Portugal’s name ‘garden of Europe’ has been well-earned. Indeed, thanks to the benefits of the Gulf Stream, the exotic plants which explorers brought back long ago from the four corners of the world have become indigenous all along the Atlantic coast. But beyond its gentle climate and varied vegetation, Portugal is above all known for its history rich with navigators and adventurers who have endowed this marvelous country on the western tip of Europe with some beautiful historical treasures.
Impressive cliffs and rocks, endless sandy beaches, crystal-clear water: it’s impossible to resist the charms of the south coast of Portugal where luxury marinas sit alongside charming fishing villages. The pretty seaside resorts offer a wide range of activities from golf to water skiing but the hinterland holds just as many pleasant surprises. Full-day excursions will take you to Lagos and Lisbon, or even to Seville, all extraordinary examples of southern culture.
Albufeira, 20,000 inhabitants, the ‘white town by the blue sea’, is a pretty little place with a beautiful sandy beach set amidst a landscape of craggy cliffs. The houses on the surrounding hillsides are built in the shape of an amphitheatre. Among its labyrinthine, narrow streets, are many reminders of its history as a fishing village in Moorish times. In the evenings, several bars, discos and night clubs provide a lively nightlife. There are various tourist spots on the outskirts of the town with coves embedded in the rocks. Distance to airport: 35 km.
This quintessential little Portuguese village, with its white houses, has everything a holidaymaker might look for: a sandy beach bordered by rocks, beautiful bays, quality restaurants, bars, boutiques, water sports, and superb golf courses nearby. Distance to airport: 50 km.
This renowned holiday location sits on a rock overlooking the approx. 1.5 km of sandy beach and lively promenade. The marina is home to a number of restaurants, bars and discos. The famous sandy beach of Praia da Rocha gave its name to the oldest seaside resort in the Algarve. Distance to airport: 72 km.
The majestic, golden cliffs on the Costa d’Oiro and at Ponta da Piedade are among the most photographed in all of Portugal. Beyond its cliffs, Lagos also offers a dynamic cultural scene, excellent local cuisine, a variety of leisure activities, a wealth of traditional crafts and the magnificent wide beach of Meia Praia. Distance to airport: 85 km.
This charming fishing village with its charming little streets offers many authentic cafés and restaurants serving local cuisine. The longest beaches of the Algarve are an invitation to relax and take long walks along the coastline. Alvor is one of the most renowned places in the Algarve. Distance to airport: 75 km.
Senhora da Roca, with its beautiful promenade, long sandy beach, shops, supermarkets, restaurants, bars and incredible number of ice-cream shops will guarantee an unforgettable holiday full of variety. Visit the little 15th/16th-century chapel of Senhora Rocha at the edge of the cliff with views over the Atlantic Ocean. Distance to airport: 52 km.
Olhão is a charming fishing village that, together with Portimão, forms the largest fishing port in the Algarve. Here, fresh fish from the sea is still available today at the market and in the restaurants. The nature reserve of Ria Formosa, with its beautiful lagoons, canals, salt aquifers and sand banks offers a fantastic view of the Atlantic Ocean. Distance to airport: 15 km.
The little town of Porches perched on a hillside on the most ancient east-west route through the Algarve is well known for its wine, but also for its clay pits and pottery workshops. Distance to airport: 52 km.
What was once a quintessential Portuguese fishing village has become one of the biggest tourist destinations in the Algarve. Along its beautiful promenade lined with palm trees, there are restaurants serving fresh fish, seafood and other culinary delicacies. The magnificent fine sand beach is perfectly suited to families. The ever-growing number of leisure activities on offer in this seaside resort makes it an attractive choice for an active holiday: whether it’s water parks, water sports, go-karting, bowling, tennis or horse riding you’re looking for, there is something here for everyone. Some of the best golf courses in the Algarve are located in the surrounding area. Distance to airport: 22 km.
Armação de Pêra, with its beautiful promenade, long sandy beach, shops, supermarkets, restaurants, bars and incredible number of ice-cream shops will guarantee an unforgettable holiday full of variety. Part of the 17th-century fortress is still there on the edge of the beach, offering an unobstructed view of the beautiful coastline and the long golden sand beach. Distance to airport: 52 km.
Altura is only 40 minutes from Faro airport. With wide strips of dunes, the beautiful flat sandy beach is several kilometres long and perfect for a family holiday. The charming village also has many street cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy local cuisine. Distance to aiport: 58 km.
The picturesque and traditional resort is located directly on the coast. From the golden beaches of Carvoeiro, you can take boat trips to the Benagil Cave and nearby caves. In addition, the cliffs around the small town are ideal for hiking. A detour to the Algar Seco rock formation is particularly interesting. Distance to airport: 46 km.
The charming little fishing town of Olhos de Água has a small, shallow sandy bay and is a particularly suitable location for families looking for a relaxing seaside vacation. Distance from the airport: 35 km.
This modern seaside resort with its large hotels, extensive marina, promenade with bars, shops and restaurants, has a long fine sand beach and is surrounded by pine forests and golf courses. Ideal for a beach holiday. Distance from the airport: 25 km.
Vila Nova de Cacela is a small Portuguese village with a rural character and a long fine sand beach. The region's tourist attractions are varied, in particular the beautiful seaside resort Manta Rota, the Ria Formosa nature reserve, the historic centre of Cacela Velha and the castle and fortress of Cacela. Distance from the airport: 66 km.
Vila Nova de Cacela est un petit village au caractère rural bordé par une longue plage de sable fin. Les sites touristiques de la région sont variés, en particulier la belle station balnéaire Manta Rota, la réserve naturelle Ria Formosa, le centre historique de Cacela Velha et le château et la forteresse de Cacela. Distance de l’aéroport : 66 km.
Le lieu de villégiature pittoresque et traditionnel est situé directement sur la côte. Depuis les plages dorées de Carvoeiro, vous pouvez faire des excursions en bateau vers des grottes comme celle de Benagil. De plus, les falaises autour de la petite ville sont idéales pour la randonnée. Le soir, vous pouvez terminer la journée dans l'un des restaurants ou bars en sirotant un verre de vin. Distance de l’aéroport : 46 km.
There are more than 30 golf courses set in magnificent countrysides offering excellent conditions for golfers.
Excursions will allow you to discover your destination from all perspectives. LuxairTours offers a range of selected tours that will allow you to discover unmissable places, paradisiacal beaches, typical dishes... LuxairTours organises a range of quality excursions for you.
On this trip, you will have the opportunity to admire the beautiful landscapes and landforms of Portugal's southern coast for which the Algarve is famous, with its impressive rock formations and mysterious caves. On the way back, the boat will pull away from the coastline to watch the playful dolphins swimming in the turquoise waters of the Iberian Peninsula.
The trip begins in Silves, one of the most picturesque towns in the region, which was once the capital of the Algarve during the Moorish era. The journey continues to Cabo São Vicente, known as the "end of the world", and continues to Lagos, the region's most lively seaside resort, which is also of great historical importance. To end the day on a high note, the tour ends at Ponta de Piedade, where you can admire a postcard-perfect panorama of beautiful rock formations.
This excursion will take you to the jewels of Ria Formosa, considered a natural park since December 1987. It stretches over 60 kilometres along the east coast of the Algarve (between Quinta do Lago and Cacela Velha) and is home to a variety of flora and fauna.
The walk begins with a visit to Fuzeta, where fishing remains the main activity of the inhabitants. Then enjoy a short train ride and visit Barril’s Almadraba Tuna fish, installed between 1841 and 1966 in Santa Luzia. Then, dominated by its 17th century fortress, Cacela Velha will allow you to enjoy a fantastic panoramic view of the peninsula. Finally, in Tavira, your guide will show you the historic centre with its castle, its old Roman bridge and the unique architecture of houses with their "scissor" roofs.
Discover the magic and secrets of Algarve countryside in a comfortable Jeep. Your driver will bring you in the heart Algarve where you will be able to discover culture and traditions as well as exceptional views.
The programme includes a visit to a typical village with its small fountain and narrow streets, a visit to a distillery farm where you can taste the famous "medronho" (brandy) and delicious honey and a drive through the farmlands.
For more information and bookings, please contact your LuxairTours guide on site.
Probably there will be a new tourist tax for all municipalities in the Algarve, for Vila Nova de Cacela this tax is already confirmed. This tax is to be paid on site at the hotel and is not included in the prices.
- approx. 1.5 € per person/per day (maximum up to 7 nights)
- this tourist tax does not apply to children under 13 years old