Things to do in Algarve

West Algarve tour with Lagos, Sagres and Cabo de Sao Vicent

The rugged coast of the western Algarve is crammed with dramatic cliffs sheltering sandy coves and characterful towns. On this trip you'll have ample time to explore the historic city of Lagos and see some of the Algarve's most picturesque points, including Sagres, the ‘end of the world' and Baleeira fishing village. Beatriz, one of our expert local guides, says, 'Lagos has a long history, and was once an important hub for maritime traffic in the 15th century during the Portuguese Age of Discovery. You'll get a sense of its history as you mander through the old town on patterned cobbled streets flanked by handsome buildings.' Sheltering by a river mouth, the town of Lagos has a great location by the beach and within reach of all that amazing scenery. Get your culture fix with a tour of Lagos town, plus free time to enjoy the vibrant streets and cafés. Your guided tour takes in Praça do Infante to see Henry the Navigator's statue, as well as the building that served as Portugal's first slave market. Afterwards, you could choose to spend your time having lunch, shopping or exploring.Next, we'll visit Cabo de São Vicente, also known as the ‘end of the world' – Europe's most south-westerly point. This place is famous for its sheer cliffs, panoramic views, and the iconic lighthouse perched at its tip. Soaking up these views looking out over the fishing harbour of Baleeira is the perfect way to round off this tour.

Guided Silves and Monchique mountains tour in the Algarve

The Algarve is famed for its beautiful beaches, yet the area's countryside is also filled with historic and natural gems that are well worth discovering. You'll head into the mountains to visit Silves, Foia and Monchique, and taste some local treats along the way.

Lisbon tour from the Algarve with sightseeing bus and free time

Few capitals are as diverse as Lisbon. From the tightly packed alleys of the old town to the elegant boulevards of Baixa Pombalina, it's a city bursting with charm and life – and classic yellow trams. Gonçalo, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘Much of Lisbon was destroyed in the 1755 earthquake, and was then rebuilt under the Marquis of Pombal's guidance into the first city with innovative earthquake-resistant designs – hence today's name for the district: Baixa Pombalina.'Things kick off reasonably early, allowing you to reach Lisbon in good time. Get ready for spectacular views over the city as you cross the Golden Gate-like 25th April Bridge over the River Tagus to the seafront district of Belém. You'll get to see Belém Tower, the Monument of Discoveries and much more. Gonçalo says, 'Belém Tower was built in the early 16th century and is an iconic symbol of Portugal's Age of Discoveries. It once stood on a small island near the riverbank, but as the river's course changed, it now sits near the shore. Over the years, it's served as a defence point, a lighthouse, a customs house, and even a prison.'Next, sightsee by bus passing by the Basilica Estrela among other sights. Your guide will then point out the best areas of the city to check out during your free time – whether you prefer to shop, dine or simply stroll streets lined with impressive buildings from Portugal's imperial days. You'll return to the Algarve via the Vasco da Gama Bridge – the longest in Europe.

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.

Eastern Algarve day tour with Faro visit and live Fado music show

The east is one of the jewels in the Algarve's crown, and this full day excursion offers a flavour of its local culture as well as a chance to get to know its biggest city. You'll visit Faro, Olhao, and Tavira and travel through beautiful countryside in the Ria Formosa National Park. Sofia, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘This excursion is special because it brings the local culture to life. You'll see a performance of Fado music which is the heart of Portuguese tradition, a soulful singer fronts a group of musicians and together they convey passion, struggle, and longing. It's a hugely significant part of Portuguese culture.'We'll begin in Faro, the regional capital, where you'll have free time to explore the old town – the cathedral is a must-see. Next up is Olhao, a village on the banks of the Ria Formosa. You'll visit its famous fish market and then enjoy free time for lunch and shopping. Sofia adds, ‘As well as showcasing the fruits of the sea, the market is a good place to make contact with smallholders selling their own produce, such as honey, jams, cakes, and liqueurs.'In the afternoon, we'll head to Tavira to see its top sights and visit the castle for a stroll along its ramparts. Along with the castle, the seven-arched Roman bridge and a pair of historic churches are just a handful of the best things to do in Tavira. Cap off the day by dropping into a church for a live show of fado singing – the melancholic music genre that is a national treasure.

Costa Vicentina full-day guided tour with lunch

Wedged between the Atlantic and the Monchique Mountains, the Vicentine Coast has stunning landscapes, lots of flora and fauna but very few people. This is a wild world where you least expect it. Highlights include Costa Vicentina Natural Park, Carrapateira and Sagres.

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.

Guided tour of Faro and East Algarve in a Small Group

Eastern Algarve is one of Portugal's most beautiful regions – and this excursion in an eight-seat minibus is ideal for discovering its pretty villages and biggest city. You'll visit Faro, Olhao, Cacela Velha and Tavira and as well as travel through beautiful countryside in the Ria Formosa National Park.

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.