Historical Algarve Mountain & Coast Tour

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 Sao 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, 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.

Dreamer Cave and Dolphins Boat Tour Albufeira

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.

Eastern Algarve day tour with Faro visit and live Fado music 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.