Things to do in Faro

Sunset Romantic Boat Tour

It is the ideal activity to surprise your loved one.

In this experience, you can enjoy a walk along the Ria Formosa in the late afternoon, with the sunset making this tour even more special.

Book and immerse yourself in the romantic magic of a sunset boat trip on the Ria Formosa. An undeniably enchanting experience.

Price: €200.00 (valid for 2 people)

Duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes

Departure: 5-minute walk from AP Eva Senses

For more information and reservations, please contact the reception at AP Eva Senses in Faro: rec.eva@ap-hotelsresorts.com | +351 289 001 000 (National Landline Call).

Dolphin Watching Boat Trip

In the coastal waters of the stunning Ria Formosa, in Faro, you have the opportunity to witness several species of dolphins in their natural habitat

And there are boat trips specially designed to give you the unique experience of observing these incredible beings.

On boat trips, there are specialized local guides to share knowledge about the different species and interpret the behavior of dolphins, which makes this experience even more enriching.

Therefore, if you are looking for an adventure for the whole family during your holidays in Faro, book your dolphin watching boat trip and immerse yourself in this unforgettable experience.

Duration: 2 hours

Price: Adult €45.00 Child (ages 5 to 10): €35.00

Departure: 5-minute walk from AP Eva Senses

For more information and reservations, please contact the reception at AP Eva Senses in Faro: rec.eva@ap-hotelsresorts.com | +351 289 001 000 (National Landline Call).

Birdwatching Boat Tour

Explore the Ria Formosa Natural Park and discover the fascinating world of birds with the Birdwatching boat tour.

In this wetland ecosystem, you have the unique opportunity to witness wildlife in action.

Majestic white storks, elegant white herons, and impressive spoonbills are just a few of the birds you can spot during the tour. In the winter, you might even catch glimpses of terns and flamingos.

The tour heads towards one of the islands within the Natural Park and also passes by oyster and clam nurseries, an essential part of the rich local culinary heritage.

Book your spot on this thrilling Birdwatching adventure and let yourself be enchanted by the unparalleled beauty of Ria Formosa.

Prices: Adults € 35.00

Children up to 8 years old: € 2.00

Duration: 2 hours

Departure: 5 minutes walk from AP Eva Senses

For more information and reservations, please contact the reception of AP Eva Senses in Faro: rec.eva@ap-hotelsresorts.com | +351 289 001 000 (National Fixed Line Call)

Faro Beach

Immerse yourself in one of the best beaches in the Algarve.

Visit Faro Beach, located just 9.5 km away from AP Eva Senses, and enjoy a full day of warmth.

If you’d like to have lunch in the middle of the day, at Faro Beach you have the D’Amare Restaurant available to enjoy a snack or a light meal.

Salt Pans Guided Tour

Near Faro, specifically in Olhão, the Grelha Salt Pans offer a unique experience to get to know and understand the production of a salt pan.

In detail, the entire process of production and harvesting of traditional coarse salt and Flor de Sal (premium sea salt) is explained, and it’s also possible to touch the salt in the crystallizers and observe the differences between various types of sea salt.

Other topics covered in the guided tour include the history of salt in Portugal and the world, biology (fauna and flora in the salt pans), and chemistry.

Departure: Olhão (requires transportation at an additional cost)

Duration: 1 hour

Prices per person:

Children 0-5 years – free

6 to 12 years € 5.00

13 years and older € 15.00

For more information and reservations, please contact the reception of AP Eva Senses in Faro: rec.eva@ap-hotelsresorts.com | +351 289 001 000 (National Fixed Line Call)

Kayak tour in Ria Formosa

Explore Ria Formosa by Kayak and Discover the Algarve Natural Park.

An ideal tour for those who enjoy connecting with nature.

On this 2-hour kayak tour, navigate through the channels of Ria Formosa towards the islands and beaches of this Natural Park, exploring areas of translucent waters and fine white sandy beaches. Along the way, also explore the salt flats and various islets where you can make stops to enjoy the stunning landscape.

Kayaking in Ria Formosa is a remarkable experience as it allows you to appreciate the richness of this Natural Park in detail. You have the opportunity to pass by fishermen and shellfish gatherers working diligently in clam and oyster beds, and along the way, you can observe birds such as the flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus), the grey heron (Ardea cinerea), the white stork (Ciconia ciconia), numerous fish, crabs, and sea slugs.

This is a fantastic experience worth sharing with your family or group of friends and is probably one of the best ways to explore the wonders of this unique region.

Price: Adult €50.00 Child (up to 8 years) €36.00

Duration: 2 Hours

Departure: 5-minute walk from AP Eva Senses

For more information and reservations, please contact the reception of AP Eva Senses in Faro: rec.eva@ap-hotelsresorts.com | +351 289 001 000 (National Landline Call)

Private Catamaran Tour

Gather your family and friends for a marvelous private boat tour through Ria Formosa aboard a spacious sailing catamaran.

A catamaran exclusively reserved for you and your family and friends will take you to the best deserted beaches and some of the hidden gems of Ria Formosa, all with a touch of luxury on board.

Observe the vibrant flora and fauna of the estuary from the comfort of a boat and take advantage of a private and flexible itinerary to explore Ria Formosa at your own pace.

Enjoy a tailor-made adventure to suit your interests, with options that can include catering, buffet service, transportation, a local guide, and a captain.

Duration: 3.5 to 7 hours

Capacity: Up to 16 people

Available Programs:

Full Day – 7 hours – from 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM

Half Day – 3.5 hours – from 10:30 AM to 2:00 PM or from 3:00 PM to 6:30 PM

Sunset – 2 hours – from 2 hours before sunset Prices starting from €490.00

Included: • Skipper • Hostess • Fuel • Snorkeling Equipment • 2 Paddle Boards • Complimentary Welcome Drink• On-board Bathroom

For more information and reservations, please contact the reception of AP Eva Senses in Faro: rec.eva@ap-hotelsresorts.com | +351 289 001 000 (National Landline Call)

Private Motor Yacht Tour

Visit the best deserted beaches and some of the finest hidden corners of Ria Formosa aboard a Private Yacht.

Observe the vibrant Ria Formosa from the comfort of a Yacht and take advantage of a private and flexible itinerary to explore Ria Formosa at your own pace.

The tours are conducted at reduced cruising speeds, allowing you to leisurely navigate the channels of Ria Formosa Natural Park and anchor in bays next to beautiful beaches.

The experience is fully personalized and aims to cater to your interests with options that include catering, buffet service, transportation, a local guide, and a captain.

Duration: 3 hours and 30 minutes to 7 hours

Capacity: Up to 8 people

Available Programs:

Full Day – 7 hours – from 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM

Half Day – 3 hours and 30 minutes – from 10:30 AM to 2:00 PM or from 3:00 PM to 6:30 PM

Sunset – 2 hours – from 2 hours before Sunset

Prices: 3 hours and 30 minutes from €450 / 7 hours from €700

Included: • Skipper • Hostess • Fuel at reduced cruising speeds within Ria Formosa • Snorkeling Equipment • 2 Paddle Boards • Complimentary Welcome Drink • On-board Restroom

For more information and reservations, please contact the reception of AP Eva Senses in Faro: rec.eva@ap-hotelsresorts.com | +351 289 001 000 (National Fixed Network Call)

Horseback Riding

The horseback ride allows you to enjoy the unique landscapes of Ria Formosa in a relaxing and calm manner.

It’s an experience accessible to all and does not require previous experience.

The minimum age is 3 years old, and you have 3 types of rides to choose from:

Palm Trees Ride – 1 hour – €40 per person

Small “Grand Canyon” Ride – 1.5 hours – €50 per person

Salinas Ride – 2 hours – €60 per person

For more information and reservations, please contact the reception of AP Eva Senses in Faro: rec.eva@ap-hotelsresorts.com | +351 289 001 000 (National Landline Call)

Sup Lessons (Stand Up Paddle)

Try a Stand Up Paddle lesson in the Ria Formosa and have a fun experience with your family and friends.

This activity starts at the Marina of Faro, right in front of the door of AP Eva Senses hotel, and is accompanied by 1 instructor.

Duration: approximately 4 hours

Prices:

1 person – €100

2 persons – €80 per person

3 persons – €70 per person

4/5 persons – €50 per person

All equipment is included (surfboard, wetsuit, SUP board, paddle, and life jacket), boat trip, as well as sports insurance.

Departure: at the doorstep of AP Eva Senses

For more information and reservations, please contact the reception of AP Eva Senses in Faro: rec.eva@ap-hotelsresorts.com | +351 289 001 000 (Call for National Landline)

Surf lessons

Enjoy a surf lesson in Faro and ride the waves like a “Local” at a unique spot in our Algarve.

The instructor selects the best location in the region based on weather conditions, and together with you, seeks out the best wave offerings for an adventure-filled and exciting lesson.

Transportation to the selected location is then provided by boat.

The lesson is suitable for all levels of performance, although it is more suitable for intermediate and advanced levels. Different types of lessons are available: individual, family, and small groups.

Duration: 2 hours

Prices: 

1 person – €100

2 people – €75 per person

3 people – €60 per person

4 people – €50 per person

All equipment is included (surfboard, wetsuit, and lycra), boat trip, as well as sports insurance.

Departure: Faro Beach (option of pick up with additional cost)

For more information and reservations, please contact the reception of AP Eva Senses in Faro: rec.eva@ap-hotelsresorts.com | +351 289 001 000 (National Landline Call).

Surfing, SUP and Oysters

This experience is the perfect combination of three wonderful activities: Surfing, Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP), and tasting the famous oyster, a delightful delicacy from Ria Formosa.

The activity begins with a boat trip to one of the most beautiful areas of Ria Formosa, Barrinha, where the surf lesson takes place*.

After the surf lesson, you’ll travel to the ria area for the stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) lesson*.

Following that, you’ll take a trip to one of the characteristic oyster beds in Faro Beach, where you’ll have the opportunity to taste the local oysters, a delicious treat, paired with a refreshing sparkling wine.

*This experience is suitable for all levels of performance, both for surfing and SUP.

Duration: approximately 4 hours.

Prices:

1 person: €100

2 people: €150

3 people: €200

4 people: €250

All equipment is included (surfboard, wetsuit, rashguard, SUP board, paddle, and life jacket), boat trip, oyster tasting, champagne, as well as sports insurance.

Departure: Faro Beach (option for pick-up with an additional cost)

Note: Can also be done by kayak.

For more information and reservations, please contact the reception of AP Eva Senses in Faro: rec.eva@ap-hotelsresorts.com | +351 289 001 000 (National Landline Call)

Restaurants in Faro

In addition to the wide gastronomic offering you can find in the restaurants and bars of AP Eva Senses hotel, there is also a diverse culinary scene in the restaurants of Faro city that you can and should experience.

On the days you go exploring the Ria Formosa Natural Park and visiting Ilha Deserta, you can, for instance, try out the Estaminé Restaurant. It’s a great meeting point to unwind with friends or family, enjoying fantastic dishes influenced by the natural cuisine of Ria Formosa.

On the other hand, if you want to indulge in a menu focused on traditional Portuguese cuisine, the Bottle.Wine&Food restaurant is the perfect place to go. Here, you can experience the finest national flavors, prepared with fresh and regional ingredients.

For seafood enthusiasts, the Taberna Ze-Ze restaurant is the ideal choice for your dinner or lunch. Their dishes are homemade, and their menu is quite diverse, with highlights including Cataplanas and seafood rice.

For those who prefer meat, the Faroon Steakhouse restaurant is the most suitable choice in the city of Faro. It offers the finest international meats, with options to suit all tastes, and is the perfect place to try new cuts of meat.

In Faro, you also have the following restaurants:

l’Osteria – focused on Italian cuisine

Kaira Sushi – focused on Japanese cuisine

Namastey – focused on Indian cuisine

Tour to the Islands of Ria Formosa Natural Park

Explore the Islands of Ria Formosa Natural Park with a special boat tour specifically designed to explore the barrier islands at your own pace.

In this circuit, you have various boat departure times to the three islands (every hour), allowing you the flexibility to visit each of them whenever you wish and choose how much time you want to spend on each island at your leisure.

Duration: You can spend the whole day exploring the islands and choose your return time to Faro. The ticket is valid for 24 hours on all trips until you return to Faro.

Price: €30 per person including return by Shuttle or Ferry.

For more information and reservations, please contact the reception of AP Eva Senses in Faro: rec.eva@ap-hotelsresorts.com | +351 289 001 000 (National Landline Call)

Ilha Deserta

Ilha Deserta is a magical and unique destination that invites tranquility and calmness.

It’s a one-of-a-kind place dominated by nature.

Perfect for a relaxing day at the beach, where you can find sun loungers and straw umbrellas for maximum comfort on “Praia das Conchas” (available upon reservation and at an extra cost).

On Ilha Deserta, you can also observe wildlife, take a walk to Cabo de Santa Marianas, swim in the crystal-clear ocean waters, sunbathe, or enjoy a memorable meal at the Estaminé restaurant.

To get to and from Ilha Deserta, you have two transportation options: the Island Shuttle and the Ferry.

The Island Shuttle is a fast speedboat that takes you from Faro to Ilha Deserta and the Estaminé restaurant on a short trip. This boat transportation is safe, suitable for the whole family, and available every day, year-round, with multiple departures daily.

For colder or rainy days, there’s a fast boat with a cabin available, ensuring your comfort during the journey to Ilha Deserta.

Travel time: 15 minutes

Price per trip: 10€ per person

The Ferry is a fully covered catamaran, very comfortable, with 2 bathrooms on board, and it’s also a regular shuttle service with multiple departures daily.

Travel Time: 45 minutes

Price per Trip: €5 per person

For more information and reservations, please contact the reception of AP Eva Senses in Faro: rec.eva@ap-hotelsresorts.com | +351 289 001 000 (National Fixed Line Call)