Portimao · SILVES, MONCHIQUE & ARADE RIVER TRIPS
8 trips on this coast
The Arade runs inland from Portimao to Silves and its red Moorish castle, and the road climbs on into the cool woods of Monchique. Here are the best river and hill trips, boat or jeep, how far upriver each one reaches, whether a tasting or a castle stop is built in, and which make the best slow day away from the beach.
Cruise the Arade River on a quiet solar boat to Silves, with real history stops, guided commentary, and time for lunch in town.
“It's so relaxing and chilled . Pedro was very informative about all the local history . It didn't feel rushed in anyway”
Algarve wine tour from Portimão with two vineyards, 6 tastings, and a Monchique mountain-top lunch or dinner for sunset views.
“It was a very fun and informative excursion. Fabio covered the wine making process from the vine to the bottle. The wine samples were great and he did a great job describing the variations of different wines we sampled. Sunset view from top of the mountain was beautiful and dinner was absolutely fantastic.”
Jeep through rural Algarve plus a cruise on the Arade River from Portimão, with lunch, tasting stops, and hotel pickup for about 8 hours.
“A great fun filled day. Ricardo the guide was very knowledgeable and kept us entertained all day. The views from the mountains were spectacular. The three course luch was tasty with unlimited wine. A great day and good value for money.”
Hop off in medieval Silves for 1.5 hours on a small-group Arade River boat trip. Calm ride, bird life, and optional swim.
“We enjoyed our boat ride to Silves very much. Special thanks to Ana for communicating with us so well before the tour commenced. As our family group were the only guests on this tour, we asked to change the itinerary a little, which was no problem for Capitão Nemo. We are happy to recommend this tour.”
A small-group Algarve wine tour from Portimão with estate tastings and a farmer-style lunch at a historic vineyard.
“Fabio was a wonderful guide! He was very knowledgeable about grapes and wine making, and the farm lunch was incredible. We would definitely recommend this tour.”
Private Monchique mountain tour from Portimão: wine at Quinta do Frances, olive oil and medronho tastings, and lunch with views.
“Our guide, Fabio, was extremely knowledgeable. He made the tour very interesting and enjoyable. This is a great tour for both the wine expert and the wine novice.”
Private Monchique forest hike with medronho tasting, hotel pickup, cork oak trails, and an 11 km walk in Portugal’s Algarve.
“It’s an experience to recommend for all ages, the guide knows when to stop to explain all the biodiversity we encounter on our journey and we don’t feel out of breath. Congratulations for the knowledge of our experienced guide.Auto-translated”
A small-group 4x4 evening in Monchique Hills from Portimão, with citrus stops, sunset viewpoints, and dinner plus drinks.
“Ricardo, an amazing tour guide with so much knowledge. The views were incredible and the stop off to the farmers market to taste the local honey and ‘fire water’ was great.”
