Long days filled with lounging on a beach with the sea breeze on your skin, followed by a romantic evening stroll along the sandy shoreline, are some of the simple things that many couples love to do in the Algarve that don’t cost a thing.
Sunset dinners, beach picnics, and long lazy lunches with your loved one are all wonderful ways to enjoy some quality time together. All are simple to arrange and can be as cheap or expensive as you like.
Then there are special moments that need a bit of planning and money to make them happen. We’ve thought of a few things that are perfect for two; some offer good value, with others being bucket-list opportunities. Bearing in mind we all have different ideas and budgets, this list is varied and hopefully gives you some inspiration to surprise your other half. Being away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life allows us the luxury to spend time together, creating precious memories to look back on.
The Algarve is a highly diverse region with gorgeous restaurants looking out to sea, romantic hideaways, country retreats and fabulous weather to complement it all. Spoil yourself and take home more than a suntan.
Dolphin, Benagil and Sea Caves Boat Tour
Watching Dolphins frolicking in their natural environment is a magical experience, and we have plenty of them, usually not too far off the coast. This 2.5-hour cruise from Albufeira is packed with bucket list items to tick off. The hugely famous Benagil caves are a must-see when visiting the Algarve and you’ll be surprised to see that there are many more, arguably more impressive caves along the way too.
The small boat is the right size to be able to get inside the caves for the best views, and the local knowledge of the Skipper and Marine Biologist crew is invaluable to make the most of your time at sea.
Alte Off-Road Quad Bike Tour
With a good nights sleep behind you, meet your guide at 9.30 am for a thrilling, adrenaline-fuelled Quad Bike Tour of the internal Algarve.
Spend a little time getting used to the fully automatic quads before heading for the hills and soaking up some beautiful scenery along the way. Once you hit the gravel paths and begin to cross through streams, you’ll be well into the swing of it. Climbing high up into the hills where you can take a moment to enjoy the views.
You’ll discover the historic village of Alte and its serene surroundings dotted with whitewashed houses before heading into the countryside. Passing fountains, springs and local communities along the way while soaking up some culture. On first glance, this might not seem one of the things to do for couples in the Algarve, but if you love adventure, trust us on this one!
Morgado do Quintão Estate Lunch and Wine Tasting
Visiting one of the oldest vineyards of the Algarve, Morgado do Quintão is set into the countryside of Silves. This family estate is proud to share their knowledge, and welcome guests to explore the history, get a feel for the production and enjoy the fruits of their labour.
Following the tour, you’ll head to the shade of the 2,000-year-old tree surrounded by the native Algarve Negra Mole vines and take your seat for lunch. During the lunch, you’ll sample 3-4 wines and have the opportunity to chat and find out more about the estate and romantic Algarve wine culture.
Portimao Arade River and Silves Cruise Tour
Join the crew on their comfortable solar-powered pleasure tour from the historical port of Portimao where they will slowly cruise into the Arade River taking you to places you would never otherwise reach. The scenery is really something else, and you could be forgiven for thinking you were not in the Algarve.
The tour cruises steadily towards the old Moorish capital, Silves where you have 1.5 hours to explore this charming old town, enough time to visit the castle, museum or even grab a bit to eat. Back on board the boat, you can enjoy a leisurely ride back to Portimao with a cold beer from the friendly captain.
Hot Air Balloon Ride
Up, up and away…The views are out of this world, and it’s a once in a life-time experience that is perfect for couples in the Algarve! With the sky as your limit, the team at Algarve Balloons have been in the business for many years. The experienced Pilot will glide the balloon over valleys, following the warm breezes towards the rolling hills.
This is a unique sensation and can be elevated even further by including a Champagne picnic and even a proposal if the mood should take you. Stunning scenery, tranquillity and a once in a life-time experience await, perfect for birthdays, special occasions and romantic moments away from the crowds.
Best of Vilamoura 3-Hour Guided Bike Tour
Hop on your bike at Vilamoura Marina where the tour begins. You’ll explore Dunes, Quarteira, the countryside, an old village, fish and fruit markets and of course Vilamoura. During the trip, your guide will give you some invaluable local, insider tips on where you can eat and drink like a local while staying in the area.
Cycling allows you to appreciate the smells, sounds and nature around you without whizzing past as we usually do. Marvel at the sights as you peddle past some fabulous points of interest and scenic beaches while enjoying being outdoors and getting some light exercise.
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Deserta Island and Farol Island Boat Trip
Jump aboard this open deck style lounge boat and sail slowly through the clear watered channels of the Ria Formosa. You’re quite likely to see indigenous birds like the Grey Heron and White Stork among others along the way. The first stop on this tour is the Culatra Islands where you’ll observe the local Oyster and Clam farms. With no roads or vehicles on Culatra, it’s like stepping back in time, and the romance of the Algarve comes alive. Then onto Farol, enjoying a stroll through this small, friendly island and head to the end where you’ll find a stunning white sand beach.
Now heading to Barreta Island the most southern point of Portugal – Santa Maria Cape for a spot of swimming or sunbathing.
Jeep Safari and Boat Tour
Let’s head off the beaten track, this 4×4 Land Rover tour takes you up into the Algarvian Mountains and has the perfect remedy to finish a hot day in the country, a sea tour.
The team have selected a range of carefully chosen locations and activities that cater for all tastes and ages. You will come across traditional, hidden places, gorgeous scenery and a slower way of life.
Your guide will tell you about cork oaks, let you taste fruit from the trees and take a dip in a crystal clear spring. There’s a chance to sample the local “firewater” and some other local products. Then it’s back to the coast for the boat tour where you’ll venture into the magnificent grottoes and sea caves. This is a low impact activity, suitable for all.
Road trip in a VW Camper
There’s nothing quite like hitting the open road with your loved one, and enjoying the freedom and romance of the Algarve! Indeed, the freedom of jumping in a campervan and heading off into the wilderness is something rather magical. Siesta Campers have a great fleet of VW Campers for rent that can be collected straight from Faro airport. The Algarve is stunning and the West Coast is breathtakingly beautiful.
The interior countryside is packed with traditional villages, dams and vineyards. The world is your oyster and where better to fulfil that lifelong itch to travel in a VW Camper and live a little. From your starting point in Faro, head east and enjoy your first night in Tavira where you’ll get an excellent feel for the local culture. We would then head west and see what takes your fancy. There’s so much to see and do, a tiny bit of planning would be advisable.
