10 Activities to Do in the Algarve

10 ACTIVITIES TO DO IN THE ALGARVE

Walking tours, water or motor sports, wine tastings or bird watching... there's so much to see and do in the Algarve. We suggest 10 activities you can’t miss!
You can enjoy some of these activities through partner stores of the Prestige by PortoBay loyalty program. With the Prestige card, you’ll get discounts at marked stores, as well as benefits at hotels.

 

1. Algarve International Circuit

Opened in 2008, in Mexilhoeira Grande, in the municipality of Portimão, this innovative project worldwide was designed to provide various services in the motorsport industry, from holding competition events to testing and presenting new products. The venue also includes a go-kart track, an off-road park, a racing school, and accommodation.

Partner of Prestige by PortoBay. Learn more about the benefits of this loyalty program here!

2. Hiking

Put on your comfortable boots, pack your bag, and bring your camera. Hiking and nature tourism are top preferences for both residents and visitors. There are many walking groups, as well as routes that invite you to discover unique landscapes. The Via Algarviana is the most comprehensive walking guide, offering 300 kilometers of routes ready to be explored.

3. Cycling

With a huge variety of landscapes and terrains, from flat roads to steep climbs, cycling tourism has been increasingly gaining popularity in the region, challenging both professionals and amateurs. Rent a bike and venture into trails with fascinating views. The Ecovia do Litoral, for example, offers trails that allow you to travel almost the entire Algarve coastline, covering about 214 kilometers.
If you're staying at the PortoBay Falésia hotel, we offer various cycling experiences – Bike Tour in the Ria Formosa Natural Park, Cycling Coast Line in 3 stages, Cycling Road Tour in 3 stages, and bike rental – just choose your favorite and book it at reception!

Partner of Prestige by PortoBay. Learn more about the benefits of this loyalty program here!

4. Diving

Admire the wonders of the underwater world – the Algarve offers great diving conditions, whether you’re an experienced diver or a beginner. Here you can dive among various species of fish, corals, cliffs, caves, ruins, ships, and even a sunken plane. There are numerous companies providing everything you need for a dive on the Algarve coast.

Partner of Prestige by PortoBay. Learn more about the benefits of this loyalty program here!

5. Markets

In these places, tradition is still what it used to be. Locals still prefer to buy fish, meat, fruit, vegetables, and other traditional products with the quality and freshness that markets offer. The most famous and popular market is still the one in Olhão, especially on Saturday mornings. Not to be overlooked are the markets in Loulé, Quarteira, Lagos, and Santa Luzia (Tavira).

6. Bird Watching

Birdwatching is considered by many the best way to enjoy the outdoors and connect with nature. Of the nearly ten thousand bird species in the world, more than 300 are regularly present in the Algarve throughout the year. The Birdwatching Festival takes place annually in Sagres and is a great opportunity to admire these migrating birds.

7. Skydiving

Skydiving is a once-in-a-lifetime experience! In the Algarve, it becomes even more memorable due to the spectacular views over the sea. If you want to feel a mix of excitement, freedom, and adrenaline, the Portimão aerodrome, in Alvor, has several companies with which you can jump and safely enjoy this unforgettable experience.

Partner of Prestige by PortoBay. Learn more about the benefits of this loyalty program here!

8. Surfing

With more than 800 kilometers of Portuguese coastline, a temperate climate, and regular waves throughout the year, you don't have to travel far to find the perfect surf spot in Portugal. However, the southwest coast of the country is a paradise for surfers. There are many surf schools where you can rent equipment or take beginner lessons to practice this sport.

9. Wine Tasting

Who would have thought that the Algarve would ever be taken seriously as a wine-producing region? The truth is that our rural areas have some of the best terroirs for producing quality wine in Portugal, and in recent years, this potential has been developed with the help of a new wave of innovative and skilled winemakers. There are dozens of wineries in the Algarve, many of which offer guided tours and wine tastings, such as Quinta dos Vales in Estômbar, where winemaking is combined with the art of sculpture.

Partner of Prestige by PortoBay. Learn more about the benefits of this loyalty program here!

10. Zoomarine

This is, undeniably, the most famous theme park in the Algarve. With over 18 hectares, Zoomarine is located in Guia, Albufeira. Here, you can swim with dolphins, watch seal and sea lion shows, tropical and bird of prey exhibitions, see sharks, swim in the park's pools, or slide down its many water slides. In short, enjoy leisure, entertainment, and environmental education activities.

Partner of Prestige by PortoBay. Learn more about the benefits of this loyalty program here!

 

Stay with us…

How about combining this activity programme with a comfortable stay at PortoBay? Take advantage of the opening of the new PortoBay Blue Ocean hotel, happening this July, and be one of the first to enjoy wide green spaces, views of one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, unique gastronomic experiences and much more!