Things to do in

Albufeira

Look for dolphins and hidden caves on a half-day dolphin watching cruise of the Algarve from Albufeira. Bring your swimsuit and towel, as the activity includes a stop for a swim. Marvel at the rock formations, and access areas that other vessels can’t reach. A marine biologist will be on board to provide all necessary information about these wonderful creatures. Be aware that as dolphins are wild animals, sightings can not be guaranteed.

Enjoy a unique way to see the Algarve on this 1.5-hour quad off-road guided tour. Visit Paderne Castle, and admire the beautiful landscapes. Start at the tour headquarters in Albufeira, and from there travel and ride along streets and dirt tracks where only off-road vehicles can go. Visit the Paderne Castle and snap photos of 360 views. Enjoy the thrill of off-road adventure, along with the assurance that you are completely safe on this low-speed ride.

Look for dolphins and other marine life off the coast of the Algarve on a 2.5-hour cruise by boat. Explore sea caves, look for close ocean animal encounters, and swim next to beautiful beaches. Depart from the Marina de Albufeira and head towards Carvoeiro Beach enjoying the breathtaking landscapes, pleasant weather and crystal clear waters of Portugal's southern shore along the way. Marvel at the contrast of colors between the rocky cliffs and caves, the blue of the sea and the indigenous flora and fauna. Get a safety briefing to ensure you are comfortable once on board the boat, and enjoy the services of an experienced captain throughout the journey. Benefit from life jackets and raincoats to keep you safe and dry on the trip. Explore a selection of sea caves along the coast of the Algarve, looking for dolphins and other animals on your adventure. Enter the caves for up-close encounters, and swim next to beautiful beaches to make this an experience to remember for a lifetime.

Enjoy a guided boat trip between Albufeira and Benagil Caves on a tour that combines nature and adventure. Discover the Algarve coastline's most iconic landscapes and keep your eyes open for playful dolphins on the way. Start your journey at the meeting point, where you will be welcomed by the crew. Skip the line at the check-in kiosk and benefit from a special welcome package. Have a coffee or some water at the coffee lounge while you wait to board the boat. After priority boarding, start your tour by cruising along the beautiful, 18km-long Algarve coastline. Listen to your knowledgeable guide and learn all about the sights you pass by. Feel the relaxing sea breeze and be amazed by the coastal view. Head inside the famous Benagil caves to admire this rock formation. Take amazing pictures of the caves and capture the light entering them. Spot São Rafael and Marinha beaches, among the most emblematic beaches in Portugal, famous for their cliffs and fine golden sand. Make a short swimming stop and immerse yourself in the crystal clear waters of the Algarve coast. During the tour, look for the dolphins on the way. If they are spotted, see them playing in their natural environment and take photos of them jumping in and out of the water.

Enjoy some time at sea on your Algarve vacation. Explore the beautiful coastline of the Algarve and its caves, on a 3-hour sail from Albufeira to the Carvoeiro area, on a fully equipped and comfortable catamaran. The excursion departs from the Albufeira marina, on the Algarve coast, and heads out along the coastline, taking you to see some spectacular caves and rock formations. This splendid catamaran features a lounge and a bar, free WiFi, and a fly bridge area that allows you to enjoy the scenery in full (access not included in the price). With a swimming stop during the cruise, you’ll also be able to enjoy the warm sea waters as well.

Capture the essence of the Algarve aboard a 4WD jeep on a half-day off-the-beaten-path adventure through the Portuguese countryside. Depart Albufeira and travel through beautiful landscapes to see regional architecture, dense forests of cork trees that supply the wine industry, and groves of fragrant orange trees. Sample the gastronomical delights of the region at a local farm, and taste their honey and homemade liquors. Go to an old distillery to try some of the legendary Medronho (Aguardente de Medronhos). Drive along hidden tracks and encounter historic villages, swim in a local river, and marvel at spectacular waterfalls. Learn about the customs and traditions of the rustic villages from a guide full of knowledge about the local history, nature, lifestyle, and landscape.

Experience the thrill of an off-road adventure on a buggy tour that takes off from Albufeira. Explore the landscapes of the countryside and visit the Castle of Paderne for unforgettable photo opportunities. Feel secure with a licensed guide by your side. Choose between a buggy for one person or a buggy for two people with the option to switch drivers in between the journey. Start at the tour headquarters in Albufeira. From there, enjoy a safe, low-speed ride along streets and dirt tracks where only off-road vehicles can go. Arrive at the Castle of Paderne and snap photos of 360-degree views. Along your tour, learn about the region's history from your guide.

Head off the beaten track in a 4X4 Jeep for an off-road safari in the Algarve countryside. Admire beautiful landscapes and regional architecture and experience the tastes of the Algarve. You’ll have the opportunity to taste local honey and liquors and visit an old firewater distillery, where you’ll enjoy a tasting of the famous medronho drink. In addition, you’ll be able to try local favorite local dishes at lunch. Discover the hidden Algarve in a 4WD Jeep, visit the area’s centuries-old villages, and marvel at the spectacular natural scenery. During the ride, your professional guide will tell you about the history, customs, and traditions of the region’s rustic villages.

The Algarve coast brings to mind pirate adventures, and pristine beaches. Today you will explore the coast between Albufeira Marina and Capvoeiro beach on a luxury boat that offers you the chance to swim, relax, and maybe even see a dolphin or two! Begin with a relaxing ride through the caves and rock formations that make this landscape so unique. Then head out to sea in your search for the dolphins who call these waters home. Your boat is the perfect vessel for dolphin exploration, and these playful and fun animals are truly a sight to behold! Your expert guide will share with you interesting facts and history on this memorable trip.

After stepping out of the van, you will be able to see the waves on the beach underneath you. How they conceal the sand, only to reveal it again a second afterward. You can breathe in the salty air and feel the sun on your skin as you slip into your wetsuit. When your feet touch the sand of the beach, your adventure is just one step ahead of you. In the hands of this surfing and snorkeling school based in Albufeira, you will have the opportunity to start from the ground up and learn how to surf. You will be brought closer to the ocean to experience memorable moments underwater and on your surfboard. You can try something new that you will broaden your horizons, it’s all about the experience.  Your lesson will be adjusted according to your skills, meaning that you can start on the sand or hit the water straight away to further your skills. Enjoy a hands-on, personal learning experience, as each instructor looks after around nine participants.