Best of the East: Faro, Olhão, and Tavira





Description
Discover the tranquil beauty of the East Algarve, where charming towns, elegant architecture, and rich history await. Begin in Faro, the region’s capital, with a stroll through the Old Town. Wander its narrow cobbled streets and quiet squares until reaching the Arco da Vila, built during the city’s reconstruction after the 1755 earthquake. Continue east to Olhão, known for its cubist houses and home to the Algarve’s second‑largest fishing port. Explore the lively fresh markets, filled with regional products, and enjoy views over the Ria Formosa Natural Park, a protected haven for hundreds of bird species. End the journey in Tavira, often called the “Venice of the Algarve.” From the castle walls and gardens, admire the traditional architecture and distinctive “4 águas” rooftops. Cross the historic Roman Bridge, linking the two banks of the Gilão River and offering a truly memorable experience.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Start the day at the capital city of Algarve - Faro. Explore the Old town of Faro entering from Arch of the Villa, one of Faro ex libris, displaying an image of Saint Thomas. The arch marks the entrance to the historical center - Vila Adentro (Inner Town). Enjoy your free time also for shopping at the shops in the downtown.
Follow to the Moorish town of Olhão. A key city for fishing and peculiar cubist houses placed in labyrinth. The markets will be an highlight of the day.
Crossing a 4th Century Roman bridge with Gilão River running through it you will know Tavira the “Venice of Algarve” with 37 churches and houses with peculiar roofs named “4 águas”
Visit the old castle of Tavira for a must panoramic view of the city and enjoy your free time to explore the city and have lunch. We will be just passing outside, you can visit on your free time if you would like to.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Pick up details will be sent to you by email within 24 hours after receiving the booking. Kindly make sure you have inserted the hotel name or accommodation address in your booking. Not all accommodations are available for pickup at the door. If pickup at your hotel is not available, a nearby location will be provided. The pick up time will depend on guest's hotel location in Algarve, normally between 07am to 09am. This tour does not operate from the East side - Olhão, Tavira, Cabanas, Altura and Monte Gordo areas.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(31)
It was a relaxed tour with a great tour guide and a bus driver who provided a sense of safety. Highly recommended, Heike Wolf
Wir bedanken uns herzlich für Ihr Feedback und die Zeit, die Sie sich genommen haben, um Ihre Erfahrungen mit uns zu teilen. Wir hoffen, Sie bald wieder bei uns begrüßen zu dürfen.
Excellent visit with Marie Antoinette Clear and rich explanations We also went to Culatra Island, which I recommend Thank you, Marie Antoinette, for all this information and clarification
Nous mettons tout en œuvre pour offrir à nos clients une expérience enrichissante. Nous vous remercions.
Excellent excursion with Marie Antoinette, very spontaneous and pleasant Beautiful explanations - excellent Organization was great, and we were able to enjoy some free time, which was very pleasant
Nous mettons tout en œuvre pour offrir à nos clients une expérience enrichissante. Nous vous remercions.
Driver was on time. Also the tour guide had told us a lot about the country and people. Driver on time ✅ Tour guide full of info about country & people ✅ #TravelAdventure
Wir bedanken uns herzlich für Ihr Feedback und die Zeit, die Sie sich genommen haben, um Ihre Erfahrungen mit uns zu teilen. Wir hoffen, Sie bald wieder bei uns begrüßen zu dürfen.
Spectacular! The guide very friendly and helpful. He explained everything in detail and noticeably.
Agradecemos os seus comentários e esperamos poder recebê-lo novamente!
Despite the bad excursion interesting short downtime
Nous sommes ravis d'apprendre que vous avez tout de même trouvé cette sortie intéressante malgré le mauvais temps. Merci également pour vos commentaires, ils nous aident vraiment à nous améliorer pour l'avenir. Nous espérons vous accueillir à nouveau très bientôt par une journée plus ensoleillée et vous offrir une expérience encore plus agréable !
Very good advice and competent
Wir bemühen uns sehr, unseren Gästen ein reichhaltiges Erlebnis an unserem Reiseziel zu bieten. Vielen Dank.
The guide did not wait for every one to get off the bus the guide was rubbish would not do this trip with that company again.
Dear Patricia, Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We’re truly sorry to hear that your experience did not meet expectations. It’s very important to us that all guests feel supported and included throughout the tour, and we regret that you felt the guide did not wait for everyone to disembark properly. Your comments have been noted and will be shared with our team to ensure better coordination and attention to detail in future tours. We’re committed to improving and providing a more enjoyable experience for all our guests. Thank you again for your feedback.
The sites visited i visited in Faro were fantastic. Shopping at the market in Olhao was great. Tavira was wonderful. Hearing some of the history of these places were great. Best of all, Ana was a fabulous tour guide!
If you haven't visited the Algave you are missing out. The views are great, the weather is great, the food is great, and the people are very friendly. But Stay away from Albufiera if you don't want to be mobbed by tourists.
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