With so much to do while in the Algarve it can be hard to pick the top Algarve attractions to do during your stay, so we have put together a list of some of the very best things to do in the Algarve, whatever your interest, age, budget or inclination!
Take a look at our top 10 Algarve attractions and be sure to try and fit as many into your Algarve holiday as possible:
1. Benagil caves SUP tour
The Benagil cave is one of the most famous sites in the Algarve, with most people choosing to take a boat trip to get a closer look at this huge cave, with its deserted beach area and ceiling hole that provides a dramatic lighting effect.
If you want a closer look at the cave, then the best way to do this is with a Stand Up Paddle board (SUP) tour. This way you can get right inside the cave where boats are unable to travel and experience the cave from the sand or the sea. A once in a lifetime experience that really has to be seen to be believed.
2. Ria Formosa tour by Segway
The Ria Formosa is a natural park with protected flora, fauna and wildlife throughout – making it a top destination in the Algarve for nature lovers. One of the best ways to explore this area of natural beauty is to hop on an environmentally friendly Segway – allowing you to see everything from a unique vantage point, without disturbing the natural surroundings.
Anyone looking to do some bird watching will particularly enjoy this trip, while if you have any special requests, the tour can be tailored to meet your exact needs.
3. Quad biking in Messines
The coast of the Algarve is where most people tend to stay while on holiday in the Algarve and it is easy to see why with the beaches and attractions, however inland the Algarve has some incredible unspoiled countryside to explore – and what better way than with a quad bike tour!
Be prepared to get dirty and to discover the real rural Algarve with a guided tour around the Messines area and enjoy a true taste of Portugal.
4. Swim with the dolphins at Zoomarine (Dolphin Emotions)
Interact with dolphins and learn more about these incredible creatures during a Dolphin Emotions experience at Zoomarine. If you have always wanted to get up close to a dolphin then this experience is a must and is one of the most popular things to do in the Algarve.
Be sure to book your Dolphin Emotions experience early to as the spaces book up quickly and make a trip to Zoomarine, which is already a great day out for the entire family, even more special with the dolphins.
5. Santa Bernarda pirate ship
Embrace the pirate in you and jump on board the Santa Bernarda pirate ship for a boat trip along the Algarve coast with a difference!
This beautiful wooden boat is unique in the Algarve and allows you to travel along the coast to see the amazing rock formations and caves, but on board a pirate ship!
Choose from full day excursions, taking in deserted beaches, or half day trips including getting into the smaller boats to take in the caves including the famous Benagil cave near to Carvoeiro.
6. Casino dinner show at Vilamoura, Portimão or Monte Gordo
You don’t have to be a whizz on the poker table or a fan of the roulette wheel to take in the glamour of the casino thanks to casino dinner and shows at various Algarve casinos.
The Vilamoura, Portimão and Monte Gordo casinos are all home to the gaming rooms you would expect from a regular casino but also offer the opportunity to enjoy an evening of fun and entertainment in the separate dining areas.
The professional shows change throughout the year but you can sure of high quality performances and great food at each.
7. Water parks – Aquashow, Slide&Splash and Aqualand
When the weather is hot there is no better place to cool down than at one of the fantastic water parks in the region.
Aquashow near to Vilamoura, is a great day out especially for thrill seekers who will love the mixture of theme park rollercoasters and rides combined with the water slides. Those with younger children will be able to relax as they try out the options at Aqualand near to Alcantarilha while for those looking for something between the two, Slide and Splash near Lagoa is a great choice for the entire family.
All three of the parks have food options, areas for young children, fast slides and other highlights so have a look at them all before making your choice – or visit them all for the ultimate water park holiday!
8. Jeep safari to the mountains of the Algarve.
Get off the beaten track and head deep into the mountains with a jeep safari tour – an amazing way to see a different side to the Algarve and discover its hidden gastronomic delights, traditions, culture and of course to enjoy some off road fun at the same time!
Take your camera to snap locations that others simply are unable to find and travel through this magical area of the Algarve while enjoying honey, jams, a traditional lunch and even a glass or two of the local firewater – Medronho!
9. Fishing. Available from locations including Albufeira, Vilamoura, Alvor and Portimão
It doesn’t matter if you are a seasoned angler or are a complete novice, the waters along the Algarve coast are ideal for fishing trips for those of any level.
You will be provided with everything that you need for the day and can opt for full day excursions or to just go out for a couple of hours. Closer to shore you have the chance to fish for something for your dinner, while if you opt for deep sea fishing look out for some of the more impressive species!
Get on board as a group or join with other enthusiasts for a day at sea with a difference.
10. Parasailing. From Albufeira or Vilamoura.
See the Algarve from the skies with an unforgettable parasailing trip from either Albufeira or Vilamoura.
The high-speed boats take you out into the sparkling Atlantic Ocean for the very best views along the coast.
Once strapped into the harness you can rise above the sea either alone, as a pair or with three people, with the parachute gently rising until before you know it, you feel like you are literally flying!
This one may seem like an extreme sport but once up in the air it is surprisingly calm and tranquil and the views are of course spectacular. As a bonus, look out for marine life while on the boat, including dolphins who are known to swim alongside the boat on occasion.
