Lisbon · ALMADA TOURS
The shortlist you would hand a friend heading to Lisbon: 10 almada tours worth the money, each with its price, what travellers thought and the one thing to check before you book.
Spend 90 minutes on the Tagus aboard a Lisbon sunset cruise with a professional DJ and one complimentary drink. Depart from the white pier at Cais da Ribeira das Naus, pass Alfama, Belém Tower, and Cristo Rei, and pause for sunset views. The host speaks English and Portuguese. No guide is named.
“Staff friendly, boat stopped at great spots for pictures - good music good wine”
Head from the Costa de Caparica parking lot to the beach for a three-hour SurfChamp lesson. You’ll get a wetsuit and board, learn the basics on the sand, then practise in the water with a group of no more than six. Sandro is a named instructor, and a pastel de nata has been a welcome end-of-class treat.
“Had a great time learning how to surf! 🏄 Sandro was a great teacher! Truly recommend him if you looking to try surfing in Lisbon !”
Captain Paulo takes your private group from beneath the 25 de Abril Bridge west to Belém Tower, then east along Lisbon’s old center. Expect river-level views, stories about the city and its monuments, and a welcome glass of white or rosé wine. The two-hour route is especially appealing near sunset, though weather can change the plan.
“A boat cruise undersail is special. We were lucky to have the wind needed to put the sails up. Our guide was so friendly and happily explained how the sails work, how to steer to the wind. A leisurely cruise with some nice wine was a thoroughly enjoyable activity. Plus the added bonus of seeing dolphins.”
Leave the Lisbon area for a small-group day in Arrábida Natural Park with local guide Paulo. Expect scenic viewpoints, a beach stop, a flexible 30-to-90-minute hike, sea caves and historic sites. The group is limited to six, and the day can be adjusted to your interests. Bring lunch, and pay attention to Paulo’s advice about footwear for the rocks.
“Paulo was amazing, he took me to many beautiful spots and sightseeing, he is well knowledgeable and entertaining. I highly recommend booking a tour with him”
Spend 1.5 to 2 hours learning the basics of surfing on a white sand beach at Costa da Caparica. Your qualified instructor covers paddling, board position, standing up, and water safety. Board, wetsuit, and insurance are included. Instructors such as David and Daniel have led lessons, with English, Spanish, and Portuguese offered.
“A group of 8 of us had a brilliant first lesson. Most of us were complete beginners and the wonderful instructors taught us the basics, how to stay safe and helped us practice over the course of 2 hours. Will be back!”
Set sail from Alcântara with a private group of up to 12 for a two-hour Tagus cruise. Your English- or Portuguese-speaking guide points out Belém Tower, the Discoveries Monument, Commerce Square and King Christ. Take in the city from the water, with a welcome drink, Portuguese snacks, blankets and Wi-Fi on board. Sunset departures offer views as the light fades.
“Amazing shippers ! Nice boat we really enjoyed this relaxing and nice tour !”
Step aboard the Fragata D. Fernando II e Glória, the last wooden sailing ship of the Portuguese Navy and the last frigate of the Carreira da Índia. In about an hour, explore four decks, see shipboard scenes and use a free QR-code guide. The vessel sits in a dry dock; the nearby U-boat is not included and remains closed.
“Nous avons beaucoup apprécié la visite à l'intérieur de la frégate. Point négatif : le personnel à l'accueil peu souriant. Problème lors du paiement automatique du parking (billet resté bloqué dans la machine). Lorsque nous l'avons signalé, nous avons été agressé verbalement par l'agent qui est venu nous dépanner.”
Meet near Nova Praia for a small-group or private surf lesson at Costa da Caparica. Coaches such as Tiago, Bruno, and Andres teach in Portuguese or English, with a surfboard, wetsuit, and insurance included. Expect roughly 1.5 hours of instruction within a two-hour activity, with the start time set by tide and swell.
“The experience was great. Bruno, our instructor was really amazing. Thanks to Tiago who arranged a last minute booking for us and we had the best time. Couldn’t be happier than this. Thanks for everything.”
Walk from Pedreiras through oak and dense scrub to a high limestone cliff above the sea, then return by trail with a local guide. The private hike covers about 12.7 km and takes around 4.5 hours, with panoramic views and little tourist traffic. Guides have included Andre, Rui, and Antonio. Rough, overgrown sections call for sturdy shoes and covered legs.
“Our guide Antonio made the day really enjoyable and memorable. From the moment he picked us up from our hotel he created a great rapport and sense of fun. The whole trip felt entirely customised to what suited us best so the pace of everything was very relaxing and also very interesting. Antonio has a very engaging personality and was full of information about the fauna, plants and history of the area. The hike itself along the cliff was extremely beautiful with outstanding sea views. It was a wonderful experience and would absolutely recommend it.”
Set out from the Hard Rock Cafe in a private tuk-tuk with a German-, English-, or French-speaking guide. Cross the 25 de Abril Bridge to Christ the King, then see an old, fire-damaged winery now marked with street art. Guides including Filipe and Sibylle have led the route, which takes about two hours.
“Hat trotz Regen sehr viel Spaß gemacht. Auch wegen unserem tollen Chauffeur Philippe :) Er hat uns viel gezeigt und Tips gegeben.”
Pick a hill, a riverbank or a palace.
