The Algarve in the south of Portugal not only attracts with dream beaches, hidden bays and an impressive coastline, but also with numerous great activities. From water sports such as surfing, kayaking or diving to hiking, cycling and exploring charming fishing villages and historic towns – a varied and certainly active holiday awaits you. In the following article, we present 15 really cool activities in the Algarve. Enjoy browsing!

• 1. Surfing
• 2. Kayaking tours
• 3. City tours
• 4. Wine tastings
• 5. Boat tours
• 6. Stand-up paddleboarding
• 7. Ria Formosa Natural Park
• 8. Dolphin tours & Whale Watching
• 9. Paragliding
• 10. Skydiving
• 11. Hot Air Balloon Ride
• 12. Diving & Snorkeling
• 13. Sightseeing Flights
• 14. Coasteering
• 15. Catamaran Tour
• Conclusion on Algarve Activities

1. Surfing

Surfing in the Algarve is a dream for many surfers! The region offers some of the best surf spots in Europe, suitable for both beginners and experienced surfers. Summer is ideal for beginners, as the waves tend to be smaller and gentler. However, the beaches get quite crowded during peak season. Spring and autumn offer consistent swells and moderate temperatures.

There are countless surf schools and surf camps along the Algarve, especially in places like Sagres, Aljezur, and Lagos. Many offer courses for various levels, from beginners to advanced. You can also rent equipment and hit the waves on your own. However, we recommend a course with a guide so you can get the most out of your surf session.

• West Coast Algarve: 2-Hour Surf Course for Beginners*
• Albufeira: 2-Hour Surf Course*
• Lagos: Group Surf Lessons for All Levels*

2. Kayak Tours

Kayaking tours are among the most popular activities in the Algarve. The Algarve is known for its spectacular rock formations, hidden coves, grottos, and crystal-clear waters—and a kayak tour allows you to experience it all up close. And one more thing: many of the most beautiful spots on the coast are only accessible by water! So hop in your kayak and let’s go!

We recently took a similar tour with the whole family along the coast around Lagos. Ponta da Piedade is known for its impressive rock formations, tunnels, caves, and arches. Such tours usually depart from nearby beaches, such as Praia da Batata, or from the harbor.

• From Lagos Marina: Ponta da Piedade Kayak Tour*
• Benagil: Caves, Beaches, and Secret Places Guided Kayak Tour*
• Albufeira: 2-Hour Cave and Cliff Kayaking Experience*

3. City Tours

Would you also like to get to know the cities of the Algarve better and delve a little deeper into their history? The Algarve has much more to offer than just beaches – from charming old towns to impressive fortresses and lively markets, there are numerous places to explore on a city tour. Here are some great city tours that are particularly worthwhile:

• Lagos: 3-Hour Classic Algarve Food Tour*
• From Albufeira: Historical Algarve Region Tour*
• Faro City Tour*
• From Albufeira: Full-Day Algarve Towns Tour*
• Eastern Portugal: Day Trip to Faro, Olhão, Tavira, & more*

4. Wine Tastings

Although the Algarve is often better known for its beaches, it has a long tradition of winemaking. The Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot summers and mild winters, provides ideal conditions for growing grapes.

In recent years, the region has become an up-and-coming wine-producing area, with a growing number of wineries producing high-quality wines. On a guided tour, you’ll not only get to know the winery and wine cellar, but also the fine wines themselves.

• From Albufeira: Half-day tour of the wine cellars and Silves*
• From Lagos: 4-hour wine tasting in a small group*
• Lagos/Praia da Luz: Wine tour, tastings, tapas and music*

5. Boat Tours

The best way to explore the spectacular coastline with its impressive rock formations as well as the hidden coves, caves and grottos is by boat tour. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing boat trip, a cave exploration, or an action-packed day, here are some of the most popular boat tours you can experience in the Algarve:

• From Lagos: Boat Trip to Ponta da Piedade*
• From Lagos: Benagil and Carvoeiro Caves Tour*
• Portimão: Sunset Cruise to Benagil Cave*

6. Stand-Up Paddling

If you want to be even more active, explore the region’s beautiful coastal landscape on a SUP. With crystal-clear waters, quiet coves, and breathtaking scenery, the Algarve offers ideal conditions for stand-up paddling – whether you’re a beginner or an advanced paddler.

• Benagil Caves Stand-Up Paddle Board Tour*
• Lagos: Sunrise SUP Tour to the Ponta da Piedade Caves*

7. Ria Formosa Natural Park

The Ria Formosa Natural Park in the Algarve is a beautiful natural paradise and a must-see for all nature lovers. This protected wetland stretches approximately 60 kilometers along the coast, from Faro to Cacela Velha, and awaits you with a unique ecosystem of lagoons, salt marshes, islands, and dunes. Be sure to pack your binoculars and camera! One of the best ways to explore the natural park is by boat. Small boats allow you to cruise the tranquil lagoons, admire the marine flora and fauna, and visit the park’s various islands. Some tours offer stops at beautiful beaches for swimming and sunbathing.

• From Olhão: Ria Formosa 3-Island Full-Day Tour*
• From Faro: Ria Formosa Faro Islands Boat Tour*
• Faro: Kayak Rental in Ria Formosa Natural Park*

8. Dolphin Tours & Whale Watching

Thanks to its warm climate and clean, fish-rich waters, the Algarve is an ideal place to observe dolphins and, occasionally, whales (especially in spring and autumn) in their natural habitat. Dolphins are the most common marine creatures you’ll see on a tour off the Algarve.

Such tours depart from Lagos, Portimão, and Faro, among others, and typically last 120-150 minutes. Marine biologists on board will tell you more about the animals and their natural habitat. Along the way, you can admire the unique coastline and, depending on the tour, even discover the odd cave.

• Lagos: Dolphin watching and Benagil tour with a marine biologist*
• From Faro: Dolphin and wildlife watching in the Atlantic*

9. Paragliding

Do you love adrenaline and that certain thrill? How about a tandem paragliding flight over the Algarve? The coast around Albufeira is popular for paragliding. There are several companies in the Algarve that offer paragliding experiences. These tours are usually led by experienced instructors who will ensure you have a safe and unforgettable experience.

• Tandem Paragliding Flight in Albufeira, Algarve*
• Tandem Paragliding from Lagos over the Algarve Coast*

10. Skydiving

Would you like to experience the unique feeling of free fall? How about a skydive? Portimão is a popular location for skydiving, offering breathtaking views of the coast and surrounding countryside. Prices for tandem jumps typically range between 150 and 250 euros, depending on the operator and the height of the jump. Photos and videos of the jump are often available for an additional charge.

• Tandem skydiving in the Algarve, near Portimao*

11. Hot air balloon ride

A very romantic experience is definitely a hot air balloon ride. This allows you to enjoy the breathtaking landscape of the Algarve from a bird’s eye view. The cost for a hot air balloon ride over Lagos is 235 euros per person, including a flight certificate and a glass of champagne. The flight typically lasts 1 hour.

• Sunrise Balloon Ride over Lagos*

12. Diving & Snorkeling

Snorkeling trips and dives are also offered in the Algarve. The Algarve is known for its crystal-clear waters, diverse marine life, and impressive underwater landscapes. There are many certified diving schools in the Algarve that offer courses for beginners and experienced divers. For snorkeling enthusiasts, there are guided tours that often include boat transfers to the best snorkeling spots.

• Guided snorkeling tour to the caves of Praia de Alvor from Praia do Alemão*
• Diving from a boat in Marina de Albufeira, Algarve*

13. Scenic Flights

Have you always dreamed of experiencing the breathtaking landscapes of the Algarve from the air? Sightseeing flights not only offer spectacular views of the picturesque coastline, impressive cliffs, and charming villages, but also the opportunity to enjoy nature from a bird’s eye view. The 30-minute sightseeing flight flies over Alvor, Portimão, and Silves.

• Sightseeing flights in the Algarve, Portugal*
• Tandem paramotor flight in the Algarve, near Loulé*

14. Coasteering

Would you like to explore the spectacular coastline in a very special way? Coasteering combines climbing, swimming, jumping, and exploring in an action-packed experience suitable for both beginners and experienced adventurers. Various tours are offered along the Algarve. The excursions around Sagres and Albufeira are popular.

• Cliff jumping, swimming, and climbing in Sagres*
• Albufeira: Guided coasteering tour with cliff jumping*

15. Catamaran Tour

Would you like to take a leisurely catamaran tour along the beautiful Algarve coast? Sit back, enjoy the picturesque landscape, and discover hidden coves and beautiful beaches. Various tours are offered along the Algarve, such as sunset tours and tours to various caves.

• From Lagos: Algarve Golden Coast Cruise*
• Portimão: Half-day catamaran cruise to Benagil & Carvoeiro*
• Vilamoura: Coastal tour on a luxury sailing yacht*

Conclusion on Algarve activities

As you can see, there’s plenty to experience along the Algarve and in the hilly hinterland. Whether you want to relax on the picturesque beaches, try out exciting water sports, or explore the breathtaking coastal landscape on a boat tour – your options are virtually endless.

Do you know of any other activities in the Algarve that you can recommend and which are definitely missing from this overview? Let us know in the comments!