The choice is yours when it comes to Algarve vacation activities. There's plenty else to do in the region, if you're worried that you might fry yourself to a crisp on those fabulous Algarve beaches...or if you're just feeling the need to indulge in some muscle-stretching activity. To help you choose, this page includes a wide variety of available activities. Click on a link to learn more about anything that takes your fancy.

Choose from (in alphabetical order): 

beaches, blokarting, casinos, cruises, culture, exploring, fishing, golf, horse riding, kids stuff

nightlife, pedal kayaks, sailing, tennis, watersports, 4WD 'safaris

Read on to discover what things to do that would enhance your next Algarve vacation...

Golf

Probably the most popular in any list of Algarve vacation activities. There are many and varied Algarve golf courses, for which the region is justly famous. Enthusiast friends tell me that, apart from the 'wow factor' of the Algarve's scenery, there are golf courses to test your game to the limit, whatever your standard of play.

And, however well or badly your game goes on a particular day, your spirit will soar in the fine weather and spectacular views you'll enjoy while completing a round of Algarve golf.
 
Exploring

There are oodles of interesting day trips that can restore a sun-addled brain to something like normal functioning.

Just for starters, your could try a full- or half-day trip:  Around Faro

Then, once your appetite is whetted, try the Sotavento circuit, or the Barlavento circuit... Or just get hold of a map and let your imagination take flight.

You might even like to drive across the border and check out the 'Spanish' Algarve -- it's only 40 minutes or so from Faro by road.

Sailing

If staying on terra firma doesn't top your list of great pastimes for an Algarve vacation, why not try sailing? It's no surprise, with a coastline and a climate like the Algarve's, that 'messing about in boats' is so popular.

Whether you're interested in hiring a yacht, or just finding somewhere to moor your own vessel, there's plenty of choice for sailing in the Algarve.

Tennis

If this is your sport, you might like to try out an Algarve vacation at one of the region's top-class tennis clubs and tennis centres.

Yes, you can improve those strokes at the same time as enjoying some of the loveliest settings in the Iberian peninsula.

Whatever your standard, you'll find a club or facility (with a qualified coach if you wish) that's just right for you.

It's definitely more enjoyable when you can indulge in your favourite sports in the sort of climate and scenery that the Algarve offers...

...and imagine the looks on the faces of your tennis friends back home when you reappear refreshed, tanned and with a killer backhand that they don't remember at all! Just don't forget to tell them that you got it while enjoying some great tennis as part of a wonderful Algarve vacation.
 
Fishing

There's a choice of the all-action, deep-sea angling experience, with the chance of catching something worth boasting about, or you could opt for the more tranquil pastime conducted from a beach, rock, jetty or the edge of a reservoir.

Most resorts have places that hire out fishing equipment. Some fishermen will charge a reasonable sum to take you out to sea in their boats, but be prepared for a more 'basic' experience than you'd get on a 'proper' deep-sea angling trip.

Watersports

Needless to say, in a friendly climate such as provided by that wonderful Algarve weather, many more active holidaymakers opt for the thrills and spills of Algarve watersports.

Or perhaps you'd rather do something more restful, like exploring the beautiful coastline in a masted sailing ship, or just relaxing on a pleasure trip or river cruise?

Whatever your aquatic taste and requirements, here's a page where you can read all about the variety of Algarve vacation activities that can include watersports.

...and if none of the above tickles your fancy (wow, you're hard to please!), there's plenty more choice left yet. It all depends on your taste, level of fitness, length of stay and what you consider to be 'fun'. I still haven't mentioned:

Hobie Kayaks

Rather than a paddle, you can propel these kayaks by pedalling, or with a sail. It's fun, not at all tiring - and it all takes place in the beautiful Ria Formosa nature reserve, so there's plenty of wildlife and aquatic stuff to see. Algarve kayaks offer a great family adventure day out! Read about my own fun day by clicking on that link above...
 
Horse Riding

The Algarve is famous for its horse riding centres. (I'd heard of them long before I ever ventured here). And the countryside can be appreciated at a more leisurely pace while you're on horseback.

There are riding schools that cater to all levels of ability (as proved by the one that coped with me and my lack of 'horsewomanship'!)

Hone your equestrian skills, or just enjoy the fabulous Algarve scenery while perched atop a noble steed (for perched, read 'precariously balanced' in my own case).

Kids' Stuff

Great news! The Algarve is set up to offer loads of the sort of activities that keep younger visitors to the region enthralled, day after day.

There's so much choice that it deserves its own page: Algarve For Kids.

'Safaris'

A recent addition to the list of fun things to do on your Algarve vacation, these so-called safaris are a great way to take in the less accessible parts of inland Algarve.

You'll be driven around in off-roaders like Jeeps or Land Rovers, so the type of terrain you encounter won't be a problem.

(I was almost tempted once, but Nev reminded me that I can get sick in a saloon car if the road is bumpy enough, so I let the others get on with it and returned to the beach with my holiday blockbuster novel)...

But, if you like the idea, contact those nice** people at:

Zebra Safari
The Strip
Albufeira
Tel: 289 583 300

**('Nice' because they didn't take the mickey when I was the only one to 'chicken out').

Marine Life

You can see marine creatures in one of the aquaria (pretty sure that's the plural) that are dotted about the Algarve, or... as Nature intended, in the ocean.

I loved my day out with the dolphins at:

Dolphin Safari
Marina de Portimão
Tel: 282 792 586

or there's another (which I haven't tried) at Marina de Lagos (same telephone number).

Blokarting  

I was intrigued when I first learned about this exciting-yet-simple family sport.

Plenty of wind is needed if it's to be enjoyable, so you can see why it's located over Sagres way!

What I've learned so far is:

These Blokarts are much lighter and more transportable than other types of 'wind karts'.

And apparently, skills are not at all difficult to learn. A 40-minute introductory training lesson is recommended for beginners, and most people have the hang of it within 5 minutues or so!

Read more about Algarve Blokarting.

Blokart Sagres
Tel: (00351) 913 372 332 or 967 460 989

Beaches

What? You thought I'd leave these out? No chance! Algarve beaches are the mainstay of the region's popularity and, seen when you've spent some of the day in other activities, you can't beat chilling on a beach to finish things off.

Read up all about the best Algarve beaches.

Cultural Algarve

The Algarve year includes many cultural and religious events. You might like to see what goes on when, so that you can incorporate some of it into your own Algarve vacation, whenever and wherever it takes place.
 

Arts and Crafts

If painting or drawing the wonderful Algarve scenery is not your thing, but you'd like to look at the results of someone else's artistic endeavour, there's plenty to choose from, wherever you spend your Algarve vacation.

Most sizeable towns have a cultural centre, and there are art galleries well worth a look at Lagos, Sao Bras de Alportel, Almancil, Tavira, Boliqueime, and Portimão.

There are also wonderful examples of local glassmaking skills and crystal ware. Keep your eyes peeled as you travel around the region. (But Loulé is a good place to start looking).
 

Night Life

What to do after dusk has descended? Why head off to enjoy some Algarve nightlife, of course.

Your choices can depend on where you are staying.

Read here all about Algarve nightlife.


Casinos

The Algarve boasts three stylish casinos, should you feel the urge to indulge in a bit of glamour and gaming on an evening or two during your stay.

The casinos are located in Praia da Rocha (Portimão), Vilamoura and Monte Gordo.

Even if you don't feel the need to have a flutter at the tables, they offer top-quality professional spectacular shows with a choice of tariffs. You can pay a little, see the show and have a complimentary drink; pay a bit more and have a set-menu meal plus see the show, or pay more still, have an a la carte meal and see the show.

Taste of Portugal Tours: Tour company specializing in food and drink excursions to offer a true taste of Portugal. Lagos and Sagres, Silves, Monchique, Quartiera and Loule markets and more tours available. Rua da Bela Vista 10 Centro Comercial Bela Vista Olhos de Agua, Albufeira
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Send an e-mail Tel: 936 714 211 Fax: 289 323 151


Algarve Boat Charter: Fishing and cave trips, corporate charter, family days out, deep sea fishing and sunset cruises available. At Casa Triangulo, Vale Azinhaga, 8400-276 Ferragudo.
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Send an e-mail Tel: 282 461 938 Fax: 282 461 026


Algarve Seafaris Cruises: Explore Algarve's hidden wonders with us! Boat trips from Vilamoura and Albufeira to some of Europe's biggest caves and rock formations. Don't be surprised if we receive a visit from dolphins. We also offer half day cruises and big game fishing trips.
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Send an e-mail Tel: 289 302 318 / 966 513 525 Fax: 289 314 839


Algarve Walking Eco-Tours: Algarve walking eco-tours - eco-tourism adventure in the Algarve.
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Send an e-mail Tel: 960 170 789


AlternativTour Monchique: Rural tours of the Serra de Monchique on minibus. Company also offers BTT, mountaineering, canoeing, paintball, traditional games, climbing wall, bike and equipment rental. At Sitio das Relvinhas Apartado 122, 8550-909 Monchique.
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Tel: 282 913 204 / 965 004 337 Fax: 282 911 405


Alvor Boat Trips: Alvor Boat Trips, based in the picturesque fishing village of Alvor offers year-round, fun and informative boat trips, including fishing and cruising on board “Novo Alvor” and “Alvor Flor do Sol”, a solar powered tourist boat.
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Send an e-mail Tel: 966 807 621


Bom Dia: Operating in Lagos for over 20 years, this company offers 2 hours trips to the caves and barbeque cruises in the bay of Lagos. At Marina de Lagos, Loja 10, 8600 Lagos.
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Send an e-mail Tel: 282 087 587 Fax: 282 764 672


Caravela Santa Bernarda: Replica of a 500 year-old Portuguese caravela that tours the coast between Lagos and Armacao de Pera. Beach barbecue also provided. Portuguese, English and German spoken. Charters available. Based at Rua Judice Fialho 11, 8500-702 Portimao.
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Send an e-mail Tel: 282 422 791 / 964 042 754 Fax: 282 422 719


Condor de Vilamoura: American fishing cutter replica with a capacity for 120 people. Offers 3 hour coast tours and cruises with barbecue. Caters for large parties, conferences and private charters. At Cais I, 25 Marina de Vilamoura, Apartado 835, 8125 Vilamoura.
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Send an e-mail Tel: 289 314 070 Fax: 289 302 093


Dream Wave: Sail on a pirate boat or ride a jet ski. Have a different day out as you see the caves, find secret beaches and watch wild dolphins at sea.
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Send an e-mail Tel: 962 003 885


Estemar: Tourist boat tours, entertainment and sea fishing. Located at Praia da Arrifana, Caixa Postal 990 A, 8670-111 Aljezur.
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Tel: 282 997 300


Ilha Deserta Cruise: Nature boat tour of the Parque Natural de Ria Formosa. Two departures a day leaving from Porta Nova peer. Tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours. Company also provide walking tour. Reservations can be made via the website. Based at Rua Do Alportel 36, Faro.
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Send an e-mail Tel: 918 779 155 / 917 811 856


Lands: Nature tourism company offering tours in the Ria Formosa Nature Park. At the marina in Faro, options are walking tours, boat tours, birdwatching, guided visits, cultural visits to Faro and also bicycles to rent.
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Send an e-mail Tel: 289 817 466 Fax: 289 807 604

Liga Proteccao da Natureza: Non profit nature protection organisation which arranges nature walking venues and other programmes. At Herdade do Vale Goncalinho, apartado 84, 7780 Castro Verde.
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Send an e-mail Tel: 286 328 309 Fax: 286 328 309

M.B.A.: Travel agency services including air tickets, holiday packages and theme park bookings. Also provide fleet of 9 to 16 seater buses. At Rua Alexandre Herculano, Lote 11, Loja E, 8200-271 Albufeira.
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Send an e-mail Tel: 89 543 006 Fax: 289 588 813


Megatur: Coach tours and cruises of the Algarve. Various packages including Algarve east, west and highlights. Guides speak English, German, French, Dutch, Italian and Russian. At Rua Conselheiro Bivar 80, 8000-255 Faro.
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Send an e-mail Tel: 289 807 485 Fax: 289 807 489

Mouriscastours: Incoming tour operator based in Faro. Specialises in personalised travel proposals in Portugal for individuals and groups. Escorted, hosted and customised tours available. Rua de Sao Luis 60 3 Frente, 8000-285 Faro.
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Send an e-mail Tel: 963 857 776

Municipal Art Gallery: Exhitions of local and national artists' work. Situated very close to the centre of Albufeira, and open daily from 10:30-17:00 except on Sundays and holidays.
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Tel: 289 804 197

Museu Etnografico do Trajo Algarvio: Costume museum with dolls, carriages and Algarve rural handicraft on display. Open Monday to Friday 10:00-13:00 and 14:00-17:00 and 14:00-17:00 on Saturday and Sunday. Guided tours available. At Rua Dr Jose Dias Sancho 61, 8150 Sao Bras de Alportel.
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Tel: 289 840 100


Museu Municipal de Arqueologia: Archeological museum with sections covering Prehistoric, Roman, Visigoth, Islamic and Modern periods. Guided tours are available. Located at Praca da Republica 1, 8200 Albufeira.

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Tel: 289 588 798 Fax: 289 588 889


MyWayTours: Provider of private tours for small groups and individuals, assisted by professional tour guides or tourism drivers. Based in Lisbon, Rua Ilha de S. Jorge, 94, 1º D.
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Send an e-mail Tel: 919 237 021

Outdoor-tours.com: Downhill cycle rides from the Monchique mountains, ATB rental, canoe trips on the Ria de Alvor, walking and Nordic walking, kayaking, cave and fishing trips from Lagos and Ponte Piedade. Sitio das Boicas, EN 125, 8500-132 Mexilhoeira Grande.
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Send an e-mail Tel: 282 969 520

Passeal: For historical and cultural walking tours including regional fauna and flora observation. Located at Rua 25 Abril 130-132, 8670-088 Aljuzur.
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Send an e-mail Tel: 282 991 282 Fax: 282 991 283

Portitours: Excursions, boat tours, jeep safari and active leisure tours available. At Edifico Portimar Alto do Quintao, 8500-833 Portimao.
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Send an e-mail Tel: 282 470 063 Fax: 282 470 070

Portugal Walks : Company offers guided walking tours in the Algarve and Portugal. Located at 37 Quinta do Montinho, Budens, 8650-060 Vila do Bispo. Contact Dr Julie Statham.
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Send an e-mail Tel: 292 697 298

Riosul: Company offers river cruises, special tours and safaris of mainly Guadiana, inland Algarve and Alentejo. Group bookings are accepted. Fleet of jeeps, bikes, canoes and 150 person boat. Head office in Monte Gordo. Branch at Rua Infante D. Henrique 63, 800
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Send an e-mail Tel: 289 899 180 / 281 510 200 Fax: 281 510 209

The Mountain Bike Adventure: Guided bike tours of Lagos and surrounding areas. Rides to suit every ability. Bikes and equipment supplied. Rua Eca de Queiroz, N28, Torraltinha, 8600-588 Lagos.
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Send an e-mail Tel: 918 502 663

Via PG: Tours available of Monchique in Silves, and wine tasting at Foia, the highest point of the Algarve. Half day tour of the town.
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Send an e-mail Tel: 289 396 860 / 289 398 412 Fax: 289 394 728

Walking Tours Algarve: Choose between 10 different free tours ranging from 2-12 km. All go around the lake Barragem da Bravura between Lagos and Portimao. Either come to the reservoir parking area or check online beforehand.
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Send an e-mail Tel: 936 608 220

Western Algarve History & Wine Discovery Tour: A tour of the Western Algarve region with a wine tasting afternoon and a lunch table reservation in a recommended restaurant in Lagos.
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Windsurfpoint: Dolphin sightseeing tours. Trips at 10:00, 11:30, 13:00, 15:00 and 16:30 and last 1.5 hours. Also offers parasailing, windsurfing, wakeboarding, kayaks and banana boats. At Bairro 1 Maoi 4 Meia Praia, 8600-315 Lagos.
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Send an e-mail Tel: 282 792 315 / 966 196 041 Fax: 282 792 316

Wine Tasting Tours Algarve: Visit wineries and vineyards and taste wine straight from the barrel. Tours approximately 7 hours with experienced driver. Local pick up in 9 seater air-conditioned mini van. Refreshments on board. 3 different tours available. Lagos based.
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Tel: 918 357 549

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