Portugal has earned its name as the garden of Europe. Thanks to the warm Gulf Stream, the exotic plants once brought back by explorers from the four corners of the world have now become indigenous to the entire Atlantic coast. Beyond its mild climate and varied plant life, Portugal is famous for its history, its sailors and explorers, who have endowed this wonderful country with the finest historical treasures.
Known for its impressive cliffs, endless sandy beaches and crystal clear waters, the Algarve is an area of endless charm on Portugal’s south coast. You’ll find elegant marinas nestled against picturesque fishing villages, and beautiful seaside resorts that give holidaymakers the chance to practice a range of activities, from golf to water-skiing. A number of cultural treasures lie further inland. Lagos, Lisbon and even Seville, all strongly influenced by Southern culture, also make excellent day trips.
The majestic, golden cliffs of the Costa d’Oiro and Ponta da Piedade are among the most photographed in all of Portugal. As well as its cliffs, Lagos also boasts a vibrant cultural scene, great local cuisine, a variety of leisure activities, a wealth of traditional crafts and the beautiful beach of Meia Praia. Distance to airport: 85 km.
This charming fishing village is one of the most popular places in the region and is home to a number of authentic cafes and restaurants where you can try the local cuisine. It boasts picturesque streets and the longest beaches in the Algarve, so you can relax with a long walk along the coast. Distance from the airport: 75 km.
This popular resort overlooks the lively promenade and the 1.5 kilometre-long sandy beach. The famous sandy beach of Praia da Rocha gives its name to the oldest seaside resort in the Algarve. The marina is also home to many restaurants, bars and nightclubs. Distance from the airport: 72 km
The small town of Porches is perched on a hill on the Algarve's oldest east-west road. It is famous not only for its wine, but also for its clay pits and pottery studios. Distance from the airport: 52 km.
Senhora da Rocha has a beautiful promenade, a long sandy beach, shops, supermarkets, restaurants and bars. Don't miss the breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean from little clifftop chapel of Senhora da Rocha. Distance from the airport: 56 km.
Armação de Pêra, with its beautiful promenade, long sandy beach, shops, restaurants, bars – and an impressive number of ice-cream parlours – guarantees an unforgettable and varied holiday. A part of the fortress built in the 17th century offers a breathtaking view of the beautiful coastline and the long golden sandy beach. Distance to the airport: 52 km.
Albufeira, also known as "the white city", is bordered by a beautiful sandy beach and set against an impressive backdrop of steep cliffs. As you wander through its labyrinth of alleys, you will come across many reminders of its past life as a fishing village and its Moorish era heritage. In the evening, Albufeira's trendy bars and nightclubs cultivate a lively nightlife. Distance from the airport: 35 km.
The charming little fishing town of Olhos de Água has a small, shallow sandy bay and is a great destination for a relaxing family holiday by the sea. Distance from the airport: 35 km.
This modern seaside resort boasts extensive hotel facilities, a marina, a promenade lined with bars, shops and restaurants and a beautiful beach. It is surrounded by pine forests and several golf courses. Distance from the airport: 25 km.
Olhão is a charming fishing village and the largest fishing port in the Algarve, together with Portimão. The day’s catches are sold in the market and served in the restaurants. The Ria Formosa nature reserve, with its lagoons, canals, salt flats and sandbanks, offers a fantastic view of the Atlantic Ocean. Distance to the airport: 15 km.
Tavira is considered one of the most charming towns in Algarve. With its beautifully decorated churches, authentic tiled houses, small streets lined with restaurants and bars and a beautiful beach, Tavira is the ideal destination for a holiday combining culture and seaside fun. Distance to the airport: 43 km.
Vila Nova de Cacela is a small, rustic village bordered by a long sandy beach. There are a variety of tourist attractions in the area, including the beautiful seaside resort of 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.
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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.
2 different routes are available:
1. Central route (departing from Albufera). If you like adventure, this is the tour for you! On this tour, you'll discover the magic, traditions and exceptional views of the Algarve countryside. You'll be accompanied by a driver who will also act as a guide and tell you more about the region.
After a quick briefing, your driver will take you to admire the magnificent views from Boliqueime and the small village of Lombada. You'll then make your way to the village of Alte, which is considered to be one of the most traditional places in the Algarve. Here, you can enjoy a coffee and admire the typical white houses with their chimneys. The next stop is Zebro, where the guide will tell you more about the region’s native cork trees. Finally, you will visit a distillery where you can taste the famous "medronho" (fire water) brandy and honey.
2. Monchique route (departing from Alvor, Praia da Rocha, Portimão, Carvoeiro and Lagos). After a quick briefing at your hotel, you will head to Monchique, a small village located just a few kilometres from the Algarve's highest point, Mount Fóia, at 902 metres. On the way to the mountains, your guide will tell you more about the local plants and wildlife. You will get to see the native "Sobreiro" cork trees, as the Algarve is a region best known for processing and exporting cork. There will also be a stop at a typical distillery to taste some honey and a classic drink of the region.
Includes: Guided tour and lunch. Hotel pick-up and drop-off is available in some areas: "Central Circuit" (Albufeira), "Monchique Circuit" (Alvor, Praia da Rocha, Portimão, Carvoeiro et Largos).
Duration: Full day (approx. 7 hours)
Languages: English
This tour is not recommended for pregnant women or children under 3.
Discover all the highlights of the Algarve's west coast in just one day! Your first stop is the town of Silves, the former capital of the region, which is steeped in history and home to numerous monuments such as a Moorish castle, a Roman bridge and a Gothic cathedral.
The tour will also take you to Lagos, where you will have some free time to see the monuments from the era of the Great Discoveries, such as the first slave market in Europe, the golden church of Saint-Antoine, the old town and the statue of King Sebastian.
To finish off, you'll head for Cabo São Vicente, nicknamed "the end of the world", which is the most south-westerly point in Europe! Once there, you'll also have some free time to visit the lighthouse (entrance not included).
Included: Guided tour, pick-up and drop-off at a meeting point.
Not included: Meals and entrance to monuments.
Duration: Full day (approx. 10 hours)
Languages: French and German
This two-and-a-half-hour cruise departing from the port of Portimão will take you on a trip along the magnificent Algarve coastline.
You'll start at Carvoeiro and AlgarSêco, where you can see the unique caves and rock formations that have been shaped by the sea and wind. The region also boasts many small beaches of incredible natural beauty, some of which are only accessible by small boat.
The tour continues on to the famous Benagil cave, where light streams in and refracts all the colours of the rainbow. A little further on, you'll reach Praia da Marinha, which is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
Duration: Approx. 2,5 hours
Operation date: all year, except 24th, 25th, 31st December and 1st January
Included: Boat trip, pick-up and drop-off at the hotel.
Languages: English
This boat trip will take you to explore the Algarve's stunning coastal landscapes, from Albufeira marina to Carvoeiro beach. Expect pure relaxation and stunning caves and rock formations – and, on the way back – a chance to see dolphins a little further out from the coast!
Duration: approx. 2 hours
Language: English
Operation date: from April to October, daily
Included: Boat cruise only
Additional charge: Hotel pick-up and drop-off is available in some areas for an additional fee.
Join us for a cruise along the Algarve coast, from Albufeira Marina to Carvoeiro Beach, on a speedboat. We promise a relaxing journey filled with pure emotions. During the cruise, you'll have the opportunity to discover fantastic caves and rock formations. On the way back, the boat will venture offshore to initiate our dolphin's search.
Duration: approx. 2 hours
Language: English
Operation date: from April to October, daily
Included: Boat cruise only
Additional charge: Hotel pick-up and drop-off is available in some areas for an additional fee.
Enjoy being a local for a day!
We invite you to discover Olhão, a town of fishermen, simple people, storytellers and legends.
Olhão is also known as the cubist town, a unique feature in southern Europe. Along with your guide explore the streets and alleys of the historic city centre.
Saturday morning is a very busy day at the Municipal market with local producers selling fresh and typical products of the region. Free time to visit the markets one the "Ex-Libris" of the town.
The town, situated in the heart of the Ria Formosa Natural Park, has the second largest fishing port in the Algarve. Besides fishing, salt extraction and the gathering of shellfish and bivalves are the traditional activities of the local population.
An internationally important wetland, the Ria Formosa is a labyrinth of canals, islands, marshes and sandbanks, stretching along 60 km of the eastern Algarve coast between Praia do Garrão and Praia da Manta Rota. This important natural environment is part of the daily routine of the locals " Olhanenses" who enjoy the barrier islands and the fantastic white sandy beaches and crystal water all year round, especially in summer.
Take the local ferry, explore the fishing island of Culatra and be dazzled by a fantastic beach. To make your experience unforgettable, we include a lunch of freshly grilled fish from our sea and clams from the Ria Formosa. On your return, the local ferry will take you on a tour along the Ria Formosa Natural Park.
Don't forget your swimsuit and camera.
Included: pick-up and drop-off at your hotel, services of a local guide, tour of Olhão, ferry tickets and lunch in Culatra
Recommendations: swimsuit
The eastern Algarve is the most picturesque corner of the region. During this excursion, you will visit several of its typical towns and villages.
The day begins with a visit to Faro, where you’ll learn about the impressive history of the Algarve's capital and explore its old town, historic centre and the Arco da Vila, which forms the entrance to the inner city (Vila Adentro).
The tour continues on to one of the region's oldest towns, Olhão, situated in the heart of the Ria Formosa Natural Park. It is famous for its cubist houses and fishing port, which is one of the biggest in the region.
Finally, you’ll visit Tavira, a charming village nicknamed "the Venice of the Algarve", with no less than 32 churches and houses with unusual roofs known as the "4 águas". Tavira is also characterised by its unique atmosphere, and you’ll be invited to drop in on a performance of fado, Portugal’s national music, which is classified by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Included: Guided tour, pick-up and drop-off at a meeting point, fado performance in Tavira.
Not included: Meals and entrance fees for monuments, entrance fees for optional visits.
Duration: Full day (approx. 10 hours)
Languages: French and German
For more information and bookings, please contact your LuxairTours guide on site.
Tourist tax must be paid locally during your stay