What to do in Vale Formoso

Activities, attractions and tours

Vale Formoso Attractions

Let Expedia help you to experience the best that Vale Formoso has to offer! If you’re planning a trip to Vale Formoso, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling to Vale Formoso with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Places of interest in Vale Formoso

Vale Formoso is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay in Vale Formoso, and make it a breeze to explore Vale Formoso and the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Vale Formoso to make sure that you enjoy your holiday to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit to Vale Formoso, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights in Vale Formoso.

Vale Formoso attractions

Vale Formoso has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions in Vale Formoso to keep you entertained. Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Vale Formoso.

Looking for things to do in Vale Formoso can be time-consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine of Vale Formoso or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Vale Formoso attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season. Happy trails!

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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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Albufeira Old Town Square featuring a city and a sunset

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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Falesia Beach showing rocky coastline, general coastal views and a sandy beach

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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Vilamoura Marina which includes a bay or harbour

4. 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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Sao Rafael Beach which includes general coastal views, a sandy beach and rugged coastline

5. Olhao Harbour

Life in Olhão centers on the city’s harbor and marina area. Watch as fishing boats pull into dock and unload their catches, many of which will be bound for nearby restaurants. Or, take a boat trip to the fabulous beach-lined barrier islands of Ria Formosa Natural Park.
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Olhao Harbour featuring a bay or harbor

6. Salgados Beach

Salgados Beach (Praia dos Salgados) offers an idyllic combination of recreation and relaxation on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. Spend a day soaking up the sun, swimming in the calm seawater and watching the sunset. Enjoy walks on miles of empty coastline and explore the nearby lake and wildlife area.
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Salgados Beach featuring a beach and general coastal views as well as an individual male

7. Gale Beach

The golden sand, inviting water and picturesque backdrop of Galé Beach (Praia da Galé) is quintessential of the Algarve’s coastline. The beach is the eastern section of a stretch of uninterrupted coastline that runs for around 3 miles (5 kilometers) to the village of Armação de Pêra.
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Gale Beach featuring a sandy beach, general coastal views and swimming

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Recommended things to do in Vale Formoso

Number of things to do
135
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Algarve Uncovered: Coast, Culture, and Villages Tour: £3
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Vale Formoso

Popular places to visit

Vilamoura Marina showing a bay or harbour

Vilamoura Marina

4.5/5(504 reviews)

Take a boat trip to see dolphins and go parasailing with a tour operator near this marina, which is bordered by the town’s main strip of restaurants and nightclubs.

Vilamoura Marina
Praia da Falésia beach cliffs aerial Algarve Portugal 2

Vilamoura Beach

4.5/5(271 reviews)

Why not spend a care-free afternoon at Vilamoura Beach during your travels in Vilamoura? Visit the spas and lively bars in this relaxing area.

Vilamoura Beach
Drink in hand sunset down!

Garrao Beach

If a restful holiday is part of your travel plans, Garrao Beach might be the perfect place to visit during your trip to Vale do Garrão. While in this relaxing area, you can savour the top-notch restaurants.

Garrao Beach

Aqua Show Park

4.5/5(20 reviews)

Have a fun-filled day with the family at Aqua Show Park as part of your trip to Quarteira. Wander through the beautiful beaches and marina in this relaxing area.

Aqua Show Park

Quinta do Lago Beach

If a restful holiday is part of your travel plans, Quinta do Lago Beach might be the perfect place to visit during your trip to Quinta do Lago. Attend a sporting event in this relaxing area or seek out the golf courses.

Quinta do Lago Beach

Loule Town Market

4.5/5(4 reviews)

You can find the perfect gifts to bring home at Loule Town Market during your visit to São Clemente. Stroll along the seaside in this relaxing area or visit its top-notch restaurants.

Loule Town Market

Casino Vilamoura

4/5(1 review)

Why not roll the dice with a visit to Casino Vilamoura during your time in Quarteira? Stroll along the marina in this relaxing area or seek out the golf courses.

Casino Vilamoura

Loule Castle

4.5/5(62 reviews)

Loule Castle is just one of the places to see in São Sebastião, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Make time for the spas and golf courses in this relaxing area.

Loule Castle

Quinta do Lago Golf

Enjoy a round of golf in Almancil at Quinta do Lago Golf. Stroll along the seaside or visit the spas in this relaxing area.

Quinta do Lago Golf

 

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 Formoso

Most people travel to the South of Portugal to spend time at the beaches of the Algarve. But beyond that... there is so much more to be explored! Ria Formosa, an immense (and picturesque!) body of water, is a great place for walks and wildlife spotting! #localgem

Almancil

Neo-Classical Igreja Matriz Church, Estoi, Loule, Faro district, Algarve, Portugal

Loulé

Frequently asked questions

Is Vale Formoso worth visiting?
From shopping to outdoor activities and history, there are loads of great things to do in Vale Formoso. Make sure to enjoy the area's blend of awesome attractions, culture and local charm.
How do I spend a day in Vale Formoso?
After you've visited key attractions like Praia de Forte Novo and Family Golf Park, spend the rest of your day discovering Vale Formoso's shopping and dining scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Vale Formoso?
The top tourist attraction in Vale Formoso is Praia de Forte Novo, so don't forget to add it to your sightseeing list.
Is three days enough to stay in Vale Formoso?
You can easily tour top sights like Praia de Forte Novo, Paintarena Portugal and Algarve Stadium with a three-day stay in Vale Formoso. On average, most travellers book five days here. There's plenty to do and see nearby too, so stick around longer and venture to Albufeira.
Is Vale Formoso a walkable city?
Some key attractions in Vale Formoso, including Paintarena Portugal and Algarve Stadium, are within walking distance. You can also experience several of the city's neighbourhoods on foot. Only 2 kms (1 mile) from central Vale Formoso is Cerro do Mocho and Alfarrobeira is 2 kms (1 mile) away.
What are some activities to do in Vale Formoso with kids?
Whether you're travelling with tiny adventurers or hard-to-please teens, an itinerary filled with fun activities makes a big difference. Take a look at our recommendations for what to do in Vale Formoso with kids.

What to do in Vale Formoso for adults?
From incredible food and cultural attractions to thrilling activities and one-of-a-kind experiences, there's no shortage of fun things to do in Vale Formoso for adults.
Are there free things to do in Vale Formoso?
One of the easiest ways to learn about free things to do in Vale Formoso is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider views on hip neighbourhoods, parks and other highlights you can enjoy without opening your wallet. Praia de Forte Novo is one place that doesn't charge an admission fee.