The Formula 1 in Portugal, the 2020 Portuguese Grand Prix, takes place over 66 laps of the 4.684-kilometre Autódromo Internacional do Algarve, in Portimão, on Sunday, October 25th. If you’re planning to assist this spectacular race, please enjoy Portugal to the fullest during your stay. As part of SeaBookings’ team is from the Algarve, we’re happy to share some of the things to do in Portugal during your visit for the Formula 1.
Regarding the 2020 Portuguese Grand Prix, on the official website of Formula 1, you can find the full weekend schedule, including details of practice and qualifying sessions, support races, press conferences and special events, plus the latest news headlines, circuit information and F1 race results.
The 2020 Portuguese Grand Prix takes place in Portimão, in the Western Algarve known for its lovely weather, stunning beaches, great hospitality and delicious cuisine. Given that part of SeaBookings’ team is from Lagos, close to Portimão, we decided to share some local insight on the things you should do during your trip to the Formula 1 in Portugal.
Given the current situation of the pandemic, our tips on things to do in the Algarve are mostly outdoors and all recommended tour providers and establishments comply with the Portuguese Clean & Safe stamp.
What to do during your trip to the Formula 1 in Portugal
Visit Ponta da Piedade, Lagos
The incredible rock formations of Ponta da Piedade are the natural highlight of the city of Lagos. Lagos is situated very close to Portimão and to the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve. You can easily reach Lagos by car, Uber, train or taxi. You can visit Lagos as a day trip beside the unmissable Ponta da Piedade, the city’s downtown is surely worth a visit too.
Ponta da Piedade’s red cliffs are a true natural sculpture with its unique arches and caves shaped by the wind and sea. To visit Ponta da Piedade, you can take the steps down to the clear water, which is protected by the rocks and has an enchanting turquoise colour. You can also take a walk on the wooden footpath over the cliffs and enjoy the view from the headland, which stretches all the way to Cape St Vincent, in Sagres, in the west.
Another way to enjoy Ponta da Piedade is on one of the typical one-hour boat trips. These boat tours depart from the modern Marina de Lagos (which is worth a visit too with its great restaurants surrounded by a nautic vibe). Onboard a small motorboat, a local guide will take you to explore the caves and creeks.
Visit the Benagil Caves
The Caves of Benagil are some of the most-known sea caves in the world. These impressive rock formations are located right next to the beach of Benagil, but to reach them, you need a kayak, SUP board or a boat. Inside the unique Benagil caves, there’s a little beach.
The Benagil caves are located close to the town of Lagoa, which is only 20 minutes away from the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve. You can easily reach Lagoa and Benagil by car, Uber or taxi. You can read more about how to get to the Benagil Caves here.
There are many different ways to visit the Benagil Caves. The most adventurous might prefer a kayak or SUP tour to Benagil. We also have many different boat tours to the caves. You can join a 2-hour boat tour from Portimão, for example. To visit the Benagil Caves in a more luxurious way, you might want to charter a catamaran or motor yacht in Portimão.
Spot wild dolphins
Watching wild dolphins in their natural habitat is a truly unique experience. Great news: dolphins love the waters of the Atlantic around the coast of the Algarve and they can be spotted all year round.
We have dolphin tours from several locations, so it can be a nice day trip for your trip to the Formula 1 in Portugal:
- Sagres: visit the most Southwestern point in Europe to go dolphin watching.
- Lagos: embark on “Tornado”, a 950HP jet-propulsion RIB in search of wild dolphins.
- Portimão: on this trip, you can go dolphin watching and visit the Benagil caves too.
- Albufeira: this dolphins and caves cruise in Albufeira is a must for families.
- Vilamoura: the dolphin safari and caves boat trip in Vilamoura is a two-in-one too.
- Olhão: from Olhão, the dolphin trips are only for early-bids, when the conditions are best.
- Tavira: Tavira is a very nice town to visit, the perfect combo with a boat trip.
Have lunch in Monchique
Located inland and referring to the villages and countryside of the largest mountain of the Algarve, Monchique is a gem for nature lovers.
On clear days, you can see the Monchique mountains from almost all of the central and western Algarve. To get to the base of the mountain, it’s only a short drive from Portimão where it is well signposted both from the highway A22 and from the national road EN125. Actually, the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve, is located right at the foot of Monchique.
We strongly recommend visiting Monchique during your trip to the Formula 1 in Portugal. The road that mounts up the hill is small and narrow, so enjoy it calmly, as the views are breathtaking and worth taking the time to admire.
There are quite some things to do in Monchique, especially for those who like some outdoor adventure. Monchique is a great place for hiking, trail running, downhill cycling or off-road on mountain biking to explore the forest. For those who rather take things at an easy pace, a jeep safari tour or even a few hours at the spa can be a nice idea.
What we definitely recommend is having a meal in Monchique, either for lunch or dinner. At “O Império”, you’ll find the best chicken piri-piri and at “Luar da Fóia”, you can try some local dishes on a terrace with panoramic views and charming service. For both restaurants, we recommend booking a table.
Of course, there are many more things to do in the Algarve. If you’re looking for something else, feel free to contact us at any time. At SeaBookings, we’re specialized in sea experiences, but as we’re locals from the Algarve, we’re very happy to help you to make the most out of your stay in Portugal for the Formula 1.
