Best Outdoor Activities
in Aljezur & the West Algarve

HOT AIR BALLOON RIDE WEST ALGARVE

Hot air ballooning offers one of the calmest and most memorable ways to see the Algarve from above. As you drift gently over the landscape at sunrise, you can take in wide views of rolling hills, coastline and small villages in complete silence. It is a peaceful and scenic experience, ideal for anyone who wants to enjoy the region from a slower and more atmospheric perspective. The full experience lasts around 4 hours, including briefing, transport back and a traditional celebration after landing, while the flight itself is about 1 hour. Flights usually take place early in the morning, when conditions are at their most calm and stable.

more infos: www.algarveballoons.com/ 

SKYDIVING IN THE ALGARVE

For pure adrenaline, skydiving is one of the most unforgettable experiences in the Algarve. Attached securely to a qualified tandem instructor, you jump from up to 15,000 ft, freefall for around 60 seconds and then drift back down under the parachute with spectacular views over the coastline, beaches and Atlantic Ocean. No previous experience is needed, which makes it an exciting option even for first-timers looking for a real once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

more infos: www.skydivealgarve.com/tandem-skydiving/

MICROLIGHT ADVENTURE FLIGHTS WEST ALGARVE

For a more adventurous and personal way to take to the skies, these microlight flights offer an unforgettable view of the West Algarve from above. Flying in either a fixed-wing C42 or a flexwing microlight, you can follow the coastline towards the famous grottos, the wild west coast and even the Sagres area, with the whole experience feeling lighter, closer and more thrilling than a classic sightseeing flight. For those who want, there is even the chance to try a trial lesson rather than simply sit back and watch. Flight options range from around 20 to 60 minutes and depart from Lagos Aerodrome, just a short distance from the town centre.

More infos: www.fly365algarve.co.uk/About-Fly365-Algarve/

CLASSIC SCENIC FLIGHTS OVER THE WEST ALGARVE

For a more classic panoramic flight experience, these scenic airplane tours offer a relaxed and beautiful way to see the Algarve from above. Flying in a Cessna with excellent visibility, the experience is designed more as a true sightseeing flight, with themed routes or even a personalised itinerary, making it ideal for couples, families or anyone who wants to enjoy the landscape in a calmer and more spacious setting. Depending on the route, flights can include places such as Lagos, Sagres, Aljezur, Monchique and the Vicentina Coast, departing from Air Emotions’ base in Alvor at Portimão Aerodrome.

more infos: www.airemotions.com/scenic-flight/

Skateboarding Aljezur

Skateboarding Aljezur offers lessons and camps for both kids and adults. The driving force behind it is David, also known as “Chino”, who brings more than three decades of skateboarding experience and over twenty years of teaching experience. He is supported by other skilled skaters who regularly join, visit and share their knowledge.

web: https://www.skateboardingaljezur.com/

Go-Karting 

Go-karting at the Algarve International Kart Circuit offers a fast, high-energy track experience in a setting built for real motorsport. The circuit is one of the largest kart tracks in Europe and has the technical standard to host both professional competitions and leisure sessions. With its long straights, wide track and race-level layout, it appeals not only to serious drivers but also to anyone who simply enjoys speed, focus and a bit of competitive thrill.

more infos: www.autodromodoalgarve.com/kartodromo

Paintball

Paintball in Lagos is a lively outdoor activity for anyone who enjoys action, teamwork and quick reactions. Natural and built obstacles create different game scenarios, which keeps each session varied and tactical. Protective gear is provided, and experienced instructors are present throughout.

More infos: www.parqueaventura.net/en/paintball-lakes/

Disc Golf

Disc golf near Aljezur is a relaxed but surprisingly engaging outdoor activity that combines elements of golf with the simplicity of throwing a flying disc. Set right in the middle of nature, the course winds through open hills, trees and natural terrain, making each throw a mix of skill, precision and reading the landscape. It’s easy to get into, but challenging enough to stay interesting, especially with changing distances and obstacles along the way.

more infos: www.discgolfaguaboa.pt

Adventure Climbing Park in Lagos

If you are looking for an active outdoor challenge with a bit of adrenaline, Lagos Adventure Park is best known for its treetop climbing courses. You move from tree to tree via platforms, rope bridges, nets and zip lines, with several difficulty levels and around three hours of activity time. Located near Meia Praia in Lagos, it works well for families, but also for adults and groups looking for a more physical outdoor experience.

More infos: parqueaventura.net

Easy Climbing near Lagos

Around 30 minutes from Aljezur, this easily accessible climbing spot is a good option for beginners or anyone looking for a relaxed outdoor session. The routes reach up to 15 metres and come with open views over the surrounding countryside. Climbing Algarve offers this experience for small groups of up to four people.

More infos: www.climbingalgarve.pt

Sea Cliff Climbing in Sagres

Sagres is one of the Algarve’s most spectacular climbing areas, with dramatic sea cliffs, over 100 bolted routes and several sectors spread along 30 km of coastline. Many routes involve exciting access by abseiling, scrambling or via ferrata, making this a unique experience best suited to climbers with some confidence rather than absolute beginners.

More infos: climbingalgarve.pt/climbing-in-sagres

Tip: Tide Pool Safaris at Monte Clérigo

Hidden among the rocks of Aljezur’s coastline are tiny secret universes that only reveal themselves at low tide, full of life, movement and surprising detail. Together with the warm and enthusiastic guides Chriss and Marzena from Rock & Reel, these quiet tide pools become a fascinating world of crabs, sea urchins, anemones, tiny shrimps and, if you’re lucky, even curious octopuses. Their passion turns the experience into much more than just a walk at low tide — it becomes a chance to discover the coast in a completely different way and to see how much wonder is hidden in places that are so easily overlooked. The guided tour lasts around 1.5 hours and is a wonderful experience for both adults and families.

More infos: www.rockandreel.com/tidepoolsafaris

ALJEZUR OLD TOWN WALK

This guided old town walk offers a more personal and story-rich way to discover Aljezur. Led by storyteller Bram Hermans, the tour takes you through cobbled streets, past the old harbour area and up to the castle, bringing the town’s Moorish roots and local history vividly to life. The walk lasts around 1.5 hours and ends at the castle viewpoint, making it a beautiful and meaningful way to experience Aljezur beyond the surface.

More infos: www.aljezur.life/walks-stories-aljezur/

Quad Algarve / Monchique

For anyone looking to explore a wilder side of the Algarve, these guided quad tours in Monchique offer a varied off-road experience through hills, woodland and mountain scenery. Depending on the route, highlights can include a traditional water mill, Monchique village, a medronho distillery, Foia — the highest mountain in the Algarve — and rare native vegetation. No previous experience is needed, and the tour includes guide, fuel, safety gear and insurance.

More infos: www.quadsexperience.com

Buggy Tours near Silves

For anyone looking for an off-road adventure in the Algarve, these guided buggy tours near Silves are a fun way to explore the region’s rugged inland landscapes. The routes lead through the area around the Odelouca dam and the foothills of Monchique, with plenty of off-road sections and wide countryside views along the way. A guide and safety briefing are included.

More infos: www.silvesoutdoor.com

JEEP TOURS AROUND ALJEZUR

If you want to explore the wilder and less accessible side of the West Algarve, these private jeep tours around Aljezur are a strong option. In a classic Land Rover Defender, the route follows rugged dirt roads, coastal cliffs and hidden places that many visitors would never find on their own. It is a personal and adventurous way to experience southwest Portugal beyond the usual routes.

More infos: www.tomstours.com

SUPPORT AEZA ANIMAL SHELTER

AEZA is Aljezur’s local non-profit animal shelter and one of the most meaningful animal-related activities in the area. For those who are not in a position to adopt a dog or cat right away, supporting AEZA offers a beautiful and practical way to make a real difference. This can include joining their regular dog walks, helping with cleaning and everyday tasks at the shelter, assisting in the field, supporting transport or even offering temporary foster care. Their dog walks take place on Tuesdays and Fridays at 10:30 am and on Sundays at 2:30 pm.

What makes AEZA especially moving is that their work goes far beyond the shelter itself. The organisation rescues and cares for abandoned and mistreated animals, helps rehome dogs and cats, and runs sterilisation campaigns to reduce the number of strays. They also support several cat colonies across the municipality of Aljezur by helping with sterilisation, food and veterinary care, often with the support of local residents who assist with daily feeding.

So this is not just an activity for animal lovers, but a chance to connect with the local community in a genuinely meaningful way. And for anyone who feels touched by the work AEZA does, supporting them through donations or other forms of help also means supporting the many dogs and cats beyond the shelter itself.

More infos: https://aeza.org/en/

DONKEY EXPERIENCES IN ALJEZUR

Burro Verde is a rescued donkey sanctuary in Aljezur and one of the most unusual and heartwarming animal experiences in the area. Their guided donkey walks offer a calm and meaningful way to spend time in nature, with gentle animals that are known for being curious, relaxed and full of character. More than just a simple walk, the experience feels grounding and personal, while also supporting the wellbeing of the donkeys and the sanctuary itself. Burro Verde also offers volunteering, making it a beautiful option for anyone who would like to connect with animals in a more hands-on and purposeful way.

more infos: https://burroverde.pt/

Horse Riding near aljezur

Horse Adventure Tours offers a range of experiences for both beginners and more advanced riders, including riding tours, riding lessons, riding holidays and therapeutic horseback riding. Their guided tours come in different durations and can lead along the coastline, onto the beach or through inland areas, making them a beautiful and flexible way to spend time with horses in the Aljezur area. As a small local family business, they also offer a more personal and private experience than larger operators, which makes the whole activity feel calmer and more individual.

HORSE RIDING BETWEEN LAGOS & ALJEZUR

This is a lovely option for anyone looking for a relaxed and accessible horse experience in nature. The focus is on private rides for all ages and levels, from shorter and more easy-going outings to longer rides through the countryside, with some routes even leading to the cliffs or the beach for more experienced riders. A special extra here is the option of carriage drives, which makes it a great choice not only for riders, but also for anyone who would simply like to enjoy the landscape in a calm and memorable way. Located in the Serra de Espinhaço de Cão between Lagos and Aljezur, it offers a friendly and personal experience in a beautiful rural setting.

ANIMAL RESCUE FARM & HORSE RIDING

This is not just a place for horse riding, but also a small animal rescue farm, which gives the whole experience a much more personal and meaningful feel. Horse rides help fund the care of rescued horses and donkeys, while the farm itself also offers pony rides for children and the chance to see animals such as goats, mini pigs and donkeys up close. With private trail rides for different experience levels, it is a lovely option for anyone who wants to combine time with horses and a wider farm and rescue experience near Lagos.

Zoo Lagos

For a classic animal day out, Zoo de Lagos is a great option for families and anyone who enjoys seeing a wide variety of animals in one place. The zoo is home to more than 140 species from all five continents in naturalistic habitats and offers several highlights, including kangaroos, hippos, monkeys, tapirs, penguins and flamingos. Together with attractions such as the penguin beach and the bat enclosure, it makes a fun and varied animal-focused excursion in the wider Lagos area.

More infos: https://zoolagos.com/en/

Mini golf Lagos

For a relaxed and playful activity that still brings a little friendly competition, Pro Putting Garden is a great option near Lagos. Set in an attractive park right beside the old city wall, this professionally designed mini golf course is suitable for all ages and abilities, making it a fun choice for families, couples or friends. It offers two separate courses — a shorter 9-hole junior course and a full 18-hole course — and combines an easy holiday activity with a slightly more polished feel than a standard mini golf setup.

web: https://www.proputtinggarden.com/

GOLF NEAR LAGOS

For a more refined outdoor activity, Espiche Golf offers a beautiful setting for a day on the course surrounded by nature. Located near Lagos, it combines challenging fairways with a calm and scenic atmosphere, making it appealing both for experienced golfers and for those who simply enjoy spending time in a well-designed landscape. The club also includes an academy, so it is not only a place for regular players, but also an option for anyone looking to improve their game in the Algarve.

more infos: https://www.espichegolf.pt/en/

Padel SW in Vale da Telha

Padel SW in Vale da Telha is the clearest padel option near Aljezur and a great choice for anyone looking for a social and active game in a relaxed setting. The club offers court rentals, private and group lessons, open games and tournaments, making it suitable both for complete beginners and for players who already know the sport and want to join the local padel community.

More infos: https://www.facebook.com/padelswaljezur

photo: Vincenzo Morelli / Unsplash

Tennis CluB Vale da Telha

Amovate Tennis Club in Vale da Telha is the clearest tennis option near Aljezur and a good choice for visitors who want to play during their stay. With three courts, social doubles, visitor memberships and lessons, it offers a more classic tennis setup and feels especially well suited to players who want a straightforward and easy way to book, join in and keep playing while in the area.

more infos: https://amovate.com/tennis-club/

PICKLEBALL LAGOS

For a social and easy-to-join racket sport, pickleball is a fun option near Lagos. The main local venue appears to be Lagos Tenis Center & Pickleball, where beginner classes, open play and regular community sessions are mentioned, making it suitable both for first-timers and for players who already know the game. With several dedicated courts and a friendly club atmosphere, it offers a more relaxed and accessible alternative to classic tennis while still giving you the feeling of a real game.

more infos: https://www.pickleheads.com/courts/pt/faro/lagos/lagos-tenis-center-and-pickleball

Walking Football Aljezur

For anyone who enjoys football but prefers a slower and more accessible version of the game, walking football is a fun and social activity in Aljezur. Played at the Campo Municipal, it focuses on enjoyment, fitness and friendly community rather than speed or physical contact, with adapted rules such as no running, no heading and keeping the ball below head height. Sessions take place on Wednesday mornings from 10 am to 12 pm, making it a great option for older players, returning football fans or anyone simply looking for an active and welcoming group activity.

more infos: https://amovate.com/walking-football/

Guided Bike Tours around Aljezur

Guided bike tours around Aljezur are a great way to explore the coastline and the wider Costa Vicentina Natural Park. Depending on your fitness level and interests, options range from relaxed coastal rides to more demanding routes that combine inland sections, Aljezur and scenic trails near the sea.

more infos: algarve-adventure.com

Monchique downhill & mountain tours

Outdoor Tours offers a wide range of cycling experiences around Monchique for different skill levels, including downhill, mountain biking and customised one-day or multi-day tours. The routes lead through mountain landscapes, small villages, forest areas and quieter parts of the inland Algarve.

more infos: www.outdoor-tours.com

Rota vicentina Trails

Stretching for around 750 km along Portugal’s southwest coast, from Santiago do Cacém in the Alentejo to Lagos and Cabo de São Vicente in the Algarve, the Rota Vicentina is a remarkable network of trails through cliffs, wild beaches, quiet villages and unspoiled landscapes. 

For cyclists, the Rota Vicentina also offers more than 1,000 km of bike routes, including touring, MTB and gravel trails, making Aljezur an excellent base for exploring the region on two wheels.

A lot of helpful information about different trails, guiding and track downloads you will find on the rotavicentina website in the link below.

More infos: https://rotavicentina.com/en/cycling/

Cycling Maps for the West Algarve

Do you prefer to explore trails by yourself? On the Visit Algarve website you will find a lot of routes and infos:

more infos: https://visitalgarve.pt/en/11478/western-algarve-barlavento

PDF download all maps: https://api.visitalgarve.pt/uploads/1/1/Media/Brochuras/percursos%20ciclaveis_versao_EN_2024.pdf

The Famous Fishermen’s Trail

The Fishermen’s Trail is one of the most spectacular long-distance hikes in Portugal. It stretches for around 226.5 km in 13 stages along the wild southwest coast, from Porto Covo down to Lagos, following fishermen’s paths above cliffs, beaches and dunes. For anyone who wants to explore more, the Rota Vicentina website is the best place to find all stages, route options and practical hiking information.

As a personal tip for a shorter coastal walk, the section between Monte Clérigo and Arrifana is especially beautiful. Passing Ponta da Atalaia, it offers dramatic cliff views, ocean scenery and one of the most atmospheric stretches in the Aljezur area in roughly 5 km.

For a longer and more varied day hike, the route from Arrifana to Carrapateira is a great choice. If you take the inland variant via Bordeira, the walk becomes even more diverse, combining rugged coastline with quieter rural scenery, valleys, dunes and wide open views before reaching Carrapateira.

More infos: https://rotavicentina.com/en/programas/walking-tour-in-rota-vicentina-algarve/

CIRCULAR WALKS ON THE ROTA VICENTINA

For those who prefer shorter circular walks instead of longer stage hikes along the Rota Vicentina, these three routes are especially worth considering. The Amoreira Circular Trail near Aljezur is a beautiful and family-friendly option with varied landscapes and a strong feeling of being close to nature. Pontal da Carrapateira is one of the most rewarding coastal loops, with dramatic views and the added advantage that part of the route has been adapted for people with reduced mobility. Odeceixe to the Sea is another lovely choice, connecting the charm of one of the region’s most attractive villages with the wild beauty of the Atlantic coast. Together, these three walks offer a great introduction to the more accessible and varied side of hiking in the West Algarve.

https://rotavicentina.com/en/walking/18-amoreira/

https://rotavicentina.com/walking/20-pontal-da-carrapateira/

MOUNTAIN WALK WITH PANORAMIC SEA VIEWS

For a completely different side of the West Algarve, the Foia Trail offers a beautiful mountain walk high above the coast. This circular route is around 6.8 km long and starts at Foia, the highest point in the Algarve at 902 metres, with wide views stretching all the way to the sea. Along the way, the trail passes through the distinctive landscapes of the Monchique mountains, with cork oaks, medronho trees and other native vegetation that give this area a very different character from the coastal hikes further west. It is a great choice for anyone who wants fresh air, open views and a more elevated and peaceful hiking experience.

PICOTA MOUNTAIN TRAIL MONCHIQUE

For those looking for a longer and more demanding mountain hike, this circular trail from Caldas de Monchique is a beautiful way to experience the greener and quieter side of the Algarve. The route is around 18 km long and leads through the fresh mountain landscape of the Serra de Monchique, passing near Picota, one of the highest peaks in the region. With its mix of forest, open views and a more varied inland character, it feels very different from the coastal trails and is a great choice for anyone who wants a fuller day of hiking in the mountains.

WOODEN BOARDWALKS NEAR MONCHIQUE

Just beside Monchique, near the village of Alferce, the Barranco do Demo walkways offer one of the most unusual hiking experiences in the region. This short but striking route leads through a dramatic rocky gorge on wooden boardwalks and stairways, with a suspension bridge adding an extra sense of adventure along the way. What makes it so special is the contrast to the usual Algarve scenery — instead of beaches and cliffs, you get a wilder, greener and more rugged mountain landscape that feels almost hidden away. It is a great choice for anyone looking for a more spectacular and memorable walk in the Monchique area.

TRAIL TO A CHARMING HISTORIC WATERMILL

For a quieter and more idyllic hiking experience, the Mills Trail is a lovely choice in the hills around Monchique. This circular route is around 10.3 km long and leads through dense woodland, past old mills, monumental trees and a small stream, giving the walk a peaceful and almost hidden-away feeling. What makes it especially charming is the presence of the old mill, which feels less like a simple waypoint and more like one of the area’s small rural sights. Starting in the centre of Monchique, the trail is a beautiful option for anyone who enjoys nature, shade and a softer, more intimate side of the Algarve.

http://jf-monchique.pt/o-moinho/