Lagos & Silves: Algarve Wine Tasting Tour with Tapas & Pickup

Summary

Silves old town strolls, vineyard barrels and Algarve wine sips

You’ll ride from Lagos into the Algarve countryside with a local guide, passing orange groves and cork trees before tasting three regional wines at a family-run vineyard (with cheese and sausage tapas). There’s time to lose yourself among Silves’ winding streets and ancient castle walls — you’ll probably leave thinking about one small detail long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

We’d barely left Lagos before the landscape started changing — orange groves everywhere, and these ancient cork trees that our guide Rui pointed out. He said some of them were older than the castle in Silves, which I thought was just one of those things guides say, but looking at the thick bark I kind of believed him. The van was quiet except for Rui’s stories and the soft clinking of glass bottles in the back. I kept catching this faint citrus smell through the open window. Maybe it was just my imagination or maybe those oranges are really that strong.

The winery itself felt more like someone’s home than a business. We wandered through a cool production room where everything echoed — footsteps, Rui’s voice explaining how they press the grapes, even my friend’s laugh when she tried to pronounce “Arinto” (she did not nail it). The best part for me was sitting outside with the wine tasting: three local wines, each poured with this little flourish, and a plate of cheese and sausage that tasted so much better than what I’d expected from a “tapas” plate. I’m still thinking about that white wine — crisp but not sharp, if that makes sense.

Afterwards we had time to explore Silves on our own. The castle loomed over everything; you could hear kids playing soccer somewhere behind its walls. I wandered up cobbled streets past old men playing cards under an awning and ducked into a tiny bakery for something sweet (can’t remember what it was called — Rui would know). The sun was starting to dip by then, making the red stone glow weirdly warm. Didn’t expect to feel so attached to such a small place after just an afternoon.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Wine tasting and Silves visit

• Visit winery production room
• Taste 3 local wines with tapas
• Explore Silves old town
• Visit Moorish Castle and Cathedral

Top questions

How long is the wine tasting tour from Lagos?

The tour lasts approximately 4 hours including travel time.

Is hotel pickup included in this Algarve wine tour?

Yes, hotel or port pickup and drop-off are included in your day.

What wines do we taste on this Lagos wine tour?

You’ll taste three different local Algarve wines during the visit.

Are food or snacks provided on this day trip?

A plate of cheese and charcuterie-style tapas is served with your wine tasting.

Do we have free time in Silves during this tour?

Yes, there’s free time to explore Silves’ old town, castle, or cathedral (tickets not included).

Is this small group tour suitable for children?

The minimum age is 6 years; specialized infant seats are available if needed.

How far is Silves from Lagos by car?

The drive from Lagos to Silves takes roughly 40 minutes depending on traffic.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel or port pickup and drop-off in Lagos, bottled water throughout the journey, guided visits at both the winery and countryside sights, three Algarve wine tastings paired with cheese and sausage tapas, plus free time to wander Silves’ old town before heading back.