Best of the East: Faro, Olhão, Tavira and Vila Real de Santo António

If you’re considering a day trip to the Algarve’s eastern coast, this tour promises to show you some of the region’s most picturesque towns and highlights. While we haven’t personally taken this exact tour, reviews and the itinerary reveal what travelers can expect—both the highs and the potential pitfalls.

What really draws us to this experience are the chance to explore Faro’s historic Old Town and to enjoy Olhão’s distinctive fishing port, both of which offer unique sights and local flavor. Plus, the opportunity to wander through Tavira’s charming streets and admire its Roman bridges and castle ruins makes this trip appealing for those wanting a taste of authentic Algarve life.

However, a key consideration is the mixed quality of the reviews—while many praise the guides and scenery, some travelers were disappointed by logistical issues or the itinerary changes, like the abrupt omission of Vila Real de Santo António in some cases. And at around $62 per person, the value depends heavily on how much you enjoy bus tours and guided exploration.

This tour is a good fit if you’re after a structured, sightseeing-focused day that hits several highlights without too much hassle. It’s especially suitable if you’re new to the region and want a broad overview, but if you prefer exploring at your own pace or visiting specific sites, this might feel a little rushed.

Key Points

• Includes several towns with distinct characters, from Faro’s old town to Olhão’s fishing port and Tavira’s historic sites.
• Provides hotel pickup and drop-off, making it convenient without the hassle of planning transport.
• Offers free time to explore, but the stops are relatively short, so pace yourself.
• Prices are reasonable, but the value hinges on how much you enjoy guided bus tours versus independent wandering.
• Not all sites are visited inside; some are just viewed from outside, which could be a letdown if you’re eager for more in-depth experiences.
• Mixed reviews indicate that while some travelers love it, others found it disappointing, especially regarding itinerary changes or guide interactions.

A Deep Dive into the Itinerary

Starting in Faro’s Old Town

Your day begins in Faro, Portugal’s capital of the Algarve, where the tour meets at a central point. From there, you’ll hop onto an air-conditioned bus and head into Faro’s historic center. The highlight at this stop is strolling through the charming cobbled streets, where you can admire the architecture and the medieval Arch of Vila—the gateway to the Old Town.

Many reviews mention how much they appreciated this part of the trip. Marjorie, for instance, said, “The sites visited in Faro were fantastic,” and noted the appeal of its architecture and local shops. You’ll have about an hour here, which is enough for a quick look around and some souvenir shopping, but don’t expect a deep dive into every corner.

Olhão’s Fish Market and Unique Houses

Next, your journey takes you to Olhão, a fishing port famed for its distinctive cube-shaped houses and lively market. It’s a place where you can get a real sense of local life, especially if you enjoy markets and fresh seafood. As Cathy pointed out, the multilingual commentary on the bus enhances your understanding of Olhão’s history and cultural ties with Africa.

You will have around an hour here, giving you time to explore the market and the Moorish-style houses from the outside. Some travelers, like Judy, highlight the fish and vegetable market as a memorable part of the day, especially if you’re into local culinary scenes.

Crossing the Roman Bridge into Tavira

From Olhão, you’ll cross the Ponte Antiga—a Roman-era bridge—to reach Tavira, often called the “Venice of Algarve” for its waterways and bridges. Tavira’s charm lies in its Roman bridges, Renaissance churches, and the partially ruined Tavira Castle. You’ll spend about an hour exploring here.

The castle, in particular, is a popular photo spot, with views over the town that many find rewarding. DIVYA told us they appreciated how each location offered something different, emphasizing Tavira’s historical richness and beauty. While the inside of the castle isn’t included in the visit, you can enjoy the views from its ramparts.

Tavira Castle and Free Exploration

You’re encouraged to explore Tavira further during your free time, potentially visiting sites like the Roman bridge or wandering the quaint streets. The town’s relaxed vibe and picturesque surroundings make it a good place for a short stroll or a quick lunch before heading to the final stop.

Vila Real de Santo António’s Riverside Views

Your last stop is Vila Real de Santo António, a lovely village on the border with Spain. Here, you’ll take in views of the Gilão River and Ria Formosa Natural Park. It’s a quiet, scenic ending to the day, perfect for some photographs or a quick wander before heading back.

Returning to Your Hotel

After a full day of sightseeing, the bus heads back to your hotel, arriving in the late afternoon. The journey is about 9 to 10 hours altogether, so it’s a fairly long day, especially if you prefer relaxed pacing.

What the Reviews Tell Us

Multiple reviews echo the positive sentiments about the guide’s knowledge and the scenic stops. Judy appreciated the guide’s expertise, and Sylvia enjoyed seeing the storks nesting in Faro. On the other hand, some travelers expressed frustration over logistical issues—like late pickups, abrupt itinerary changes (such as Vila Real de Santo António being left out without warning), and inconsistent guide engagement.

The most common praise is for the scenery and local sights. Several mention Tavira’s beauty and Olhão’s market as highlights. Food and local markets are a recurring theme, with many recommending trying local treats during free time.

Conversely, a few reviews point out that the length of stops can be too long or too short, depending on personal preference, and that some sites are only viewed from outside. One reviewer was disappointed when Vila Real de Santo António was dropped from the itinerary without prior notice, which underscores the importance of checking the current schedule before booking.

The Practical Side: What You Need to Know

Transportation and Group Size

You’ll travel in an air-conditioned coach that can host up to 55 travelers. The group size is manageable, but be prepared for some multi-lingual commentary, which can sometimes mean repetitive information if many languages are spoken.

Price and Value

At around $62 per person, the tour offers a fairly priced way to see several key towns in one day. Keep in mind that admission fees are not included, so if you want to go inside the castle or other sites, you’ll pay extra. Given the short visits and outside viewings, many might find the value is best for those who appreciate guided overview rather than in-depth exploration.

Timing and Duration

Starting at 9:00 am, you’ll spend about 9 to 10 hours on the trip. The long day suits travelers who enjoy structured tours but might feel tiring if you prefer exploring at your own pace. The stops are designed to give a taste, not a deep dive, so manage your expectations accordingly.

Food and Drinks

Lunch isn’t included, but guides are happy to suggest local restaurants. Most travelers find this a good opportunity to taste regional cuisine, especially seafood in Olhão or tapas in Tavira. You’ll need to budget for your meal separately.

Accessibility and Suitability

Most travelers can participate, but the tour involves some walking, especially around town centers and sightseeing spots. The mention of children isn’t explicit, but if you’re traveling with young kids, consider the length of the day and the pace.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

If you’re someone who enjoys seeing multiple towns in one day, appreciates guided commentary, and doesn’t mind a long bus ride, this tour offers a solid overview of the East Algarve’s treasures. It’s especially suited for first-time visitors wanting to get a quick feel for Faro, Olhão, Tavira, and Vila Real de Santo António without the hassle of planning individual trips.

However, if you prefer exploring at your own pace or have specific sites in mind, this may not be your best bet. The reviews suggest that the experience can vary depending on the guide and the day’s logistics. Be prepared for some mixture of highlights and compromises—like outside-only views and itinerary adjustments.

Overall, it’s a good value for a broad introduction, particularly if your time is limited and you want a taste of authentic Algarve towns with minimal fuss.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included in the tour?
Yes, the tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off within the Algarve region. If your hotel isn’t available, a nearby location will be provided.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts roughly 9 to 10 hours, starting at 9:00 am. Expect a full day of sightseeing and driving.

Are inside visits included?
No, admission fees are not included, and the stops are primarily outside views or quick explorations. You can visit some sites like Tavira Castle on your own if you wish.

What is the group size?
The maximum number of travelers is 55, which helps keep the group manageable but still lively.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance. Refunds are available if canceled within that window.

Is this tour suitable for families or children?
While most travelers of all ages participate comfortably, the long hours and walking might be tiring for very young children. The tour isn’t explicitly designed for families, but it’s flexible enough for older kids who enjoy sightseeing.

If you’re after a straightforward, scenic taste of East Algarve with a bit of history and local flavor, this tour could be a good match. Just keep in mind the mixed reviews and the importance of managing expectations about pace and inside visits.