In the countryside near Paderne, Donkey Tours offers one of the Algarve’s most disarming days out: an afternoon on a small farm in the hills where gentle donkeys, welcoming dogs and cats, chickens and geese turn a simple walk into the highlight of a family holiday. Guests arrive curious and leave smitten — with the animals, with the hillside views, and above all with Sandra, the host whose warmth powers the whole experience.
The format is beautifully unhurried. Visits begin with a tour of the grounds and an introduction to the resident menagerie, before each family meets and grooms their own donkey — children fall for this part instantly — and sets off walking or riding along beautiful hillside paths. Along the way comes a gentle education in the local plants and flowers, the kind of countryside knowledge no bus tour ever delivers.
Then there’s the food. Sandra is a first-class cook, and the farm lunches — fresh, outstanding, built around her own olive oil, olives and other homegrown goodies — get reviews as glowing as the donkeys themselves. It’s farm-to-table in the most literal sense, eaten with country views that stretch across the Algarve’s quiet interior.
As an antidote to the coast’s waterparks and boat trips, Donkey Tours is precious: calm, personal, genuinely educational and suitable for all ages. Book ahead — this is a small farm, not a conveyor belt — and come hungry. Few Algarve experiences send families home with fonder memories.
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Andrew Daniel
in the last weekIncredible experience, and lovely host in Sandra and family! We were recently visiting The Algarve and had learned about this family-fun experience through TripAdvisor in Paderne, a short drive from our resort. We were able to book a tour through our hotel and were so pleasantly surprised! Beautiful property, the donkey rides through the orange groves and delicious farm-to-table lunch were a fun, once-in-a-lifetime experience for us! Definitely check them out. 10/10 PS - Sandra, I just bought a lemon verbena plant after that delicious tea you served me :-)
Laura Moore
in the last weekWe had an absolute fabulous day with Sandra and the donkeys. After a welcome drink and a tour of the farm, we met and groomed the donkeys and learnt how to walk with them before setting off on our tour to the nearby village and back. The donkeys are absolutely beautiful and definitely have their own individual personalities. We then took a dip in the natural pool to cool off. We were treated to the most delicious and expansive lunch cooked by Sandra to finish off the experience perfectly. The scenery was beautiful, the donkeys were awesome and Sandra was the best host. I would 10/10 recommend to anyone.
William Dupuy
a week agoWe had a superb day at Donkey Tours. We were there with our daughter and grandchildren, all delighted by the place, the scenery, the atmosphere, the dogs, cats, sheep, and of course, the donkey ride. We were also charmed by Sandra's warm welcome, which made us feel comfortable throughout the day, and we enjoyed a very pleasant and generous meal. The children also thoroughly enjoyed the natural pool. Many thanks to Sandra, Fernando, and Lucas for this wonderful time we spent together.
Ellis Horstman
a month agoReally great! Well taken care of and very friendly. The people are really enthusiastic about making it a wonderful experience. We will definitely go to Donkey Tours again.
Tamsyn Hastings
a month agoWe had a wonderful morning with the donkeys on our trip to the Algarve. Sandra and her family/team were so welcoming and friendly. Meeting and spending so much time with the donkeys was a memory that will last forever. It was lovely seeing the abundance of different fruit trees and herbs that we don’t have at home, and it was a very informative but fun wander through rural Algarve, taking turns to ride and guide the donkeys. The food after was so fresh and delicious, rounding up a perfect day.