The best activities & excursions in the Algarve
The most fun activities in the Algarve
The Portuguese Algarve is full of fun activities to do during your holiday. Discover on this page all the fun things to do in Albufeira, Lagos, Faro and other places in the Algarve. Most activities in the Algarve take place on the water, such as boat trips along the beautiful cliffs, dolphin spotting tours and SUP excursions. But also in the interior of the Algarve there are many excursions to do such as visiting a vineyard, cooling off in a water park or experiencing an underground adventure in a salt mine.
In addition, many of the activities in the Algarve are suitable for children. For example, you can go with the whole family to one of the zoos, on a catamaran along the coast or climb and clamber in a tree climbing park.
Below you can see the best activities the Algarve has to offer in alphabetical order. I recommend booking tickets and trips in advance, so you don’t have to wait in line and you are sure of a spot. Which activity are you going to do first?
These are the best activities in the Algarve:
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💡 Click to unfold and read my favorite activities in the Algarve
“With so many different activities and sights to see in the Algarve, I never get bored even though I live here permanently! If there is even a little current, I throw my surfboard in the car and rush to the water. After a full week of lessons, I dared to go out on the water on my own and since then I practice almost every day with my own 7’0 hard board.
If the wind is too strong to surf, windsurfing is an option. If the water is clear blue without a breath of wind, the wetsuit still goes on, but then for snorkeling .
Friends of ours have their own boat, so every now and then we get on board to sail along the coast of Lagos and jump off the boat with snorkel and mask. Every time we discover something new and we encounter different types and sizes of fish. We also love SUP-ing and that is why in the garage there are 3 SUPs next to 5 surfboards.
Although I prefer to be in the water, I also like to go out on land with my girlfriend. Every now and then we discover new vineyards, villages or drive into the hills for a visit to the viewpoint at Monchique.
All in all, there is plenty to do in the Algarve and whether you stay for just a week or half a year, you will never be bored here!”
– David
Boat trips in the Algarve
Take a boat trip to & through the caves and cliffs of the iconic Algarve coastline with its beautiful rock formations. Will you go for the atmospheric catamaran, a real sailing boat or a cool speedboat? This is one of the activities that you should not miss during your visit to the Algarve. Tours depart from all coastal towns in the Algarve and take you along the most beautiful sights that the southern Portuguese coast has to offer such as the Ponta de Piedade and the Benagil cave. Taking a boat trip in the Algarve is a fun activity for young and old and cruises last from two hours to half a day.
Rent a boat in the Algarve
Create your own adventure on the water by renting a complete yacht or boat, with or without a captain, snacks and drinks. Available from most coastal towns in the Algarve, there is always a boat nearby in the desired price range. Renting a boat is a fun activity for the whole family. See the breathtaking coastline while you take the helm yourself or let the captain take you along while he tells you about the history of the Algarve and how the impressive rock formations were formed. By renting your own boat, you are not dependent on the rest of an organized group and you decide for yourself which sights you want to see. Whether you want to rent a boat for a few hours, a whole day, or a week, you will always find one that best suits your plans.
Visiting zoos in the Algarve
The Algarve also has a number of fun zoos that will appeal to young and old. From swinging monkeys to curious meerkats, you can find them at Zoo de Lagos and Krazy World. A visit to a zoo is a great activity for a cloudy day, or when you want to do something different than relaxing on the beach. Children will also love this activity. Both parks have play equipment and facilities to buy a snack or drink. Discover the animal kingdom of the Algarve in one of these cheerful zoos.
Dolphin watching in the Algarve
The Algarve is a popular destination for watching wild dolphins. Thanks to the captains many years of experience, the chance of finding these beautiful animals during this activity is very high! Dolphin tours depart from all major locations in the Algarve. Choose from a catamaran, speedboat or sailing yacht and search the water for these beautiful mammals. Some tours are combined with a visit to other attractions such as the Benagil cave or the Ponta de Piedade. This way you can enjoy yourself on the water surface for a whole day!
E-bike & mountain bike tours & rental in the Algarve
Looking for a sporty activity? Then go out with a group or alone with a rented mountain bike or E-bike and discover the coastline and the interior of the Algarve from your steel steed. Thanks to the pedal assistance on the electric bikes you can cruise effortlessly through the landscape, or challenge yourself with a mountain bike and explore the Algarve on your own. Most large places in the Algarve offer rental of (electric) bikes where you immediately get the most beautiful routes, but guided tours are of course also available. The experienced guides will tell you more about the nature and culture of the Algarve during this activity.
Escape from an escape room in the Algarve
Is the weather a little less nice during your holiday in the Algarve, or have you underestimated the Portuguese sun and does your skin look like that of a lobster? Then an escape room in the Algarve is a fun indoor activity for young and old. Just like in the Netherlands, the concept in the Algarve is the same: escape from one or more closed rooms within an hour by solving puzzles. In most large places in the Algarve you will find an escape room or two. Will you manage to escape within an hour? The escape rooms are offered in English or Portuguese, so if you speak one of these languages you will definitely be able to figure it out!
Play golf on one of the many golf courses in the Algarve
The Algarve is internationally known as an excellent golf destination. Thanks to the favorable climate, you can hit a ball all year round on one of the many greens that the Algarve has to offer. Most golf resorts also offer accommodation if you are not staying in their accommodation and thanks to the large number of golf courses, there are also more than enough teachers who can take your skills to the next level. Discover all golf courses and green fees on the golf courses page. Playing golf is a fun activity for a sunny day, but also a solution for a cloudy day or if you want to do something different than lying on the beach!
Climbing park in the Algarve
Climbing and scrambling for young and old. In the Algarve you will find several climbing parks for all levels and ages. A very fun and sporty activity for a cloudy day, or when you are ready for some exercise after a day of relaxing at the beach or pool. Can you conquer all the courses? There are several climbing parks in the Algarve. Check the climbing parks page to see which one is closest to you and swing like a monkey from tree to tree!
Horse riding in the Algarve
Explore the beautiful nature that the Algarve has to offer on a four-legged friend during one of the many fun horse riding tours. Experience how people used to cross the Algarve landscape and discover paths and viewpoints that are not accessible by car. Most horse riding tours depart from Carrapateira, a town located on the west coast of the Algarve, a short half-hour drive from Lagos. Taking a horse riding tour is a fun activity for young and old. Have you never ridden a horse before? The experienced instructors will take you by the hand and explain exactly how it works before you set off for a relaxing ride along the coast.
Quad biking in the Algarve
Ready for an activity with a bit more testosterone? Feel the adrenaline rush through your veins as you sit behind the wheel of an off-road quad bike during an adventure through the rugged landscape of the Algarve. Discover the various quad tours in the Algarve with departure points in Albufeira and Lagos. During the tours there is of course time for a photo and a drink break. The quad tours are also suitable for children from the age of 10, so the whole family can join in on the quad adventure!
SUP excursions and rentals in the Algarve
Take the padle into your own hands and discover the Algarve’s iconic rock formations by Stand Up Paddleboard. Explore caves that you can’t get into by boat and take a refreshing dip in the clear blue water when you start to get hot. Going on an adventure with a SUP is a fun and sporty activity for young and old that also has the added bonus of training your balance. SUP tours leave from most major towns and take you to the Ponta de Piedade, the Benagil cave or hidden beaches and caves.
Scuba diving along the Algarve coast
Ready for an underwater activity? Explore the underwater world of the Algarve with a diving tank on your back during a scuba diving excursion. Search for sunken warships or underwater rock formations full of unique fish and plants or get your diving license in one of the many diving centers. With a bit of luck you will come across seahorses and octopuses in addition to many colorful fish. In the summer the water in the Algarve is beautifully blue and visibility underwater is very good. You will find diving schools in most major places in the Algarve where you can then choose a fun dive or lesson package.
Skydiving and paragliding in the Algarve
Step out of a plane at 10,000 or 15,000 feet and watch the blue ocean rush towards you for the first 20 or 70 seconds on a tandem skydive adventure. If you prefer something a little slower, try a paraglide or paratrike (paragliding in a three-wheeler) flight and enjoy the peace and quiet a few hundred meters above the beautiful cliffs and the clear sea.
Snorkeling in the Algarve
Under the water surface of the Algarve south coast you will find countless colorful fish, starfish and anemones that you can discover while snorkeling. Are there no waves? Then snorkel under the cliffs and discover all the life that can be found between the rocks and stones that have fallen into the water. Join one of the many snorkeling tours or rent/buy a snorkel set and go out yourself to take a look under water in the underwater world of the Algarve. Snorkeling is a fun and relaxing activity for all ages where you can enjoy the underwater landscape of the Algarve at your own pace.
Fishing trips along the Algarve coast
Ready for an underwater activity? Explore the underwater world of the Algarve with a diving tank on your back during a scuba diving excursion. Search for sunken warships or underwater rock formations full of unique fish and plants or get your diving license in one of the many diving centers. With a bit of luck you will come across seahorses and octopuses in addition to many colorful fish. In the summer the water in the Algarve is beautifully blue and visibility underwater is very good. You will find diving schools in most major places in the Algarve where you can then choose a fun dive or lesson package.
Learn to surf or rent a surfboard at one of the many surf schools in the Algarve
One of the most popular activities in the Algarve (and a personal favorite) is surfing! Take your first surf lesson or hone your skills in one of the most beautiful surf spots on earth. Check out which of the many surf schools in the Algarve is closest to where you are staying and book an introductory lesson right away. Class sizes range from 6-20 participants, but private lessons are also possible. From single lessons to complete surf weeks including accommodation and meals, you can find it here in the Algarve. If you can already surf, rent a board for a week and brave the waves that the many beaches in the Algarve have to offer.
Water fun for young and old in one of the water parks in the Algarve
Spend a whole day (or two) of water fun at one of the many water parks in the Algarve. Full of colorful slides, rapids and sunbathing areas, visiting a water park is the perfect activity for a hot day. Feeling hungry? All parks have catering facilities so you don’t have to pack a lunch! With so many water parks in the Algarve, you can choose which one offers the most adventure for you and your group! Are you going for lots of slides, a combination park with a zoo or one with saunas and steam rooms? Compare the different water parks and enjoy a day full of water fun.
Visiting vineyards on a wine tour in the Algarve
Portugal is famous for its wines and the Algarve region is also home to many vineyards. Visit one of the local vineyards and taste the best wines where they are made. From simple tastings and tours to multi-course dinners, the Algarve is a wine lover’s paradise. Tours leave from most places in the Algarve, or rent a car and drive to one of the many vineyards yourself. Visiting a vineyard is a fun activity for wine lovers or if you want to learn more about how wine is made. Some vineyards also arrange transportation, so you don’t have to fight over who stays sober for the return trip!
Sea kayaking along the iconic cliffs of the Algarve
Hop into a single or double kayak and explore the Algarve coastline with a paddle in your hand. See the impressive cliffs up close and rinse the sweat off your head with a refreshing dip in the blue water. Kayaking on the southern coast of Portugal is a fun and sporty activity for the whole family. You can rent a kayak at various locations in the Algarve, or take part in an organised tour where you are towed by a boat on the way back. If you want to see the Ponta de Piedade from the water’s surface, sea kayaking is the activity for you!
Salt mine excursion in Loulé
Step into a metal cage and descend 230 meters into a mine shaft to follow a tour of the Tech Salt salt mine. An exciting adventure for the whole family where you will learn more about the history of the salt mine and which machines were and are used for the extraction of salt stone during the tour of approximately two hours.
Coasteering in the Algarve
A sporty and adventurous way to discover the beautiful coastline of the Algarve is during a coasteering adventure in Sagres . Climb and jump from rocks into the water and swim through caves that you normally can’t reach by boat! For adrenaline seekers from 13 years old, coasteering is an exciting but fun activity that you can do in the beautiful and rugged west of the Algarve.
Jet ski riding in the Algarve
If you are looking for an unforgettable experience full of adrenaline and adventure in the Algarve, then renting a jet ski in Albufeira is the perfect choice. After a short safety briefing and explanation of how the jet ski works, you will be behind the wheel and will be zooming along the beautiful Algarve coastline at high speed! Here is what you need to know about renting a jet ski in Albufeira:
Visit an olivegrove in the Algarve
The Algarve has numerous vineyards where excellent Portuguese wine is made. Many of these are open to visitors and many holidaymakers gratefully make use of them during a guided tour and wine tasting. But did you know that there is another kind of ‘-yard’ to visit, which you might not immediately think of? The Algarve is known for its excellent olive oil in addition to wine. At the olive grove of Monterosa, you can visit to learn how typical Algarve olive oil is made!
Parasailing in the Algarve
Parasailing in the Algarve is organised from the marina in Albufeira by AlgarExperience. After a short explanation with safety instructions you will be taken to the Algarve coast to take off from the platform on the boat while being pulled by the speedboat!
In total you will hang for about ten minutes at a maximum height of 80 meters and you can enjoy the view over Albufeira and the open ocean. On a clear day you can see a number of other places and beaches in the distance and with a bit of luck you can even spot dolphins swimming by!
Yoga classes and retreats in the Algarve
If you are looking for a beautiful location to improve or start your yoga skills, the Algarve is the place for you. With glistening beaches, a wonderfully mild climate and some excellent retreats, the Algarve is the perfect place to practice yoga and find yourself.
Stargazing at an observatory in the Algarve
Since the Algarve is not so densely populated and there is little light pollution, you can enjoy excellent stargazing here at night! You can of course do this with your own eyes while lying on one of the beaches, but also at a real observatory. The COAA (Centro de Observação Astronómica no Algarve) is an observatory just outside Portimão where you can make an appointment to take a look through one of the telescopes.
Wakeboarding in the Algarve
Wake Park Lagos is a brand new wakeboarding location in the beautiful Algarve, Portugal. With its state-of-the-art facilities, it offers an unforgettable experience for both beginners and advanced wakeboarders. So if you are looking for a challenge, adrenaline or just a day of fun on the water, Wake Park Lagos is the place to be!
Cooking classes & workshops
Discover the secrets of Portuguese cuisine during a cooking workshop in the Algarve! Learn traditional recipes and how to prepare them at home after your holiday during one of the many cooking workshops you can participate in.
FAQ – Frequently asked questions about activities in the Algarve
What activities in the Algarve should I definitely not miss?
If you are on a budget or have limited days, I recommend visiting Ponta de Piedade in Lagos by kayak or SUP. You will see one of the most beautiful and popular sights, be on the water and do a sporting activity at the same time!
In addition, a visit to the Benagil cave by boat is also a fun and not too expensive activity, which also takes you to another iconic sight of the Algarve.
Which activities in the Algarve are free?
If you want to do a fun activity that costs nothing, snorkeling is the perfect option when there are no waves. Bring a snorkel set from home and drive along the different beaches of the Algarve to see the underwater life up close. It is best to choose a beach with some rocks and stones on the sides. Fish and shellfish like to swim on and under these. See here an overview of the most beautiful beaches where you can also snorkel well.
Besides snorkeling, walking along the coast or inland is a fun activity where you can see nature up close. You can park your car for free near the Benagil cave and then walk along the cliffs and see the beautiful blue water from above. You can also park for free at the Ponta de Piedade lighthouse in Lagos and then look down from above at the passing boats, SUPs and kayaks.
What are the best activities in the Algarve for young children?
For families with young children, there are also more than enough activities to do. For example, you can go to the Zoo de Lagos or Krazy World zoo to see the animal kingdom of the Algarve. In these zoos, in addition to a diversity of fauna, you will also find play equipment and a mini swimming pool. This way, you can easily spend half a day on an activity that is fun for the whole family.
In addition, you can visit one of the many water parks that can be found in the Algarve. In addition to slides and rapids, there are of course also shallow pools where the little ones can enjoy themselves at the play equipment.
What are some fun indoor activities in the Algarve?
If you have a bad day and still want to do something, there are fortunately enough options! The Algarve has a number of exciting escape rooms, indoor shopping malls and an indoor swimming pool.
What are the best sport activities in the Algarve?
For the sporty among us there are a lot of activities to do where you can challenge yourself physically and mentally. For example, you can rent a mountain bike and discover the Algarve on two wheels independently or with a group, climb and clamber in a climbing park or take a surfing lesson to work on that divine upper body.
In addition to being active, you can also tick off some sights from your list by, for example, kayaking along the Ponta de Piedade.
What activities can I do without a car?
No own transport? No problem! You are certainly not the only one and a number of activity centres play into this by organising transport, such as with many wine tasting tours. This way you will be picked up at your ho(s)tel and dropped off again at the end of the day!
If your accommodation is within walking distance of the harbour, you don’t have to worry about transport, as most boat trips leave from the harbours.
More of our local tips for your Portugal adventure
⭐ Check out our favourite sights in the Algarve on this page
⛵ Check out this overview of all activities you can do in the Algarve
🚗 This is the best car rental company in the Algarve
📌 Discover the top towns and cities to visit in the Algarve here
🏖 These are our favourite beaches in the Algarve
🛎 Get inspired with our local tips for accommodations in the Algarve
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