Top 25 Things to do in the Algarve
Weather seeing the Algarve's natural beauty or shopping in one of the towns, there's always one more thing to do. When you tire of the Algarve.......well its just not possible!
- West Coast Scenic Drive
- Shopping in old town Albufeira
- Visit Portimao's or Quarteira's Fish Market (mornings only)
- Walk along the extensive stretch of beach at Praia da Rocha in the late afternoon/dinnertime
- Visit Vilamoura Marina and see the Billionaires'yachts
- Visit Quarteria Gypsy Market on Wednesday morning afterward walk the long promenade
- If you want to see the 'millionaires development' drive through Quinta do Lago or Val de Lobo, and then have lunch in one of FREEMAPS suggested restaurants in Almancil
- Visit the small town of Alvor (many shops & restaurants) and walk along the huge Beach of Alvor or the wooden boardwalk
- Trip to the Castle in Silves, shopping in the ancient town. On return visit village of Carvoeiro, Algar Seco Rock formations
- Visit Lagos with many historic churches, slave market & monuments, wonderful restaurants, shops and see the dramatic rock formations by boat off Ponta da Piedade, the headland jutting out beyond Lagos.
- Drive towards the west coast, Luz Bay, visit the lovely beach & enjoy the small village, drive along to the village of Burgau
- Visit Sagres & and see Cape St Vincent, westernmost point of Europe often called "the end of the world"
- Vila Real to Spain - The ferry ride to Spain is a picturesque ride across the Guadiana.
- Vilamoura - The marina offers countless boat trips offering fabulous scenery and the chance to view the dolphins.
- Up the Guadiana - Regular trips run from Vila real, the border town up the Guadiana with Spain and Portugal on each side.
- Parque Natural da Ria Formosa - Safari boat trips explore the extensive wetlands and beaches of Parque Natural da Ria Formosa.
- Walk the Monchique-Foia Monchique Circuit - This 11 km walk begins in the town square and takes in the ruins of a Franciscan convent.
- Trek the Parque Natural da Ria Formosa / Sao Lourenco and Quinta do Lago Trails - Two one-hour nature trails are available and offer a rich coastal wonderland of salt marsh, woodland, and freshwater lagoon. The winter months are the best time to go when you can see flamingos, spoonbills, pintails, gadwall and teal and the main attraction, the rare purple gallinule.
- Trek Bengali-Senhora da Rocha Clifftop - The footpath, often quite steep in some places looks over a series of rocky coves. There are many places to stop and picnic along the way.
- Climb to Rocha dos Sonidos, Alte - This path combines an exploration of Alte, the prettiest village in the Algarve with a hike to the summit of Rocha dos Sonidos. The trip takes about 3 hours to complete.
- Hike the Penina Circuit - A hike through a protected area which passes by two ancient defensive walls and the Cave of Moors.
- Walk the Ilha do Rosario, Silves - This 8 km walk begins at the Mira-Rio restaurant on the N124 highway where it heads towards the Ilha do Rosario viewpoint. The path then veers through lush, open countryside and through the small village of Vale da Lama before returning back to the restaurant.
- Tavira National Forest - The 8 km track winds its way through the beautiful countryside, passing the villages of Malhada de Peres and Daroeira. This easy to moderate walk.
- Burgau Coastal Walk - A spectacular clifftop path between Salema and Luz is well worth the 10km distance.
- Reserva Natural do Sapal Nature Trail - This 6km trail is about 2 hours in duration and feature reedbeds and saltmarshes containing plovers, avocets, and other wading birds.
