‘Discovering Industrial Tourism’ features 150 immersive experiences across Portugal
The Algarve is set to showcase a lesser-known side of itself through 18 industrial tourism experiences which can be enjoyed throughout the region from April 5 to 19.
The experiences are part of a national initiative entitled ‘À Descoberta do Turismo Industrial’ (Discovering Industrial Tourism), which features 150 immersive experiences across Portugal.
Organised in collaboration with 13 regional partners, the Algarve’s program showcases live industrial sites and historical landmarks. Participants can explore cork and olive processing factories, museums dedicated to the canned fish industry, and embark on guided tours of wineries and olive mills where they can sample award-winning products. Additionally, visitors can experience traditional salt flats, marvel at local biodiversity, and venture into the depths of the Loulé rock salt mine.
Beyond tours, the agenda includes creative workshops, photography challenges, and unique culinary experience.
According to tourism authorities in the Algarve, the initiative aims to strengthen regional cohesion, diversify year-long tourism and position the Algarve as a destination that values its productive and industrial heritage.
“The Algarve has extraordinary wealth when it comes to industrial heritage and boasts strong potential to establish itself through differentiating touristic experiences,” said Algarve tourism chief André Gomes. “We are committed to supporting and promoting our partners, fostering a sustainable and diversified tourism offering.”
Here’s the full list of events that can be experienced in the Algarve:
- Discovering Cork (April 7 to 11 and 14 to 18, from 10am to 12pm, at NF Cork in Faro, €25)
- Egg Hunt and Wine Tasting (April 13, 10am, at Quinta da Tôr in Loulé, €23.50 for adults and €13.50 for children)
- Photography Excursion Down the Mine (April 14, from 9.30am to 3.30pm, at the Loulé Rock Salt Mine, €30 for participants and €15 for assistants or companions)
- Salt Hunters in Search of Halite (April 16, from 2.30pm to 5.30pm, at the Loulé Rock Salt Mine, €30 for one adult and one child, plus €7.50 for each additional person up to a maximum of five)
- Salaris – Fiction Inspired by Salt (April 17, from 2pm to 6pm, at the Loulé Rock Salt Mine, free with a purchase of a ticket)
- Picnic at the Quinta (April 7 to 11 and 14 to 18, at 10am, 12pm, 2pm and 4pm, at Viveiros Monterosa in Moncarapacho, €31 for two people)
- Guided Tours of Salinas do Grelha (April 14 to 18, 10am and 3pm, at Salinas do Grelha in Olhão, €15 per person with minimum of two people and discounts based on number of participants)
- The Sardine – From the Sea to the Can (April 5, 3pm, at Portimão Museum, free admission)
- “Work’s Around the Corner and Home’s Next Door” Visit (April 12, 3pm, at Portimão Museum, free admission)
- Guided Tours of the Eco Cork Factory (April 5 to 17, 11.30am and 2pm, at Eco Fábrica da Cortiça in São Brás de Alportel, €16.50)
- Cork Bracelet and Keyring Workshop (April 5 to 17, 11.30am and 2pm, at Eco Fábrica da Cortiça in São Brás de Alportel, €9.50)
- Guided Tour of the Sabor do Sul Olive Mill – Pecoliva (April 5 to 19, 9am to 11am and 2pm to 4pm on weekdays, at Pecoliva in São Brás de Alportel, €1)
- Classic Wine Tasting (April 5 to 19, 11.30am on weekdays, at Cabrita Wines in Silves, €25)
- Prestige Wine Tasting (April 5 to 19, 4pm on weekdays, at Cabrita Wines in Silves, €45)
- Premium Visit & Tasting (April 7 to 11, 2.30pm to 4pm, at Paxá Wines in Silves, €25)
- Guided Tour of the Olive Factory with Tasting (April 7 to 11 and 14 to 17, 4pm to 5.30pm, at Hélder Madeira Unipessoal in Tavira, €19.90)
- From the Wheat Storehouse to the Storehouse of History (April 5, 3pm to 5pm, at Vila do Bispo Museum, free)
- Visit to the Canning Industry (April 5 to 19, 9.30am and 4.45pm on weekdays, at the António Rosa Mendes – Torreão Sul Municipal Archives in Vila Real de Santo António, free, minimum of three people and maximum of 15)
The full agenda is available in Portuguese, English, and Spanish.
