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AlgarveCulture & history

Our most recommended Algarve Culture & history

From Portimão: Algar de Benagil and Sea Caves Boat Tour

1. From Portimão: Algar de Benagil and Sea Caves Boat Tour

Starting from the Marina of Portimão, admire the views of centuries-old castles, such as the Fort of São João do Arade and the Fort of Santa Catarina. See the old fishing village of Ferragudo and the beautiful hills of Monchique, all from the river canal. Leave the river towards adventure and take in all the scenic views of the natural Algarve coastline, visiting many caves and beaches while learning about the rich history from our knowledgeable tour guides. Enjoy all sorts of local fauna and flora, take astonishing pictures, and gain knowledge about the local wildlife and geological formations with the help of our crew. Create unforgettable memories and capture amazing photos in the Algar of Benagil, one of the most coveted cave destinations in the whole country, all in the capable and safe hands of our experienced crew members. Take advantage of our short stop at Praia da Marinha, considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe, to go for a dive in the gorgeous turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean. On the way back, our Captain will maneuver away from the cliffs to provide a broader view of the coastline.

From Albufeira: Historical Algarve Region Tour

2. From Albufeira: Historical Algarve Region Tour

Start the tour after getting picked up from your hotel or any meeting point in the Albufeira area, travel to the destination of Silves. The castle is a must-see, and the Silves Cathedral, a unique place full of historical pieces that tell the history of the region. Proceed onward to Fóia, the highest point in the Algarve region, with 902 meters of height. Next, visit Cabo São Vicente in Sagres, which is the most southwesterly point in Continental Europe. Admire the Fortaleza de Sagres, an essential military monument during the Age of Discovery. You will have spare time for lunch here. Travel next to the Praia da Cordoama with an outstanding rock formation on top of the sea. Finally, head to Lagos, where you will visit the city center, followed by the return journey to your hotel.

Portimão: Silves & Arade River History Tour on a Solar Boat

3. Portimão: Silves & Arade River History Tour on a Solar Boat

Come and explore the beautiful Arade River and experience a journey between Portimão and Silves, where the future meets the past. You will have about 1.5 hours to visit this wonderful medieval city (the wonderful moorish castle, the cathedral, the museum) or have a taste of its excellent gastronomy. Throughout your tour, you will enjoy an unforgettable and unique experience aboard a solar-powered boat. You will travel on a boat so silent that all you will be able to ear yourself glide though the water, with no noise, gas spills or exhaust fumes. Combining comfort and fun, this tour is great for couples, families, and groups. The Arade River has since ever been of great importance in connecting Silves (the Islamic capital of the Algarve between the 8th and 13th centuries) to the sea. For centuries, the Arade was the scenery of important merchant trades, and was sailed by many cultures including the Phoenicians, Romans, Vikings, and Moors, among others. Ships came to carry minerals, cork, wood, fruits (figs, oranges almonds, carob) fish, salt, among other various riches of this region.

From Portimao: Benagil Cave and Marinha Beach Boat Tour

4. From Portimao: Benagil Cave and Marinha Beach Boat Tour

Discover the beautiful coastline of the Algarve on a boat cruise from Portimao. Admire the views of rock formations as well as the beaches of Marinha, La Rocha, and Carvalho, with a stop for swimming during the tour. Start the tour from Clube Naval de Portimao located by the Arade River. Pass by the quaint fishing village of Ferragudo, St John´s Fortress situated by the river, the Marina of Portimao, and La Rocha Beach. Next, sail by the various rock formations, hidden beaches, and mysterious caves that dot the coastline between the city of Portimao and beautiful Praia da Marinha. Admire the sights of Carvalho Beach, Canairos Beach, Paradise Beach, and Carvoeiro village. Spot the rock formations of Algar Seco such as the Cathedral Cave, Cave of the Smugglers, Monster Cave, Cave of the Heart, Turtle Cave, and many more. Arrive at the famous Benagil Cave which you can snap photos from different perspectives from the boat. Afterwards head to Praia da Marinha (Navy Beach) and make a stop for swimming in the bay. Afterwards, speed along the coastline back to Portimao.

Portimao: 3D Fun Art Museum Entry Ticket

5. Portimao: 3D Fun Art Museum Entry Ticket

Experience a different concept of museum which combines art and fun in a relaxed way. Encounter 40 different scenarios, including 3D images and optical illusions which will allow you to enter a world of fantasy and imagination whilst helping you believe that anything is possible. You can be Van Gogh’s doctor, take a safari, or even have a dinosaur as a pet. You can also see the world upside down, have your head being served on a table, fly through the cosmos, drink a wine served by God in Michelangelo's "Creation of Adam", and have Madeira folklore dance on your way out. The museum combines the science of visual perception with the magic of illusion and makes everything seem possible. Photographs are allowed and even encouraged in this space appropriate for all ages to visit.

From Albufeira: Half-Day Lagos & Sagres Highlights Tour

6. From Albufeira: Half-Day Lagos & Sagres Highlights Tour

Start the tour after getting picked up from your hotel or any meeting point in the Albufeira area, travel to the destination of Lagos, where you will visit the city center, with all the shops, handicraft and the Museum. Next we are heading to the Praia da Cordoama with an amazing rock formation on top of the sea, where you can explore the area and take some beautiful photos. From here we will to go visit Cabo São Vicente in Sagres, this is the most southwesterly point in Continental Europe and was once considered the end of the world. Admire Europe's most powerful lighthouse and visit the Fortaleza de Sagres, a crucial military monument in the time of the discoveries due to its privileged position to control the coast. After this, you will be returning to your hotel.

Tavira: Tuk-Tuk City Tour

7. Tavira: Tuk-Tuk City Tour

Enjoy this Tavira City tour and go to all the corners of the city that tell you about its history and its main nooks and secrets.  Pass through the area of Alto de São Brás and see the chapel of São Brás and the Church of Nossa Senhor do Carmo which is the largest church in the city.  Stop in the salt pans for 5 minutes, it is located in the area of Atalaia. There you find the Convent of Bernardas and the former prison. Stop at the church São Sebastião for 5 minutes and take some great photos.  Continue through the military barracks, Church of São Francisco, Church of São José, the street of Liberdade and República square which is in the city center.  Experience the historic area which is the most important area of this tour. Use the opportunity to visit the Convent of Graça, Santiago church, Santa Maria church, Misericórdia church, and stop at the Castle for another 5 minutes.  The tour is carried on a 100% electric tuk-tuk.

From Albufeira: West Algarve Historic and Cultural Day Tour

8. From Albufeira: West Algarve Historic and Cultural Day Tour

Departing from Albufeira, get picked up from your hotel (or another convenient, close place) and enjoy the views as you drive towards Silves, one of the oldest cities in the Algarve. In Silves, visit the oldest cathedral in Algarve as well as its largest castle. Stop at Monchique, the tallest mountain in Algarve. Immerse yourself in the lush natural surroundings. Go to the top to see amazing views from the highest point in Algarve. Stop at a local restaurant for a nice lunch on the way down. In the afternoon, you will be taken to Lagos, another important city in Algarve. Admire the inside of the golden church of Santo António, and go to a 15th-century slave market, the old town, and the fortress. Finally, stop in Sagres, popularly known as "the end of the world", as it is the most southwestern point in continental Europe. Let the splendid views of the coast, beautiful rock formations, and the great lighthouse take your breath away. After your last stop in Sagres, return to Albufeira.

From Albufeira: Excursion to Silves Castle and Monchique

9. From Albufeira: Excursion to Silves Castle and Monchique

Learn the history of Silves and its Moorish castle on a half-day tour. Climb 902m to the Foia of Monchique, and take in views from the highest point in the Algarve. The day begins with pickup from a central meeting point. Drive in an air-conditioned van to Silves, which was the most important city in the Algarve during the period of Moorish rule. Travel back through history on a visit to the 11th-century castle and learn about its importance as a military fortification. Next, visit Caldas of Monchique, famous for its waters and wonderful landscapes. Climb to the highest point in the Algarve and snap pictures of the land and sea below. At the end of the tour, return to the meeting point with your guide.

Algarve: Full-Day Guided Sightseeing Tour with Lunch

10. Algarve: Full-Day Guided Sightseeing Tour with Lunch

Enjoy this day of discovery and history where you will visit some of the most interesting and scenic areas of the Algarve. Follows lesser traveled paths, giving you a discerning view of Portugal’s past and present. Meet your driver and travel to the town of Silves. Wander the narrow streets and alleys of the town and visit the impressive cathedral which you can pay to enter if you would like. From here, continue your ascent into Monchique Mountain. Stop in the charming spa village of Caldas de Monchique, with springs of proven medicinal properties. Following the winding road, reach the highest point in the Algarve, Fóia, standing at 902m above sea level. The views here are dramatic and the air is incredibly pure. Downhill then from Fóia, cross the countryside and take a break in the small village of Marmelete where you have time to enjoy lunch in one of the local restaurants. After lunch, go straight to Costa Vicentina, to admire the magnificent beaches where you can have some time to walk around, relax, and capture pictures of the views. Then it’s on to the ‘end of the world’, Cape St. Vincent, the southwestern point of Europe, where you can feel the wilderness of the place. The lighthouse that rises in this place defies the elements and is one of the most important lighthouses in Europe due to its strategic position. Lastly, pass through Sagres, a typical fishing village, and see its sheltered fishing port. At the end of the tour, the driver will drop you back at your hotel.

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What people are saying about Algarve

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 1,227 reviews

This was a fabulous tour to learn about some of the history of the Algarve region, explore some unique areas, like the thermal spa in Caldas, appreciate the amazing views on top of the mountain, and end the day enjoying some wonderful wine at a local winery. Antonio is an exceptional guide for this tour. He is extremely knowledgeable about the area, willing to answer all questions, and is super friendly. We even stopped at a site along the way to observe the hundred nesting white storks. It was a truly enjoyable day and I would highly recommend this tour to appreciate more about the Algarve region.

I felt really on edge about the idea of quad biking around on my holiday, but Paulo made me feel so at ease for the moment i spoke to him. He was very reassuring and patient. He was kind enough to give us water in our small break and told us about the history of some parts of Portugal. I would highly recommend Paulo and this company. Thank you!

Our Market tour was changed to jeep Safari into Algarve Mountains. Our driver was George And he was excellent. Knowledgeable, humorous, entertaining and a careful driver. The half day trip covered a lot of territory and everyone in the group was well satisfied. We give the tour and the driver 5 stars!

Amazing experience on the quad bike tour ! We got to stop and see a castle as well ! Lots of different paths and tracks that you normally wouldn’t be able to see ! Our instructor Lewis was very nice and fair ! Pay rise needed ! thanks again for our quad biking tour we loved it!

excellent experience with our tour guide Fernando today. An experience we will always remember. 5 stars.