Top Faro Outdoor Activities

Whether you’re just learning to ride a board or honing life-long surfing skills, this private surfing lesson promises to enhance your time on Portugal’s Atlantic coast—hailed as one of the best places to surf in Europe. Your private instructor will customize your lesson according to your ability and experience.

Faro becomes the crime scene in this self-guided detective game, where the clues are hidden in plain sight in the streets around you. The case is the murder of Balthasar, and the evidence is scattered across the old centre - past Arco do Repouso, Igreja do Carmo, Faro Cathedral and the Municipal Museum. You decode messages, photograph what does not add up and press digital witnesses whose stories never quite line up. Every puzzle you crack removes a name from the list of suspects. Play as a couple, bring the children along, or send two or three teams out at the same time and turn the investigation into a race - which is what makes this murder mystery game work as well for a team outing as for a day out. The last answer is waiting somewhere in the centre of Faro.

Admire the Ria Formosa Lagoon on this approximately one hour catamaran tour, where you and your private party will have the opportunity to see the marsh wildlife and have excellent views of the walls of the Old Town of Faro. No need to join a large group tour, or waste time with shared transport. This is perfect for those with not much time in Faro.

Admire the Algarve sunrise or sunset from the saddle during a horseback ride along the beach and forest trails. The private experience is bookable just for your own group, so you'll have the undivided attention of a guide as you explore the pine forests, dunes, and sands around Bordeira Beach. A riding helmet is provided.

Embark on a half-day adventure through the lovely countryside of the Algarve. Led by an expert tour guide, this trip promises to be a feast for the senses. Immerse yourself in the region's rich culture and history as you make stops in Paderne and Alte. Prepare to be amazed by the stunning panoramic views. And for a truly unique experience, indulge in a taste of Medronho and sample some delicious honey, right at their place of origin.

Cruise the glittering waters of Ria Formosa Natural Park on a 3-hour sailing trip from Faro. After you climb aboard a luxurious catamaran, sail to natural landmarks like Deserta Island and Farol Island and scour the scenery for sightings of exotic birds. Observe the lives of locals as you listen to history and culture-rich commentary from your guide. Receive personalized attention on this small-group tour, limited to 10 passengers.

Explore the Algarve's Ria Formosa Natural Park during your time in Faro on this half-day excursion. Join a small group and visit four of the islands in the park—Deserta, Farol, Culatra, and Hangares—via a catamaran. Spend your day swimming in the warm waters, observing local marine life with your snorkel, and learning about local village life.

If you’re a nature lover in The Algarve, Ria Formosa National Park should be at the top of your itinerary. During this 2-hour tour from Faro, you’ll explore the natural landscape on a ‘saveiro’ (a traditional painted boat) while learning about the myriad of bird species that inhabit the area. With luck, you’ll spot birds such as white storks, little egrets, spoonbills, and grey plover. This small-group tour is limited to 10 people to guarantee an intimate atmosphere.

Enjoy a trip down the Algarve coast from Albufeira on this sunset safari. Depart in the evening and take a Land Rover to the central parts of the Algarve and see the rolling countryside filled with lush valleys and streams. After an adventurous ride, enjoy a delicious Portuguese dinner at a local restaurant complete with local wines before heading back to your accommodation.

Experience the best of Ria Formosa Natural Park—renowned for its white sands and wildlife—on a boat tour that stops at two of the archipelago’s best islands, Deserta and Farol Island. You’ll have free time to snorkel, swim, or simply soak up the sunshine on the beachfront.

Venture west from Faro or Tavira and explore the famous Benagil Cave on this full-day excursion. Join a private guide for the journey to the Benagil area for a day of caving, swimming, hiking, and soaking up the sun. See the famous skylight in the cave, take a hike in the Seven Suspended Valleys, and sunbathe on Marinha Beach all in one day.

Spotting dolphins from the Algarve's beaches is unlikely, but this dolphin-watching boat tour of Ria Formosa Natural Park from Faro takes you out to sea to look for them in their natural habitat. Spot marine life with a crew that knows where to search, so you have a better chance of sightings than watching from shore.

Witness the enchanting sunset over the Ria Formosa on this scenic boat trip. This hour-long tour offers a chance to experience the stunning colors of the sky while cruising through this breathtaking lagoon. Ideal for couples and small groups, you'll enjoy local insights and commentary from your guide, making this a memorable outing. Perfect for those looking to capture beautiful photos and enjoy the tranquility of the water at dusk. A minimum of two guests is required to book, ensuring an intimate experience aboard a comfortable boat. - 1-hour sunset boat trip through Ria Formosa - Maximum of 11 guests for a personal experience - Local guide with live commentary on board - Bring water and snacks for a delightful outing

Explore Portugal’s Vicentine Coast by horseback during this private excursion in Carrapateira. Meet your guide at Carrapateira Extreme Tours and ride your horse through the small village as you make your way to the rugged coastline. Follow trails along the beach, through the brush, and up a sand dune, all while admiring the coastal views. Suitable for riders aged 12 and older weighing up to 90 kgs.

See more of the Algarve in less time on this fast-paced speedboat tour through the Ria Formosa Natural Park, one of Portugal's most important coastal lagoons. Pass barrier islands and the historic Faro Old Town waterfront in a fraction of the time of a standard boat tour, with a skipper on hand to point out the highlights as you go. Join a small group of up to seven, or upgrade for a totally private experience.

The Ria Formosa Natural Park is one of Portugal's most important coastal ecosystems, but most visitors to the Algarve never see beyond its shoreline. This small-group tour takes you through the lagoons and barrier islands by boat, stopping to explore the villages of Ilha da Culatra and Ilha do Farol on foot. Your skipper—a local fisherman—provides guided commentary as you go.

Set sail on an unforgettable seaside adventure with this 2- to 3-hour SUP or Kayak tour. Explore the stunning Ria Formosa, one of Portugal's seven natural wonders, in just a few hours. Whether you're a beginner or a pro, this experience caters to all skill levels. Learn the ropes, take a leisurely tour, and set off on a thrilling maritime exploration. All the necessary equipment, including a suit, Lycra, SUP board or kayak, paddle and vest is provided.

Discover the rugged terrain of the Algarve countryside aboard a quad bike during this exciting tour. Get your adrenaline pumping and zip across dirt roads to discover a number of places that most people miss. Pass by quaint villages, drive through orchards and olive groves, and admire the beautiful vistas of the region.

Escape the crowds of the coast and explore the Algarve’s lesser-known inland region on this adventurous buggy tour that shows there's more to southern Portugal than its beaches. Embark on a quick road trip with a local guide who will lead you to the Algarve’s many charming under-the-radar spots. Enjoy a relaxing ride as you cruise through bucolic countryside villages, vineyards, and farmland.

Discover the Algarve’s gorgeous countryside on a full-day Jeep tour from Albufeira that follows off-road tracks to tiny villages and farms. You’ll pass groves of orange trees, sample local produce, then enjoy a lunch of regional cuisine and wine at a restaurant that’s tucked deep into the mountains. For a more personal experience, group size is limited to 15 people, and this tour includes lunch, snacks, and round-trip transport from Albufeira hotels.

Going with a guide, you'll visit the old town of Silves, where you can see a famous castle and church. In Foia you'll have one of the best views in the Algarve from it's highest point. After that, you'll visit Monchique. In the afternoon you will have a stop in Lagos with spare time to visit the center and to shop. The last stop will be in Cape Saint Vicent where you will have an amazing view of the ocean and the beautiful coast.

Explore the wild and untamed areas of the Algarve on this half-day jeep safari tour from Albufeira. You won’t have to worry about driving on unfamiliar roads, as you’ll have a driver for the day. Enjoy the convenience of a hotel pickup, and stop off at local places that would be hard to find alone. Highlights included tasting honey, liquors, and jams, learning to make firewater, and seeing beautiful old villages.

Make the most of your time exploring Ria Formosa Natural Park by traveling with a guide on this half-day excursion. While you move through the canals of Olhao, the Barrier Islands, and the bay of Armona, learn about the area’s ecosystem and history through guided commentary. Make a stop for lunch (own expense) in the tiny fishing village of Cultura, where you can get a restaurant recommendation or picnic on the beach.

Skip searching for a dolphin cruise at the Fuzeta port on your Algarve vacation, and book a family-friendly cruise online for your preferred date. With your voucher in hand, step straight aboard, and then head out to sea to look for wild dolphins in their natural habitat along the coast. Note that lunch is not included on this cruise.