The southernmost region of Portugal has some unforgettable features from wonderful cliffs to golden beaches, castle towns and remarkable birdlife. Read on for some of our favourite things to do…
1. Zoomarine Guia
With animal shows, a 4D cinema, an aquarium and various habitats for species such from alligators to aquatic birds, Zoomarine is an entertaining and educational day out. There is also the chance to interact with bottle nose trained Dolphins.
2. Gorgeous beaches
The Algarve is home to a 200km coastline and 100 beaches, 83 of which are blue flag beaches, ensuring a family friendly atmosphere and safe waters. Visitors can gaze at coves, cliffs, caves and rocky beaches. Our favourites include Praia da Marinha in Lagoa, which is surrounded by beautiful cliffs, the long sandy 8km Praia da Falésia in Albufeira and Tavira Island, just off the coast it’s part of the Natural reserve of Ria Formosa and a legal naturist beach.
3. The Ocean Revival
Project This non-profit organisation that helps promote underwater tourism, this is the ideal place to do your first wreck dive. The waters off the Algarve’s Portimao coastline contain artificial reefs and sunken Navy vessels, which have been carefully cleaned of all environmentally hazardous materials that could be dangerous for divers.
4. Hiking or biking
Scenic routes, ideal for hikers and bikers, include the long-distance pedestrian path running from Alcoutim, in the eastern Algarve, all the way through to the west near Sagres. With a 300km path divided into 14 sections, five new connections and 12 trajectories, each beginning and ending with lodges and refreshments, you are sure to have a safe and memorable hiking or biking experience.
5. Play some golf
The Algarve is home to some fine golf courses, with spectacular views. A total of 18-hole layouts can be played at 35 different golf clubs within the Federacao Portuguesa de Golfe. One of our favourite places to golf is the Oceanico complex at Vilamoura, as there are special layouts from the Laguna to Pinhal.
6. Experience nature
Ria Formosa Natural Park, off the coast of Faro, is Portugal’s largest protected coastal area. Visitors can hike or boat through the park past sand dunes, marshlands, lagoons and fresh water lakes. The park is home to 20,000 birds, plus many fish, mammals, amphibians and pink flamingos, which feed in the salt lakes. Alternatively, Europe's largest coastal natural park, the Costa Vicentina Natural, with its beaches and striking cliffs, is a sight to behold.
7. Relax at the spa
There are more than 40 spas to choose from, and with the regions tranquil surrounding peace and harmony is guaranteed. The Conrad Algarve spa & Health Club is one of the more luxurious spas in Portugal. The spa provides holistic therapies, combining meditation and special body treatments for your relaxation.
8. Cultural experiences
Cork production has increased in popularity with the tourists. The Cork Route from Serra do Caldeirão shows the process from the oak groves, to the extraction of the cork to the industrial transformation for end use. To further your cultural experience visit the Museu Municipal de Faro for Roman mosaics as well as archaeological discoveries and a taste of history. Or see the larger towns in the Algarve and for some lasting roman influences such as the Dona Maria II Bridge in Lagos town centre Ponte Romana in Tavira.
9. Festivals or sportsevent
If you enjoy food festivals and various types of sporting events, the Algarve is the perfect place to be. Spectators from all around the world come to see sporting events such as powerboat racing, kitesurfing, surfing, sailing, cycling, tennis and our favourite the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve race track near Portimao. If you want to over indulge, events like The Festival of “Chouriças” (Sausages) or Festival of Hot bread and fresh cheese are great.
10. Sunset at Cape St Vincent
Take a trip to Cabo de São Vicente in Cape St Vincent for an exceptional view of the sunset, a fascinating sight that sailors would see before they set off into the unknown. This experience is so captivating that if quiet, you can almost hear the sound of the sun as it hits the sea. Each evening, visitors gather to see the sun go down and enjoy a truly scenic moment.
The southernmost region of Portugal has some unforgettable features from wonderful cliffs to golden beaches, castle towns and remarkable birdlife. Read on for some of our favourite things to do…
1. Zoomarine Guia
With animal shows, a 4D cinema, an aquarium and various habitats for species such from alligators to aquatic birds, Zoomarine is an entertaining and educational day out. There is also the chance to interact with bottle nose trained Dolphins.
2. Gorgeous beaches
The Algarve is home to a 200km coastline and 100 beaches, 83 of which are blue flag beaches, ensuring a family friendly atmosphere and safe waters. Visitors can gaze at coves, cliffs, caves and rocky beaches. Our favourites include Praia da Marinha in Lagoa, which is surrounded by beautiful cliffs, the long sandy 8km Praia da Falésia in Albufeira and Tavira Island, just off the coast it’s part of the Natural reserve of Ria Formosa and a legal naturist beach.
3. The Ocean Revival
Project This non-profit organisation that helps promote underwater tourism, this is the ideal place to do your first wreck dive. The waters off the Algarve’s Portimao coastline contain artificial reefs and sunken Navy vessels, which have been carefully cleaned of all environmentally hazardous materials that could be dangerous for divers.
4. Hiking or biking
Scenic routes, ideal for hikers and bikers, include the long-distance pedestrian path running from Alcoutim, in the eastern Algarve, all the way through to the west near Sagres. With a 300km path divided into 14 sections, five new connections and 12 trajectories, each beginning and ending with lodges and refreshments, you are sure to have a safe and memorable hiking or biking experience.
5. Play some golf
The Algarve is home to some fine golf courses, with spectacular views. A total of 18-hole layouts can be played at 35 different golf clubs within the Federacao Portuguesa de Golfe. One of our favourite places to golf is the Oceanico complex at Vilamoura, as there are special layouts from the Laguna to Pinhal.
6. Experience nature
Ria Formosa Natural Park, off the coast of Faro, is Portugal’s largest protected coastal area. Visitors can hike or boat through the park past sand dunes, marshlands, lagoons and fresh water lakes. The park is home to 20,000 birds, plus many fish, mammals, amphibians and pink flamingos, which feed in the salt lakes. Alternatively, Europe's largest coastal natural park, the Costa Vicentina Natural, with its beaches and striking cliffs, is a sight to behold.
7. Relax at the spa
There are more than 40 spas to choose from, and with the regions tranquil surrounding peace and harmony is guaranteed. The Conrad Algarve spa & Health Club is one of the more luxurious spas in Portugal. The spa provides holistic therapies, combining meditation and special body treatments for your relaxation.
8. Cultural experiences
Cork production has increased in popularity with the tourists. The Cork Route from Serra do Caldeirão shows the process from the oak groves, to the extraction of the cork to the industrial transformation for end use. To further your cultural experience visit the Museu Municipal de Faro for Roman mosaics as well as archaeological discoveries and a taste of history. Or see the larger towns in the Algarve and for some lasting roman influences such as the Dona Maria II Bridge in Lagos town centre Ponte Romana in Tavira.
9. Festivals or sports event
If you enjoy food festivals and various types of sporting events, the Algarve is the perfect place to be. Spectators from all around the world come to see sporting events such as powerboat racing, kitesurfing, surfing, sailing, cycling, tennis and our favourite the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve race track near Portimao. If you want to over indulge, events like The Festival of “Chouriças” (Sausages) or Festival of Hot bread and fresh cheese are great.
10. Sunset at Cape St Vincent
Take a trip to Cabo de São Vicente in Cape St Vincent for an exceptional view of the sunset, a fascinating sight that sailors would see before they set off into the unknown. This experience is so captivating that if quiet, you can almost hear the sound of the sun as it hits the sea. Each evening, visitors gather to see the sun go down and enjoy a truly scenic moment.
*In partnership with Lemongrass Marketing