Things to do

One of the best things about staying at Casa da Fonte is how easy it is to enjoy very different sides of the Algarve. You can spend one day relaxing by the pool, another exploring historic towns, another on a boat trip through the islands, and another discovering markets, restaurants, beaches, water parks, pottery, shopping or hidden local places.

The Algarve can be as relaxed or as active as you want it to be. This page is a starting point to help you decide what kind of day you feel like having.

For more detailed recommendations, please also see our pages on:

Restaurants & Food

Shopping & Markets

Towns & Villages

Beaches

Things to Do by Month

Ria Formosa, Beautiful, Relaxed and Natural

A boat trip is one of the best ways to experience the Algarve, especially the Ria Formosa and the islands around Faro, Olhão, Fuseta and Tavira.

The Ria Formosa is ideal if you want something beautiful, relaxed and natural. You can visit islands, quiet beaches, fishing communities, lagoon waters, oyster areas, birdlife and peaceful coastal scenery. This is a lovely choice for couples, families, nature lovers and anyone who wants a different side of the Algarve.

Popular island options include Ilha Deserta, Culatra, Farol, Armona and Tavira Island. Depending on where you leave from, trips can be short and simple, or longer with lunch, swimming and time to explore.

You can also find sunset boat trips, private boat charters, dolphin watching, coastal cruises and sailing experiences. For special occasions, a private boat can be a memorable option.

Boat Trips, Caves & Kayaking

The central and western Algarve are famous for dramatic cliffs, caves and rock formations. Boat trips from places such as Albufeira, Vilamoura, Portimão, Carvoeiro and Lagos often include sea caves, beaches, coastal views and sometimes dolphin watching.

Benagil Cave is one of the best-known sights in the Algarve, but access and safety rules can change, so always use a licensed operator and check current conditions before booking. The sea can be calm one day and unsuitable the next, so tours may depend on weather and sea conditions.

Kayaking and paddleboarding can be fantastic, but should be booked with a reputable company, especially around caves, open sea or tidal areas. For families or less confident swimmers, a guided boat tour is usually the easier option.

Formosamar - Ria Formosa Tours

Best for: The closest serious boat operator to you. Island-hopping, birdwatching and dolphin trips through the Ria Formosa lagoon with genuinely passionate guides. Brilliant for all ages.

Opening: Daily 09:00-19:00 (tours by booking)

21 Minutes by Car

Address: Doca de Recreio de Faro, 8000-541 Faro

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Ria Formosa Boat Tours

Best for:  Small-group scenic and island tours of the lagoon with friendly, multilingual crews. Stops to wander the sandbar islands; great with children.

Opening: Daily 09:00-17:00 (tours by booking)

21 Minutes by Car

Address: Estr. do Passeio Ribeirinho 169, 8000-537 Faro

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ODYSSEY Boat Tours (Olhao)

Best for: Island-hopping and sunset tours from Olhao led by captains who grew up on the islands. Three-island and five-hour options, plenty of beach time.

Opening: Daily 09:30-19:30 (tours by booking)

23 Minutes by Car

Address: Cais T, Av. 5 de Outubro, 8700-302 Olhao

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Algarve Charters (Albufeira)

Best for: One of the highest-rated cave-and-dolphin operators on the coast. Knowledgeable, multilingual crews and a swim stop; superb with kids and special needs.

Opening: Daily 09:00-18:00 (tours by booking)

32 Minutes by Car

Address: Cais H, Marina de Albufeira, 8200-394 Albufeira

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AlgarExperience (Albufeira)

Best for: Caves-and-dolphins cruises on catamarans or fast boats, often with a swim stop. Well organised and very family-friendly; book the smaller boat to enter the caves.

Opening: Daily 08:30-22:00 (tours by booking)

32 Minutes by Car

Address: Marina de Albufeira, 8200-394 Albufeira

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Artur's Watersports (Quinta do Lago)

Best for: Pedalos, kayaks and a calm lagoon you can swim in, plus a little beach with sunbeds. Easy, safe water fun for families right in the Golden Triangle.

Opening: Daily 10:00-18:00 (season dependent)

23 Minutes by Car

Address: Centro Desportos Nauticos, Quinta do Lago, 8135-024 Almancil

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Benagil Sea Cave Tour

Best for: The Algarve's most famous cave, with its eye in the roof. Reach it by boat, kayak or SUP from Benagil beach. Go early; check the latest rules on entering the cave itself.

Opening: Daily, tours by booking

47 Minutes by Car

Address: Praia de Benagil, 8500-531 Lagoa

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Carvoeiro Caves Boat Tour

Best for: Small-boat tours that nip right inside the sea caves around Carvoeiro, with witty guides who take your photos. Smaller boats than the big operators, so you get closer.

Opening: Daily 09:00-19:00 (tours by booking)

51 Minutes by Car

Address: Largo da Praia do Carvoeiro, 8400-513 Carvoeiro

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Kayak Explorers (Lagos)

Best for: Guided kayak tours through the grottoes and hidden beaches of Ponta da Piedade, with a boat tow back so you don't have to paddle home. Morning trips beat the crowds.

Opening: Daily, tours by booking

69 Minutes by Car

Address: Cais da Solaria, 8600-315 Lagos

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Sunrise SUP Tour (Lagos)

Best for: Stand-up paddleboard at sunrise to the caves of Ponta da Piedade. Worth the early alarm for calm water, golden light and a small, fun group.

Opening: Sunrise tours by booking

 69 Minutes by Car

Address: Alameda Dr. Armando Soares Ribeiro, 8600-200 Lagos

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Ponta da Piedade Kayak Tours (Lagos)

Best for: Small-group kayak tours among the golden sea stacks and caves of Lagos, with a swim at the end. Patient guides; great for confident older kids and adults.

Opening: Daily, tours by booking

69 Minutes by Car

Address: Marina de Lagos, 8600-315 Lagos

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The Algarve is famous for its beaches, from long sandy stretches to smaller coves backed by golden cliffs. Some beaches are ideal for swimming and relaxing, while others are better for walking, surfing, scenery or lunch by the sea.

From Casa da Fonte, you can choose between the more local Faro and island beaches, the elegant beach areas around Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo, the dramatic cliffs further west, or quieter eastern Algarve beaches.

Quinta do Lago Beach

Best for: A big, calm beach reached by a long wooden bridge over the birdlife-rich lagoon. Park near Gigi's, walk across, and you have soft sand for miles.

Opening: Open access (paid parking in summer)

25 Minutes by Car

Address: Quinta do Lago Beach, 8135-024 Almancil

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Praia de Faro

Best for:  Your nearest beach: a long sandy bar reached over the bridge by the airport, with cafes, water sports and sunset views. Easy for a quick swim or an evening stroll.

Opening: Open access (lifeguards in season)

25 Minutes by Car

Address: Praia de Faro, 8005-520 Faro

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Ilha do Farol (island beach)

Best for: A proper island adventure: hop the ferry from Faro or Olhao to a long, clean ocean beach with a couple of bars and a lighthouse. The journey is half the fun.

Opening: Reached by ferry from Faro or Olhao

24 Minutes by Car

Address: Praia da Ilha do Farol, Ria Formosa

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Praia da Falesia (Olhos de Agua)

Best for: Kilometres of golden sand beneath glowing red-and-ochre cliffs. Wide and uncrowded even in summer, with a beach bar; ideal for long walks and easy swims.

Opening: Open access (lifeguards in season)

22 Minutes by Car

Address: Praia da Falesia, 8200-593 Olhos de Agua

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Praia do Barril & Anchor Cemetery (Tavira)

Best for: Cross the dunes on a cute little train to a soft sandy beach, passing the haunting cemetery of anchors from the old tuna fleet. Lovely, unusual and great for kids.

Opening: Open access (little train in season)

24 Minutes by Car

Address: Barril Beach, 8800 Santa Luzia

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Praia da Rocha (Portimao)

Best for: A huge, lively beach backed by bars, restaurants and a clifftop boardwalk. Warm water, soft sand and plenty of buzz; good for a full day with teenagers.

Opening: Open access (lifeguards in season)

57 Minutes by Car

Address: Praia da Rocha, 8500 Portimao

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Praia da Marinha (Lagoa)

Best for: Postcard Algarve: turquoise water, sculpted arches and the famous twin-arch rock. Stunning to swim or to walk the clifftop above. Get there by 9 am for parking.

Opening: Open access (arrive early for parking)

46 Minutes by Car

Address: Praia da Marinha, 8400 Lagoa

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Praia do Camilo (Lagos)

Best for: A jewel-box cove reached by 200 wooden steps, with a hand-carved tunnel to a second beach and dazzling clear water. Tiny, so arrive before midday.

Opening: Open access (about 200 steps down)

 69 Minutes by Car

Address: Praia do Camilo, 8600-315 Lagos

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Roman Ruins of Milreu (Estoi)

Best for: The ruins of a grand Roman villa with mosaics and a temple, in the village of Estoi, minutes away. Recently under restoration, so check if it has reopened before going.

Opening: Tue-Sun 09:30-13:00 & 14:00-18:00; closed Mon (check ahead)

 7 Minutes by Car

Address: Milreu, 8005-411 Estoi

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Pousada Palacio de Estoi (palace & gardens)

Best for: A pink rococo palace with formal tiled gardens, now a hotel. Wander the gardens, enjoy a drink on the terrace, and admire one of the prettiest buildings nearby.

Opening: Gardens/terrace accessible to visitors

8 Minutes by Car

Address: R. de Sao Jose, 8005-465 Estoi

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Chapel of Bones (Faro)

Best for: A small, haunting chapel lined with the bones and skulls of monks, behind the golden Carmo church. Memorable and only a few euros; quick to see.

Opening: Mon-Fri 09:00-13:00 & 15:00-18:00; Sat 09:00-13:00; closed Sun

20 Minutes by Car

Address: Largo do Carmo 21, 8000-148, Faro

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Faro Old Town & Arco da Vila

Best for: Step through the neoclassical arch into a walled old town of cobbled lanes, a cathedral you can climb, orange trees and storks nesting on the rooftops.

Opening: Old town open access

21 Minutes by Car

Address: Arco da Vila, R. da Misericordia, 8000-168 Faro

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Tavira Old Town & Roman Bridge

Best for: Arguably the Algarve's prettiest town: a riverside of churches and tiled facades, a hilltop castle garden and the old bridge. Lovely for a slow afternoon and dinner.

Opening: Open access

25 Minutes by Car

Address: Ponte Romana, 8800-681 Tavira

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Silves Castle

Best for: A striking red-sandstone Moorish castle above the old Moorish capital, with ramparts, nesting storks and valley views. Pair with a wander round pretty Silves.

Opening: Daily 09:00-20:00 (to 17:00 some days)

48 Minutes by Car

Address: Castelo de Silves, 8300-117 Silves

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Ponta da Piedade (Lagos cliffs & boardwalk)

Best for: The Algarve's most photographed headland: golden cliffs, sea stacks and grottoes, with an easy clifftop boardwalk and steps to the water. Magical at any time.

Opening: Open access

69 Minutes by Car

Address: Estr. da Ponta da Piedade, 8600-544 Lagos

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Lagos Old Town

Best for: A walled historic centre of cobbled lanes, lively squares, street music and good shops and bars. Great to wander before or after the cliffs and beaches.

Opening: Open access

70 Minutes by Car

Address: R. João Bonança 10, 8600-598 Lagos, Portugal

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Cabo de Sao Vicente (Sagres)

Best for: The dramatic south-westernmost tip of Europe, where towering cliffs meet the Atlantic, and the sunsets are legendary. A long but unforgettable day out west.

Opening: Open access (clifftop; lighthouse hours vary)

100 Minutes by Car

Address: Cabo de Sao Vicente, 8650 Sagres

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Loule Market (Mercado Municipal)

Best for: A beautiful Moorish-style covered market of fish, fruit, cheese, honey and flowers. Saturday mornings spill outside with a farmers' market, live music and crowds.

Opening: Mon-Sat 07:00-15:00; big farmers' market Saturdays; closed Sun

16 Minutes by car

Address: Praca da Republica, 8100-270 Loule

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Olhao Market (Mercados de Olhao)

Best for: Two handsome red-roofed market halls on the waterfront, one for fish straight off the boats, one for produce. Surrounded by cafes, a real slice of local life.

Opening: Mon-Sat 07:00-14:00 (Sat to 13:30); closed Sun

23 Minutes by car

Address: Av. 5 de Outubro, 8700-412 Olhao

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The Algarve has a wonderful craft tradition, especially ceramics, tiles, cork, basketry, weaving and hand-painted pottery.

For a relaxed creative day, look for pottery shops, ceramic studios, tile painting, art workshops, cork workshops, basket weaving, watercolour painting, photography walks or local craft classes.

Loulé is a good place to look for creative workshops and traditional craft experiences. Porches is also known for ceramics and hand-painted pottery, and it can be a lovely stop if you are exploring further west.

Xavier's Pottery (Loule wheel)

Best for: Throw a pot on the wheel with a real artisan family. Antonio is patient and funny, great with children, and his father's shop is full of beautiful handmade pieces.

Opening: Mon-Fri 09:00-17:00; Sat 09:00-13:00; closed Sun

 16 Minutes by Car

Address: R. Martim Moniz 45, 8100-606 Loule

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La Brava Studio (Faro ceramics)

Best for: Paint-your-own-ceramics workshops with a warm host, tea and homemade brownies. You pick a mug or plate, decorate it, and collect it fired a couple of weeks later.

Opening: Thu-Fri 15:00-18:00; Sat-Sun 15:00-19:00 (workshops by booking)

20 Minutes by Car

Address: Edificio Riamar bloco 7 Loja 19, 8000-140 Faro

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Algarve Arts Academy (Quarteira)

Best for: A bright studio running painting, pottery and art workshops, kids' classes, summer camps and even neon-painting-with-wine evenings for grown-ups.

Opening: Daily 10:30-19:00 (classes by booking)

15 Minutes by Car

Address: Al-Sakia Building 10 Store 7, 8125-020 Quarteira

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First Class Art (Alcantarilha)

Best for: Relaxed oil-painting classes where complete beginners leave with a finished canvas. Karen teaches kindly and individually, even to holiday drop-ins.

Opening: Tue & Thu mornings (classes by booking)

41 Minutes by Car

Address: Sudoeste Retail Park Loja 13, 8365-307 Alcantarilha

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Algarve Cuisine Academy (Faro)

Best for: Hands-on Portuguese cooking classes close to home, taught by a professional chef. A relaxed, practical way to taste the Algarve back to your kitchen.

Opening: Classes by booking

20 Minutes by Car

Address: R. Joaquim da Rocha Peixoto Magalhaes, 8000 Faro

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Taste Algarve Cooking Class (Tavira)

Best for: Shop the market for the day's fish, then cook a traditional cataplana on a farm and eat it together. A standout, hands-on Portuguese food experience.

Opening: Mon-Fri 09:00-17:00 (classes by booking)

24 Minutes by Car

Address: Monte do Alamo, 8800-254 Tavira

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Quinta do Canhoto (Albufeira winery)

Best for: A small, generous family winery near Albufeira. Warm hosts, lovely wines and a cheese-and-charcuterie tasting; they even ferment some wine under the sea.

Opening: Mon-Fri 11:00-13:00 & 14:30-18:30; closed weekends

28 Minutes by Car

Address: Torre de Mosqueira, 8200-316 Albufeira

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Quinta dos Vales (Estombar wine & art)

Best for: A vineyard and sculpture garden where you can tour, taste and even blend and bottle your own wine to take home. A fun, hands-on half-day for wine lovers.

Opening: Mon-Fri 10:30-17:30; closed weekends

51 Minutes by Car

Address: Sitio dos Vales, 8400-031 Estombar

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Quinta do Frances (Silves winery)

Best for: A picturesque hillside winery with relaxed, informative tastings and a tapas board. Tour the cellars or just settle in for nine wines and a view.

Opening: Mon-Fri 10:00-17:30; Sat 10:00-17:00; closed Sun

55 Minutes by Car

Address: Dobra, 8300-037 Silves

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Fonte da Benemola (Loule hills walk)

Best for: A shady riverside valley loop of around 4km, with birdsong, butterflies and a little bridge to cross. One of the prettiest inland walks, and gentle enough for families.

Opening: Open access

22 Minutes by Car

Address: Querenca, 8100 Loule

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Ludo Trail (Ria Formosa)

Best for: A flat, easy loop through the salt marshes and along the beach, rich with birds and crabs. Walk out along the path and back by the sea; lovely and very close.

Opening: Open access

23 Minutes by Car

Address:  Ludo, 8005 Almancil (car park by the airport bridge)

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Parque Natural da Ria Formosa

Best for: The protected lagoon park of salt pans, islands and birdlife, with easy trails, a visitor centre and flamingos. Beautiful at sunset; great for a gentle nature walk.

Opening: Visitor area daily (small fee)

20 Minutes by Car

Address: Quinta de Marim, 8700-225 Olhao

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Seven Hanging Valleys Trail (Lagoa)

Best for: The Algarve's signature coastal walk, from Praia da Marinha along the cliffs past hidden coves and blowholes. About 5-6km one way; take water, sun cover and good shoes.

Opening: Open access

46 Minutes by Car

Address: Estr. da Marinha, 8400-407 Lagoa

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Caldas de Monchique (thermal spa village)

Best for: A tiny wooded spa hamlet in the hills, with thermal waters, a spa and shaded walks among the eucalyptus. A peaceful, grown-up change of pace from the coast.

Opening: Spa hours vary (booking advised)

61 Minutes by Car

Address: R. de Caldas de Monchique, 8550-232 Monchique

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Passadicos de Alvor (boardwalk)

Best for: A flat wooden boardwalk over the Alvor lagoon and dunes, wide-open and easy for every age and a stroller. Birds, kite-surfers and big skies; about 5km round.

Opening: Open access

62 Minutes by Car

Address: Alvor, Portugal

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Foia Viewpoint (Monchique)

Best for: Drive up the Algarve's highest peak for huge views to the sea, cooler mountain air, craft stalls and a cafe. Pair it with lunch in the pretty Monchique town.

Opening: Open access

66 Minutes by Car

Address: Foia, 8550 Monchique

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For guests who want something more active, the Algarve has plenty of options.

You can try kayaking, paddleboarding, surfing, bodyboarding, coasteering, dolphin watching, cave boat trips, high ropes, zip lines, paintball, karting, jeep safaris, buggy tours, horse riding, cycling, hiking and sometimes bungee-style or extreme activities.

Aquashow (Quarteira)

Aquashow is best for older children, teenagers and visitors who enjoy bigger rides and more excitement. It has large slides, pools and theme-park-style attractions, giving it a more energetic feel.

Compared with Slide & Splash, it is better for thrill-seekers, while compared with Zoomarine, it is less about animals and shows and more about adrenaline and water rides. 

Best for: The nearest water park, with big slides, a wave pool and roller coasters, plus an indoor pool area for cooler days. A reliable full family day out.

Opening: Daily 10:00-18:00 (seasonal; indoor in winter)

14 Minutes by Car

Address: Volta do Parque 1, 8125-313 Quarteira

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Algarve Life Sciences Center (Faro)

Best for: A hands-on science centre by the harbour with interactive exhibits and a touch tank where children can handle sea creatures. A great rainy-day hour or two.

Opening: Tue-Sun 10:00-13:00 & 14:00-18:00; closed Mon

21 Minutes by car

Address: R. Cmte. Francisco Manuel, 8000-250 Faro

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Zoomarine

Zoomarine is one of the best-known family attractions in the Algarve, offering a combination of marine life, shows, water areas, and rides.

The best choice for families who want more than just water slides. It combines marine life, shows, rides and water areas, making it a varied day out for younger children and mixed-age groups.

Compared with Slide & Splash and Aquashow, it feels more like a full family attraction, with a stronger focus on animals, entertainment and education. 

 Best for: A whole day in one place: dolphin, sea-lion and bird shows, a 4D cinema, fairground rides, pools and a butterfly garden—the big family crowd-pleaser.

Opening: Daily 10:00-18:00 (seasonal)

 36 Minutes by Car

Address: N125 KM 65, 8201-864 Guia

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Aqualand (Alcantarilha)

Best for: A relaxed water park that's usually quieter, with short queues and a good mix of slides. A solid alternative on a busy weekend.

Opening: Daily 10:00-17:00 (seasonal)

41 Minutes by Car

Address: Sitio das Areias, N125, 8365-908 Alcantarilha

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Slide & Splash 

Slide & Splash is ideal for families and groups who mainly want a fun water-park day. It has lots of slides, pools and splash areas, with options for both children and older visitors. Compared with Zoomarine, it is more focused on water fun than shows or animals, and compared with Aquashow, it feels slightly more traditional and family-friendly. 

Best for: One of Europe's best-loved water parks: dozens of slides for every age, a toddler zone, big lawns and a bird-of-prey show. Spotless and well run.

Opening: Daily 10:00-17:30 (seasonal)

51 Minutes by Car

Address: Vale de Deus 125, 8401-901 Estombar

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Sand City in Lagoa 

Sand City is a unique outdoor attraction filled with huge sand sculptures and themed displays. It is a good choice for families, couples or anyone looking for something different from the usual beach or water-park day. Compared with the more active attractions, this is a calmer visit, better for walking around, taking photos and enjoying something creative. 

Best for: families, children, and anyone who enjoys unusual photo opportunities. Sand City Theme Park in Lagoa is an open-air sand sculpture park with impressive themed displays created by international artists.

Opening: Daily  10 am–11 pm

42  Minutes by Car

Address: EN 125, Nº252A, Sítio dos, Lombos, 8400-395 Lagoa, Portugal

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Riding Center Quinta da Saudade (Pera)

Best for: Beginner-friendly horse rides through fields and nature reserve, with a beach option for the more confident. Calm, well-cared-for horses; great for first-timers and kids.

Opening: Daily 07:00-19:30 (rides by booking)

37 Minutes by car

Address: EM526 26, 8200-424 Pera

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Horses In The Sun (Aljezur, west coast)

Best for: Beautiful beach and countryside rides on the wild west coast with a lovely family of guides. Worth the drive for a galop along the sand; all abilities welcome.

Opening: Rides by booking

80 Minutes by car

Address: Corte Pero Jaques, 8670 Aljezur

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Zoo de Lagos

Lagos Zoo is a lovely family-friendly day out with animals, shaded areas and a relaxed atmosphere. It is best for younger children, animal lovers and families who want a slower-paced activity.

Compared with Zoomarine, it is smaller and quieter, but it feels more peaceful and easy to enjoy without needing a full action-packed day.

Best for: A compact, shaded family zoo with monkeys, colourful birds, penguins, wallabies and a petting farm. Easy to do in a couple of hours; lovely for younger children.

Opening: Daily 10:00-19:00 (seasonal)

78 Minutes by car

Address: Quinta Figueiras, Barao de Sao Joao, 8600-013 Lagos

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Karting in Almancil 

Karting in Almancil is great for families, teenagers and groups who want something exciting but easy to organise. There are karting options for different ages, plus other activities on site, so it works well for both drivers and spectators.

Compared with buggy tours, it is shorter, safer and more controlled, making it a better choice for younger visitors or first-time drivers. 

Best for: Go-karts for grown-ups and children on well-kept tracks, with trampolines, pool and pizza on site. Easy, close-to-home afternoon fun for mixed ages.

Opening: Wed-Sun 11:00-20:00; Tue 14:00-20:00; closed Mon

 20 Minutes by Car

Address: Kartodromo de Almancil, Caminho das Pereiras, 8135-022 Almancil

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Parque Aventura in Albufeira 

Best for: The Algarve's Go-Ape-style treetop adventure: three difficulty levels of rope bridges, nets and zip lines through the pines. Brilliant for ages 5 to adult, and you can re-run it.

Opening: Wed-Fri 14:00-18:00; Sat-Sun 10:00-18:00

27 minutes by car

Address: Estr. de Santa Eulalia 215, 8200-381 Albufeira

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Adventure Park (Vila Real de Sto Antonio) 

Best for: An eastern-Algarve treetop ropes course with starter levels for little ones up to challenging canopy runs. Friendly instructors used to working with kids.

Opening: Sat-Sun 14:00-18:00 (groups midweek by arrangement)

47 Minutes by car

Address: Complexo Desportivo, 8900-226 Vila Real de Santo Antonio

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Jeep safaris 

Jeep safaris are a great way to see the Algarve countryside, traditional villages, viewpoints and off-road tracks without having to drive yourself. They are ideal for families, couples and guests who want a guided experience with scenery, local culture and a bit of adventure. Compared with buggy tours, jeep safaris are more relaxed and better for mixed-age groups. 

Algarve Jeep Safari (You Drive / We Drive)

Best for: Off-road safaris from coast to mountain, with water crossings, village stops, honey and lunch. Drive yourself or be driven; a brilliant way to see the wild interior.

Opening: Mon-Sat 09:00-20:00 (tours by booking)

58 Minutes by car

Address: Praia da Rocha, 8500 Portimao

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Buggy tours 

Buggy tours are ideal for guests seeking a more adventurous off-road experience. They usually take you through countryside tracks, hills and scenic routes, with more excitement than a normal sightseeing tour.

Compared to jeep safaris, buggy tours are more hands-on and adrenaline-focused, making them better suited for adults, teenagers, and confident drivers.

Algarve Buggy Tours – Loulé

Best for: families, couples and first-time buggy drivers who want a safe, easy and well-organised off-road adventure through the Algarve countryside.

Opening: Mon-Sat 9 am–6 pm, Closed - Sunday

15-20 Minutes by car

Address: Casa Vieira, Cerro Cabeça de Câmara, 8100-289 Loulé

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Buggy Safari Algarve – Vale Judeu, Loulé 

Best for: families, couples and first-time buggy drivers looking for a safe, organised off-road adventure through the Algarve countryside without anything too extreme.

Opening: Daily 9 am–8 pm

25 Minutes by car

Address: EM1295 53Z, 8100-294 Loulé, Portugal

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Magnibravura – Albufeira 

Best for: Guided quad-bike and buggy tours through quarries, vineyards and country lanes, with safety briefings and traffic escorts. Family-friendly and well organised.

Opening: Daily 8:15 - 5 PM

35–40 Minutes by car

Address: Vila Verde / Corcovada, Albufeira, 8200-664

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Algarve Riders – Albufeira

Best for: Guided quad-bike and buggy tours through quarries, vineyards and country lanes, with safety briefings and traffic escorts. Family-friendly and well organised.

Opening: Daily 9 am–1 pm & 2–6 pm

35–40 Minutes by car

Address: Av. dos Descobrimentos, next to the BP petrol station, 8200-260 Albufeira

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Silves Outdoor – Silves / Odelouca 

Best for: Self-drive buggy and quad tours through forest trails, stream crossings and mountain views above Silves. Capable, easy-to-drive vehicles; good for older kids too.

Opening: Tours by booking

55 Minutes by car

Address: Sítio Dobra-Odelouca, 8300-037 Silves

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Surfing is a great holiday activity in the Algarve, especially for beginners, families and anyone wanting to try something different by the beach. Lessons normally include an instructor, surfboard and wetsuit. Most sessions start with a short beach briefing, safety instructions and basic technique before going into the water.

Please book in advance, especially in summer. Surf times may depend on the tide, wind and sea conditions, so the school may confirm the best time or meeting point shortly before the lesson.

Please bring: swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, water, dry clothes for after the lesson, and a positive attitude. You do not usually need your own surf equipment.

Prices can change, but as a rough guide, group surf lessons are often around €45–€70 per person. Private lessons or full-day surf trips are usually more.

 AMAR Surfing Academia — Praia de Faro

A very good nearby option for guests staying near Santa Bárbara de Nexe. AMAR is based at Praia de Faro and is suitable for beginners, families and mixed ability groups.

Best for: beginners, families and anyone wanting relaxed surf or bodyboard lessons directly on Praia de Faro, with classes for different ages and ability levels.

Opening: Daily 8:30 am - 5 PM

20-25 Minutes by car

Address: Av. Nascente 130, 8005-520 Faro

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Vilamoura Surf School — Vilamoura / Falésia Beach

Best for: beginners, as Vilamoura/Falesia usually has gentler south-coast conditions than the west coast. The school offers surf lessons and rentals, and is a practical choice for families or guests who want a beach activity without travelling too far.

Opening:  Daily 9 AM - 6 PM

31 Minutes by car

Address: Centro Internacional Marina de Vilamoura, Av. Rocha Baixinha, Vilamoura, Algarve

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Albufeira Surf & SUP — Galé Beach, Albufeira

Best for: holiday guests, families, beginners and groups who may also want SUP or kayaking.

Opening: Daily 7:30 AM - 11:30 PM

40–45 Minutes by car

Address: Estrada da Galé, 8200 Albufeira

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SURF4FUN — Galé Beach, Albufeira

Best for: beginner surf lessons, small groups, families and guests staying around Albufeira/Galé for the day. They offer surf lessons for all levels, including beginners, and are a good alternative to Albufeira Surf & SUP if availability is limited.

Opening: Daily 9 AM - 11 PM

40–45 Minutes by car

Address: Estrada da Galé, Guia, 8200-424 Albufeira

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Lagos Surf Safari — Lagos

Best for: guests who want a full surf experience, stronger Atlantic surf conditions and a more adventurous day out.

Opening: Daily 7 AM - 11 PM

60 Minutes by car

Address: Estrada da Ponta da Piedade 23, 8600-512 Lagos

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Algarve Watersport — Lagos

Best for: beginners, improvers, small group lessons, multi-day surf courses and active holiday guests.

Opening: Daily 24 hours

60 Minutes by car

Address: AWS Surf Camp Villa, Estrada da Albardeira, 8600-302 Lagos

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Our suggestion

For the easiest nearby option, try AMAR Surfing Academia in Praia de Faro or Vilamoura Surf School.
For a beach day near Albufeira, try Albufeira Surf & SUP or SURF4FUN at Galé Beach.
For the best full surf day trip, try Lagos Surf Safari or Algarve Watersports in Lagos.

Please always check the latest prices, times and sea conditions directly with the surf school before booking.

For more full Golf courses infomation see guide further down with more information...

Here are some of the best crazy golf and mini golf options near Santa Bárbara de Nexe, listed roughly from closest to furthest.

Quinta do Lago Mini Golf

A polished and family-friendly mini golf course at Quinta do Lago’s golf centre, opposite the driving range. The course features miniature versions of famous golf holes such as Augusta, Belfry and Sawgrass.

Best for: families looking for a relaxed activity in the Quinta do Lago area.

Opening: Daily 9 AM - 10 PM

Minutes by car

Address: Av. André Jordan, 8135-162 Almancil, Portugal

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ParTee Mini Golf Vale do Lobo

A fun 18-hole mini golf course in Vale do Lobo, right next to the Praça and close to the beach. This is a great option for combining mini golf with dinner, drinks, restaurants, beach time or evening entertainment in the Praça.

Best for:  guests who want more of a holiday atmosphere rather than just a quick game.

Opening: Daily 10 AM - 9 PM

20–25 Minutes by car

Address: Av. do Mar 23a, 8135-107 Almancil, Portugal

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Adventure Mini Golfe Park — Albufeira

Best for: guests who are already planning to visit Albufeira or want to combine it with a day out in that area.

Opening: Daily 10 AM - 6 PM

35–40 Minutes by car

Address: R. de Dunfermline Lote 12, 8200-284 Albufeira, Portugal

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Krazy World — Algoz

Best for:  families with children who want a longer activity day rather than a quick round of crazy golf.

Opening: Daily 10 AM - 6:30 PM

40–45 Minutes by car

Address: N264, Lagoa de Viseu, 8365-907 Algoz, Portugal

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Family Golf Park — Vilamoura
Best for: Two well-kept mini-golf courses with a cafe and bubble tea, good for an easy couple of hours with the whole family. Book online for a small discount.

Opening: Daily 10:00-19:00 (seasonal)

25–30 Minutes by car

Address: Rua dos Marmeleiros 5, Vilamoura, 8125-507 Quarteira, Portugal

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For easiest family fun, choose Armação de Pêra. For parasailing and jet skis, choose Vilamoura. For kayaking and caves, choose Benagil or Lagos. For relaxing beach time with some activities nearby, choose Praia da Luz or Meia Praia. 

Benagil, Carvoeiro & Praia da Marinha  

This area is best for scenic kayaking, SUP and cave tours. It is more about exploring cliffs, caves and hidden beaches than fast water sports. It is ideal for couples, families with older children and anyone who wants great photos and beautiful scenery. 

Armação de Pêra 

Armação de Pêra is one of the best beaches for a full activity day. You can find jet ski, kayak, SUP, banana boat-style rides and an inflatable water park. It is a good choice for families, teenagers and groups because lots of activities are close to the beach and easy to book. 

Vilamoura & Quarteira 

Vilamoura is best for parasailing, jet skis and boat trips, usually starting from the marina. This area is good for visitors who want a more organised experience, with restaurants, cafés and parking nearby. Parasailing is usually the closest holiday activity to “paragliding” and is much easier to book at the beach. 

Lagos, Praia da Luz & Meia Praia 

Lagos is a good area for kayaking, SUP, boat trips and family water sports. It works well if you want a mix of beaches, restaurants and activities in one day. Praia da Luz and Meia Praia are more relaxed than the busiest central Algarve beaches, but still have plenty to do in season.