Alex gave me and my daughter a fantastic surf lesson. We would highly recommend this surf school and Alex as an instructor. Thank you!!

Awesome staff, amazing surf lessons, really cool shop! Definitively improved my surfing with just one lesson! Highly recommend!

I’ve been renting boards from Algarve Surf Shop for almost 10 years but with the new manager it’s not what it used to be so would recommend looking elsewhere. The French shop assistant is cool and helpful, just a shame about the manager. The surfboards are pretty beaten up and they will charge you for when their old equipment breaks. I had a leash break in tiny waves (<1ft) and I was made to pay for a replacement. I had to bring separate boards back to the shop twice as the pads were not stuck down properly which meant I had to stop two great sessions early. They don’t seem to take pride in having good quality equipment and are eager to charge you for anything they possibly can. There are plenty of other surf shops in Sagres with much newer equipment so will be going elsewhere in future.

We did a beginner lesson and our instructor was Jules/Julia (so sorry, can’t remember for sure - blonde hair and from Germany). She was great! Lots of tips even though I’ve done beginner lessons before. I feel I learned the most from Jules. She was very friendly and made it fun. Board, wetsuit and organisation was all well handled. Everything was great. Thanks again!

Great little shop with amazing prices! We rented some boards (including roof rack) for €20 for 24 hours, surfing three times, making it very reasonable. The staff were super friendly and had good suggestions of which beaches to go to at the different times of day. Would definitely use again next time we’re in Sagres area.

Me and my family for looking to take a surf lesson; unfortunately we didn’t get the memo that most (if not all surf lessons) happen in the morning, but we were lucky in finding the Algarve surf shop & school, which could organize a lesson in the afternoon. They were so nice and helpful and our teacher Alex (hope I’m writing it properly) was soooo amazing, fun, full of energy and passion. I would come back in a heartbeat :))

Good boards for rental, with many options that the staff recommend for us. We checked prices of different rental shops and they were all quite similair. But here they were more flexible if you wanted extra hours, wanted to rent a skateboard,... Great overall.

I have walked by this centre dozens of times in the past. Finally decided to go in and free entrance. Unfortunately there was not much going on as I was caught in-between exhibition changes. Maybe next time I will go for the stage productions instead.

Great small,cosy venue for a night out,lovely open court yard with cafe/bar to have drinks when you arrive. The seats have been renewed so our more comfortable and it has such a cosy feel when having a night out here.Highly recommended

Nice theater with interesting exhibitions and live music performances.

Beautiful and organized venue for performances. Tonight Festival Mutamid. Sufi dance and music. Tickets cost 10€. Events start late here in Portugal, tonight the concert begins at 2130. Nice small cafe for before the concert.

A fantastic venue for music. Better sound than any other venue we have been to in the area. Clean and modern. A professional operation with friendly and helpful staff at the ticket counter every day.

I went to see my sons theatre play with my 2,5 year old. However we were kicked out because under 3 is not allowed. Which in itself is acceptable but this was not a professional show or company. We just wanted to see our son/brother and there should have been some flexibility. Instead we were threatened out by them calling the police.

Great place, well worth a visit! I edited this review after a couple of months now and it is still great for quiet strolls about the city. An oasis of quiet with a great little cafe in a beatiful court. And the art, well ok, it is not directly the Prado, but some artists are really worth following.

Very beautiful beach! I would recommend to take a small Boatstour along the coast. Views are amazing

Lovely venue finished to a very high standard. Only stopped by for a drink but will go back for a meal soon.

Best place in Portugal to stay...100m from the beach, 10 min walk into downtown Lagos

Large apartments, clean pool and area

Brilliant

(Translated by Google) Nice apartment, lovely swimming pool, close to the beach and the center, but a bit dated. (Original) Leuk apartement heerlijk zwembad vlakbij het strand en het centrum maar wat gedateerd.

(Translated by Google) Small but very comfortable for two people. It has everything you need for a comfortable week. Great location. Close to beautiful beaches. They leave a welcome gift... thank you very much. The agency's service was fantastic. (Original) Pequeño pero comodisimo para dos personas. Con todo lo necesario para estar bien una semana. Muy buena ubicación. Cerca de playas muy bonitas. Dejan detalle de bienvenida..muchas gracias El trato de la agencia estupendo

With the lighthouse, views, boardwalk and steps down to the water if in Lagos and mobility is not a challenge add it to your itinerary.

It's a must see place in Lagos. Trais leads you through amazing cliff views.

Visited in October, the wooden walkways are perfectly built and very well maintained. Stunning cliff and ocean views, super clean with no litter. Easy walk and wheelchair accessible. There’s a staircase at the end if you want to go down to the water. Spacious parking area nearby, definitely worth a visit!

A beautiful hiking path with wooden bridges, making it an easy walk with normal shoes. Although it is part of a natural park, it clearly caters to both domestic and foreign tourists. The views of the cliffs from above are stunning, with their dramatic shapes and colors—so striking that we immediately felt tempted to see them from the ocean by boat as well. And we couldn’t resist—the boat tour gave us the perfect second perspective. Parking is limited, but we had no issues since we arrived by scooter. There were toilets available (as of March 2025), but they weren’t well maintained and the ladies/gents distinction wasn’t respected. If you visit on a sunny day, be prepared with sun protection, as the path is open and offers little shade. Overall, it’s a beautiful walk and worth visiting, but the impression is even more powerful from the boat tour. For this reason I would rate it 4 stars - though if half-stars were possible, I'd happily give 4.5.

A must visit while in Lagos. Great spot to see the ocean and the Grottos up close when you walk down to the bottom.

Offre un spectacle vraiment incroyable. On peut voir toutes les roches qui ont été travaillées. We took a small path that allows us to travel a bit everywhere through all of this. You have to be careful because there are still places that are a bit tricky, so you really have to be careful. But the fact of being able to transport like this, it gives us views that we could not have if we stayed in the beaten paths. So it's really a must, if you are in Lagos you need to explore that area.

Passadiços da Ponta da Piedade is a scenic walkway located in Lagos, Portugal, offering unparalleled views of the Algarve’s dramatic coastline and the renowned Ponta da Piedade headland. This walkway winds along the cliff tops, providing visitors with a safe and accessible path to explore the stunning natural beauty of the area. The boardwalk and viewing platforms are thoughtfully designed to blend with the landscape, minimizing environmental impact while maximizing the panoramic vistas of the Atlantic Ocean, golden cliffs, and the intricate sea caves and rock formations below.

Great for walking and running! The trail is in excellent condition and easy for anyone to enjoy. From sunrise to sunset, it’s a peaceful place with beautiful views - just keep in mind that in summer it can get quite hot, as there’s not much shade along the way.

This place was beyond amazing. The views of the rock formations are mesmerizing. I did not want to leave. We arrived on the first day at 6:30 pm to see the sunset. It was cloudy but we stayed a while and the sky turned beautiful hues of pink. We returned the next day to get a better view of the rock formations. There's a lot of boardwalks to explore the areas. On the left side, there is a staircase that will take all the way down to the water and you have an option to pay for a boat ride; which last about 30-40 minutes that will take you through the grotto. I did not utilize this service due to lack of time, but I highly recommend it. Behind the small lighthouse you will find a small Cafe offering light snacks, with tables and chairs. Large parking lot available a short walk away with plenty of parking. The earlier you go the better to avoid large crowds.

One of the best trips and moments of 2025! It was a perfect spring day (March) —no clouds, no wind, just a refreshing cool breath out on the ocean. The views of the rock formations were stunningly beautiful: arches appearing one after another, the sea shifting from deep blue to light turquoise and emerald green depending on where you were. Sunlight reflected off the cliffs, changing their colors from yellow to orange to rich brown. Our guide navigated skillfully and pointed out the names of unique formations—camels, elephants, even “the Kissing Couple” arch where we were suggested to kiss each other going throgh it. Thinking of the history, it’s humbling to realize how many thousands of years it took to shape such landscapes. We used the Days of Adventure for an tour operator. The boat trip cost €20 per person for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, and it was worth every cent. It’s a completely different perspective compared to the hiking trail above, which is free and also offers spectacular views. But being out on the water, surrounded by cliffs and arches, made this experience unforgettable. The natural beauty is beyond words: stunning, breathtaking, amazing.

Absolutely incredible. Worth the visit and the long walk down the stairs. We saw Dolphins playing down in the water and every angle and view point felt like it was worth it. Such an amazing place.

Most wonderful trail you’ll find in a v long time! Easy access and lots of wooden platforms available for those who do not feel like walking into the rocks. Saying the view was gorgeous is simply an understatement. You need to visit if you’re close. A must for everyone lucky enough to get to Lagos.

This place was extraordinary, captivating and better than imagined. If you are within 100 miles of this place, can walk a mile, go up and down stairs, make it happen is all that I can say. A highlight of my trip:)

🌍 Explore, Taste, and Travel with Us! We are explorers from Dubai, do follow our adventures and food journeys on Insta: vibrant_wanderer_rhythm 🥂 DM us for travel tips and insights for any destination ❤️ Views are breathtaking Won’t say it’s the best place for sunset as we are in a hotel which offers that too so it’s very subjective Else it’s serene , in Nov/ Dec hardly any crowd Hear the bird chirping day around Enjoy

When we arrived, it was a bit windy and cloudy, but that actually made it perfect for a long walk along the beach. 🚶‍♂️🚶‍♀️ The beach itself is huge, with plenty of space for everyone. Both the walking trail and the beach were very clean, we didn’t spot any litter or excessive seaweed. A really pleasant spot to relax and enjoy nature. 🏵

A great sandy beach, 4 km long. There are a few beach bars where you can get food and drinks, as well as sunbeds, which cost €15 for two. Near the canal, there's a small boat (Vai Vem) that takes you to the beach for €1 per person in less than a minute. It's a great option if you don't want to walk for 30 minutes.

One of my favorite beaches in Lagos! I’m too afraid of being at the bottom of the cliffs on the small beaches like Dona Anna and recommend this location for safety and great walking opportunities as it’s really long.

Kilometers of sandy beach goodness! For a city beach, you just can not top this, by foot from the Lagos center or by car, in a few minutes you are on a beautifu windyl beach! There are lifeguards everywhere, every 200m there is a bar with deck chairs and parasols (15eur for two usually), there are places just to put your towel down and enjoy your time on the Arlantic coast! Beach was clean and well maintained, but unfortunately, we did not see any showers.

Really windy!!! Beautiful beach but not a place to relax. We lost 2 umbrellas 🤣

This is a nice beach, having in mind that you have some of the most amazing beaches in the world nearby!

Absolutely beautiful and empty beach ☺️

Magnificent views and food from the van. Highly recommend .

Amazing, must visit. The drive up the mountain top is worth it by it self. If you drive slowly enough there is lots of balconies/road sides to stop and admire the views. When visiting the mountain in May there was hardly any people. Made a friend with a local dog who visits the mountain from close by farm/house.

A great walk to the summit - but the summit itself is deeply scarred by all the ugly towers. It’s quite awful at the top and we could let get away from it fast enough.

Fóia is a superbeautiful place to visit! It is the place from which you can see almost over all the Algarve. You can see west and southcoast coming together, you can see almost all coast cities and being there with having that view is just breath taking but also breath giving! The ride up there is fun, with decent to good roads, miradouro just below the top and a good parking area on top! On weekdays dyring the day its not crowded, but it can be in weekends. There is also a café and an Artisenal store next to the parking lot. Quite enjoyable too! Make sure you are daring to drive up to the mountain, if comming from the NL and you have never driven hills or mountains it can be quite a challenge, just make sure you dont try to shift up gears to quickly. I never had problems with it but i have seen people struggling with their cars or even (camper) vans.

This is really an amazing view. You can see both the west and south coast and get a great view over the whole area. We were there in august and the temperature was really nice and not cold so no need to dress up during summer.

Great views across the Algarve from the highest point, earth the drive up

Breath taking - literally. Stunning natural beauty and great views. Natural water fountains and Monchique makes Foia very special. Highly recommended!

Silves Castelo is absolutely stunning. From the moment you arrive, you can feel the history in the air. The castle sits high on a hill, giving amazing views of the town and the surrounding countryside. Walking through the ancient walls is like stepping back in time. The stonework is well preserved, and the architecture is impressive. Every corner has something interesting to see. The guides are friendly and knowledgeable. They share fascinating stories about the castle’s past. You can learn a lot without feeling rushed. The pathways are well maintained, making it easy to explore. There are plenty of spots to take photos. Sunset here is magical. The lighting on the castle walls makes it even more photogenic. The town below is charming. You can see the red rooftops and narrow streets from the castle walls. There are benches to rest and enjoy the view. It is a peaceful place despite being popular with tourists. The entrance fee is very reasonable. There are signs with information in multiple languages. Parking nearby is convenient. Overall, visiting Silves Castelo was a highlight of my trip. I would recommend it to anyone who loves history, architecture, or just beautiful views. Definitely five stars

Great visit – highly recommend! Very affordable and absolutely worth it. The castle is beautiful and the tower walk offers nice views, though it would be even better with some context or a leaflet explaining what you see. There are a few multilingual panels, which is great. The lady at the entrance was extremely kind and spoke several languages, which made the visit even nicer. The exhibition in the cistern (lynx, etc.) is interesting, though it feels a bit dated. On the plus side, there’s a cafeteria and restrooms inside the monument. Unfortunately, the cafeteria has very few vegan options, which is a pity.

A great old castle to explore. Entrance fees are minimal at £2.80/adult. Kids were free. Over 65 was half price. QR code app to get more information while you explore. Lack of handrails definitely made some people leary about walking perimeter walls. Neat courtyard with date and olive trees.

Highly recommend this place. Only cost €2.80 for adults and kids free. Lots to explore and some fantastic views from the castle wall walk. There’s a cafe and toilets and most of the castle you can push a buggy around. Definitely very good value for money and looked like they were improving bits when we were there. A great morning out!

Impressive medieval castle with breathtaking views over Silves and the surrounding countryside. The red sandstone walls glow beautifully in the sunlight, and walking along the ramparts feels like stepping back in time. Well preserved and full of history, with peaceful gardens inside. A must-visit landmark when exploring the Algarve.

Worth an afternoon visit, the castle is well set up to walk around and explore and learn the history and building techniques used. There are also ruins to see and there is a restaurant for snacks. The entrance fee can include a visit to a nearby archeological museum which was quite interesting.

Fun tourist attraction at a reasonable price. You can get a combination ticket with the museum for an extra €1 which I recommend for history fans. There is a restaurant inside the complex.

This unique golden sand beach is nestled at the foot of towering limestone cliffs, which have been eroded into unique formations by rain and winter storms. These formations include a double sea arch—the Arcos Naturais—which lies on the west side of the beach and is one of the most photographed natural features in the Algarve ! The Percurso dos Sete Vales Suspensos is a must-do for the most beautiful views and is located between Praia da Marinha and Praia do Vale de Centeanes, east of Carvoeiro. It runs along the Algarve's limestone cliffs, sculpted by the ocean over the centuries, and offers spectacular views of the beaches and sea caves, including the famous Benagil Cave ...

Yet another beautiful and quiet beach. Wide, sandy beach and maybe just our lucky day but funny thing the day we visited, there were several wedding couples out taking photos here. It was a beautiful day to takes photes but we were however a little surprised to see/experience that.

The beach is kind of small, but beautifully decorated with dramatic cliffs. There's a long walk with steps to enter the beach. A resturante is at the bottom. Parking is challenging, the road was closed off and we ended up finding street parking 20min away from the entrance. Water closets and food trucks (that take credit card) are by entrance.

CASH ONLY. Loved it here although maybe check if seaweed has washed up before visiting as I couldn’t swim in it. I wish I knew before that it was all cash only as I didn’t bring much. It’s cash only to rent umbrella and lounger. You will need an umbrella for cover as there was no sheltering from it.

Stunning beach! End of Aug/1st week of Sept, one of the only beaches on the south coast that had no seaweed piled up on the shore. It's just pure sand, can walk out very far! It's the Atlantic, so water is very cold but refreshing. Recommend neoprene for kids. Check out the caves to the right (west), they are incredible

Beautiful beach. Really worth the visit if you are in the Lagos area (or nearabouts). Please take some slippers with you in order to get inside the water as the entrance is quite rocky. Also, the parking fills up pretty early (as it is quite a crowded beach), and once that occurs, the transit police blocks the road down the access to the beach. So please expect a 15-20 minute hike to arrive to the beach.

This was a fabulous place to visit! The views are breathtaking and the hike was fairly easy! Wear hiking shoes or sneakers as it can get rocky. Definitely worth the trip but go early as the parking fills up hickory and then it gets challenging

Prompt, competent, reliable and friendly people. People with a Sense of purpose. They reply to calls and texts fast. They do what they said they would do. Highly recommend.

Great hack with Becca, Dolly and Tinkerbelle. Thanks again. We'll be back

(Translated by Google) My wife and I happened to be guests of the owners Vicky and Fletch on a road trip in Portugal. The Swiss woman and her Australian partner have been running this beautiful ranch in Portugal for 6 years. The 200 characters are not nearly enough to describe this incredible experience. Everyone, whether horse lover, rider or even adventurer, should take a vacation with you. The diversity of this beautiful area and the loving hosts create something that is very difficult to describe. Everything and absolutely everything is so different from home. Not negative but exactly the opposite... you feel so incredibly free and everything is so important, time stands still and you find yourself... an incredible attitude to life. Thank you very much for the time we were able to spend with you and all your animals.... we'll definitely see each other again. (Original) Meine Frau und ich waren auf nem Roadtrip in Portugal bei den Inhabern Vicky und Fletch eher zufällig zu Gast. Die Schweizerin und ihr Australischer Partner betreiben seit 6 Jahren diese wunderschöne Ranch in Portugal. Die 200 Zeichen sind nicht mal annähern genug um dieses unglaubliche Erlebniss zu beschreiben. Jeder, ob Perdeliebhaber, Reiter oder auch Abenteurer sollte einen Urlaub bei Ihnen machen. Die vielfalt dieser wunderschönen Gegend und die liebevollen Gastgeber machen in einem etwas was man nur sehr schwer beschreiben kann. Alles und wirklich alles ist so ganz anders als Zuhause. Nicht negativ sondern genau das Gegenteil... man fühlt sich so unglaublich Frei und alles ist so bedeutend, die Zeit steht still und man findet zu sich selber...ein unglaubliches Lebensgefühl. Vielen vielen Dank für die Zeit die wir mit euch und all euren Tieren verbringen durften.... wir sehen uns sicher wieder.

(Translated by Google) We went horse riding and it was great. Very friendly, excellent horses! 😀 We will be back. (Original) Fizemos um passeio a cavalo e foi muito bom. Muitos simpáticos, cavalos excelentes! 😀 Havemos de voltar.

(Translated by Google) Special, welcoming place where you can have experiences with horses and be friendly, from the staff to the owners. (Original) Local especial, acolhedor onde se teem experiências com cavalos alem de serem amáveis desde o staff até os donos

(Translated by Google) A nice place and very good service (Original) Un bonito lugar y un servicio muy bueno

(Translated by Google) Before (Original) Prima

Very nice people at Hugo's, unfortunately my quad was badly maintained. Mirrors broken and duct taped on, no braking liquid in rear circuit so no rear brakes ... tour was nice but very calm. Drink stop was exceptionally closed... swim in the lake would be even better without leaches... next tim better...

What a great trip! We went on the 2 hour quad bike tour and loved it. 2 of our group had never been on a quad bike before hence the shorter tour. We were made to feel welcome from the minute we arrived and the whole place had a relaxed atmosphere. Questions were welcomed and any concerns were quickly addressed. The tour itself is guided by a very knowledgeable guide who leads the way through a maze of tracks that would have the rest of us lost in minutes. He was happy to stop on request to take photos or break for water but also happy to keep riding too. The scenery was unbelievable! one minute you are on top of a cliff with views over the land and next surrounded by trees in the woods. If I could offer any advice to people looking at this tour it would be to take the longer tour as the time passes so quickly once you are out. We would have easily managed the 3 hour tour. I can't praise Hugo's quad adventure enough and we will certainly be doing it again.

The beginner's trip was nice, nothing special, and the couple were very nice, but they were also 40 minutes late to our appointment and refused to give us any reimbursement nor take responsibility for this.

Very nice tours, but they don't allow over-taking or any sudden accelerating and breaking... health and safety reasons, but does take the fun out of it a little bit.

Brilliant experience, lovely people, definitely worth going for the 3 hour tour to get a dip in the freshwater lake!

Fantastic tour no rush they take time to show you everything

Excellent tour very easy and great fun.

Zoomarine was absolutely amazing, it is one of the best theme parks i have ever been to. It was so clean and organized. I love the option to bring in our own food, I only wish there were more vegan options in keeping with the educational theme of protecting our oceans, being more mindful of species diversity and being champions for conservation. The shows and exhibits were wonderful and educational. The rides were so much fun and since we went after the summer rush, it was perfect in terms of the weather, ability to get onto rides multiple times with little to no wait times. Our four year old had her first introduction to both roller coasters and water slides and it was perfect for that as well. She will have to be 6 before we can swim with the dolphins and we will definitely go back for that experience. I have worked at Disneyworld, Orlando and I didn't think another park could touch that experience but Zoomarine has in many ways and I am moved by their mission, vision and executing both. It is also just a stunningly landscaped park.

We had an awesome day here today, great family fun. The day was absolutely packed. We were off season (October), when part of the park is closed; and still didn’t get close to seeing everything. It’s a really good mix of animal shows, animals and rides. If you’re from the UK I really can’t think of anything quite like it. If you’re on a longer holiday, and staying closer than we are I can see the benefit of the two day ticket, that would be great value. I must recommend the animal shows, especially the dolphins they were amazing! I didn’t get to them all but they were my favourite part. Day passed in a flash, I totally recommend.

Amazing day beautiful well kept park everywhere spotless all animals looked very well cared for. Park very quiet which was actually wonderful was able to take so many more photos with no crowds no queuing for rides was fantastic. Food price very reasonable for a theme park. Thankyou for making our day so wonderful.

Had a fantastic day out at ZooMarine! The staff were extremely helpful, and everyone goes out of their way to make the experience enjoyable. We loved the shows – you could easily spend half a day watching them. Around 20–25% of the time is perfect for exploring the aquariums and rides. There’s also a lovely swimming pool with a wave pool and other water activities, which made for a great balance of fun. Just after finishing at ZooMarine, there are plenty of lovely restaurants nearby where we enjoyed a nice meal. A brilliant day out – highly recommended!

This has to be handsdown one of the best complexes I have ever been to especially for kids. The stuff and the shows are amazing along with the rides and other bits to do for the kids. I would definitely recommend to anyone on holiday in Portugal and I will definitely be coming back.

This place was amazing. Low season so was sad to see so much closed. But the animals and other activities kept us so busy we wouldn't have had time for it all anyway. The shows were so good. Dolphins sea lions the birds and the dances. I want to go back again. Definitely do the interactions with the dolphins weather meet or greets or the swim. Lovely day had bu all

What an amazing day out, 5 Stars all day long, went as a family of 4 had an amazing day out here, lots of attractions, shows, animal exhibits to look at exotic animals, both Land and Sea, we enjoyed the Dolphin show the most but we also enjoyed everything else we experienced that day, there was 2 things that annoyed us on the day but wasn't enough to reduce the score below 5 stars, first was the Sunbeds are charged extra based on location, 15 for best location, 10 for second best location etc, no need to be charging paying guests extra to use Sunbeds, second thing was we got no information leaflet when we arrived detailing the attaraction locations or show times, because of this we had not managed our time well in the park and missed a few of the shows and attractions as we didn't know when and where they were on. All in all though a fantastic day out and well worth a visit, we probably needed a second day to see it all, I would 100% go again if we are holidaying in the Algarve 👍

Such a brilliant place. Feels like you’re off the beaten path but this beach is well covered with eateries and souvenir shops. Visited in April so my experience is that it wasn’t too busy. Water was a good temperature too!

Village beach close to the bars, restaurants and toilets. There is quite a high tidal change so the beach can be a bit small at v high tide. Well worth a visit.

Atmospheric place to relax. Small but comfortable beach with easy access. Fresh water showers available. Nearby there are many places where you can drink your favorite drinks or eat. Through the hills you can walk along the path to the neighboring large beach Plaia do Barranco das Belharucas, enjoying the beauty of the Atlantic along the way. Lovely beach

Loved the beach! Water was so clean. Near the beach you can buy suneviers and beer

Nice place for a day. Beach is very pretty, enough places for food and drinks, but nothing too special foodwise

A very pretty little beach with a good, if not inexpensive, restaurant right on the waterfront. Free public parking a few hundred meters from the beach make this an ongoing favorite of ours. More authentic and a little less touristy than most other comparable options in the area.

Fantastic quiet beach but bare in mind I visited in late December (Christmas week). The entire week it was so peaceful, quiet and not many people around at all. An introverts dream 🥰🙌🏼 There was no sunbeds, umbrellas, rubbish or screaming humans - just peace 👌🏼✨ the beach was just fantastic and the views were amazing. Beautiful waves all around, ideal to just sit and read a book 📖 lovely sunsets at night too. Really picturesque. Christmas Day was the only time I seen the beach busy even at that it wasn’t overcrowded just Portuguese people with all their kids. Overall, highly recommend if you want somewhere peaceful to go.

A perfect Algarve summer spot! ☀️ Praia da Rocha Baixinha is exactly what you dream of for a beach day — soft golden sand, clear waters, and a lively summer vibe. Even in peak season, the atmosphere is relaxed and full of energy. Absolutely one of the must-visit beaches in the Algarve!

From the very first glance, Praia da Rocha Baixinha feels like an open invitation to peace. A long ribbon of soft golden sand, gentle waves touching your feet, and a horizon that seems to stretch endlessly — it’s the kind of place where time slows down and the world feels wide again.

Beautiful beach with gorgeous fine sand. Quality Sunbeds to hire 25 euros for a day. Plenty of Lovely eateries, pubs and shops just a short walk to marina. Lovely place to visit.

Most beautiful beach around Quarteira. Soft sand, not so super crowded even in August and the water really enjoyable ☀️

Very nice beach. Really spacious, great sand and nice and clean water.

Amazing place long sandy beach and another side are red and yellow rocks. It's around 12km for walking along the beach. Good for hiking and walkable on the top of the rocks and by the ocean. Amazing views.

Beautiful Long Beach with view points on the cliffs

Lovely place to stroll around and plenty of places for lunch. Mixed prices in the restaurants so lots for everyone.

Lovely marina, good chilled atmosphere. Great options for food and drink

What a amazing harbour with so many restaurants and bars just spoiled for choice

Loved the marina! It is a beautiful place to walk round, lots of restaurants, bars and shopping too. Walked right round to the beach as well which is beside the marina.

Beautiful marina with great views and a lively atmosphere. Perfect for a walk, watching the boats, or enjoying the sunset. There are plenty of bars and restaurants around, so it’s not the quietest spot — but it has a nice energy and feels very vibrant.

Out of this world really fantastic views lots of shops plenty restaurants

Beautiful setting at all times of the day. Plenty of walking with fabulous scenery, shops, bars and restaurants along the Marina so you can continue to enjoy the views. Very clean, just a lovely place to visit.

I have just returned from a fabulous stay in the Aquashow Park Hotel. The cleanliness of the hotel was outstanding. Food was excellent and staff were so attentive and friendly. Nothing was a problem to them. We had access everyday to the waterpark and it was also excellent. I must mention Pedro on reception who had only started 15 days before we arrived. His personality is outstanding. The bar and restaurant staff were fantastic always smiling even at 7.30am. This hotel is rated a 4 star and in my opinion it should be a 5 star. Thank you to everyone for a wonderful stay

This hotel, staff, facilities and food was just perfect for our weeks stay in September. Our room was on the 4th floor and looked out over the waterpark and Quarteira were I witnessed every sunrise which was so very beautiful and different each day. The room, bathroom and balcony were spacious, clean and well equipped. A small fridge , free to use safe, toiletries, hairdryer and tv. The beds were very comfortable too. We stayed half board and the hotel is quieter by the 3rd week in September but this was also nice because their were no queues for tables or food. We have to give a special shout out to our waiter Cristiano who went above and beyond during our stay. The Aquapark attached to the hotel was clean with no queues this time of year and all the staff very helpful and friendly. I have a spinal condition so could only use the lazy river and my daughter and staff helped me on/off the lazy river every time. I was more than happy filming and photographing my daughter having the time of her life. Facilities at the park are excellent. Plenty of food/beverage outlets, rollercoasters, photographers, amusements and more. The location of the hotel is in a quiet area outside Quarteira itself but with easy access to the town, Vilamoura and Albufeira via bus, taxi or user so it was not a problem. We recommend this hotel and will hopefully return in the future.

We had a wonderful stay! The location is slightly out of town, but with a car it was no problem – only about 10 minutes to Vilamoura. This hotel is absolutely amazing for kids. There’s an indoor soft play area, an outdoor play area, and free access to the water park right next door. My baby is only 18 months, so still too young, but for children over 100cm it’s incredible – honestly one of the best water parks we’ve seen, and entry is free when staying at the hotel. Breakfast was solid (I’d give it a 4/5) – good variety, with fruit changing daily, and a decent coffee machine. The bar and staff were excellent, really attentive and friendly. A special mention to the kids’ entertainer, Teddy – he went above and beyond every single day, making the kids feel so happy and included. Reception staff were also fantastic – every request I made was handled quickly and with a “yes,” nothing was too much trouble. Little touches like having kettles and beach towels available with a refundable deposit were very handy too. All in all, a brilliant family-friendly hotel – highly recommend, especially if you’re visiting with kids!

Just returned from 10 day holiday here and we loved it! Hotel and water park are fabulous, clean and great for families! The staff at the hotel are kind, polite and attentive. They were super friendly to our children and couldn't do enough to help us as a family with anything. We are really impressed with the cleanliness at the park and the hotel, everyday all day there were people cleaning and tidying in and around both the water park and hotel. We will definitely be returning and wouldn't hesitate to recommend the hotel to others! Location is a bit remote but easy to get to local towns using the hotel taxi service or Ubers.

The staff at this hotel are amazing, honestly they all really need a pay rise. The reception, bar staff and restaurant staff can’t do enough for you. They’re so kind and make you feel really welcome. The food is also amazing. Yes there a few ants in the rooms but you’re in a hot country what can they do! They do their best to keep on top of it. Loads off stuff to do for the kids here also. The cleaning staff were also lovely. The staff here really do make this hotel, this was one of the best holidays me and my children have been on. I do really hope the owners of this establishment recognise how lucky they are to have such amazing staff. PAY RISE FOR ALL OF THEM!!!

Absolutely fantastic hotel, very clean rooms, friendly staff. Especially Restaurant staff customer service outstanding. Hotel equipped with amenities specifically for children. They have two pools indoor and outdoor. The Aquashow park is short walk from the hotel great for kids as well as adults. Would highly recommend

I had booked my stay at Aquashow Hotel well in advance through the HRS platform, and the very next day I called the hotel directly to confirm the reservation and ensure that access to the water park was included, even though it was a corporate rate. During that call, the receptionist spoke with her supervisor and clearly confirmed that with my reservation, access to the park would indeed be included. I trusted their word. After driving 5 hours to get there, we arrived at the hotel and, during check-in, I was told that park access was not included. I calmly explained the situation and even showed the phone record proving I had called them the day after the booking, which was a call lasting about 3 minutes. Despite this, the staff refused to take responsibility for the information they had previously given me. They contacted the hotel manager/administrator, who didn’t even come to speak with us in person. Her response was simply that she wasn’t interested in offering any adjustment or compensation, and that no tickets would be provided. Their only offer was either to accept the stay without park access or cancel the booking free of charge, which we ended up doing, because this kind of attitude and treatment is completely unacceptable. After five hours of driving, this was the reception we received. Absolutely unprofessional and disappointing.

We took the market trip to Loulé as the Gipsy Market sounded exciting and authentic also the fresh produce market sounded good, although we wouldn’t be buying as we were all inclusive at our hotel. The gipsy market was rubbish but the fresh produce market was very well ran with lots of stalls selling lots of great looking items. Also beautifully set, make this market your focal point and the gipsy market a filler if you are okay walking to it and need to pass some time.

Nice Saturday market in Loulé! Plenty of local products, lots of fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, and regional delicacies. The atmosphere is lively and authentic, and the market hall itself is a beautiful place to walk around. They recently replaced the colorful fabric shades above the market with white ones. It looks clean and bright, but I preferred the old colorful version, it had more character. Don’t expect too many handmade crafts, there are just a few stalls, and most of the market is focused on food. Still, definitely worth a visit when you’re in the Algarve!

So atmospheric on a Saturday morning with the local produce stalls surrounding the market hall. Good value and very fresh. We have our favourite stalls for garlic, dried figs, honey, fruit, veg.Virtually all of them on a cash basis.The fish market section has an excellent selection of fish and shellfish. Not as large as Olhao market. We use the ( very cheap)car park opposite the law courts. Best to get there earlier in the morning - we arrive between 8.30 and 9.30am

Nice to walk around. I liked looking at the sculptures and art on the street and on the sides of buildings. Lots of shops and places to eat. There’s places to park but you have to pay.

Get an Uber and visit the Saturday Market and Municipal Market for an excellent day out. People watching from the cafe after purchasing lots of lovely fruit, veg at reasonable prices. Take a bag with you for it all.

I went at 1pm on a Tuesday and it was quite quiet with a couple of the stalls covered and most of the fish market closed. The fresh fruit and vegetables looked great. Stalls also sell local products like cloth, honey, nuts etc.

Beautiful architecture. The building is a must see. The market is worth a visit. We were there in January and not all vendors were open. But you can tell that the locals shop here. Butcher shop, fresh fish, organic, beautiful vegetables. Be prepared to pay with cash as most vendors do not take credit cards. Luckily, the wine shop accepted credit cards. I can’t wait to try the wine bottles they recommended!

Lovely view from the top of the tower, the bells are in working order so be aware that they are loud if you’re quietly enjoying the scenery. There’s a display of historic clothing, which is interesting. The shrine of bones is small and missing all the skulls. The inside of the cathedral is quite impressive.

The Cathedral in Faro is a charming historic building with a lot of character. The real highlight is climbing the tower, where you get fantastic views over the old town and the surrounding area. That said, parts of the cathedral and museum feel a bit run down, and the €5 entrance fee seems a little steep for what’s on offer. It’s best to see the fee more as a small contribution to preserving the place rather than paying for a polished attraction.

It’s absolutely worth a visit! The Cathedral is beautifully decorated and even has a charming little garden. Your ticket includes access not only to the Cathedral itself, but also to the museum, the fascinating bone chapel, and the tower. I especially appreciated the multilingual information provided for each piece of art, which makes it easy to understand the history behind them. Climbing the tower is definitely rewarding — it offers a wonderful panoramic view of the city. A very complete and enriching experience!

Gorgeous cathedral in the historic centre built in the Gothic style in 1249 which replaced a Muslim mosque, itself built on a Roman temple ! Some notable vestiges of its origins remain, such as the tower and the large ogival portal. The two side chapels of the transept, surmounted by ribbed vaults, also in the Gothic style, date from the 15th century. Plundered and burned down in 1596, it was remodeled many times. Worth seeing are the late 17th-century azulejos that adorn the Capela de Nossa Senhora do Rosário and the tomb of the knight Rui Valente.

Very touristy, but it's a tourist area so you can expect nothing less. Still quite busy considering it's off peak. Doesn't seem to be to expensive. Getting around using the Bolt app.

It is beautiful, with great art from the Barroc. It is 5 euros. It is worth it. You can go up the tower with beautiful views.

Also known as Sé de Faro, is a decently looking and historically rich landmark located in the heart of the Old Town. It sits proudly in Largo da Sé, surrounded by cobbled streets and peaceful orange trees, offering a tranquil contrast to the more modern parts of the city. The cathedral combines Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque elements, reflecting the many changes it has undergone since it was first built in the 13th century. While not as imposing as some cathedrals in larger cities, its charm lies in the details like the intricately carved wooden choir stalls, decorative tiles, and peaceful inner courtyard. One of the highlights is the bell tower, which you can climb for panoramic views over Faro’s historic center and the nearby Ria Formosa lagoon. It’s a short but slightly narrow and steep ascent, so be prepared, but the view at the top is well worth the effort. The entry fee is modest and includes access to the cathedral interior, the tower, and a small religious art museum. It’s a quiet and contemplative stop that doesn’t take too long to explore but leaves a lasting impression thanks to its peaceful atmosphere and historical significance. The Cathedral i definitely worth visiting, especially if you’re already exploring the Old Town. It offers a calm and beautiful experience with a glimpse into the city’s religious and architectural heritage.

Such a nice location. Visited for an afternoon and was lovely. Its slightly cooler than inland Faro which was nice. Not a cloud in the sky and the sea is crystal clear. Only costs €5 to get over on a 45 min boat ride. Would definitely recommend!

The Barreta island, or Ihla Deserta, is a must see if you are in Faro. We visited in December, but the weather was still great for sunbathing and a swim. You can hike around the island, and stop any time for a swim or to enjoy the view. We got there using the ferry, which was 10€ with return for a 45' journey each way. We found that the side of the island where the ferry left us had better places to swim, as the water was calm, while it was pretty wavy & windy on the other side of the island. As the island is deserted, there is only one restaurant there, which can be pricey if you want to dine in, but we used their take away service and the sandwiches were reasonably priced and tasty.

Wonderful, peaceful island. We were there off season. So not many people there a we could enjoy it more. I think, during the season it's a wonderful place for the lazy type of vacation. Just enjoy the sun on the beach

Lovely isolated beach to visit if you are looking to relax somewhere with few people. You can take the ferry from Faro that costs 5 euros and it takes around 45 mins to arrive or there is a faster option with shuttle that takes 15 minutes and it costs 10 euros. There is one restaurant at the island but it expensive so I would recommend to bring food if you don’t want to spend more money on food. There is an option to rent an umbrella with two chairs that costs 20 euros for the whole day. I think if you are planning to go 3-4 hours is enough to spend on the island! Beautiful views, the sand is so soft but the water cold!

Nice , peacefull island. On the ocean side there are plenty of huge shells. It's wotth to take the walking path around

15 minutes from Faro. The beach is about 20 minutes away from where the boat docks.

So beautiful place to visit. I just loved it. I went from faro to this island at 10 euro per person up and down... Worth it.. ♥️♥️♥️♥️

We had a fabulous day on Culatra. After getting the train from Faro, we caught the local ferry. It took about 30mins to sail over. Once you dock you walk through the quaint little town following signs for the beach, its easy walking on the boardwalk. After about 1km you reach the Atlantic ocean, the beach is spectacular with gorgeous sand & blue sea. We opted to walk along the beach to Farol. Took about 40mins, bit harder walking on sand but lovely to paddle. The beach at Farol is fine, perhaps not quite as nice as further along but still good. Spent few hours here, had lunch at the Maramais then got 4pm ferry back. A perfect day ⛱️🍻😎

Beautiful, authentic island with not very much tourism - and that in combination with the fishermen and their families living there is what makes it so unique and beautiful. Take a walk, enjoy really fresh fish, the long besutiful beaches and respect the families living there. Enjoy a calm small island.

Very special place. People live on the island, it is not just a place for holidays.

🤩 it takes 20-25 minutes to get there walking in the trail from the boat to the beach. But, it is worth it. Awesome beach, water, there is a bathroom and a bar for drinks

Great experience. Traditional fisherman industry island with typical villages, casas and restaurants from snacks to top Portuguese couisine. Prices for all pockets. 2 broadwalks. One to the main Atlantic beach where at the end you will find a beach bar or cross the lagoon when the tide is out and walk on the north side to the island's tip where a small deep chanel seperates Culatra from Ilha Armona. An Ultra natural and protected area. Some of the tour boats take day trippers there for idilac paddling and canoeing. (See Captain Steve Tours). Remember Keep to paths not dunes. On this side....There is a lonely tree near a small broadwalk. Planted by a tiny seed and tendered regularly by a German who settled on the island and built a house on the lagoon from waste and flotsam. Died 2022 .. his casa is still there but sadly vandalised and much of his loved art work that decorated his casa gone. From the Atlantic beach you can walk to the village Farol where the lighthouse is and catch the ferry back to Olhao.

The beach here is off the track and worth the trek. Getting onto the island took an hour by ferry from Olhao. Once you make the seemingly unending 20 min walk, you step onto a beautiful beach. Clear, cold waters, lots of waves. Has one beach kiosk and could do with an extra toilet.

Beautiful white sand island only accessible by ferry from Olhão. The beaches on the Atlantic side are impressive but the water is cold and waves can get rough but where it's more sheltered its wonderful. Dont miss out on exploring the lagoons and interior of the island, it's fun with the kids. Then grab a beer in one of the bars while waiting for the ferry back to Olhão.

It's truly gorgeous in this area, that established Natural Park status in 1995. Lots of birdwatching g and of tpu are lucky you may catch a glimpse of the Iberian Lynx. Don't miss visits to Mertola (keeping everything crossed it gers official UNESCO world heritage recognition), Pula do lobo and Praia Fluvial de Mina de São Domingos if you want to cool off in the summer heat.

Lovely place, nice a quiet in April no one else around down by the water. Don't let the colour of the water put you off, its actually clear when you get down to it.

No one has described about how to enter the hiking trails, we started a bit, however there were no clear instructions about valley and hiking trails.

What a beautiful place to walk! But in Summer it's too hot! More than 35 degrees Celsius. Last time I was there in April 12, 2017 the temperature was 31,5 degrees Celsius... I need to drink some water!

Very good every level paths/tracks, amazing and still quite a few almost untouched areas, wonderful place for birdwatching lovers, beautiful landscape, friendly people, great food, and so much more.

The the rio Gudiana is my most favourite place in the world. Come and fish it with me ! Wildfishingportugal

We were centred at Mértola,, a lovely town with ancient castle with it's original history dating back to 314 BC, churches through the ages, many hills and walks and we'll tended islands and flowers. Running alongside town is the beautiful Guadiana River, with kayaking and boat trips and a couple of excellent hotels overlooking it.

Absolutely stunning!!! From a distance we sit and stare at the castle, but to walk up and around inside gives you a whole other perspective. Stunning scenic outlook being so up high, from all angles and so much history to absorb. Highly recommend! We loved it and are so glad we came to stay and experience the beautiful hillside town of Mertola in South Portugal.

Beautiful castle with a museum. Friendly staff. Beautiful view. Free enterence. Parking is difficult. Better let stay the car in the town and have a walk to the castle.

Castle of Mértola Type: castle Current price: free WC: located outside of the castle Path for disabled: not available Parking: available, small Bike parking: not available Public transport: Redexpressos bus, Rodoviária do Alentejo bus + 15 min walk Medieval castle built during the Islamic period. It was particularly rebuilt after the Reconquista, so the architecture is a combination of different styles. Next to it are more ancient ruins. Also, within the tower is a small museum with medieval items.

If you happen to be passing through then it is a worth a wander round the castle. As the views are good, looking in both directions along the Guadiana river and the town. Although it's not as spectacular as the castle at Beja.

Really enjoyed our visit. The town is fabulous around the castle with cobbled streets and picturesque buildings. It is a bit of a climb to the castle but not too bad. Once there, there is an excavation underway of roman ruins around the castle which is very interesting with plenty of view points. The castle offers fabulous views of the surrounding countryside. We visited in November and it was free.

We stumped up on this little beautiful peaceful well maintained town on the way from Spain to Lisbon. The castle is so well maintained with all renovated levels that have wooden and marble stairs and museum floors with a local staff who was extremely nice and knowledgeable to tell us about the town. Everyone who worked here was so nice, proud and educated of their own town. The entry fee is FREE. I'm super impressed with how they very well managed to maintain their history, the whole neighborhood and castle. So much respect for these people and this town. The whole atmosphere is so peaceful and relaxing. We also stopped by a restaurant down the tiny street and the food was so delicious and healthy. Highly recommended!

Medieval Castle located in Mertola with the Mosque/ Christian church.

Actually we navigated to the national park but ended up in the middle of nowhere. So we drove and drove and ended up in Mertóla. We viewd this beautiful Church which was a Moskee long time ago. Not sure what happend in history but still very beautiful. The Church is closed between 12.30 - 14.00..

Interesting history of a search and a mosque! Friendly staff

I saw it from the outside only but I think it is a right piece of architecture at a right size in the right place. Not too large, snow white, not too many additions to the main body but one cannot say it is a simple cuboid. Now that I know how it looks inside I consider it a huge mistake to skip it.

Interesting history although a shame we can't see more of it.

Very very nice church.

This was a mosque for Muslims!!

(Translated by Google) Coming to Mértola and not seeing the old Mosque (Main Church) is to miss one of its most emblematic architectural works. There's no place where you can't see it, and feel the call to visit. It's located high up, next to the Castle. Inside, the original altarpiece, a mihrab, stands out, oriented southeast, toward Mecca, as is traditional in Islamic architecture. Each column has a unique, intricately carved capital that deserves careful attention. The ceiling is stunning with its Gothic arches, contrasting with the white and carved stone. What a marvel! (Original) Vir a Mértola e não ver a antiga Mesquita (Igreja Matriz) é perder uma das mais emblemáticas obras arquitectónicas. Não há sítio de onde não se veja, e sinta, o apelo a uma visita. Fica bem no alto, junto ao Castelo. Dentro, destaca-se o retábulo original, mihrab, orientado para sudeste, em direção a Meca, como é tradicional na arquitectura islâmica. Cada coluna tem um capitel trabalhado, e diferente, que merece atenção de pormenor. O tecto, é deslumbrante pelos arcos góticos que o enchem no contraste do branco e da pedra lavrada. Que maravilha!

There is free parking on the road and a 0.5km trail to reach the lake. The trail is not signposted, so it can be a little confusing to follow. It’s also a bit steep in a couple of short sections. The waterfall was dry, but the pool looked very attractive for swimming. Sadly, the edges of the lake are badly overgrown with bamboo plants and there is not much room to sit. Would be great if the bamboo could all be cut back and removed.

Like this place is breathtaking and magical, also love the fact It is kinda secret. However, the fact the locals are going there to bath not only themselves, but also their dogs and the smell there is kinda weird is making this place great to look, but would not recommend to swim there, but if you dont mind that aspect than the jump from the rope or from cliff feels surreal. Amazing place

I suggest everyone who complain about the trash here, to pick some up on your way back (we had a bag with us) and if you promise to do that, I will send you the gpx trail of the easy access (many people go the wrong way!) 😉😉

So worth it!! We read the conflicting reviews and almost didn't go - the Waterfall & small Lake are picturesque. Parking is close but the hike down is very challenging - I slipped & fell on my backside, but was so happy we made the hike & saw this amazing bit if nature - Tavira never disappoints. Go if you have good gripping shoes & be prepared to walk & swim in this piece of paradise. We had the unique pleasure of cheering on two rock jumpers as well, another once in a lifetime experience!

There is free parking available. Approximately 10minutes of walk on a narrow, dirt path. Can be challenging to find and reach with little kids. The place itself can be rather disappointing in the peak of summer, even after a day or two of rain. Overall, if you are tight on time, missing this location wouldn't be a big los.

A little hidden jewel (in the springtime it has lovely green water). Unfortunately Google is not quite correct in leading one here, taking you in circles into the (beautiful) outback…). Some adolescents were courageous enough to jump into the water…

Great pool. But the waterfalls were dry. A bit of a shame but fun to fall into water and sing into the cool

The island is approx. 1.5km circular walk. Lovely white sands and clear waters although there were quite a few jelly fish. All your expected beach amenities are there - restaurants, bars sundowners areas for those not wanting the loungers. Relatively quiet in the morning. Got busier in the afternoon.

One of the Algarve’s most inviting and laid-back beach destinations, perfect for a relaxed day trip or a longer seaside escape. Accessible by ferry from Tavira, the island offers a long stretch of soft golden sand, calm turquoise waters, and a peaceful, undeveloped vibe that contrasts nicely with some of the busier resort beaches in the region. The beach is wide and clean, with plenty of space even during high season if you walk a bit away from the main drop-off point. The water is generally calm and great for swimming, and the surrounding nature is part of the Ria Formosa Natural Park, adding to the sense of tranquility and beauty. Near the ferry landing area, you’ll find a few casual restaurants, snack bars, and small shops where you can grab food, drinks, or rent umbrellas and loungers. The facilities are basic but sufficient—don’t expect luxury, but you’ll have what you need for a comfortable beach day. If you’re willing to walk farther down the island, you’ll find quieter spots and even some clothing-optional areas. It’s a great place to escape the crowds and enjoy a more natural beach experience. Keep in mind that there are no ATMs on the island and not every vendor accepts cards, so bringing some cash is a good idea. Also, shade is limited unless you rent an umbrella or bring your own. Overall, Ilha de Tavira is a beautiful and peaceful place to spend a day by the sea. It combines natural charm with just enough convenience and remains one of the hidden gems of the eastern Algarve.

We liked the way you get there. By ferry from Tavira, 20min or so. The island is very green, has place for picnic, restaurants and small shops. The beach is huge, very busy in summer!

Great place and atmosphere. One of the best beaches in the Algarve. The island as all the services you need to spend fantastic a day or even a week.

Flat, wide beach reached by short ferry or tourist train. Even in busy months you can walk a bit and find space. Facilities are simple but reliable. Breezy conditions are common; a windbreak helps. Family-friendly and low-stress, with enough length for a proper beach walk.

Enjoyed our time on Tavira island,Boat trip was only £2.20 return,with restaurants nearby, comfortable sunlounger ,They even had fish plastic bottle banks

Ilha de Tavira is a gem waiting to be discovered! This vibrant island is has restaurants, small shops, and jewelry vendors that offer a treasure trove of goodies. The beach is pristine and buzzing with energy, filled with people of all ages soaking up the sun and enjoying the lively atmosphere. You’ll love the convenient outdoor showers, perfect for rinsing off the sand before you head back home. Plus, getting to and from the island is a short ride on the inexpensive double-decker ferry. This island is a total must-visit when you're visiting in Portugal—it's an adventure you won't want to miss!

You can catch the train to the beach or walk there. It's aprox. a 20min walk with plenty of shade! I would say the price and waiting time for the train isn't worth an every-day trip - I would, however, recommend catching the train for a cute experience. There are multiple parking spots along the riverside, but I recommend going early in the morning, before 10am, to get a parking spot near the beginning of the trail. The bars and restaurants in the beach are very affordable, considering their lication! The bathrooms are super clean, always with a cleaning lady. Regarding wheelchair accessibility, there is a part in the train for wheelchair users. Although the wooden track to the beach may be hard, there is a water wheelchair, that let's you enjoy the sea as well!

Loved this beach! The sea was quite clear and you also have the opportunity to get a little train that takes you to the beach instead of walking the pathway. The anchors are definitely immpressive giving the whole beach a unique character. We were in Tavira and just took an uber to Santa Luzia for under €10. The train ride was €2 to go or €4 with return - however on our return there was such a massive crowd that we decided to just walk and it was very lovely so I recommend trying both:)

One of the most beautiful beaches in Algarve. You can reach it by foot ( 20 min walk from the entrance) or by 'chuchu' train (4 € round trip). By the beach a restaurant, great ice cream, wc'c and showers, and on the beach ⛱️ areas, priced by 1 or 1/2 day stay, areas for people with their own ⛱️ and waste, white sand beach left and right. Life guards watch over you. No dogs allowed. Along the path pass the swamp area you will find benches to rest on. And great eco posters on local fauna and flora, as well as ocean protection.

We enjoyed the walk across the marshlands and the beach with the anchors was lovely too. The air has a lovely spice aroma of curry from the fields of curry flowers.

Really beautiful beach. Big waves so be careful when going in the water. Especially coming out its hard and the waves crash into you hard. Also we took the train that brought us there, you can walk but it’s a little over 1km. The ticket is 2 euros one way.

A really lovely beach, there is a train that you can ride or you can walk alongside the train track. Train was approx €2 each way and super family friendly. The beach is spectacular and the tuna fishing anchors are a lovely thing to view on your way to the beach. There are cafes, bars and restaurants. Public toilets are free and spotless. Overall a fantastic beach!

Lovely part of the island accessible by a miniature train should you wish. Nice cafes and restaurants and gorgeous beach. Much quieter than the ferry end of the island. Lots to read about the tuna industry and the cemetery of anchors to view

Short visit, but worth it. An old water reservoir converted into a place where you can see a projected telescopic image of Tavira real time. Like a "live google earth" where you can see the city, the cars traveling and people walking.

A new experience that we really enjoyed. €5 for each adult and it lasted about 20 minutes. The guide was very informative and witty. It was good that a lift was also available as there were quite a lot of stairs. I loved the views we were shown and it gave us ideas of where to visit in Tavira.

This was one of the highlights of our trip to Portugal. It is a great way to get a tour of the town of Tavira without even breaking a sweat. You can tell that the owner really has fun with it. I laughed my head off and learned a lot about the town. My husband and I still talk about it months later!

A Portal to the Past: A Critique of Tavira's Camera Obscura In the heart of Tavira’s evocative old water tower, where echoes of history mingle with the golden Algarve light, stands one of Portugal’s most curious treasures: the Camera Obscura. At once a scientific instrument, a theatrical performance, and a poetic meditation on time, this device transforms the simple act of observation into an unforgettable experience. More than a tourist attraction, Tavira’s Camera Obscura is a philosophical lens through which the city is both reimagined and rediscovered. Using an ingenious Victorian-era optical system—essentially a periscope with mirrors and lenses—it projects a real-time panorama of the surrounding town onto a large concave screen in a darkened room. The result is almost alchemical: a living map of Tavira, unfolding in moving light and shadow. The guide—essential to the experience—is not merely a narrator, but a conductor of sight. With wit and precision, they sweep the lens across tiled roofs, Roman bridges, Baroque churches, and the languid flow of the Gilão River, as if painting with sunlight. Every movement of the mirror is choreographed with care, turning the projection into a cinematic performance. What elevates the Camera Obscura of Tavira beyond novelty is its balance between simplicity and spectacle. Unlike digital screens or drones, this analog marvel engages the viewer's imagination. It slows time. It forces you to see not just what is there, but how it is there—alive, delicate, and temporary. In an age obsessed with high-definition immediacy, the Camera Obscura offers something richer: a contemplative, immersive connection to place. And what a place Tavira is. The camera’s gentle sweep over the town's ancient streets reveals layers of Portuguese, Moorish, and Roman influence. It becomes clear: this is not merely a view of Tavira, but of its soul. In a world where technology often distances us from the physical and the tactile, Tavira’s Camera Obscura invites us back into the act of seeing. It is a reminder that photography, in its purest form, began not with the click of a shutter, but with light and shadow dancing in a darkened room. Verdict: An essential experience for any visitor to the Algarve—poetic, playful, and profoundly moving. The Camera Obscura of Tavira is not just a way of seeing the city; it’s a way of feeling it.

Fantastic visit made 10 times better by the English host with a great sense of humour, unlike the humourless Hooson family (see review below) who are probably the type who clap at jokes, unable to raise a titter. BTW a theatrical aside to the owner, i asked on the return train, there were indeed 2 security, their "Samurai swords" were in fact umbrellas with a distinctive Samurai handle, scared the Bejeebus it of me. Thank you for a wonderful fascinating visit. X

Totally ruined by the host who is the worst type of English bore ever the sort you swerve immediately on holidays due to their inability to recognise that they need to constantly be the centre of attention with their stupid ‘oh look at how funny I am’ bantering. Left after 5 minutes as I could not stand his inane moronic jokes and stupid commentary which he obviously thinks is ‘splendid’ but is quite the opposite. Real shame as I wanted to enjoy this but this guy was soooo irritatingly awful, had to leave. I shudder to think of other people being subjected to this.

Absolutely awesome place and experience. Particularly that, there are not many of these in the world. Camera obscura Tavira is located in the old water tower. The show lasts ca.15 min. During this time you can see live in Tivara in real time due to simply (but magic) optical device. You can see buildings, people, cars, flying birds and sometimes flamingo wading in water. The guide, British, is amazing man. He is great speaker, his enthusiasm is very uncommon today. Ticket price: 5 €/adult person (children, seniors have discount). Time: ca. 15 min/show

The beach itself is very nice but the beach bar is overly expensive. You can have the same beach experience in nearby beaches with better services altogether, including bathrooms.

A really good clean beach, can get busy in the summer months, especially at the weekends. However we went on the first boat over at 8am (I know, so early!) And it was empty on a Saturday morning, took breakfast with us, perfect! Also you must have the chocolate bolas 🤤

A beautiful beach and so relaxing listening to the waves.

Beautiful, less touristy beach on a small island just off the mainland. There are several ferry services with the one we chose costing 1.50€ return. You pay to rent the sunbeds and parasols, for May it was 15€ for two people and it goes up in the summer months to around 22.50€. The whole area is gorgeous and much less crowded than other parts of the Algarve, we got the tip to come from a local and happy we did try it out. Good restaurants in the area as well. Would love to have stayed longer.

We had a fantastic day at the beach, we went outside of UK school holidays, and on a week day so there wasn’t many people on the beach, but to hire four sun beds with two umbrellas was under €40 which wasn’t too bad. There is a part of the beach where you don’t have to hire sun beds as well. We had a good day and it’s about a 5 minute walk from the boat pier with raised walk ways and wooden walk ways on the beach. Whilst it didn’t effect me, if you have mobility issues it maybe a bit difficult as there is steps up and down.

Nice beach you need to take a taxi boat which cost us €3 return for two people. You can rent the sun bed with an umbrella if you want. We got our own with us. There’s only one bathroom there.

Beautiful beach. You must get there by short boat trip across inter coastal, but easy. Beautiful views, outstanding beach.