What to do in Vale de Santa Maria

Activities, attractions and tours

Places to Visit in Vale de Santa Maria

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Vale de Santa Maria, Albufeira while also allowing you to save a ton on travel arrangements. Regardless of whether you’re an urban explorer or an intrepid outdoor enthusiast, we can help you decide exactly what to do and see during your time in town.

Our thorough travel guides offer you an insider’s perspective on all of the best Vale de Santa Maria attractions from NZ$12, making it easy for you to decide which places to visit and when. And by using Expedia.co.nz to set your sightseeing schedule, you can take in more of the enchanting attractions this area is famous for.

From group Vale de Santa Maria tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 499 of the most popular events, activities, and attractions in this corner of the world. So whether you’re travelling alone, alongside a loved one, or with the whole family in tow, be sure to browse through our extensive travel guides prior to your plane touching down in this spectacular Vale de Santa Maria. We even have a massive selection of flights, car hires, and accommodation for you to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today, and you’ll be having the time of your life before you know it.

Activities

Benagil & Marinha Boat Tour

Benagil & Marinha Boat Tour

NZ$70
per adult
Benagil & Marinha Boat Tour
Benagil Cave and Marinha Beach Boat Tour from Portimao

Benagil Cave and Marinha Beach Boat Tour from Portimao

NZ$60
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Benagil Cave and Marinha Beach Boat Tour from Portimao
Albufeira: MiniGolf Adventure Park Entry Ticket

Albufeira: MiniGolf Adventure Park Entry Ticket

NZ$28
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Albufeira: MiniGolf Adventure Park Entry Ticket
Benagil Cave Sunset Cruise

Benagil Cave Sunset Cruise

NZ$30
per adult
86% of travellers recommend
Benagil Cave Sunset Cruise
From Vilamoura: Sunset Catamaran Experience

From Vilamoura: Sunset Catamaran Experience

NZ$40
per adult
From Vilamoura: Sunset Catamaran Experience
From Albufeira: Half-Day Algarve Jeep Safari

From Albufeira: Half-Day Algarve Jeep Safari

NZ$80
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
From Albufeira: Half-Day Algarve Jeep Safari
From Faro: Benagil Cave, Marinha & Carvoeiro [Full-Day Tour]

From Faro: Benagil Cave, Marinha & Carvoeiro [Full-Day Tour]

NZ$110
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
From Faro: Benagil Cave, Marinha & Carvoeiro [Full-Day Tour]
Silves Castle

Historical Algarve - Full-Day Trip

NZ$86
per adult
Historical Algarve - Full-Day Trip
Albufeira: Coastline and Benagil Caves Tour by Catamaran

Albufeira: Coastline and Benagil Caves Tour by Catamaran

NZ$70
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Albufeira: Coastline and Benagil Caves Tour by Catamaran
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Top places to visit

1. Albufeira Old Town Square

Albufeira Old Town Square (Jardim Público de Albufeira) is the beating heart of the atmospheric Albufeira Old Town. This tree-shaded public space offers superb dining, entertainment, people-watching and shopping experiences. Visit Albufeira Old Town Square at any time of the day to witness a true essence of this ancient fishing village.
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A bustling street in a historic town with white buildings, shops, and signs for restaurants and bars.

2. Falesia Beach

Falésia Beach comprises a long stretch of golden sand at the foot of tall, colorful cliffs. It is part of a scenic strand running for about 4 miles (6 kilometers), between Vilamoura and Albufeira. Marvel at the dramatic hues of red and orange that stain the white cliff face bordering the beach.
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A beach with waves at sunset, a cliff with trees, and a clear sky.

3. Vilamoura Marina

With about hundreds of spaces for boats, Vilamoura Marina is a large and busy harbor in the center of the town. All types of yachts and cruisers adorn the picturesque marina, which is bordered by restaurants, bars and clubs. Watch people go by and soak up the lively atmosphere amid the town’s charming waterways.
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A marina with sailboats, a dock, and buildings in the background.

4. Alvor Beach

Spacious, sandy Alvor Beach is a good choice for those seeking a quieter alternative to nearby Praia da Rocha. Find a peaceful spot somewhere along the lengthy stretch of golden sand and take advantage of the beach’s many facilities.
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A sandy beach with gentle waves, a clear blue sky, and distant rocky cliffs.

5. Sao Rafael Beach

São Rafael Beach (Praia de São Rafael) is close enough to Albufeira for a daytrip yet far enough away that it escapes the bustle of the city. São Rafael Beach is famous for its dramatic limestone cliffs, some of which have been eroded over centuries into curious shapes. The beach sits in a sheltered bay and boasts safe, crystal-clear water and powdery sand that runs gently between your toes.
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A coastal landscape with a sandy beach, rocky cliffs, and a group of people standing near the water.

6. Benagil Beach

Surrounded by blue-green waters and cliffs ranging in color from pale beige to gold, Benagil Beach is postcard material. Come here simply to sunbathe and swim, or take a boat trip to view the nearby caves, coastal cliffs and dramatic rock formations.
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A beach with turquoise waves crashing against a sandy shore under a large rock formation.

Recommended things to do in Vale de Santa Maria

Number of things to do
499
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Albufeira Audio Guided Walking Tour 2h30 and 20 reviews: NZ$12
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Vale de Santa Maria

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Vale de Santa Maria

A beach with a sunset, calm sea, and a boat in the distance.

Albufeira

A beach with waves, a jet ski, and a cityscape in the background.

Gale

Frequently asked questions

Is Vale de Santa Maria worth visiting?
Whether you want to experience the local charm and cultural attractions or try regional foods and explore in nature, there's no shortage of things to do in Vale de Santa Maria.
How do I spend a day in Vale de Santa Maria?
Start your adventures with a visit to the must-see sights in the area. Then, explore other parts of Vale de Santa Maria for a bite to eat and some shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Vale de Santa Maria?
From cheap activities for all kinds of travellers to popular attractions and tours, scroll up for a range of unmissable things to do in Vale de Santa Maria.
Is three days enough to stay in Vale de Santa Maria?
Three days is enough for a quick getaway to Vale de Santa Maria — you'll tick off the main attractions and get a good idea of the local vibe. But if you want to really experience it all, stick around for at least seven to ten days to discover some hidden gems too.
What are some activities to do in Vale de Santa Maria with kids?
Whether you're travelling with young explorers or playful teenagers, a schedule filled with fun activities takes your trip to the next level. Take a look at our recommendations for what to do in Vale de Santa Maria with kids.

What to do in Vale de Santa Maria for adults?
From fantastic food and cultural highlights to thrilling adventures and one-of-a-kind experiences, there are plenty of exciting things to do in Vale de Santa Maria for adults.
Are there free things to do in Vale de Santa Maria?
There are lots of free things to do in Vale de Santa Maria. Explore the parks or join in on free events and festivals. Vale de Santa Maria offers plenty of budget-friendly experiences that let you experience this area without breaking the bank.