Ria Formosa stretches for 60 kilometres between the Ancão Peninsula and Praia da Manta Rota. In the Algarve, protected wetlands, long sandy beaches, hiking trails and historic places come together—a variety that is also reflected in the different interests people bring to a trip. The wetlands of Castro Marim and Vila Real de Santo António form another protected area.
Wetlands, City Views and Trails
In Faro, the Arco da Vila connects the entrance to the old town, known as “vila adentro”, with a striking historic landmark. From the cathedral’s bell tower, the view stretches across the city and the estuary. Ria Formosa and the estuary also offer a scenic perspective on a visit: the city and protected nature can be discovered as different sides of the region.
For hiking, the Rota Vicentina offers 24 circular routes for half-day walks; the longest is 16 kilometres. The Via Algarviana offers a different way to find your bearings: it is marked on the ground with signposts and information boards. Each of its sections starts and ends in a place with accommodation and dining options. The routes therefore differ both in their format and in how you navigate along the way. When planning, check the information for the routes that interest you.
Getting around can also be part of your plans. Taxis and buses connect Faro Airport with the train station in the city centre; from there, services run to destinations across the Algarve. The CI-AMAL tool brings together real-time information on public transport services. Check the live results before you travel. Regular and other boat services run from Cais da Porta Nova in Faro to destinations in the estuary; check the operators and departure times in advance.
History and Regional Cuisine
In Tavira, the Igreja de Santa Maria do Castelo has been a national monument since 1910. The city’s history is also linked to the burial sites of the Seven Martyr Knights and D. Paio Peres Correia. Another discovery awaits at the old water tank, which houses the Camera Obscura, also known as Tavira Tower. And there is Tavira Island, with its long sandy beach—a further aspect of this place name, shaped by a different landscape.
Silves reveals another historical facet of the Algarve. Its centre preserves its medieval layout and the character of the old medina’s streets. From the castle’s towers and walls, the view stretches over the area along the River Arade and its orange groves. The combination of urban layout and views makes Silves a distinctive cultural highlight of the trip.
Bolo de Tacho is also part of regional culture: a deep-rooted culinary tradition throughout the municipality of Monchique. The pastry is made with local ingredients such as cornmeal, honey, olive oil, medronho brandy and lard. The practices surrounding Bolo de Tacho have been passed down orally for at least 200 years; in May 2025, the tradition was officially added to Portugal’s National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Here, a long tradition of passing something down meets more recent formal recognition.
More Interests in the Algarve
Several national and international competitions are held at Praia do Amado, which is also home to several surf schools. Golf enthusiasts will find around forty courses in the Algarve, with good conditions for experienced players as well as beginners. These activities complement the region’s nature and culture offerings without taking the place of the distinctive differences between its towns.
Discover more destinations: Alamansil, Azores, Coimbra, Viseu, Portalegre, Castelo Branco, Viana Do Castelo, Leiria.
Go to the main travel overview: Portugal.
