The Algarve offers various nature activities in different settings, and that is the main attraction that attracts more and more visitors from around the world. From the inland, where the mountains and the barrocal are located, to the beach or river areas, there are endless opportunities to explore and engage in outdoor activities that explore nature. If you have never considered the Algarve as a nature destination, think again, and on your next visit, venture into one of our suggested nature activities. Find your favorite in this article.
Discover the upcoming nature activities to do on your vacation in the Algarve.
- Scuba Diving
Did you know that in the Algarve, specifically off the coast of Portimão, is the largest underwater park in Europe? Four Portuguese navy ships were sunk using special techniques to ensure the safety of all visitors.
This project was launched in 2012 to provide an excellent experience for scuba diving enthusiasts, three miles off the coast of Portimão, in an area accessible to everyone. In addition to seeing the aquatic life surrounding these four ships, you can also enter the interior of the vessels, as all the ships are prepared with exit points along their entire length.
Do you know which marine species you can find there? There are several examples of marine fauna and flora, including conger eels, sea slugs, bream, sea bass, porcupine fish, and John Dory. This project is based on the concept of sustainable tourism, which is why it is our first suggestion for nature activities in the Algarve. Access is free, but it is always recommended to dive with a local diving center or club. Check out the website of the Ocean Revival project.
- Stand-up Paddleboarding
If you have never heard of stand-up paddleboarding, we can tell you in a few words that it is one of the best water sports to explore the Algarve coast. Stand-up paddleboarding, or SUP, involves navigating on a larger board than a surfboard and steering with a paddle.
Because this sport doesn’t require the use of fossil fuels when traveling on a SUP board, it is our second suggestion for nature activities. SUP is suitable for all ages and experience levels. You can stand up on the board or, if you have less balance, you can paddle while sitting down. Due to the characteristics of this water sport, stand-up paddleboarding has become one of the favorite activities to explore the Algarve coast and its rock formations.
There are several schools along the coast where you can rent all the equipment. If you want to discover iconic locations like the Benagil cave, check out the website of one of the schools in the Benagil area.
- Donkey Rides
We know that this activity will bring even more excitement to the vacations of the younger ones, but adults won’t be left behind. Donkeys are gentle animals, and contrary to their name, they are quite intelligent. In the past, they were commonly used for various field work or activities that involved carrying goods. Today, donkeys are in decline in Europe, with the exception of the Mirandese breed.
In the Algarve, they live on farms, protected but still in contact with humans. One such place is the village of Pedralva, which offers donkey rides to discover the lesser-known side of the Algarve in sessions of 1.30 hours or 3 hours with picnics in between. Alternatively, you can combine a donkey ride through nature with a visit to the ancient ruins of Paderne’s springs in a longer schedule.
- Geocaching
Geocaching is not an exclusive activity of the Algarve since it exists in every corner of the world and has followers of all ages. If you enjoy exploring places that are not in the tourist guide, then geocaching might be a great nature activity for you.
To participate, you just need a positive attitude, some physical fitness for long walks, and a GPS-enabled smartphone. Then, follow the clues on the official Geocaching website to find the caches (small boxes with objects inside) and describe your experience on the online page of this activity.
- Tree Climbing Adventure
This is another nature activity that the younger ones will want to try and come back to as soon as possible. If you don’t know what tree climbing adventure is, you’ll have to venture into the Lagos Adventure Park to find out, but we can reveal some things now. Tree climbing adventure is an activity practiced at height, and it can reach the treetop level depending on the chosen difficulty level.
If children have no experience in this activity, we suggest starting with the “curious level” and progressing to the “adventurous level” on a future visit. As for adults, they can only participate in the “fearless level.” This nature activity allows you to come into direct contact with trees, birds, and other elements of the fauna and flora of Lagos. The safety of participants is guaranteed throughout the activity due to the quality of the equipment and constant monitoring by instructors.
- Personalized Tours of the Algarve
This is the last suggestion, and even though we might be biased, it is one of the best ones presented here. During our personalized tours of the Algarve, you have the opportunity to see things that the average tourist cannot. Our suggestion is to explore the Algarve by jeep and make the most of what the region has to offer, from sunsets to gastronomy—everything is a good reason to embark on this adventure. Check out our available tours or create your own itinerary if you want to visit something specific.
Discover the natural side of the Algarve on your vacation and engage in nature activities that will make you want to come back for more.
Based on the article written by: www.estreladaluz.com