Day Trips
This is just to give you some ideas of day trips you can take. You can book these through the reception, the Viator website or in the old town at main taxi drop off area. Boat trips are often half price for off peak ties in the new marina and prices are always negotiable. The following are a sample from the Viator web site.
Ship Cruise
There are a number of cruises leaving from the Albufeira new marina which is about a 10 to 15 minute walk down the hill. You have a choice of a half day cruise or full day cruise - visiting the caves on the spectacular Algarve coastline and some are themed such as the Captain Hook cruise. Half Day Cruise with Caves - 3.5 hours. Cruise into the Atlantic, as the sails are set as you head westward along the cliffs and sandy beaches of San Rafael, Castelo and Praia da Gale.
Caves and Dolphin Watching Cruise
Begins at the new marina of Albufeira where you will board the boat "Insonia". Cruise along the Algarve coastline between to the Beach of Carvoeiro passing spectacular rock formations on the way. Stop for a swim, visit the grottos or sit back and relax on the deck. Returning to Albufeira the boat travels away from the coast to begin the dolphin search. Keep your eyes on the water surface for the playful schools regularly spotted in these waters. The most common species seen are common dolphins and bottlenose dolphins.
Quateira Market and Marina Vilamoura Half Day Tour
Quarteira is a bustling town, with an attractive seafront promenade and busy fish market. On this half day tour, you will have the opportunity to see the real gypsy market of Quarteira Market. Explore all of the stalls and haggle with gypsies for the best buys - the locals say the best buys are cotton goods, footwear and pottery, so don't hesitate, this is your chance to practice your bargaining skills! On the return drive you will pass through one of the largest tourism developments in Europe and visit Marina de Vilamoura.
Historical Algarve (Silves, Monchique, Lagos and Sagres)
The first destination on your Historical Algarve Tour is Silves. Here you will visit the impressive Moorish Castle dating back to the 11th century, and the 12th century Cathedral. Next take the opportunity to admire Monchique, a typical village located in a scenic range of rounded hills where you will have free time for shopping for local handicrafts. Continue on to Lagos, a town linked to the Portuguese Discoveries. Join a guided visit of the Antonine Museum within the Golden Chapel of St. Anthony, the slave market and the statue of Prince Henry the Navigator. Before returning to your hotel, explore the village of Sagres, its fishing harbor and Cape St Vincent.
Cultural Lisbon City Tour
You will arrive in Lisbon, where you will tour the "Queen of the Tagus River". Drive over the 25th April Suspension Bridge and admire the majestic statue of Christ the King, before visiting Jeronimos Monastery, the Monument of the Discoveries, Belem Tower and the old Moorish Alfama district. You will then have free time for lunch (not included) and shopping in the city center. *** Other clients did this trip and thought it was fantastic.