Portugal is always an excellent destination, no matter the season and the reason for your travel. The composition of the country is mostly a combination of rugged and scenic landscapes and beautiful coastlines. If you’re one of those people who love visiting cities that aren’t widely known, the district of Faro might interest you. Faro might not be as popular as Portugal’s capital city, Lisbon, but it can still rival what Lisbon has to offer. Its versatility and diverseness attract people from different countries. As a coastal town, travelers will find it easy to lose themselves in the joys of the sunshine, beaches, fresh seafood, and nightlife. Faro also boasts lagoons between islands that you should see. For your itinerary, feel free to check out this list of the top things to do in Faro District, Portugal.
1. Fly across the scenic views along the Algarve Coast
If the thrills of land-based activities just wouldn’t cut it for your adventurous soul, be like a bird and take it to the skies by going on a 10-minute parasailing adventure! Glide up to 262 feet (80 meters) through the air as you’re being towed by a speedboat across the water while wearing an open parachute. As you can imagine, it offers you an exhilarating feeling of freedom, not to mention a bird’s-eye view of the golden coastlines and turquoise waters.
Book Tours : Parasailing from Albufeira Marina by Boat
2. Embark on a quick road trip along the rough inland terrains
This guided tour is something you should never miss if you want to go off the beaten track—literally! Hop on a 4x4 buggy and awaken the adrenaline junkie in you as you go through different inland terrains including rural villages, vineyards, farmlands, forests, and even a river! It’s not only going to be thrilling as you’ll also be treated to some of the most beautiful inland views on the island far away from the usually crowded touristy spots.
Book Tours : Algarve Buggy Tours
3. Go shopping while immersing into the local culture
If retail therapy is your way of dealing with everyday stress, then this is the perfect tour for you! The tour includes a pick-up from your hotel via a comfy air-conditioned vehicle. You’ll be taken directly to the traditional local market as well as the narrow shopping streets where you can buy a lot of interesting stuff like freshly harvested produce and locally made handicrafts. You also get to visit a lot of Loule attractions, including the architectural wonder Moorish castle.
Book Tours : Loule Traditional Market Tour
4. Explore the famous Benagil Cave and nearby attractions
One of the most beautiful locations in the whole of Portugal is the famous Benagil Caves, a huge rock formation located along the coast next to Benagil Beach in the Algarve. The majestic cave features a large dome cavern with a hole on top that allows a stream of sunlight into the recesses of the cave. Add golden sands and beautiful azure waters into the mix and you have the most stunning sight you will ever see in your life.
5. Paddle into caves in Lagos at sunrise
Lagos is one of the most-visited and busiest coastal towns in Portugal that offers travelers the best outdoor thrills. With its pristine white-sand beaches running for miles, the possibilities are endless. Indulge in the freshest seafood, take your car for a scenic drive, and bask in the warmth of the sun. And if you’re planning a longer stay, one of the experiences you shouldn’t miss is watching the magical sunrise in Lagos. Join this sunrise adventure by Airbnb that takes place in Praia Dona Ana. It is a three-hour-long escapade that will teach you the art of standup paddleboarding in one of the dreamiest caves of Faro.
Book Tours : Sunrise SUP into Caves
6. Enjoy a day bonding with the donkeys in Aljezur
Aljezur is another charming and quaint coastal town in the Algarve region of Portugal. Usually, travelers visit here during the summer for a fun time on the beach, filled with lots of surfing, swimming, and relaxing on the shore. It has many activities you can indulge in that will make your day. If you want to experience something new, taking part in this natural scenery tour with donkeys is a great family activity that offers great views. This donkey experience by Airbnb might pique your interest. Marvel at the beauty of Mulberry Valley while petting and touring with adorable donkeys. Only kids can ride these friendly animals, and the adult will lead the tour, together with a guide.
Book Tours : Geführte Eselwanderung in traumhafter Natur
7. Go dolphin watching with marine biologists
Lagos is one of the hot spots in Portugal, especially during the summer season. It is famous for its walled towns with old-world charm, sandy coves, and surrounding nature. There is a plethora of exciting activities that you can indulge in, including scenic drives, water rafting, and hiking. Level up your Lagos holiday by joining this dolphin-watching adventure by Airbnb. On this escapade, you will get to spot wild dolphins. Participants will also be able to see these friendly creatures up close and personal. Life vests are provided by the tour package. The adventure starts at Marina de Lagos.
Book Tours : Dolphin Watching with Marine Biologists
8. Ride a jeep up to the hills in Silves
If you finally have your fill of all the water sports that all other places in Portugal have to offer, a change of scenery might interest you. Silves is the go-to place for both locals and tourists who consider themselves history enthusiasts and nature-lovers. Get to see the best of Silves with this Airbnb’s jeep safari in the hills. With a classic Portuguese jeep as your ride, what can be more exciting than this trip? The adventure covers the hilly countryside of Silves. The stunning views of Monchique hills will surely take your breath away.
Book Tours : Jeep Safari in the hills
9. Paraglide over the beautiful coast of Albufeira
Now that you’re through experiencing some of the exciting land and water thrills that Portugal has to offer, what about air adventure? If you’re up for a new experience, you might as well try something you’ve never experienced before, like paragliding. For a safe and delightful experience, you can join the double flight of paragliding by Airbnb. Initially, adventurers will receive a mini-lecture on the different equipment used and other safety protocols. During the paragliding, you will get to see the stunning landscapes of the Algarve and also learn the history of each. This is a one-hour experience worth your penny.
Book Tours : Double flight of paratrike or paragliding.
10. Tour a vineyard and taste local wines
Apart from stunning landscapes, Silves is also famous for its wine culture. It’s the only destination in the Algarve region boasting several wine producers within its boundaries. Its warm climate makes it a perfect venue for ripe grapes. If you want to experience Silves’ wine culture, consider joining Airbnb’s Premium Vineyard Tour & Wine Tasting. The activity is for an hour and a half, and it includes exploring the vineyards, familiarizing yourself with local grape varieties, and of course, dining. You can bring up to nine people with you and even buy some locally produced wines to take home.
Book Tours : Premium Vineyard Tour & Wine Tasting
11. Explore the coastline of João Darens on horseback
Ranked second to the largest town in the Algarve region, Portimão sits right on the Arade River. One of the things you’ll come to love about this place is its simplicity. It’s the usual Portuguese coastal town with shopping streets, markets, and landmarks. For a new experience, you can join exclusive horseriding provided by Airbnb. It’s the perfect activity to bring the kids with you. For an hour, you’ll be able to enjoy scenic views of João Darens, which is a charming coastline. The most important note, you have to be under 80 kilograms (176.37 pounds) to ride the horse.
Book Tours : Exclusive horseriding in Algarve
12. Join an exciting tuk tuk tour to Tavira
Dubbed as the prettiest town in the Algarve, Tavira is a charming seaside escape that retains its tradition and old character. The streets and alleyways here feature an old-world vibe that makes you feel like walking through time. But if you want to explore the town in the best way, Airbnb offers tuk-tuk tours to Tavira. The tour will last for an hour. Also, you can bring four people with you. The tour will take you to some of the historic spots in Tavira. The best part is the visit to Ria Fermosa, where you can observe sea turtles, flamingos, and ducks.
Book Tours : Tuk Tuk Tours
13. Explore the beautiful Portimão on a solar boat ride
If you’re planning to take your special someone on a getaway to Portugal, you should consider the beautiful town of Portimão. Exploring its river on a solar boat is a great way to see the best of Portimão. If you have no idea where you can avail of a ride, consider booking this one provided by Airbnb. The ride will last up to four and a half hours. During this time, you will be able to see Portimão and the archaic scenes of Siles. A glass of Portuguese wine and tasty food provided by your host is the best way to end the tour.
Book Tours : Explore the River on a Solar Boat
14. Admire the beauty of the island from the sea
Sure, the natural wonders of this coastal town are definitely something to behold but you can take it a notch further by joining this Algarve coast cruise. Board a luxury Ophelia catamaran at Portimao and cruise along the scenic coastlines to Benagil with other like-minded visitors.
You also get to explore the caves along the way and enjoy a delectable barbecue lunch and an open bar before heading back. Post your adventures on your social media in real-time as it also comes with WiFi access on board.
Book Tours : Ophelia Catamaran Cruises + Beach BBQ
15. Learn about Portuguese food and scout for souvenirs in Faro
Make your southern Portugal holiday even more delightful by joining this food souvenir hunt adventure by Airbnb. It is an exciting four-hour-long adventure lead by a professional Portuguese food blogger. The guide will take you to different food trip sites and markets in the Faro district in search of signature culinary delights. From canned fish to dried fruits and nuts, you will be able to bag home the best delicacies that Portugal has to offer.
Book Tours : Private Foods-Souvenir Hunt
16. Take a tour of Algarve's best beaches
Contributed by Content Creator, Laura
Source: Laura
Portugal is peppered with beautiful beaches thanks to its extensive coastline, but none beat those along the iconic southern coast. Here’s my roundup of the beaches you can’t miss on a trip to Algarve:
Praia da Marinha - One of the world’s top 100 beaches, this gorgeous beach is located near the iconic Benagil Cave
Praia do Camilo - A small beach accessible via a steep staircase but worth it for your own slice of paradise
Praia da Falesia - One of the longest sandy beaches in the Algarve with colourful cliffs and pine trees
Praia da Fuseta - Far from the resort towns, and you’ll find crystal clear waters and sandbanks in the Ria Formosa National Park
Praia de Albandeira - Perfect for snorkelling. You can swim in the turquoise waters and enjoy the views from the cliffs above
Breathtaking coasts and scenic landscapes
There’s so much that awaits you here in Faro. Despite being an underrated city, Faro still has the best things you can indulge in, from breathtaking coasts to scenic landscapes, as well as food and excellent accommodations. And if you’re a wanderer at heart, wandering around this charming place will surely make you happy.
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