Day trips in the Algarve

Carvoeiro and Ferragudo are lovely resorts ideal for families and couples, if you hire a car and are looking to explore the local area and some of the larger towns please find a small selection of day trip ideas below. If you don't have a car there are agents in Carvoeiro and Portimao (Nr Ferragudo) who can arrange trips for you.

East - Towards Albufeira and Faro

• Algarve Shopping - A medium sized shopping centre on the way to Albufeira. Offers a selection of clothes and jewellery shops and a large supermarket as well as a multi complex cinema and bowling alley.
• Zoomarine - Popular tourist attraction - Aquarium, Zoo, Sealife Centre with fairground rides, water park and a wide selection of family shows. Another popular attraction here is the opportunity to swim with dolphins.
• Slide and Splash Water Park - A large water park just a 5 minute drive from Carvoeiro, Slide and Splash has a number of slides to choose from with activites for all ages as well as an olympic size pool and jacuzzi's for the adults - parasols, loungers and lockers are available.
• Tavira - Tavira stands on two hills on either side of the River Gilao, the two sides of the town are linked by a seven-arch bridge. There are 22 churches and other places of worship lying within its boundaries. Great if you want to see some Portuguese architecture and history.
• Silves - Situated above the River Arade where you can find the Algarve´s finest castle.dating back to the Romans. If you are looking for some Portuguese history you will appreciate the city walls and four-arched bridge as well as the castle´s interior and archaeological museum. There is also a lovely selection of cafe´s and restaurants down the many cobbled streets. 

  West - Towards Portimao and Lagos

• Portimao - A popular and busy typical Portuguese fishing town, with a newly built marina and a selection of restaurants and bars which provide a perfect setting for a long lunch whilst watching the yachts go by. There are also Pirate Ship Cruises on the Santa Bernarda leaving from the harbour.
• Sagres and the West Coast - Perfect for a day trip, a traditional Portuguese town with fantastic coastlines and approximately 20 beaches dotted around the town. Visit the lighthouse which is situated at Cape St Vincent, the most South Westerly point of Europe.
• Monchique - A traditional rural town between the hills of Foia and Picota in the Serra De Monchique mountain range with an amazing view of the Western Algarve below.
• Lagos - Lagos is a major port of one of the regions most interesting cities. There is a fantastic marina with sleek boats and a selection of designer boutiques. There is still a nice traditional feel to Lagos, the walls of the town remain after sections were restored and there are lots of cobbled streets lined with cafe´s and restaurants. There are many fabulous beaches and coves which can be explored on one of the many tour boats on the marina.