Algarve can be the perfect spot in Portugal to relax on a beach and soak up the sun. However, the weather can take a turn for the worst! Fear not, there are plenty of indoor attractions that will keep you entertained on a rainy day in Algarve. Whether it’s pouring it down or you’re simply sick of the sun, these attractions are not to miss.
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Museu de Portimao | Mina de Sal-gema in Loulé | Chapel of Bones in Évora | Go wine tasting | Take a spa day | Algarve Live Science Centre | Go shopping | Explore Algarve your own way in a rental car
Museu de Portimao
The award winning Museu de Portimao is a peculiar attraction to visit on a rainy day in Algarve. Known locally as the sardine museum, this museum tells the history of Portugal and the sardine canning industry that was once the dominant industry of the local area. The museum is open 6 days a week (closed monday) and admission fees at €0 – €3 making it a cheap day out!
Mina de Sal-gema in Loulé
Escape the rain by descending 230 metres underground to the rock salt mine tour in Loulé. Bask at the 230 million year old rock formations whilst learning the intricacies of the rock salt mining process. The Mina Sal Gema is the only below sea-level mine in Portugal that is open to the public. Multi language tours are available Monday to Friday and tickets cost €15 – €25.
Chapel of Bones in Évora
This spooky attraction is sure to give you the chills! This chapel located in Évora has interior walls made up of the skulls and bones of around 5,000 corpses. The chapel was constructed in the 16th century due to nearby cemeteries taking up too much valuable land. Not wanting to condemn the souls, the bones were dug up and displayed within the chapel.
Go wine tasting
Algarve is home to several wine producers that take on wine-tasting tours. Get shelter from the rain in the wine cellars and have a drink or two of authentic Portuguese wine. You’ll find the majority of the wineries around Albufeira and Lagos. The Adega do Cantor winery in Gunia is one of the most famous in Algarve and is even part owned by Cliff Richard!
Take a spa day
A spa day may be the perfect way to relax if the weather is too bad to sunbathe on the beach! There are dozens of spas across the Algarve so it’s best to look into which ones aren’t too far to drive to in your rental car. Spas located in hotels or resorts are open to the public.
Algarve Live Science Centre
This science museum in Faro is perfect for families who are stuck inside due to poor weather. This interactive learning centre is the perfect blend of fun and learning for kids. The science centre is open 6 days a week (closed Monday).
Go shopping
Shelter from the rain at the Mar shopping centre near Faro. This modern indoor shopping centre has a vast array of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues to keep you occupied on a rainy day in Algarve. Furthermore, Mar also has an IKEA and the largest Primark store in Portugal!
Explore Algarve your own way in a rental car
Portugal is your oyster when travelling by rental car. However, some of these attractions may be difficult to reach by public transport, especially in the rain! Book your car hire from locations all across Algarve with Zest. Check out our blogs on How to avoid the Algarve toll roads and What are the dos and don’ts in Portugal.
Portugal car rental links you might find useful
