THE ALGARVE · TAVIRA & OLHãO
This is the shortlist to send a friend: 15 tavira & olhão tours worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
Family-run olive factory tour in Tavira with a guided walk, hands-on olives, and a generous tasting plus wine, even off-season.
“Our guide was terrific and the tasting is unbelievable. We learned so much about olives and the region”
Guided cruise from Olhão through Armona, Farol and Culatra in the Ria Formosa, with lunch at a fisherman's home.
“We had a fantastic day on the water with James. Lots of information and lots of fun. Lunch was fabulous at the Captain's home. Authentic Portugese food, absolutely delicious. A great day out, highly recommended”
2.5-hour dolphin watching cruise from Olhão in Algarve waters, with an ethical approach, Ria Formosa views, and a 95% dolphin chance.
“Het was prachtig weer wat het al snel mooi maakt. We hebben dolfijnen gezien! Best veel ook, prachtig om te zien. Het Engels van de gids was soms wat moeilijk te verstaan, als je vooraan in de boot zat helemaal niet te horen.”
From Faro, hike Seven Hanging Valleys, view Benagil Cave from above, snorkel at Marinha Beach, and visit Senhora da Rocha chapel.
“This trip is great ! All year round we did it in late December and time goes fast while looking wonderful landscapes. I did the activity with my young kids and it is wonderful, they enjoyed a lot.”
Boat tour in Ria Formosa National Park from Olhão to Culatra and Farol islands, with birds, canals, and photo stops.
A 2-hour Olhão boat safari in the Ria Formosa to spot wild dolphins and seabirds with a guide, life jackets, and waters included.
“Het was een geweldige dolfijnentrip van 2 uur, we hadden geluk want we waren maar met 4 passagiers en prachtig weer, na 20 min zagen we ze al overal om ons heen ook vlak bij de boot we konden ze als het ware bijna aanraken!!! Helemaal voldaan kwamen we weer aan in Olháo met allemaal een glimlach op ons gezicht, het was een prachtige ervaring!!!”
Make a Portuguese mosaic souvenir in a small group at MosaicOlhão, with expert help, hands-on cutting and gluing, and a finish-ready piece.
“We had a very good morning! We loved our creations. The only thing we weren’t aware of was that we would need to comeback the next day to collect our mosaic. Important to know! Luckily we were able to go back! Thank you for a great experience. Highly recommend.”
A 5.5-hour boat day in Portugal’s Ria Formosa, with stops on Lighthouse Island, Culatra, and Armona or Deserta Beach.
“Todo genial. El capitán era muy simpático y nos contó muchas cosas en 3 idiomas porque íbamos gente de 4 país. La pena fue no poder ver la puesta de sol porque se nubló pero eso no es culpa de la organización. Nos gustó muchísimo y eso muy recomendable.”
Sail through Ria Formosa on a small boat with included SUP, snorkeling gear, swim stops, and a sunset sandbank moment for $47.
“Experience was great. Crew was so nice. We were the only party so they offered us whiskey and beer from their private stash. They taught the kids how to steer the boat which they loved. It was a bit cold and a bit rough but we had a great time. (Four stars for overall because of the cold and wet) but highly recommend these guys. They were great.”
Olhão Ria Formosa BBQ boat tour with SUP, swimming breaks, and onboard BBQ. Small group up to 15, bathroom on board.
“Everything was fantastic. The boat crew, Carlos and Fernando were incredible and made the trip an excellent experience. The BBQ was really good too! Enjoyed the day and will be back!”
Hands-on 90-minute science fun in Tavira: bike-powered energy, water cycle, sound physics, math puzzles, sandbox creations, and a chemistry show.
“Was able to have quality time with John for the length of our visit behind the scenes”
Food tour in Olhão, Algarve: Mercado de Olhão seafood tastings, smoked tuna, and tavern bites with drinks led by a guide.
“Ester was so knowledge about the food and the place. friendly and open really made it a special tour”
From Tavira, hike Seven Hanging Valleys, view 16-million-year-old Benagil from above, snorkel at Marinha Beach, and visit Senhora da Rocha.
“very well organised and guided tour, competent and caring tour leader, Claire, a super guide and a wanderful person. we consider us very lucky. Barbara and Ornella, Swizerland”
Ride a tuk tuk through Tavira’s historic center, then tour a restored century-old mill for Portuguese wine culture and tastings in a small group.
“The tour of the castle was really good and we left the tuk tuk to do it. Your was informative but difficult to hear the guide some of the time. Salt flats were interesting I didn’t realise how much work goes Niro making top quality salt Wine tasting was OK - the outdoors part was just spoiled by the very hot day (was a heatwave at 31C in May)”
Small-group Ria Formosa island-hopping cruise from Olhão with snorkeling gear and SUP, included drink, and calm swimming stops.
“We loved this tour. We were only 3 people on Board and had the ship to ourselves. Our Guide did a g reat Job. He was very kind and helpful and explained a lot. One of the best Parts is that you can sit on the roof of the ship, which is a very nice experience. The Islands are very beautiful. I would definitely recommend this tour.”
Pick a coastline, pick a kind of day, and see what it costs.
