Best Day Trips from Portimao

The Algarve Coast is a charming coastal area, the best thing about it is that it offers easy access to nearby towns and villages. You can even visit Portugal's capital in a short time by taking a bus or signing up for guided experiences. After enjoying the best things to do in Portimao, get ready to head out of the city in search of new adventures.

For example, you can visit the Benagil Cave in Portimao located a short distance away. You can also venture to Lagos, Fuseta, Cape St. Vincent, Tavira, Sagres and Punta da Pietá. Within minutes you will also find a variety of cliffs, caves, wineries and villages.

Visits to the Benagil Caves in Portimao are a nearby trip that should not be missed on your itinerary. They are famous for the natural altar inside the cave, whose holes allow the sun to shine through.

You can venture out on your own, but it is advisable to visit the caves with a professional guide. Swimming is not recommended, as it is close to the beach, but the tides can be dangerous.

The best boat tours in Portimao take you on this experience on board catamarans that usually offer all the comforts. If you plan to take this excursion in summer (June to September), you will be able to enjoy dolphin and other species sightings.

Details of interest

• Price: from 34 euros per person.
• Duration: about two and a half hours.
• Means of transport: usually includes catamaran transfers, but you must get to the specified departure point.
• Advantages of this option: it usually includes the accompaniment of a professional marine biologist who speaks Spanish.
• Disadvantages of this option: it is not recommended for pregnant women or people with health problems.

The Benagil Caves in Portimao are definitely a popular location, due to the charm of the small hidden coves. When the tide is in good conditions, catamarans leave for this hidden destination on the Algarve coast. In addition to enjoying the Altar of Benagil, I recommend you take advantage of the water activities, such as kayak trips to get to know this natural monument in detail.

Usually, this type of experience includes the kayaking equipment, as well as training and instructions for its use. You can even live adventures such as a Stand Up Paddle tour: a type of water sport in which you will have to paddle a surfboard, keeping your balance on your own feet.

Interesting details

• Price: from 41 euros per person.
• Duration: approximately two and a half hours.
• Means of transport: usually includes transport, as well as the kayaking experience.
• Advantages of this option: you won't have to worry about anything, as there will usually be an expert guide on board.
• Disadvantages of this option: good weather conditions are important, otherwise it may be cancelled for safety reasons.

If you're in Portugal, you probably don't want to miss the country's capital. From Portimao you have the opportunity to join a day trip to get to know this Portuguese paradise. You can organise the trip on your own, or join a guided tour. Because it is a round trip itinerary, you will probably see the most popular areas of Lisbon including Belém and Alfama.

You will usually have some free time for shopping on this type of experience. I recommend you to visit the handicraft shops, as they offer many special souvenirs alluding to the country. To get to the capital you will cross the longest suspension bridge in Europe, better known as the 25th of April Bridge. Some of the places you can get to know are:

• Bélem Tower: it is an ancient construction which costs around 6 euros to enter. From here you can see impressive sites of Lisbon and you can explore its interior in less than thirty minutes.
• Jerónimos Monastery: it is a monument where I recommend you to spend at least two hours, it has different rooms that were used by the monks. The entrance fee starts at 10 euros.
• Alfama: it is an area with steep streets, where there are many shops, traditional cafes and corners with cultural charm and musical shows.

Details of interest

• Price: from 78 euros per person.
• Duration: approximately one day.
• Means of transport: usually includes return transport.
• Advantages of this option: children under the age of three can travel free of charge, but a child seat is not guaranteed.
• Disadvantages of this option: It does not usually include admission to monuments, museums and other attractions. Meals, accommodation and tips are also not included. A 10% tip is customary in Portugal, although it is usually included automatically in most services.

After exploring Portimao's best beaches, I recommend you go further afield and explore the caves of Ponta da Piedade. They are located approximately thirty minutes from the city, near Praia Da Luz. It is a great option if you want to enjoy the uncrowded sunset from the sea.

You will also have the opportunity to visit the Lagos region, some of the best boat tours from Portimao allow you to quickly reach this location. It used to be a walled Portuguese city, nowadays you will find many interesting stories, but onlythe cliffs remain. Some of the stops you are likely to make are:

• Inside the caves of Ponta da Piedade: you'll find the Cathedral of Punta da Pietá, as well as halls and skulls.
• Ponta da Piedade viewpoint: on arrival you'll find stairs leading up to a hill that offers stunning views.
• Some of the most impressive beaches on the coast, such as Praia da Batata, Praia dos Estudantes, Praia do Pinhão, Praia da Dona Ana or Praia do Camilo.

Interesting details

• Price: from 30 euros per person.
• Duration: about one hour.
• Means of transport: usually departs from the shores of Portimao and includes the ride in a comfortable boat.
• Advantages of this option: children under the age of five usually pay less than 10 euros.
• Disadvantages of this option: it is not usually wheelchair accessible.

One of the best things to do in Portimao is to enjoy an out-of-the-ordinary getaway. Fuseta is a tourist location on the eastern Algarve Coast. It is known for its beaches, lagoons and fishing villages next to the Ria Formosa Natural Park. It is about an hour's drive away, so it is a short journey.

The Ria Formosa Natural Park is very important internationally, as it is a maze of canals and islands with natural formations that should be preserved. You will be fascinated by the fauna and flora of the area, while enjoying the views of the coastline. This is usually a guided experience available in English. Some of the sites you can visit are:

• Culatra Islands: a small island near Olhao, known for its picturesque houses.
• Hangares Island: is an extension of Culatra Island, very close to a lighthouse from where you can see the whole city.
• Farol: a neighbourhood and another extension of Culatra, it is considered one of the seven wonders of Portugal.

Details of interest

• Price: from 55 euros per person.
• Duration: approximately seven hours.
• Means of transport: usually a boat trip, with a meeting point at the port.
• Advantages of this option: it is usually a personalised and private experience.
• Disadvantages of this option: it sells out quickly, especially in the summer season.

Cape St. Vincent is a striking geographical feature, which lies close to Sagres, Algarve and the Gulf of Cadiz. It is located approximately one hour from Portimao. The advantage of this type of tour is that you will pass by other emblematic sites, and you may even make short stops. For example, the Monchique mountain at 902 metres high is on the way.

The best Portimao tours also offer experiences to this cape. Additionally, in this enclave you can visit the Fortress of San Vicente which was built in the 16th century and offers access to the lighthouse of the region. Some experiences often include lunch, please check with your tour operator before booking.

Details of interest

• Price: from 96 euros per person.
• Duration: approximately 9 hours.
• Means of transport: usually includes transport by minibus.
• Advantages of this option: usually with an English-speaking guide.
• Disadvantages of this option: not recommended for short itineraries.

Marmelete is a village about forty minutes from the coast. After visiting the best beaches of Portimao, you will probably want to experience rural areas and traditional villages. You will be able to embark on interesting stories and walk along little known roads.

Quad biking is popular in the area, and nearby are the beaches of the Costa Vicentina, Cabo San Vicente, and the medieval castle of Silves. There are also many chiringuitos (beach bars) with varied gastronomic proposals.

Interesting details

• Price: from 96 euros per person.
• Duration: around 9 hours.
• Means of transport: usually includes return transport.
• Advantages of this option: it usually offers gastronomic tastings.
• Disadvantages of this option: Importantly, most drivers do not wait more than five minutes, so I recommend being punctual as you may miss the first part of the tour.

TheSouthwest Alentejo and Costa Vicentina Natural Park is an area of the Algarve where the vegetation is unspoilt. It is a region little frequented by tourists, ideal to escape from the routine of the city.

If you liked the best beaches in Portimao, here you will find other natural beauties such as the Amada square that attracts surfing enthusiasts. It's a great place to get a tan while you relax, just be aware that the waves are often strong. It's a protected area, so you should leave the place clean, just as you found it.

Details of interest

• Price: from 65 euros per person.
• Duration: approximately eight hours.
• Means of transport: usually includes transport to and from the site.
• Advantages of this option: it is ideal if you want to go on a guided tour, as it usually has an English-speaking guide.
• Disadvantages of this option: it is a long tour, but usually does not include the cost of meals.

If you are planning to enjoy the best things to do in Portimao, as well as visiting the Algarve Coast and its surroundings, you should prepare yourself beforehand. In Portugal it is very easy to get around, as all the cities are within minutes of each other. However, I recommend setting an itinerary and booking tours and attractions in advance.

Beware of tolls

If instead of opting for the best Portimao tours, you prefer to live these experiences on your own, you should be aware of how Portugal's roads and highways work. For starters, if you plan to rent a car, be aware that tolls are not paid at a toll booth. As such, there is a camera system that registers the number plate.

To avoid fines I suggest you register your payment method or card on the official toll website, they will automatically deduct payments as the system scans the number plate. There are also prepaid cards from 20 euros that cover tolls for more than three days.

Book travel insurance

Even if you plan to spend only a few days in the Algarve, it is essential that you book travel insurance, especially if you plan to go on excursions. Some activities, such as a visit to the Benagil Caves in Portimao, require insurance before setting sail. Similarly, there are experiences involving boat trips, quad biking or scuba diving.

It's a necessary expense, as comprehensive insurance is available for as little as €1. Some even cover lost luggage on trains and at airports.

Download the beaches app

If you want to explore the best beaches in Portimao, you should be aware that in some seasons there are often high tides. These unforeseen events can lead to the cancellation of sea excursions or difficulties with certain tours. Info Praia is a free app that allows you to keep track of the weather, the number of tourists and tide levels at each beach, what services are on offer and what parking options are available.

Book excursions in advance

If you plan to visit Portimao, I recommend booking your plans in advance. In low season it is possible to book a tour even on the same day, however in high season they are sold out and you may miss out on the experience. If you want to enjoy the best things to do in Portimao, don't wait until the last minute!

Learn some Portuguese words

Portuguese is a language similar to Spanish, however it doesn't hurt to learn a few words to communicate comfortably. The best tours of Portimao and most excursions are usually available in English.

• Thank you: Obrigado.
• *Hello: Olá.
• Good morning: Bom dia.
• Goodbye: Adeus.
• My name is... Me chamo...
• Do you speak Spanish? Você fala espanhol?
• I don't understand, can you speak slower please? Não entendo, pode falar mais lento, por favor?
• Where is the bathroom...? Onde fica o banheiro?
• Can you take a picture of me? Pode tirar uma fotografia?
• Do you have parking? Tem estacionamento?
• Can I pay by credit card? Posso pagar com cartao de crédito?
• Where is the bus stop? Onde fica o ponto de ônibus?
• Necesito ayuda: Preciso da sua ajuda.
• It's an emergency: É uma emergência.
• I lost my suitcase: Eu perdi a minha mala.
• What time does the flight to...? A que horas parte o voo para....
• Where is the museum? Onde está o museu?
• Excuse me, how do I get to the street...? Desculpe, como chego à rua...

Plan your trip at the best time to travel to Portugal

In Portugal the tides go up and down every day, but this problem intensifies in winter. To have a safe trip I recommend planning excursions during the summer, as you can enjoy the sun, warmth and good water conditions. If you plan to visit places like the Benagil Cave in Portimao, remember not to try to swim there, as the current can be dangerous.