We went on the 1700/5pm cruise to the caves and coasts in early September and man was it worth it…read more We paid 33 euros for a shop that was about 50+ passengers and we got to see the caves and the coast. On top of that, there is a bartender on the boat who did very generous pours. Probably our best investment thus far in the south of Portugal. Well done!

Very fun parasailing experience but short. The boat set off at 5 and came back at 5:40. There were…read more5 groups on the boat, meaning every group only got about 5 minutes in the sky, not 10 minutes as the company advertised.

From the owner: Embark on a Journey of Discovery with Formosamar in the Stunning Ria Formosa Natural Park!…read more We specialize in curating unforgettable boat trips, engaging activities, and immersive tours amidst the breathtaking beauty of the Ria Formosa Natural Park and along the enchanting Algarve coastline. Our dedication lies in showcasing the splendor of the Ria Formosa, a gem recognized as one of Europe's most vital protected areas and recently crowned as one of the 7 Natural Wonders of Portugal. Founded with a passion for this ecological marvel, Formosamar strives to provide an expansive and harmonious array of boat trips, tours, activities, and nature tourism experiences within the Ria Formosa. Experience the Algarve like never before with Formosamar, as we present a comprehensive selection of tours and activities both at sea and on land. Departing from Faro with multiple daily schedules available year-round, we offer the possibility to explore the Ria Formosa Natural Park through our meticulously crafted tours. Whether by boat, kayak, bike, or on foot, our expert guides and monitors will accompany you on a journey to discover the very best that the Ria Formosa has to offer. Join us and unlock the secrets of this pristine natural haven, where every moment is an opportunity to connect with the wonders of nature. Your unforgettable adventure begins with Formosamar, where passion meets exploration!

The staff is very nice and helpful. Comfortable room with a beautiful bathroom. Heated tile. No…read moreroom number, just cute whimsical pictures of butterfly, snail, and little creatures on wall to match with your key. The pictures are actually their wine labels and were drawn by the owner couple's children. The fireplace area is very inviting, great place to relax and enjoy the evening. Or to use your computer/phone as you don't get much wifi signal in the rooms (but it seems to be a common problem in the hotels I visit in Portugal.) The infinity pool has a nice view of the vineyard but it was too cool to swim in when I visited. Breakfast buffet is very delicious too, elegantly laid out with juices, fruit, an array of cheeses (some locally made), bread, home-made yogurt in glass jars, and more. The hotel is part of a farm, where they grow grapes, make their own wine, breed their pigs (pata negra) to feed on acorns, grow olives and make oil, plus more. The staff is happy to take you on a tour of the farm in their jeep, which was very interesting and a good learning experience. If you come at the right time, you can participate in the grape or olive harvest as well, and may get to stomp on some grapes! They do have some very good wine, and the olive oil is so flavorful I bought a bottle. Dinner at the restaurant is certainly delicious, from the bread with dip and spread, to the codfish and dessert. It's more modern fusion than rustic traditional. The location is somewhat in the middle of nowhere, but if you just want to chill and not do a lot, this is a great place to stay. More for couples than family with kids. It's a bit overpriced but I definitely plan to return for a special occasion, maybe my anniversary? Room Tip: There is no bad room, but they have two bigger rooms with a loft.

Herdade da Malhadinha is a beautiful, calm, peaceful and serene property. We loved our three day…read morestay at this boutique 10 room property. It was completely relaxing. The hotel is set in a large estate surrounded by grape vines, olive trees, and cork trees. The views are lovely and peaceful. Breakfast is served buffet style - a huge spread with produce from their farm (fruits, honey, olives, fresh jams) and local foods. Eggs are made to order. Just delicious! There are activities available on property for a fee (archery, horse back riding, etc). We did their complimentary wine tour which included a tour of the property and wine tasting. They are truly a family business - the wine bottle labels feature artwork from the owners' children. We also did archery with their activities guide, who is super friendly. We traveled as a couple and found it very relaxing. There were also families with children, but it was never noisy. It's a beautiful space. There is a beautiful infinity pool, but the water is way too cold even on warm sunny September days. They offer spa services (I had a massage - it did not meet expectations), but it's not up to par with the rest of the property and I don't recommend. The on-property restaurant is a delicious. They use in season and local ingredients. They exclusively serve their own wines and the olive oil is made with their own olives. The desserts are creative and delicious! We loved our stay and would totally recommend!