Friday 17 April tours

For Friday 17 April you have the choice of six parallel tours. Each of these tours will lead to very different destinations in the Algarve.

During the registration process, you will be asked to sign up for a tour, as well as for an alternative in case your preferred tour is already full or cannot take place for any reason.

1 -  It's all about stories

In the ‘cubist town’ of Olhão, we will trace the path of legends, immersing ourselves in narratives that have influenced lives for centuries. Passed down from generation to generation, these legends act as keys to interpreting the territory. They open access to the symbolic dimensions of the urban space and reveal the emotions, fears, and hopes that have shaped the daily life of the Algarvian people.

Each legend evokes characters, events, and beliefs that help us understand the collective identity of Olhão: the courage of its fishermen, their respect for the sea, their coexistence with the unknown, and the deep sense of belonging to a community that has always known how to resist and reinvent itself.

We’ll end the tour with a tasting of some of Olhão’s traditional gastronomic delights.

2 - Cork is everywhere

A visit to the Eco-cork factory in São Brás de Alportel immerses us in the world of cork, one of Portugal’s most emblematic natural materials, one of Portugal’s greatest natural treasures and one of its most exported products worldwide.

In this family-run factory the love for cork has been passed down from generation to generation. Here, the ancestral knowledge of cork harvesting and transformation is preserved and at the same time adapted to modern times.

We’ll learn about the complex relationship between this remarkable material and the region's economy and environment. Here, we’ll witness the meticulous craftsmanship involved in harvesting cork, a process steeped in tradition and skill.

By the end of our visit, you’re sure to carry with you a newfound appreciation of cork – not just as a product but as a symbol of sustainable practices that connect us with nature and the hardworking individuals who dedicate their lives to this industry.

3 - Once a coveted treasure, now an everyday commodity: salt

Our visit to the Loulé Rock salt Mine will take us 230 meters below the surface in one of the most important and fascinating geological sites of the Geoparque Algarvensis.
Today, small businesses like the Loulé salt mine face significant challenges. Our visit will demonstrate how opening the mine up to visitors has ensured survival, maintained and created jobs and fostered a deeper understanding of this vital resource and of the broader contexts in which it operates.
We will not only delve into millions of years of Earth's history and learn about the diversity of salt but also discuss how interpretation can help small businesses to find new ways forward in challenging times.

4 - Through time and cultures

Surrounded by a serene agricultural landscape with orchards, orange groves and fertile gardens fed by abundant natural springs. the ruins of Milreu are the impressive remains of a luxurious Roman villa. Situated at one of the important ancient trade routes in the green hinterland of the Algarve the archaeological site of Milreu reflects the complex history of the region, shaped by the various cultures that settled here over the centuries.

For the locals, the ruins of Milreu are far more than just a tourist attraction. They are a symbol of their cultural identity and historical heritage. Milreu invites us all, locals and visitors, to reflect on the enduring connection between past, present and future. As you explore the site, you will discover not only the splendour of Roman times but also the spirit of a community deeply connected to its heritage.

5 - Ria Formosa: A natural sanctuary

Hop aboard a boat and experience the stunning Ria Formosa with its barrier islands, salt marshes and sand dunes as well as its rich flora and fauna. Discover with us this unique dynamic coastal ecosystem which is constantly changing with the tides, currents, and winds.

The Ria is not only a resting and feeding stop for migratory birds on their way to the South. It’s also home of emblematic species like seahorses shrimp, crabs, molluscs. Serving as nurseries for many marine species, the Ria is essential for Atlantic biodiversity.

The importance of the Ria Formosa goes far beyond its ecological value. It supports traditional economic activities such as fishing, shellfish harvesting, aquaculture, and salt production. Culturally, it has always been a vital part of the identity of coastal Algarve communities, with traditions that remain alive today.

6 - The other Algarve

Discover the hidden gems of the Algarve beyond its stunning beaches and rugged cliffs. Locals insist that the true character of the Algarve can only be revealed inland.

On the one hand, a visit to the Algarvensis Geopark is like a journey into the past, uncovering millions of years of geological and natural history. On the other hand, in the Algarve’s hinterland, centuries-old traditions and crafts have developed through the interplay between the landscape and the people who live there. Much has survived, while other practices, forgotten over time, have been rediscovered and adapted to the present day. Innovative initiatives now foster a vibrant identity and a deep sense of pride among local communities.

Experience with us the “other” Algarve, its natural beauty and the dedicated people who work to enhance and safeguard its cultural, environmental, and geological heritage.