos Vales vineyard.

This three-in-one tour packs in some of the Algarve's top sights. Kicking off in Faro, the Algarve's capital, you'll explore the old town with a walking tour before heading to Olhao, a village on the banks of the Ria Formosa. It's famed for fish market. Next up is Tavira, where the Roman Bridge is a must-see. After wandering around it's many churches and cobbled streets, you'll have some free time to grab lunch before heading back.

Combine culture and nature on this tour to Silves and the Monchique Mountains. The capital of the former Kingdom of the Algarve, Silves is a pretty maze of whitewashed streets under a red fortress and two-tone cathedral. Enjoy free time here before heading to Foia, the highest point of the Monchique Mountains, for liquer tasting and some more free time to grab lunch or take in the sights.

If you're looking to find the authentic Algarve, Loulé's credentials couldn't be more complete – it's one of the oldest cities in the south. See the Roman-era origins and Arabic influences of this pretty city, and then hit the countryside to visit the typical villages of Querenca and Barranco do Velho. It's traditional Portugal to a T.

A 4x4 tour that's all about getting close to nature. Discover the flora and fauna on a route along the lower River Guadiana, which divides Portugal and Spain. Learn all about the area's heritage and the importance of cork and salt production. You'll get to taste local organic farm products, chance upon rustic villages and find out about local customs.

In addition to being a protected wetland replete with the likes of flamingos and all manner of birdlife, Ria Formosa Natural Park boasts some spectacular sandbar islands to boot. This day trip takes you to see four such islands up close – Farol, Deserta, Culatra and Armona.The ferry will cast off from Olhão and take you gliding across this unique coastal lagoon, where marshes and wetlands thrive next to saltpans, dunes and barrier islands. During the journey to your first stop, Farol Island, you'll have the chance to spot the birdlife this natural park is famed for, then you'll skirt by the lighthouse which stands guard over it all.Next you'll see Deserta Island, which as its name suggests, seems just like a desert island with its large empty swathes of sand. You'll head over to Culatra Island where you'll have free time for lunch before hopping over to Armona Island, known for its white-sand beaches.

This VIP tour is big on sightseeing. You'll discover the rock formations of Ponta da Piedade and enjoy a guided tour of Lagos. Rounding off the experience is Cape St Vincent – the Algarve's most westerly point. Tiago, one of our expert local guides, says "the Algarve area of Portugal has two main draws – its coastline and its sightseeing scene. Most people fall for the beaches, which is understandable given how gorgeous they are, but there are loads of cultural hotspots we'll show you on this tour. During our stop in Lagos, for example, you'll learn about the region's darker side at what used to be one of Europe's first slave markets.” Your tour kicks off at Ponta da Piedade for a photo opportunity of the Algarve's unique coastal rock formations. You'll see the arches and pillars – some of which have nicknames like ‘the elephant' and ‘the cathedral' – which have been sculpted over thousands of years by coastal erosion.Next up is Lagos. You'll kick things off her with a guided walking tour that takes in Praça do Infante, where you'll see Henry the Navigator's statue and learn about his exploration of the African coast. You'll also visit the Church of St Antonio and have some free time for lunch, shopping or exploring. Last but not least, you can snap a few selfies at Cape St Vincent. Also known as the ‘end of the world', it's the south-westernmost point in Europe.

You'll explore the Algarve high and low on this scenery and history-rich tour. First up is hilltop Silves, famed for its red castle and white churches. Then, it's on to Fóia in the Monchique Mountains. We'll then visit Lagos on the coast, seeing its former slave market, fortress and more. Rounding off the tour are stops at Sagres and Cape St Vincent.

Seville captures the spirit of Spain like nowhere else. This tour lines up sights like Triana bridge, Santa Cruz, the Royal Palace and Plaza España – as seen in the Star Wars prequel trilogy. Not forgetting the largest Gothic cathedral in the world. What's more, there's free time to explore at your own pace or check out the shops, too.

Away from the coast, the Algarve is all dirt roads, dry riverbeds, and dusty tracks. This 90-minute buggy tour sees you drive your own off-road vehicle through the rough, tough landscape of southern Portugal. You'll kick up clouds of dust as you tear across the terrain and visit the ancient Paderne Castle for some wow-factor photos, too.

Away from the coast, the Algarve is all dirt roads, dry riverbeds, and dusty tracks. This 90-minute buggy tour sees you drive your own off-road vehicle through the rough, tough landscape of southern Portugal. You'll kick up clouds of dust as you tear across the terrain and visit the ancient Paderne Castle for some wow-factor photos, too.

This private tour takes you to a world of cultural gems and areas of natural beauty within striking distance of Faro. See some of the best bits, including guided visits to Silves and charming Lagos, the gorgeous landscapes of mountainside Caldas de Monchique, and the clifftop viewpoints of Ponta da Piedade and Cape St Vincent.