Best Day Trips from Portimao

The Algarve Coast is a charming coastal area, the best thing is that it offers easy access to nearby cities and towns. You can even visit the capital of Portugal 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 leave 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. A few minutes away you will also find a variety of cliffs, caves, wineries and villages.

Visits to the Benagil caves in Portimao are a nearby trip that cannot be missed in your itinerary. They are very 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. Likewise, it is not recommended to swim in the caves, since it is close to the beach, but the tides can be dangerous.

The best boat tours in Portimao take you to live this experience aboard 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 transportation: usually includes transfers by catamaran, but you must arrive at the specified starting point.
• Advantages of this option: 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.

Definitely the Benagil caves in Portimao are a very visited location, due to the charm of the small hidden coves. When the tide is in good conditions, catamarans depart to this hidden destination on the Algarve coast. In addition to enjoying the Altar of Benagil, I recommend you take advantage of water activities, such as kayaking 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 transportation: usually includes the transfer, as well as the kayaking experience.
• Advantages of this option: you will not have to worry about anything, as there will usually be an expert guide on board.
• Disadvantages of this option: it is important to have good weather conditions, otherwise it may be cancelled for safety reasons.

If you're in Portugal, you probably don't want to overlook the country's capital. From Portimao you have the opportunity to join a day trip to get to know this Portuguese paradise. You can organize 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.

Generally, on this type of experience you will have some free time for shopping. I recommend visiting the handicraft stores, as they offer many special souvenirs alluding to the country. To get to the capital you will pass over 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 whose entrance costs around 6 euros. 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: is an area with steep streets, where there are many stores, 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 transportation: usually includes round-trip transportation.
• Advantages of this option: children under three years of age can travel for free, but a child seat is not guaranteed.
• Disadvantages of this option: it does not usually include admission to monuments, museums and other attractions. It also does not include the cost of meals, accommodation or tips. In Portugal it is customary to leave a 10% tip, although it is usually included automatically in most services.

After exploring the best beaches of Portimao, I recommend you go further 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 sunset without crowds from the sea.

You will also have the opportunity to visit the Lagos region, some of the best Portimao boat tours 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 will find the Cathedral of Punta da Pietá, as well as halls and skulls.
• Ponta da Piedade viewpoint: when you arrive you will find some stairs that will take you up to a hill that offers stunning views.
• Some of the most impressive beaches of 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 five years of age 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 a getaway away from the traditional. Fuseta is a tourist location located in the east of the Algarve Coast. It is known for its beaches, lagoons and fishing villages next to the Ria Formosa Natural Park. It is located about an hour's drive away, so it is a short trip.

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

• Culatra Islands: is 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: is a neighborhood 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 transportation: it is usually a boat ride, and a meeting point is set at the port.
• Advantages of this option: it is usually a personalized and private experience.
• Disadvantages of this option: it sells out quickly, especially during the summer season.

Cape St. Vincent is an amazing geographical feature, which is located near 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 it is even possible to make short stops. For example, on the way you will find the mountain of Monchique at 902 meters high.

The best tours of Portimao 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, check with your tour operator before booking.

Details of interest

• Price: from 96 euros per person.
• Duration: approximately 9 hours.
• Means of transportation: usually includes transportation by minibus.
• Advantages of this option: it is usually done with an English-speaking guide.
• Disadvantage 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 stroll along little known roads.

ATV rides are common in the area, and nearby are the beaches of the Costa Vicentina, Cabo San Vicente, and the Medieval Castle of Silves. Also, there are many beach bars with varied gastronomic proposals.

Details of interest

• Price: from 96 euros per person.
• Duration: about 9 hours.
• Means of transportation: usually includes round trip transportation.
• Advantages of this option: it usually offers gastronomic tastings.
• Disadvantages of this option: as an important fact, most drivers do not wait more than five minutes, so I recommend you to be punctual as you may miss the first part of the tour.

TheNatural Park of Southwest Alentejo and Costa Vicentina is an area of the Algarve where the vegetation remains unspoiled. It is a region little crowded by tourists, ideal to escape from the routine in the city.

If you liked the best beaches of Portimao, here you will find other natural beauties such as the Amada square that attracts surfing fans. It is a great option to get a tan while relaxing, just keep in mind that the waves are usually strong. It is 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 transportation: usually includes round-trip transportation.
• Advantages of this option: it is ideal if you want to go on a guided excursion, as it usually has a guide who speaks Spanish.
• Disadvantages of this option: it is a long excursion, 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 you set an itinerary and book 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 know how Portugal's roads and highways work. For starters, if you plan to rent a car, keep in mind that tolls are not paid at a toll booth or stop. As such, there is a camera system that registers the license 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 license plate. There are also prepaid cards starting at 20 euros that cover tolls for more than three days.

Book travel insurance

Even if you plan to stay 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. Likewise, there are experiences that involve boat rides, quad biking or scuba diving.

It is a necessary economic expense, as there are very complete insurances from 1 euro. Some even cover lost luggage in trains and airports.

Download the beaches app

If you want to explore the best beaches in Portimao, you should keep in mind that in some seasons there are usually high tides. These unforeseen events can generate the cancellation of sea excursions or difficulties to make certain tours. Info Praia is a free app that allows you to keep track of the weather, know the tourist influx and tide level at each beach, what services they offer and what are the parking options.

Book excursions in advance

If you plan to visit Portimao, I recommend booking plans in advance. In low season it is possible to book an attraction even the same day, however in high season they are sold out and you may miss the opportunity to live this 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 Portimao tours 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? Where is the bus stop?
• I need help: 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 leave for...? A que horas parte o voo para....
• Where is the museum? Onde está o museu?
• Excuse me, how do I get to the street...? Excuse me, how do I get to the street...?

Organize your trip at the best time to travel to Portugal

In Portugal the tides rise and fall every day, however this problem is intensified in winter. To have a safe trip I recommend you to plan excursions during 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.