Things to do in Algarve

Guided evening 4x4 tour of Monchique Hills with dinner

This trip has to be one of the best ways to discover the real Algarve. Jump into a 4x4, leave the coast behind and make your way up into the Monchique hills. You'll discover the real heart of the region, one that most visitors never get to see. Ines, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘These hills feel almost untouched by time, with little farming villages where life moves at a slower pace, offering a glimpse of traditional Portuguese life.'Travelling in small groups winding along earth tracks and past tiny villages, you'll get a sneak peek of a peaceful lifestyle that's quickly disappearing. One of the highlights is the whitewashed village of Alferce, home to a pretty church dating back to the 16th century. Any cultivatable patches of land in the area are filled with citrus orchards and eucalyptus groves. Next, you'll continue on your journey to explore the natural wilderness of Barrancos dos Pisoes.There'll be plenty of stops along the way to capture those perfect holiday pictures and then we'll travel up to the highest point in the Algarve. At this special viewpoint, you'll watch the sky change colour as the sun sets and toast the view with a glass of sparkling wine. Hop back into the 4x4 and as darkness blankets the landscape, you'll head to a local restaurant for a traditional dinner including specialities from the Monchique hills.

Serra do Caldeirão by 4x4 with seasonal swim stop

Rev up your engines and set your sights on adventure with an open-top 4x4 tour of Serra do Caldeirão, a rugged escape just north of the Algarve. This action-packed outing offers panoramic views and a deep dive into the wild, mountainous landscapes for a day you won't forget.You'll start off in Albufeira and wind through charming villages and fields on your way to Alte, a quaint village celebrated for its peaceful vibes, cultural heritage, and breathtaking surroundings. Here, savour the local flavours with a visit to a distillery where you can sip on Medronho, a traditional Algarve spirit. The adrenaline ramps up as you hit off-road trails to Malhão, pausing to soak in the views that stretch endlessly.From April to October, you'll take a refreshing stop at Barragem da Califórnia, a serene mountain oasis perfect for a swim. Just a note, the swim stops on this tour take a break from November to March, but whatever the season, your journey ends on a high note at the Cova da Muda viewpoint and the magical Fonte Férrea.

Full-day Algarve 4x4 sightseeing tour with boat ride

Jump into the heart of Ria Formosa on a thrilling full-day tour from Albufeira, cruising through picturesque villages and vibrant landscapes in an open-top 4x4. Experience the bustling life of Olhão and enjoy a relaxing boat ride through Ria Formosa, with a stop at an island along the way. Santiago, one of our local expert guides, is a really big fan of how this tour shows off this part of Portugal in an adventurous way. The 4x4 you'll use immerses you more into the locations you'll visit a lot better than a bus or minivan would. Plus, since it's open-top, you don't have to worry about window glare when you're taking pictures while you're on the move.Hop aboard your open-top 4x4, and you'll venture off the beaten path to uncover the hidden beauties of Ria Formosa's diverse ecosystems. Learn about the sustainable practices that help preserve the area's unique environment, including salt extraction and microalgae cultivation – vital for maintaining biodiversity and supporting the local economy. You'll also visit the town of Olhão, a lively centre of fishing and maritime traditions. Here, stroll through bustling markets filled with fresh seafood, mingle with the locals or grab some unique souvenirs. After some free time, you'll board a boat to glide over the serene waters of Ria Formosa. There's a stop at another of the natural islands, too, where you can relax and swim in the calm waters.

Full-day guided tour of the western Algarve by private minibus

This VIP tour is big on sightseeing. You'll discover the rock formations of Ponta da Piedade and enjoy a guided tour of Lagos. Rounding off the experience is Cape St Vincent – the Algarve's most westerly point. Tiago, one of our expert local guides, says "the Algarve area of Portugal has two main draws – its coastline and its sightseeing scene. Most people fall for the beaches, which is understandable given how gorgeous they are, but there are loads of cultural hotspots we'll show you on this tour. During our stop in Lagos, for example, you'll learn about the region's darker side at what used to be one of Europe's first slave markets.” Your tour kicks off at Ponta da Piedade for a photo opportunity of the Algarve's unique coastal rock formations. You'll see the arches and pillars – some of which have nicknames like ‘the elephant' and ‘the cathedral' – which have been sculpted over thousands of years by coastal erosion.Next up is Lagos. You'll kick things off her with a guided walking tour that takes in Praça do Infante, where you'll see Henry the Navigator's statue and learn about his exploration of the African coast. You'll also visit the Church of St Antonio and have some free time for lunch, shopping or exploring. Last but not least, you can snap a few selfies at Cape St Vincent. Also known as the ‘end of the world', it's the south-westernmost point in Europe.

Tour of authentic Andalusian town Ayamonte from the Algarve

Perched on the banks of the River Guadiana that separates Portugal and Spain, Ayamonte blends the best of both country's cultures. Discover Andalusian charm and delicious cuisine on this tour of an Iberian gem.Located just a stone's throw from the border, arriving in the Spanish town you'll get an impressive view of Portugal's Castro Marim castle – a remnant of the centuries of war between the two. Delve deeper into the history here with a guided tour of the medieval quarter and admire the traditional blue and white tiles at every turn.After free time to sip coffee in the square, shop the boutiques or rummage for trinkets and treasures in the marketplace, you'll be ready for lunch. Stop by Vive Ayamonte gastro-shop and a feast of tasty tapas, traditional paella and wine awaits. What's more, it's all served up with a side order of fantastic flamenco entertainment in their beautiful courtyard, reserved exclusively for TUI.

Seville city transfer and shopping from the Algarve

As the heart and soul of Andalusia, Seville makes for a fantastic day trip. You can explore the city's cobbled streets, secret patios and colossal cathedral. There are plenty of shopping opportunities if you're in the mood for some retail therapy, too.Once you arrive, you'll have ample opportunity to discover its world-class monuments and snap some photos of the Maestranza bullring, the Torre de Oro and the grand, colonnaded Plaza de España.Plus, you'll be able to take a closer look at the impressive Gothic cathedral and amble around Santa Cruz – the old Jewish district. Here, you'll find lanes laced with pretty plazas, orange trees and patios. Or, if you fancy something a bit more low-key, Seville is packed with restaurants and bars where you can lounge and watch the world go by.

Dreamer Cave and Dolphins Boat Tour Albufeira

The Atlantic waters off the Algarve are home to a multitude of wild dolphins. On this short dolphin-watching excursion from Albufeira, you'll explore the Carvoeiro sea caves by boat before heading out to ocean in search of these friendly and captivating creatures.

Ophelia Dolphins & Caves Speedboat Tour with Transport

Seeing dolphins in their natural habitat is one of life's special experiences. Observe these fascinating and friendly creatures on this cruise down Portugal's sunny, south coast. Welcomed aboard by the crew, you'll set sail from Portimao harbour. Passing caves, coves and beaches, your knowledgeable skipper knows just where to head. Both bottlenose and common dolphins call this place home and they just love to show off. A captivating Algarve experience.

Ophelia Catamaran & BBQ with Transport

The Algarve coastline is in a class of its own. On this boat trip aboard the Ophelia, you'll spot its most secluded beaches, eye-catching rock formations and fishing villages. Highlights include Ferragudo castle, Carvoeiro lighthouse and Benagil beach. And to round things off, there's a barbecue on the beach, too.

MAR Shopping and Designer Outlet Algarve

Get ready to shop ‘til you drop with this transfer to the Algarve Commercial Complex, your new shopping destination in Loulé. Here, you'll find a full price retail centre, MAR Shopping, and an outlet village, Designer Outlet Algarve, selling all your favourite brands. There's a leisure area with restaurants, bars and fun for the kids when you need a break. Then, your return transfer is at 14:00, just in time to hit the sunloungers in the afternoon.

Seville City Tour & Shopping Experience

Seville captures the spirit of Spain like nowhere else. This tour lines up sights like Triana bridge, Santa Cruz, the Royal Palace and Plaza España – as seen in the Star Wars prequel trilogy. Not forgetting the largest Gothic cathedral in the world. What's more, there's free time to explore at your own pace or check out the shops, too.

Loule Markets Tour

Loule boasts a rich medieval history, and it has always been a hugely important commercial centre for the Algarve region. Explore its open-air market stalls and its thriving indoor farmer's market on this half-day excursion. Although Loule is the Algarve's second-biggest city, its markets are conveniently located within striking distance of one another. Wander the narrow lanes of open-air “gypsy” market, where locally produced ceramics and all manner of other items weigh down the plentiful stalls. This is the prime territory for picking up some great souvenirs at a bargain price.You might want to cool down by taking things indoors to the beautifully restored farmers' market. Savour the wonderful sights and smells of the plentiful produce, which has been transported that very morning from the surrounding countryside and the clear Atlantic Ocean. And if there's time left over, delve into the narrow side streets that surround the markets. Here, you'll stumble across Loule's little handicraft shops, stuffed with hand-worked copper pans and wicker baskets