Full-Day Tour The Best of the West in Algarve - Private Tour

Overview

The day begins with a visit to the former Moorish capital of the Algarve, the city of Silves, with its picturesque Castle on top of the hill overlooking the river and the Roman Bridge. On the way to the highest point in the Algarve, Foia (with 902m altitude), we will stop to visit the small village of Caldas de Monchique with its famous spa, whose waters have been recognized since Roman times for their healing properties. In Foia, we will taste the typical liqueurs of the region followed by lunch in a typical restaurant in the Serra de Monchique where you can enjoy a traditional Algarve meal. The afternoon begins with a visit to Lagos, a city that has always been linked to the sea, where the Portuguese Discoveries started in the 15th century. Ponta da Piedade, known for its impressive rock formations. We end the day in Sagres where we will have the opportunity to see the sunset over the Atlantic Ocean, from Cabo de São Vicente, also known in the past as the "End of the World".

Itinerary

1. Silves

   During your free time at the Medieval City of Silves, you will have the opportunity to see the follow: - Castle of Silves, which is one of the castles represented on the Portuguese flag. - Silves Cathedral - Traditional/Local market

   · 1 h 35 min

2. Caldas de Monchique

   Caldas de Monchique is a spa town in the Monchique Mountains in the Algarve region of Portugal. It has been famous since Roman times for its waters, which supposedly have healing properties. It was also used as a seasonal retreat for Portuguese royalty. It has recently gained more international recognition, particularly for health tourism, but also for its landscape and architecture.

   · 55 min· Admission not included

3. Monte Fóia

   With an elevation of 902 metres (2,959 ft) and a topographic prominence of 739 metres (2,425 ft), Fóia is the highest mountain of Algarve, Portugal. It is part of the Serra de Monchique. There is a paved road right to the summit which is topped by several telecommunication facilities including the Radar Station Number 1 of the Portuguese Air Force. On a clear day the Atlantic Ocean is visible.

   · 40 min· Admission not included

4. Monchique

   Stop for lunch on a Local Restaurant

   · 1 h 30 min

5. Ponta da Piedade

   Ponta da Piedade is a headland with a group of rock formations along the coastline of the town of Lagos, in the Portuguese region of the Algarve. Consisting of yellow-golden cliff-like rocks up to 20 meters high, they are one of the most famous touristic attractions of Portugal. Several grottos in Ponta da Piedade can be visited by boat. The location also contains a lighthouse, dating back to 1913.

   · 30 min· Admission not included

6. Cape Saint Vincent

   Cape St. Vincent is a headland in the municipality of Vila do Bispo, in the Algarve, southern Portugal. It is the southwestern most point of Portugal and of mainland Europe. Cape St. Vincent was already sacred ground in Neolithic times, as standing menhirs in the neighborhood attest. The ancient Greeks called it Ophiussa (Land of Serpents), inhabited by the Oestriminis and dedicated here a temple to Heracles. The Romans called it Promontorium Sacrum (or Holy Promontory). Strabo, in his Geography calls this cape the most western tip of the known world and reports the place was considered magical. Common people believed the sun sank here hissing into the ocean, marking the edge of their world, which Strabo qualifies as "common and vulgar reports" and attributes to Posidonius

   · 40 min

7. Lagos

   Lagos is a city and municipality at the mouth of Bensafrim River and along the Atlantic Ocean. The city of Lagos has a population of approximately 22,000. Typically, these numbers increase during the summer months, with the influx of visiting tourists and seasonal residents. While the majority of the population lives along the coast and works in tourism and services, the inland region is sparsely inhabited, with the majority of the people working in agriculture and forestry. Lagos is one of the most visited cities in the Algarve and Portugal, due to its variety of tourist-friendly beaches, rock formations (Ponta da Piedade), bars, restaurants and hotels, renowned for its vibrant summer nightlife and parties. Yet, Lagos is also a historic centre of the Portuguese Age of Discovery, frequent home of Henry the Navigator, historical shipyard and, at one time, centre of the European slave trade. In 2012, travel website TripAdvisor, classified Lagos as the number one travel destination.

   · 1 h 15 min

Pickup

Pickup included.

Upon your booking please let us know where you are staying, so we can inform you where the exact pick-up location point will be.

How to use your ticket

What to know before you go

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Travelers

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

• From 1 days before : 100% refunded
• From 0 days before : 0% refunded

This activity can be canceled in case of bad weather or if there aren't enough participants.

Reviews

Product code: 230464P19

Activity offered by Mare Nostrum via Viator.