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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Tamsyn Hastings
in the last weekWe 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.
Silke Pachan
in the last weekHello, we had our tour with our host Sandra today and I have to say I'm speechless after such a beautiful day, a little paradise she has created there with the donkeys and other animals like dogs, cats, chickens... the landscape, the natural pond and her wonderful, warm, and genuine hospitality 😍 Our tour was led by her son and it was really great 👍🤗 Thank you so much and when we are back in Portugal we will definitely visit you again.
Axel Kermes
in the last weekJohn Wick (JohnWick2802)
in the last weekAn absolute highlight in the Algarve – a day filled with warmth and relaxation! Today, our family spent an unforgettable day at this beautiful donkey farm. If you're looking for an authentic, welcoming, and all-around perfect experience away from mass tourism, this is the place for you! Upon arrival, Sandra greeted us with incredible hospitality and a refreshing welcome cocktail. The relaxed atmosphere immediately charmed us. A personal highlight: As a father, I was particularly taken with the three cuddly dogs and two cats – the extensive cuddle sessions with these affectionate four-legged friends were simply wonderful! After a very thoughtful introduction and our first meeting with the good-natured donkeys, we set off. Our guide, Antonio (one of Sandra's sons), was simply fantastic: He's extremely multilingual (he speaks excellent German, among other languages) and led us through the beautiful Algarve landscape with great knowledge and charm. A relaxing stop at a café perfectly rounded off the tour. Back at the farm, Sandra treated us to a culinary feast fit for a king. The special touch: much of it was homegrown! A huge, lovingly prepared selection of tapas. Sensational, homemade olive oil and delicious olives. A fantastic main course, refined with fresh herbs straight from the garden, and seasonal fruit for dessert. After dinner, we enjoyed the perfect refreshment in the farm's swimming pond. With breathtaking views, wonderful conversation, and incredible peace and quiet, we completely lost track of time. In short: A truly perfect day of pure relaxation that we won't soon forget. Many thanks to Sandra, her family, and Antonio for this wonderful getaway. We wholeheartedly recommend you! Warmest regards from Diana, Nelly & Marcel
Oliver Lotz
a week agoWe visited the donkey farm with the whole family and were thrilled! The donkeys are very friendly and well-cared for, and you can immediately tell how much love and dedication has gone into running the place. The food was delicious, and the atmosphere was relaxed and welcoming. It was a real highlight for our children, and we adults had a wonderful time too – we'd love to come back!