Now it’s time to experience the different side of the Algarve that other tourists seem to have forgotten. Flip flops on and book under your arm, head to the quiet beaches at Tavira. If you prefer to stay off your feet altogether, hit the water and sail to the laidback islands in the Ria Formosa Natural Park, consisting of lagoons with bird colonies. Stay three nights in a quietly located quinta in the interior, about half an hour from Tavira and Faro airport, making it a relaxed end or start of your Portuguese journey.
Day 1 - Arrival in the Algarve
Arrive in the east of the Algarve and find a different side to this region with lagoons full of bird colonies, fishing villages and islands off the coast. You’ll stay in a traditional house in the quiet interior, enjoying all this natural beauty to its fullest. Unwind this evening, as there is nothing planned for the rest of the day.
Days 2-4 - Island boat trip through Ria Formosa near Tavira
After breakfast today, you’ll get back in the car to drive to the nearby fishing village of Olhão, the main fishing port in the Algarve. The old centre of Olhão has many Moorish influences with narrow alleys, cube-shaped whitewashed houses and squares with terraces. It's the perfect place to wander through and enjoy a pasteis de nata, before meeting your guide who will be taking you on your boat trip around the islands of the Ria Formosa Natural Park. You will sail past Deserta Island and the lighthouse island of Farol with your guide telling you about the flora and fauna along the way, before disembarking and spending some time on the island of Culatra. Sit down for lunch in a restaurant or take a nice picnic for the beach, taking a dip in the calm water. As the evening draws in, you’ll sail back to Olhão.
The following day is free for you to do as you please. After yesterday’s excitement, maybe you’ll choose to simply laze on the beach, have a beer and take a dip in the pool. Alternatively, if you’re up for more action, take a trip to Tavira and board a boat to cruise the nearby lagoons. You’ll make your way through salt marshes and grab a bite to eat on one the banks of the river. From Olhao, you can also cross the sea with a water taxi to car-free island of Armona. At the harbour, there are some taverns and restaurants, but head over to the other side of the island and you will find a real beach bar with elongated beaches.
Day 4 - Departure from the Algarve
Make sure to fly in the evening if you can, so you can enjoy this beautiful place for another full day. The drive to Faro airport is only about 45 minutes, from where you will fly back home. If this is the starting point of your trip through Portugal, continue on to the Alentejo region or go back in time to bustling Lisbon!
Accommodation
For this bite-sized trip we offer the following options
Tavira - Flamingo boat tour
Step aboard the boat and embark on a 1.5-hour journey to explore the salt flats of Ria Formosa, renowned for their large colonies of flamingos. Your guide will enlighten you about these unique pink birds and provide you with a pair of binoculars for optimal viewing. This is a wonderful opportunity to discover the surroundings while spotting flamingos in their natural habitat, especially if you've never had the chance to see them in the wild before.