Algarve Shows Another Side of the Destination

The Algarve wants to show the world that it is much more than just sun and beaches. Throughout September, national and international journalists will travel across various parts of the region to discover a less obvious side of the destination, defined by nature, gastronomy, traditions, and local communities.

The initiative by Turismo do Algarve includes three press trips and seeks to strengthen the promotion of the region to visitors interested in more authentic experiences and tourism that is closely connected to the territory.

A different Algarve begins in Monchique and Aljezur

The first trip takes place between September 10 and 12 and passes through Monchique and Aljezur, continuing on to Odemira.

In the Monchique Mountains, journalists will discover the region by jeep, pass through Foia, visit a traditional distillery, and walk the Barranco do Demo boardwalks in Alferce.

The route continues along the Costa Vicentina in Aljezur, this time by electric bicycle, ending with a gastronomic experience at a local restaurant.

From the Loulé Market to the salt pans of Tavira

Between September 17 and 20, a new group will explore nature tourism and some of the Algarve's most characteristic traditions.

In Loulé, the program includes the traditional market, an artisanal pastry shop, and the last copper workshop in southern Portugal.

In Tavira, the discovery continues between land and water, with visits to the salt pans, Barril Beach, and the Anchor Cemetery.

There is also an e-bike route between Olhão and Fuseta, visits to the natural areas of Castro Marim and Vila Real de Santo António, and a trip through the Ria Formosa to Ilha Deserta and Ilha da Culatra.

Ria Formosa, birds, salt, and gastronomy

The third trip takes place between September 24 and 27 and once again places nature at the heart of the experience.

The program begins in Olhão and includes a boat trip through the Ria Formosa accompanied by a marine biologist, visits to Ilha Deserta and Culatra, and an unusual way to see Faro: aboard an electric replica of a 1920 Ford T.

Algarvian gastronomy will also be featured, as well as a morning dedicated to birdwatching in the Castro Marim and Vila Real de Santo António Marshlands, an area where more than 160 species can be observed.

Flamingos, salt pans, Santa Luzia, Fuseta, and Olhão complete a route designed to showcase the natural diversity of the Sotavento (eastern Algarve).

Why is the Algarve promoting this type of tourism?

The strategy seeks to reduce the almost exclusive association of the Algarve with summer and beaches, giving greater visibility to experiences that can be enjoyed throughout different times of the year.

Nature, hiking, cycle tourism, birdwatching, gastronomy, handicrafts, heritage, and contact with local communities also allow for the distribution of visitors across more parts of the region.

There is another Algarve to discover

For those who only know the most famous beaches, these routes reveal a very different region.

Monchique, Aljezur, Loulé, Tavira, Olhão, Fuseta, Castro Marim, Culatra, and the Ria Formosa show how just a few kilometers can separate completely distinct experiences.

From the heights of Foia to the salt pans of the Sotavento, from traditional workshops to the islands of the Ria Formosa, there is an Algarve made of nature, history, flavors, and people.

And it is precisely this Algarve, far beyond the beach, that increasingly deserves to be discovered.