Underground Adventure at Rock Salt Mine of Algarve
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should be able to walk 1.3 km through uneven underground terrain and manage some stairways or sloped sections comfortably.
Overview
Descend 230 meters underground with Algarve Nature Tours at the Rock Salt Mine of Algarve. Traverse 1.3 km of active mining galleries in Portugal’s deepest tourist attraction.
Rock Salt Mine of Algarve
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Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Explore the fascinating Rock Salt Mine of Algarve in Loulé, where you’ll journey through 1.3 km of underground galleries at a depth of 230 meters. This unique tour combines the thrill of mining tourism with an active salt extraction site, making it the deepest tourist attraction in the country.
Come and discover with us this unique salt mine experience.
Rates and Ages
Adults: 25 Euros Children(6-12): 15 Euros Under 6 years olld Not recommend
Duration
2 hours
About
Discover the Rock Salt Mine of Algarve. Located in Loulé, we can discover underground galleries of rock salt at 230 m depth This mine has 40 km of galleries, and the tour give you the chance to discover 1,3 KM. The visit takes about 2 hours and it is only possible on working days. This is the visit to the deepest tourist site in the country, which is simultaneously a mining work place in an active mine, where Salt-Gema extractive activity is maintained in full harmony with mining tourism.
Adventure Tips
Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes
The underground terrain can be uneven and damp, so solid footwear is recommended for safe footing.
Bring a light jacket
Temperatures in the mine remain cool year-round, even during summer months.
Prepare for narrow passages
Some sections of the gallery are tight; those uncomfortable with confined spaces should consider this before booking.
Book on a weekday
Tours are available only during working days when the mine is active, so plan your visit accordingly.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Bats that inhabit some less frequented sections of the mine
- Bird species common to the Algarve region nearby
History
Salt mining in this region dates back centuries and remains a vital industry, with the Rock Salt Mine reflecting both heritage and modern extraction techniques.
Conservation
The mine operates with careful monitoring to balance active salt extraction and visitor safety, maintaining environmental standards in this sensitive subterranean habitat.
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Adventure Hotspots in Faro
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Sturdy hiking shoes
Provides grip and protects feet on damp, rocky mine floors.
Light jacket or fleece
Keeps you warm in the consistently cool underground environment during warmer months.
summer specific
Headlamp or flashlight
Useful for illuminating darker parts of the mine, though tours often provide lighting.
Water bottle
Stay hydrated before and after the underground tour, as water is not available inside the mine.