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Things to do in Portimão

From the Benagil caves to the marina, all eyes are on the water in this port city on the Algarve Coast.

Our most recommended things to do in Portimão

Portimão: Benagil Sea Caves Speedboat Adventure Tour

1. Portimão: Benagil Sea Caves Speedboat Adventure Tour

Travel along the Algarve coastline and explore its beautiful caves on this speedboat adventure. Discover the beauty of the coast on a high-speed boat tour. Meet next to the ruins of the San Francisco Convent. Feel confident and prepared after a quick safety briefing with the crew members and grab your life jacket. Step onboard the brand new speedboat and get ready to explore the Algarve coastline. Admire breathtaking cliffs and discover the secret sandy beaches only accessible by boat as you zip across the water. Admire the natural beauty of the Benagil Sea Caves. This essential Algarve site was formed by natural erosion creating a huge sunlit cavern.

Portimão: Benagil Caves Speed Boat Tour with Sunset Option

2. Portimão: Benagil Caves Speed Boat Tour with Sunset Option

Meet your guide at the pier in Portimao and listen to a short safety briefing. Then, board the RIB speed boat to start the journey out to sea. On your way, the guide will tell you stories about the Arade River and the Algarve region. Admire views of the Fort of Santa Catarina, the Ferragudo castle, as well as a quaint fishing village along the coast. See many dramatic caves and cliffs as you travel along the coast. Keep a lookout, as dolphins can often be seen navigating the waters here. If they are spotted and are less than 3 miles away, the boat will head in their direction so you can get a closer look at these playful mammals. Then, head inside the famous Benagil Caves, which are only reachable by boat. Marvel at the naturally-formed holes at the top, which let the sunlight filter down to the sandy beach below in a beautiful display. Listen to the echoes and the sound of the wind and let yourself be moved by these impressive natural surroundings. On the way back to the marina, the boat will make a brief swimming stop with views of the beautiful beach at Corredoura. If you choose the sunset option, watch a spectacular sunset on the return journey. Finish off the day by admiring the vibrant colors on the horizon as the sun goes down.

Portimão: Pirate Ship Cave Cruise

3. Portimão: Pirate Ship Cave Cruise

Feel like a pirate sailing the Atlantic on this unique cruise from Portimão that combines adventure and relaxation. Visit famous sites like the lighthouse of Alfanzina and the Benagil Cave. Swim in crystalline water, and walk the plank like a real pirate.  After boarding, begin by receiving a full briefing on your safety and comfort for your cruise. From there, hit the open water and navigate the coast off of Rio Arade, the village of Ferragudo, medieval castles, and the Atlantic Ocean. Cruising east, pass Carvoeiro, which contains the famous rock formation of Algar Seco. Arriving to the lighthouse of Alfanzina, transfer to a small boat to visit the inside of the local caves which run from the lighthouse to Marinha Beach. These caves include the famous cathedral cave of Benagil. Returning to the boat, take a dip to swim in the enticing crystal clear water which surrounds you. On your return journey, be on the lookout for dolphins, which are regularly spotted in this area.

Portimão: Benagil Caves Cruise with Dolphin Watching

4. Portimão: Benagil Caves Cruise with Dolphin Watching

Join a marine biologist on a guided cruise of the Benagil Caves. Cruise in search of dolphins, visit the stunning coves of the Algarve coast, and cruise into the iconic Algar de Benagil cave. Set sail from Portimão and head to the Marinha beach. As you sail, hear live commentary about the area's geology and marine life from a marine biologist. Stop at the famous cave Algar de Benagil to take an Instagram-perfect picture. Cruise down the Algarve coast and stop to visit hidden caves and secluded coves. At one of the beaches, dive off the boat and swim in the clear water. Next, leave the coast behind and sail off into the Atlantic in search of dolphins. Get videos of these playful creatures jumping and swimming around the boat before returning to the mainland.

From Portimão: Algar de Benagil and Sea Caves Boat Tour

5. From Portimão: Algar de Benagil and Sea Caves Boat Tour

Sail along the Algarve coast on a boat trip from Portimão. Admire highlights, including the Benagil Cave and the Fort of São João do Arade. Swim in the crystal waters and learn about the area from your guide. Boarding at the Marina of Portimão, you will see the Castel of S.João do Arade and the fort of Stª Catarina from the Arade River, a unique perspective from the river to the city of Portimão.  See beautiful beaches and caves, from Portimão through to Carvoeiro, passing Benagil all the way to the famous beach of Praia da Marinha. During the boat tour, your guide will talk and explain all about the caves and the coastline, fauna, flora, and the geology of the region with the stunning caves formations. On the way back to the marina your skipper will navigate the boat away from the cliffs giving you a broader perspective of the coastline.

Portimão: Kayak Tour of Benagil Caves

6. Portimão: Kayak Tour of Benagil Caves

Enjoy a cruise along the Algarve coast to the Benagil Caves where you'll have the opportunity to explore the caves by kayak. Your catamaran will depart from the Marina of Portimão. Aboard, the crew will brief you on the kayak equipment and kayaking skills. You'll cruise along the coast to Albandeira Beach. From the beach, you'll paddle to the Benagil Caves. Along the way, you'll have the chance to visit other caves and enjoy the golden coast. Your experienced guide will point out local landmarks and direct you to the most interesting spots including the impressive Captain’s Cave, Barraquinho Beach, Baraço Cave, and the world famous Marinha Beach. There's even time for a quick swim. If you get tired, you can always get back on board the catamaran for a rest, before heading back to the marina. Your catamaran has toilets, comfortable seats, and a professional crew. If you don't feel like kayaking and just want to enjoy the views from the catamaran, you're welcome on this tour, too.

Portimão: Benagil Caves and Praia de Marinha Boat Tour

7. Portimão: Benagil Caves and Praia de Marinha Boat Tour

Hop onboard the boat and immerse yourself in the picturesque landscapes of the Algarve coastline. On this boat trip, you’ll discover more than 20 caves and a number of deserted beaches along the way. Start the adventure at Cais Vasco da Gama in Portimão. Along the way, you’ll see the Fort of Santa Catarina, the Ferragudo Castle, and the small fishing village of Ferragudo. From the sea, you’ll be able to admire the beaches of Pintadinho, Paradise, and Carvoeiro. Visit one of the world's most exotic beaches, Praia da Marinha, where you can go swimming. Finally, on your perfectly-sized boat, visit the interior of the visually striking Benagil Sea Cave.

Portimão: Benagil Grottoes Boat Cruise

8. Portimão: Benagil Grottoes Boat Cruise

Enjoy a visit to the beautiful grottoes of the Algarve in a comfortable boat. Beautiful cliffs, dramatic grottoes and sandy beaches make this tour a magical experience.  Depart from Portimão, passing the scenic fishing village of Ferragudo and the historic fortress that overlooks the beach. Cruise slowly towards Carvoeiro, passing by secluded beaches. Relax and enjoy the beautiful coastal scenery along the way. You will then head into the different grottoes at Algar Seco and Benagil. Admire the natural rock formations that have been formed by erosion and the power of the sea. On the way back, stop to swim in the clear waters of the Atlantic.

Lagoa: Morgado do Quintão Estate Lunch and Wine Tasting

9. Lagoa: Morgado do Quintão Estate Lunch and Wine Tasting

Located between Silves, Monchique, and Lagoa, take your seat at on the estate of a family-owned property with some of the oldest vineyards in the Algarve. Join in a tasting experience that explores the history of the estate, its unique terroir, and its exciting wines while you savor a simple, hearty Algarvian farmers' table lunch.  Gather under a 2,000 year-old tree overlooking old negra mole vines, inside a vintage olive press, or inside the main house and share a simple but tasty multi-course menu paired with 3-4 wines.  After the casual lunch, delight in fascinating stories of Algarve’s landmark vineyard estate over coffee or as you stroll the property in the presence of the resident vineyard manager.

Portimão: Half-Day Catamaran Cruise to Benagil & Carvoeiro

10. Portimão: Half-Day Catamaran Cruise to Benagil & Carvoeiro

Discover the wonders along the coast of Portimão on a half-day catamaran cruise. You will explore the beaches of Praia de Benagil, and Praia da Rocha, rock formations along the coast, and more. Dive into the water for swimming or snorkeling before returning to the shore. Depart from the marina in Portimão and sail towards the beautiful caves of Algar de Benagil. Take in the dramatic views of various beaches like Praia da Rocha, Farol de Alfazina, Praia de Carvoeiro, Praia de Benagil, and Praia da Marinha. You will also admire the rock formations dotted along the coast before arriving at the bay of João de Arens. Drop the anchor to relax and keep an eye out for the friendly dolphins who inhabit the region. Soak up the sunshine on deck or take a refreshing swim in the turquoise water. You can also try some water activities, such as paddle boarding to get a glimpse of the world beneath the waves as you snorkel. Finally, marvel at the scenic panoramic views of the area while heading back to the shore. 

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What people are saying about Portimão

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 12,538 reviews

Rafael was an amazing tour guide. He was very friendly, enthusiastic, funny. Speaks very fluent English and the tour itself seeing the caves was a beautiful experience. So glad I chose to go with this company in the end.

Best guide Paulo , captain and team! Nice English information regarding different caves. Safety was the first preference. A very good memorable experience. Highly recommend.

This was the highlight of my trip to Portugal! Paulo was a great guide and very kind, helpful and funny. Fabio was a great captain. 100% recommend!

Everything was great, professional approach, interesting and beautiful places, nice and funny guide.

This is the best part of our Algarve trip. Highly recommend it.