Lagos and Carvoeiro Premium - Shared small group > VTours Algarve
Description
Join us on a real guided tour, with a friendly, passionate, professional, knowledgeable guide, that will guide you through the natural beauties and interesting history of the Algarve. Cruise the Algarve on board of a luxury, comfortable and cozy vehicle. In this full-day tour you will meet the best places and see the Algarve highlights. Be ready for the natural beauties of this cozy and warm region. More than a Tour, an Experience!
Tour Options
Itinerary
Not far from Carvoeiro old town we find the hidden Algar Seco, with its naturally carved pool, opened to the Atlantic, also has a jumping area from the sandstone cliffs to the ocean, with steps carved in the rocks to get back to land. While exploring the area, if you pay attention you can spot fossil shells on the walls of the cliffs. A true wonder of nature carved for hundreds of years by the wind, rain and waves, with spectacular views.
Just on the side of Algar Seco we go thru "A Boneca" short tunnel carved on the cliff that opens and lights ups to a small room with two windows with the ocean view. This famous rock formation known as “The Doll", is a rock shaped like an inverted cone which looks like a doll when seen from the sea, where the two windows resemble the eyes. The view from this cave is absolutely spectacular and it will help you understand why Algar Seco is one of the most beautiful areas on Portugal.
The Carvoeiro boardwalk is a wonderful cliff top walk that leads to the Nossa Senhora da Encarnação fort. This ten minute short walk is along an elevated wooden pathway, which skirts the top of the cliffs and offers gorgeous views over the coastline. You can find signs along the way explaining the fauna and flora that is possible to spot in the area.
The boardwalk ends at the main entrance of the fort with the chapel, both are sitting on top of the hill, that overlooks the beach of Carvoeiro. Religious and military functions shared this space. The church already existed when, in 1675, the defensive military device was built here, in the form of an irregular polygon, possibly in the place where a watchtower would have existed.
From the fort we start descending, stopping right after at the view point which overlooks the beach and the old town. Here it is possible to admire the typical Algarve construtions and take pictures. Next we get to the old town where usually you get 30 minutes by yourselves to walk freely, you can go to the beach and also explore the old town, go shopping for souvenirs. Then it is time for lunch, at a typical Portuguese restaurant not far from the old town.
Drive by the statue with an explanation about the protector of Lagos city.
The cliffs of the Ponta da Piedade headland is one of the finest natural beauties of the Algarve. This dramatic sandstone coastline is formed of sea pillars, fragile rock arches and hidden grottos, all of which have been chiselled-out by savage winter storms. The headland can only be described as stunning.
Lagos is a dynamic and active city, which is justifiably proud of its past and possesses a very rich and well preserved patrimony. The region of Lagos has a long history linking it to the sea. Its original name, Lacobriga, reflects the fact that the first inhabitants of this port, in roughly 2000 years BC, were of Celtic origin. After them came the Phoenicians, Greeks and Carthaginians, but it was the Romans that brought growth and prosperity to the town. The Moors built walls around Lagos in the 10th century. The 15th century was the golden age for the town of Lagos, with its immediate involvement in the period of the Discoveries. Due to the port’s location, directly across from Africa, it became the major point of departure and arrival for the ships that, year after year, set sail in discovery of that continent.
Henry the Navigator founded the school in Sagres, where the navigators could learn more about sailing. He had update elaborated maps, went to get famous cartographers, navigators, geographers and naval builders to bundle all this information with the news brought by the arriving sailors. He made sure each expedition learned with the previous and motivated them to use navigation instruments, such as the sea compass, the astrolabe and the quadrant that helped determine latitude.
Enter and appreciate this simple church built in the 15th century, with a rectangular layout, single nave, and elevated main chapel, baptistery and high choir. The high altar is painted in a surprising manner - with luminous colours and biblical scenes.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
We will pick you up at 09h30 where you are staying within the pick up geographic area assigned for this tour (between Faro and Portimão), send the address and the name of Hotel/Bnb/Hostel.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(65)
Beautiful day! Pedro took great care of us on our tour. He showed us the most beautiful places and took a ton of pictures for us. He had picture ideas that we would have never thought of. He gave us tips for shopping and made sure we were comfortable throughout. The meal at Luca’s was one of our best yet. We all recommend Pedro and this tour!
Pedro is an amazing tour guide - very professional, knowledgeable, and attentive. He showed us all the best photo spots in Lagos, took us to a delicious lunch with a great view, made sure we had cold water bottles throughout the day, and he went out of his way to take so many beautiful photos and videos for us (as seen in my photo of him on top of the rock). He spent his precious Sunday with us and it was an unforgettable experience. Truly above and beyond. Highly recommended and hope we can come back again soon!
Pedro is a really great tour guide. He took special care to show us all the great things the Algarve has to offer. He takes the time to let you enjoy the beautiful sights and you never feel rushed. He had so much knowledge to share. It was a fantastic experience. If you take one tour in the Algarve, this is the one!
We had such an amazing day with Pedro. He picked us up in the morning from the train station in Albufeira. He took us to Arrifes beach, an amazing lunch, a beautiful section of the Seven Hanging Valley trail, and Carvoeiro. He was energetic, engaging, knowledgable and fun. Very highly recommend!!
We had an awesome day and Pedro was so friendly and knowledgeable. We also did a cork factory tour as well with him. Awesome day.
We had a fantastic all day tour with Pedro!! Highly recommend. From the moment he picked us up from our hotel in his spotless Mercedes van to the lovely rooftop restaurant for lunch, it was incredible. He is kind, patient, fun and very knowledgeable. He brought us to beautiful view points and hidden caves that we never would have found on our own. He is an amazing photographer and took pictures of our adventure throughout the day and sent them to us at the end of our tour, great bonus!! The highlight of our trip to Portugal!! Already passed his name on to friends!
Pedro was a superb guide. He went the extra mile to ensure that we had a memorable trip — and wonderful photos to remember it! He was very attentive to detail, from his spotless car, ready supplies of water, to his knowledge of the best sites for pics (including remarkable spots among the caves in Lagos that we never would have found ourselves). We appreciated being able to go at our own pace. Highly recommend!
The tour was amazing and the natural beauty in the region is breathtaking. Pedro is an amazing guide, we never had a dull moment over 2 +days with him as he narrated everything well. He took us to the prettiest towns and restaurants with good views and food. All our conversations with Pedro were interesting and each time we learnt something new about the region and the country. He also clicks great pictures!! We recommend this tour to anyone who is looking for a good , friendly, and a knowledgeable guide. Thanks.
Absolutely amazing experience in which I would recommend to any family of any age. Pedro was very knowledgeable and friendly whilst showing us around some stunning places and chilled out wine tasting to finish the day off. A brilliant way to experience Portugal and all of its beauty. Thank you Pedro for a lovely day out ☺
It doesn’t get any better than this! We’ve done private tours in countries all over the world. Pedro now takes the #1 spot! He’s prompt, professional, smart, kind, fun, and SO knowledgeable. He’s is flexible, a fascinating person and sets a standard for excellence that is unmatched! He’s an AMAZING photographer and takes UNFORGETTABLE pictures of your entire adventure. He anticipates every need. He will show you sites that you will not see on any other tour. His tour was the highlight of our trip to Portugal. By the end of the day he felt like family. As we said goodbye, we felt like we were leaving a good friend behind. BRAVO Pedro!!! Thank you for the priceless memories!
