Adventure Collective
Algarve Seaside Private Tour with Happy Van - Faro

Algarve Seaside Private Tour with Happy Van

Portimãoeasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

6–7 hours

Fitness Level

Suitable for most fitness levels; mostly gentle walking and seated travel.

Overview

Discover the Algarve’s coastal heritage on a private full-day tour from Portimão. Witness oyster farming, savor artisanal seafood, and enjoy a gourmet lunch at a vineyard with Happy Van.

Castle
Farm
Private
Winery
Wine
Portimão, Faro District

Algarve Seaside Tour - Private

From 749€ | 6h

Select participants and date

Adventure Photos

Algarve Seaside Tour - Private photo 1

About This Adventure

Embark on a private full-day tour of the Algarve, where you'll explore the stunning Ria de Alvor estuary, witness oyster farming, and visit a charming fishing village. Enjoy tastings at an artisanal canning factory and savor a gourmet lunch at a vineyard, featuring local seafood paired with exquisite wines.

A private full day tour to unveil the rich history, nature, heritage and food of the Algarve seaside, with lunch included in the vineyard.

Embark on a private journey to uncover the abundant nature and flavours of the Algarve seaside. Explore the salty Ria de Alvor estuary, where you’ll witness oyster cultivation and the graceful presence of flamingos during a leisurely walking trail. Visit an artisanal canning factory for tastings and explore an old fishing port. Immerse yourself in the essence of Algarvian seafood gastronomy and enjoy a scenic picnic lunch featuring regional products paired with local Algarvian wines at a nearby vineyard.

Tour available from: Lagos, Praia da Luz, Alvor, Portimão, Ferragudo, Carvoeiro, Lagoa, Armação de Pêra, Porches, Galé, Salgados, Albufeira, Olhos D’Água, Vilamoura, Quarteira, Vale do Lobo, and Quinta do Lago.


Highlights

  • Discover the nature of the Algarve’s seas and rivers.
  • Explore the Ria de Alvor estuary and see oyster farms and elegant flamingos along a scenic walking trail.
  • Visit an artisanal canned fish factory, learn about the conservation process, and taste its products.
  • Wander through Ferragudo, one of the Algarve’s most beautiful old fishing villages.
  • Enjoy a lunch at a vineyard with tapas (food tour) or a full meal of traditional seafood and fish flavours, paired with local wines.
  • Travel comfortably in our vehicle from your hotel in various locations across the municipalities of Lagos, Portimão, Lagoa, Silves, Albufeira, and Loulé.
  • The tour is private, meaning you will have the full attention of your guide.

Description

Experience the essence of marine nature, heritage, and Algarve gastronomy on the Algarve Seaside Tour by Algarve Gourmet / Happy Van, a private journey designed to immerse you in the unique charms of the region.

Your adventure begins with a pickup from your accommodation, followed by a captivating 7 to 8 hours tour filled with insights into local traditions and tastings of exceptional culinary delights.

Start the day by exploring the delicate rocks at the Ria de Alvor estuary, where you can see oyster farms and observe graceful flamingos and other local bird species.

Next, visit the Arade Canning Factory for a behind-the-scenes look at the conservation process, followed by tastings of their famous products.

Then, stroll through the streets and fishing harbour of Ferragudo, soaking in its historic charm and panoramic views of the river, mountains, and sea.

Conclude your tour with a visit to a prestigious local vineyard, where you’ll enjoy a guided tour followed by a delightful lunch in the vineyard. The meal will feature a selection of regional seafood and fish, carefully paired with wines produced at the vineyard.

At the end of your tour, you’ll have the opportunity to purchase wines and other local products as souvenirs from the vineyard shop.

With Algarve Gourmet, you don’t need to worry about logistics or transport. Travel comfortably in our vehicle, ensuring that your experience is stress-free, from pick-up to drop-off at your accommodation.


What's Included

  • Guided visit to the Rocha Delicada at the Ria de Alvor estuary
  • Guided visit to the Arade Canning Factory
  • Tasting of local canned goods
  • Walking tour through the streets and fishing harbour of Ferragudo
  • Guided visit to a vineyard in Lagoa
  • Gourmet lunch at the vineyard with regional fish/seafood and wine pairings. Choose from tapas (food tour) or a traditional meal.
  • Tour in Portuguese, English, or Spanish
  • Private transport included

Note: Tips are not included.

It is possible that times and programmes may need to be adjusted occasionally to maintain and improve the experience.


Duration

Full-day tour. Approximately 7 to 8 hours, depending on the pick-up location.


Days

Available on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.


Meeting Points | Arrival

For those not in the pick-up areas, the meeting point is at the main entrance of the AQUA Shopping Centre in Portimão.

The guide will be identifiable by Algarve Gourmet/Happy Van signage or clothing.


Pickup - Transport

  • Vehicle Type: Car | Minivan
  • Vehicle Capacity: Up to 12 passengers

Pick-Up:

  • Carvoeiro, Ferragudo, and Lagoa: 8.20am
  • Portimão and Alvor: 8.30am
  • Porches, Armação de Pêra, Galé, and Salgados: 8.15am
  • Albufeira, Olhos D’Água: 8.10am
  • Lagos and Praia da Luz: 8.30am
  • Vilamoura, Quarteira, Vale de Lobo, and Quinta do Lago: 8am

Drop-off:

  • Carvoeiro, Ferragudo and Lagoa: 3.20pm
  • Portimão and Alvor: 3.30pm
  • Porches, Armação de Pêra, Galé and Salgados: 3.30pm
  • Albufeira and Olhos D’Água: 3.40pm
  • Lagos and Praia da Luz: 3.40pm
  • Vilamoura, Quarteira, Vale de Lobo and Quinta do Lago: 4pm

Benefits of Choosing Our Transport:

  • Comfort and Convenience: We take care of all private transport, from your hotel to the visit locations. Make the most of your day without worrying about the road.
  • Exclusivity and Ease: The transport is personalised and private, and we will pick you up directly from your hotel, eliminating concerns about taxis, Ubers, vehicle rentals, or uncertain schedules.
  • Solution for Transport Issues: Even in more difficult-to-reach locations, we ensure you depart and arrive with ease. No long walks or challenges with unpaved roads.

The vehicle and guide will be identifiable by Algarve Gourmet/Happy Van signage or clothing.


Number of Participants

Minimum: 2 Maximum: 12


Prices:

  • Low Season (Nov-Mar): 1-2 pax: 749€ | 3 pax: 794€ | 4 pax: 839€ | 5 pax: 1259€ | 6 pax: 1439€ | 7 pax: 1610€ | 8 pax: 2023€ | 9 pax: 2185€ | 10 pax: 2338€ | 11 pax: 2482€ | 12 pax: 2617€

  • High Season (Apr-Oct): 1-2 pax: 833€ | 3 pax: 883€ | 4 pax: 933€ | 5 pax: 1400€ | 6 pax: 1600€ | 7 pax: 1790€ | 8 pax: 2250€ | 9 pax: 2430€ | 10 pax: 2600€ | 11 pax: 2760€ | 12 pax: 2910€


What to Bring

  • Electronic or printed ticket
  • Comfortable clothing and footwear, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and water
  • A big appetite! 🙂

Special Requirements

  • Dietary Needs: If you do not consume wine or have any dietary restrictions or intolerances, please inform us when booking.
  • Accessibility and Mobility: If you have reduced mobility, please inform us when booking.

Adventure Tips

Book Private Tours in Advance

Secure your spot early with Happy Van to ensure a personalized experience, especially during peak seasons.

Bring Sun Protection

The Algarve sun can be intense; pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for comfort during outdoor stops.

Wear Comfortable Footwear

Uneven terrain in estuaries and village streets means sturdy but comfortable shoes are a must.

Prepare for Seafood Tasting

If you have dietary restrictions, notify Happy Van ahead of time to customize your culinary experience.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Flamingos frequenting Ria de Alvor
  • Common Kingfisher along estuary edges

History

The Algarve’s fishing villages maintain centuries-old practices tied to the sea, reflecting Portugal’s rich maritime traditions.

Conservation

Efforts to protect Ria de Alvor’s wetlands contribute to sustaining native species and supporting sustainable oyster farming.

Select participants and date

Adventure Hotspots in Faro

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Sunscreen

Essential

Protects your skin during long stretches outdoors under Portugal’s bright sun.

summer specific

Comfortable walking shoes

Essential

Necessary for strolling around estuaries and navigating uneven village streets.

Light waterproof jacket

Useful for occasional spring rains and coastal breezes.

spring specific

Camera or smartphone

Essential

Capture vibrant landscapes, wildlife, and cultural moments throughout the tour.