Experiences
Things to do, with the house as your base
Ria Formosa boat trips, water activities, restaurants we like to recommend and local services to make your stay simpler. Some are Madalena partners; others are just good ways to get to know Faro at your own pace.
Ria Formosa and activities
Boat trips, water and nature leaving from Faro.
Local partner
Ilha Deserta — Animaris
Discover the Ria Formosa by water, with island connections and different nature trips leaving from Faro.
- Ria Formosa
- Boat trips
- Islands
Local partner
Salty Experiences
Surf, SUP, kayak and local experiences with a team that knows Praia de Faro and the Ria Formosa.
- Surf
- SUP and kayak
- Praia de Faro
Activities depend on the tides, sea conditions and the team's availability.
Local recommendation · self-guided route
Caminho do Ludo
A route between the lagoons, salt marshes and salt pans of the Ria Formosa, good for walking and watching birds.
- Birdwatching
- Nature
- Self-guided route
Eating in Faro
Four places we like to recommend, with no rankings.
Local partner
Restaurante Chefe Branco
Portuguese and regional cooking, known for its grills, fish, seafood and skewers.
- Portuguese cooking
- Grills
- Fish and seafood
Local partner
Há Pátria
Portuguese flavours, tapas and traditional dishes in a room inspired by the country's culture.
- Portuguese cooking
- Tapas
- National flavours
Local partner
Pizzeria Bell’Antonio
A traditional Italian pizzeria in the centre of Faro.
- Pizza
- Italian cooking
- Central Faro
Local partner
Lodo Osteria
Seafood and flavours tied to the Ria Formosa, served in a relaxed room in central Faro.
- Seafood
- Ria Formosa
- Central Faro
Getting here and around
From the airport to the front door, without the hassle.
Local partner
AD Transfers
Private transfers to and from Faro Airport, chauffeur service, golf transfers and private tours around the Algarve.
- Faro Airport
- Private transfer
- Algarve
Want help putting your day together?
Reception is open 09:00 – 18:00 and knows the day's boat, bus and train times.
Call +351 964 426 262We pick partners and recommendations that make sense for people staying at Madalena. Some partner links may earn the hostel a commission. Whenever there is a specific benefit for guests, we say so explicitly.