The Algarve region of Portugal boasts a rich and vibrant culture that has been shaped by its geography, history, and people. Under nearly five centuries of Muslim rule the Algarve, originally called ‘Al-Gharb’, meaning ‘The West’ still holds Arab influences through its architecture and names of its towns. The area is steeped in tradition with a long history of fishing, agriculture, and crafts that are based on sustainable principles such as a circular economy, sea to table gastronomy and the maintenance of old traditions.
The region has a myriad of interesting tours, led by passionate locals and small enterprising companies, that are keen to share with visitors unique and unforgettable experiences to reveal their cultural heritage in areas of the Algarve less visited by tourists.
Culinary
E-Bikes Culinary Tour of Rural Algarve – Discover the authentic Algarve by electric bike, starting with a morning ride through the stunning hills of Silves. Enjoy a homemade breakfast made from locally sourced ingredients in a secret garden. Cycle through picturesque villages to a cheese factory, followed by a bakery where you’ll learn to make the famous “Bread with Chouriço”. Savour these delicacies while taking in the panoramic views of the Silves valley. This farm-to-table experience is a must-try for food and nature lovers alike.
Duration: 6 hours / Price per person starts from €89 approx. £78 / www.algarvefoodexperience.com/
Oyster Experience – This unique tour starts in the vibrant town of Olhão and a chance to explore the local market packed with a diverse range of fish and fresh vegetables. Stroll through the narrow, cobbled streets to admire the traditional paintings on buildings that depict the history of the fishing community. Then embark on a scenic boat tour of the stunning Ria Formosa Natural Park, where you meet the fishermen and observe them picking oysters. The tour continues to Culatra island to learn about the art of oyster picking and to meet Silvia, the president of the island community. The tour includes a fresh oyster tasting and lunch.
Duration: 4-6 hours / Price per person starts from €130 approx. £114 / www.pt4u.pt/
Algarve Rock Brewery Tour – Discover why Portugal is named as one of the 11 largest beer producers in Europe. Algarve Rock Brewery, located outside of Faro, is a state-of-the-art brewing facility producing a variety of completely natural and full-flavoured craft beers. The Taproom is open to the public and offers beer tasting and brewery tours by appointment, where guests can see first-hand the process behind Algarve local craft beer. To join in with the locals – live music and street food events are hosted every first Friday of the month.
Duration: 1 hour / Price per person €20 approx. £17 / www.algarverock.com/
Cataplana For All – The Algarve region is famous for its unique cuisine and its renown cataplana, a traditional Portuguese stew made with a base of onion, garlic, red and green peppers with the addition of seafood or pork with clams. In this culinary experience, participants will have the chance to explore and learn to prepare a delicious fish and shellfish cataplana. This hands-on experience offers an opportunity to discover the secrets of Algarve gastronomy and indulge in a feast for the senses.
Duration: From 3 hours / Prices start from €128 per person approx. £112 / www.tertulia-algarvia.pt/
Nature
Salt Mine Tour and Gallery – Embark on an unforgettable journey through time and art at the mine galleries. Explore a 1.3 km guided trail and admire the stunning 210 million-year-old geological formations, located 230 meters underground. Discover the practical applications of rock salt and how the mining process has evolved over time. Gain insight into the history of Saint Barbara, the patron saint of miners, through the vibrant paintings of contemporary artist Klaus Zylla. This tour is a perfect blend of history, art, and education for visitors of all ages.
Duration: From 1 hour / Price per person (13-64 years old) from €25 approx. £22 / www.techsalt.pt/
Through the Mountain Valleys – Discover Monchique, the highest mountain in the Algarve, on a guided hiking tour. Immerse yourself in the natural surroundings and rich culture of the region, while learning about the streams and abundant water resources influenced by the Atlantic Ocean. After the hike, enjoy a delicious lunch featuring typical regional products from the Algarve hills. In the afternoon, engage in interactive activities with the local community such as pottery workshops, olive oil mill visits with tasting, or a soap olive oil workshop. This tour offers a unique and unforgettable experience to fully appreciate the local culture and traditions.
Duration: Full day / Prices range from €35 – €150/£30 – £132 depending on extra activities./ www.algarvianroots.pt/
Trails of the Authentic Algarve – Experience the beauty of the Algarve like never before with Trails of the Authentic Algarve, a seven-night self-guided bike tour. Cycle along a scenic route that takes you over mountains, past rivers, and through charming old villages. Immerse yourself in local culture and sample delicious regional produce at local cafes and restaurants and visit the traditional market building. This tour offers an ideal opportunity to experience the authentic countryside life at your own pace, and to meet friendly locals who will share their stories and traditions with you.
Duration: 7 nights / Prices start from €785.00/£691 per person based on two people sharing a room with breakfast included. / www.algarvebikeholidays.com
Culture
Faro Story Spot – an immersive journey that delves into the history of the city of Faro, the Ria Formosa, and the Algarve’s version of the Mediterranean Diet, has recently been launched. This interactive tour takes visitors through the significant moments in the history of the territory and lives of people, and culture, from the 8th century BC to the present day. The tour is available in four languages – Portuguese, English, Spanish, and French – and lasts approximately an hour. It is a fascinating experience that offers visitors a unique insight into the rich history and culture of Faro.
Duration: 1 hour / Price for a single adult ticket start from €12 approx. £10 / www.farostoryspot.pt/
Workshop with Vegetal Fibers – Learn how palm, cane and other aquatic native plants are typically used by shepherds, farmers, builders, craftsmen and children for work or play. Study how ancestral techniques such as “empreita” form fun and unique objects that play an important part of the rich cultural heritage of the region Loulé. Guests master these techniques and can create an object of their own to take home.
Duration: 2-3 hours / Price for a group (1-4 participants) €70 per workshop approx. £61 / www.projectotasa.com/
