Book things to do and see in Algarve online!

No matter which side you come from: these coasts will impress you! The way the mighty rows of cliffs tower high above the deep blue Atlantic and frame the golden sand beneath them is a spectacle from pretty much every perspective. Numerous excursions and leisure activities in the Algarve will introduce you to one of the most beautiful and exciting holiday regions on the continent. This beguiling landscape of sea and rock, sand and colour stretches out in the far south-west of Europe. Charming seaside resorts, authentic fishing villages, natural wonders and biodiversity fill your itinerary. Excursions and tours in the Algarve are an unforgettable experience.

Most of the year - more than 300 days - the sun shines at the lower end of Portugal, the winters are mild, the water is clear and clean. Water sports in all their facets are part of the repertoire of this region. Boat trips in the Algarve lead to dolphins and other sea creatures or into adventurous grottos and caves. With visibility of up to 20 metres, diving in the Algarve is an intense nature experience. Even at shallow depths, you will come across lively flora and fauna. Active holidays in the Algarve also have their appeal on the water. The waves and winds of the Atlantic lure surfers out into the fresh air all year round.

Budding sailors learn to navigate safely in the Algarve. Water sports in the Algarve also mean gliding along the marvellous coastline or through the canals of Pria Formosa in a kayak or stand-up board and feeling like you're in another world. This bird paradise created by nature and its forces is a unique biotope in Europe and a particularly worthwhile excursion destination in the Algarve.

On both the west and south coasts, holidaymakers will find an endless abundance of charming bays and sheer endless beaches. And turquoise-coloured water between impressive rocky landscapes that are illuminated by the sunlight in picturesque tones.

The Algarve is also perfect for a family holiday. Not only because the Portuguese are so fond of children. A wide range of excursions and leisure activities for children and adults makes this holiday region so recommendable. Bathing days, amusement parks, shell hunts, mini-golf and nature watching - families can organise and enjoy every day of their holiday in the Algarve differently. Jeep safaris, a paragliding flight over the coast and sea or the new trend sport of coasteering provide thrills and feelings of happiness on an adventure holiday in the Algarve.

We can help you choose the best excursions and activities to make your holiday in the Algarve an unforgettable experience. Here you will find an overview of excursion tips for the Algarve from which you can choose:

Excursions Algarve: Boat trips category

Dolphins and seahorses, grottos and an almost Venetian Wadden Sea - you can marvel at several natural beauties on one of the boat trips in the Algarve. The lively marine mammals frolic not far off the south coast, sometimes in combination with whales or sea turtles. On a dolphin boat tour in the Algarve, you will be accompanied by a professional nature guide who will introduce you to the animals and their way of life.

No less charming is an excursion in the Algarve by fishing boat, which takes you through the Ria Formosa Nature Park. Rightly one of the seven natural wonders of Portugal. On this two-hour trip, it's best not to take your binoculars out of your hands. You will see a lot. This lagoon landscape is famous for its abundance of birds, its mussel beds and the pretty seahorses.

The southernmost point of Portugal, the Cabo de Santa Maria, is one of the most charming impressions of the region. A motorboat tour of the island will take you to this outermost tip and stop off at what is probably the quietest beach in the Algarve - Ilha Deserta. On the way there is the Caribbean-style panorama of Ilha do Farol. The small island is inhabited and offers an authentic insight into the work of the fishermen and mussel farmers.

Sailing trips and catamaran tours in the Algarve provide a fantastic overview of this breathtaking coastal landscape. Among the highlights of a boat trip in the Algarve are the caves near Lagos or one of the many caves, some of which are only accessible from the water.

Excursions in the Algarve: Sports and active holiday category

Being active is not difficult here: there are so many sporting tours and leisure activities in the Algarve that you can choose at your leisure what you would like to try out. One of the most popular water sports activities is diving in the Atlantic. This is suitable for both beginners and experienced divers. You can also immerse yourself in the underwater world while snorkelling accompanied by experienced guides.

Surfing is part of an active holiday in the Algarve. The approximately 200 kilometres of coastline offer the perfect introduction to this sport and the Atlantic provides the perfect waves. This also applies to sailing professionals and those who want to become one. Close to the beach, you can ride a jet ski across the Atlantic Ocean or let the boat pull you over the waves on a wakeboard.

The water is calmer in the canals of the Ria Formosa. On a guided kayak tour through the nature park, you can steer your boat through the labyrinth of canals and explore the flora and fauna of this unique biotope in the fresh air. An excursion on a stand-up board is also possible in this beautiful ecosystem.

On land, you can go on trekking tours through the wonderful landscape, whether over the rocks by the water or through the Monchique Mountains in the hinterland. Nature lovers will get their money's worth on a guided bike tour in the Algarve. Accompanied by a local guide, this recommended excursion from Faro takes you along the coast to the salt pans and the beautiful island of Farol.

Golfers love the Algarve because of its year-round mild climate and the many top courses, which are beautifully integrated into the landscape. The rocky coast of the Algarve also offers some exciting climbing spots and challenging slopes for bouldering.

Excursions in the Algarve: Sightseeing and nature category

With the wide range of sights in the Algarve, it is difficult to make a small selection. Medieval fortresses, Moorish ruins, a Buddhist sanctuary north of Loulé, Silves Castle and the most south-westerly point in Europe at Capo de São Vicente give a flavour of the Algarve's many historical treasures.

There are also castles, Roman baths, thermal springs and enchanting chapels to discover on a trip to the Algarve. A real treasure trove of art is hidden behind the doors of the church of São Lourenço dos Matos near Almancil, for example.

The walls of the nave and the vaulted ceiling are completely decorated with tiles. A unique sight. The old town centre of Faro - the Vila Adentro - is well worth a visit and can be accessed through one of three massive gates. Within the ancient city walls is the Sé Cathedral with its square tower, which is well worth seeing. From up there you can enjoy a marvellous view after the climb.

One of the tourist centres of the Algarve, Albufeira, is a lively place. A sightseeing bus departs from there, connecting some of the sights of the city and the coast. The towers of a Moorish castle can be admired on the edge of the old town centre of Loulé. The old market hall is a landmark of the city and the Algarve. Not far from the seaside resort of Vilamoura is the Roman archaeological site of Cerro da Vila.

Excursions in the Algarve: Adventure holiday category

On a jeep safari in the Algarve, no secret of this region will remain hidden from you. A tour with plenty of adventure that takes you off the beaten track through the wild landscape of the Algarve. Past orange groves and cork oak forests, through valleys and between hills. Picturesque villages and coastal panoramas lie along the way on this exciting tour. And if you wish, you can also enjoy the sunset from one of the highest points at the end of a fantastic excursion in the Algarve.

For pure adrenaline, take a crazy zip wire ride across the Guadiana River, which forms the border between Spain and Portugal. From a platform in Sanlucar de Guadiana, you take off on a 'flight' over the river towards the Algarve, wearing safety equipment and on a leash. On this descent, you reach a speed of around 75 kilometres per hour and cover 750 metres and a time zone before landing in Alcuotim. Adventure holidays in the Algarve - coasteering and cliff jumping, paragliding and parasailing are not to be missed.

Excursions in the Algarve: category with children

The Algarve is a popular holiday destination for families due to the mild climate and the gently sloping beaches on many stretches of coastline and the lagoon between the sea and the river. But it's not just nature that has a lot to offer for children and adults. Several amusement parks and zoos that cater to younger visitors will enrich your holiday and provide fun and variety for the whole family.

One of the best-known excursion destinations is the Zoomarine marine park in Guia near Albufeira. Dolphins, seals, sharks, turtles and exotic birds can be seen there. The largest water park in the Algarve is the Aquashow Family Park in Quarteira. Animals and plants from all continents can be found in the Lagos Zoological Gardens. You can explore the Ria Formosa Nature Park with children on one of the nature trails. Surfing and diving schools make water sports in the Algarve an unforgettable holiday experience for children too.

Excursions in the Algarve: by car

The Algarve offers attractive excursion options for individual tourists travelling by car. There are many small villages to discover that are easy to reach by car. You can also drive to the many hidden bathing bays on an individual tour. If you prefer to explore the Algarve on your own without a guide, we recommend compiling a list of the sights you want to see beforehand. Some of the car hire companies' cars have a navigation system so that the routes to the best destinations can be saved before you set off.

If you have internet access on your mobile device, you can use the free google/maps navigation system. It is also possible to take part in guided buggy, quad or jeep tours.