Things to do in the western Algarve
Things to do in the Algarve, from the Benagil caves to the Monchique hills, all within reach of Portimão. Prices are the operators' own, checked in October 2026.
On the water
The cliffs between Portimão and Lagos are full of caves and arches, and the best way to see them is from below.
Benagil by kayak
€34–€50 a personas of October 2026
Guided only: rental without a guide is not allowed there
Ponta da Piedade grottoes
€23–€25 a seatas of October 2026
Dolphin watching
€35–€40 a seatas of October 2026
Up the river to Silves
from €20 a seatas of October 2026
Checked October 2026: the operators’ own websites
Surf, hills & sky
The west coast has the waves, Monchique has the shade, and the aerodrome by Alvor has the view from 15,000 feet.
Walks in the Monchique hills
Ask us for a guided walk or an e-bike ride; prices depend on the group.
Tandem skydive over the coast
€169–€219 a jumpas of October 2026
Checked October 2026: the operators’ own websites
Food & wine
The area around Lagoa grows wine, and the cataplana (a copper pot of seafood) is the dish everyone should try once.
| Experience | Where | Takes | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wine and Portuguese music | Carvoeiro | 2 h | €65 per adult |
| Private cataplana cooking class | Carvoeiro | 2 h 30 | €143 per adult |
| Cooking class, market to table | Carvoeiro | 4 h | €169 per adult |
Free & easy
Days that cost nothing but sunscreen, all in Portimão or next door.
- BeachPraia da RochaPortimão’s big beach: wide sand and rock stacks under the cliffs.
- BeachPraia de AlvorLong sands running from the Alvor estuary towards the Arade.
- WalkTrês IrmãosCoves and arches near Alvor; the town lists a walk there.
- CarefulPrainhaPretty coves, but rated a limited-use beach for rockfall: keep away from the cliff foot.
- VillageFerragudoAcross the river from Portimão: cobbled streets and leafy squares.
- WalkRocha to AlemãoA coastal walk listed by the town, between Praia da Rocha and Praia do Alemão.
Checked October 2026: Visit Portimão, beaches
Guides
When to come
Warm from May to October, mild all winter. Most rain falls between October and January.
| Month | Daily mean | Average high | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 12.3 °C | 16.3 °C | 49.3 mm |
| Feb | 12.9 °C | 17.0 °C | 41.9 mm |
| Mar | 14.9 °C | 18.9 °C | 46.8 mm |
| Apr | 16.6 °C | 20.7 °C | 39.0 mm |
| May | 19.3 °C | 23.5 °C | 26.2 mm |
| Jun | 22.3 °C | 26.8 °C | 5.1 mm |
| Jul | 24.5 °C | 29.4 °C | 0.9 mm |
| Aug | 24.6 °C | 29.2 °C | 3.0 mm |
| Sep | 22.4 °C | 26.4 °C | 21.5 mm |
| Oct | 19.6 °C | 23.3 °C | 56.0 mm |
| Nov | 15.7 °C | 19.6 °C | 75.5 mm |
| Dec | 13.4 °C | 17.1 °C | 90.0 mm |
Questions people ask
What is there to do in Portimão when it rains?
Rain comes mostly between October and January (see the table above). Boat trips depend on the sea more than the sky, so operators decide on the day. A cooking class, a winery tasting or the trip up the river to Silves are good fallbacks.
Do I need a car?
Not for the boat trips: several leave from Portimão itself. Regional trains run between Lagos, Portimão and Faro. For Monchique, the west-coast surf beaches and Benagil beach a car or a pick-up makes the day easier.
Can you organise something for a group?
Yes, that’s where we help most. A private boat costs the same whether four or ten people are on board (up to the boat’s limit), so groups often pay less per person than on a shared trip.
Not sure what to pick?
Tell us who's coming and roughly when. We'll suggest a day that fits the season and the group.