Dia da Pré-História at ICArEHB, Gambelas: Algarve Visitor Guide

The Dia da Pré-História is a full-day, hands-on archaeology experience on the University of Algarve’s Gambelas campus near Faro, inviting adults and children to explore how our prehistoric ancestors really lived.

What is Dia da Pré-História?

Dia da Pré-História is organised by the Interdisciplinary Centre for Archaeology and the Evolution of Human Behaviour (ICArEHB) at the University of Algarve. For one day, the Gambelas campus is transformed into an open-air archaeology laboratory, where visitors can experience aspects of daily life from tens of thousands of years ago.

Instead of a traditional museum visit, the event is designed as an immersive, sensory journey. Researchers guide you through a 1 km route in the wooded area of the campus, with interactive stations that bring prehistoric technology, art and food to life.

Why visitors and expats will enjoy this event

For tourists, digital nomads and expats looking for different things to do in the Algarve beyond beaches and boat trips, Dia da Pré-História offers a rare chance to engage with cutting-edge archaeology in a relaxed outdoor setting.

The event is:

• Accessible and informal – you do not need any background in archaeology or history.
• Family-friendly – children can touch, try and experiment rather than just look at displays.
• International in flavour – activities are led by international researchers, making it welcoming for non-Portuguese visitors.
• Close to Faro – ideal if you are staying in or around Faro, or arriving via Faro Airport.

What to expect at Dia da Pré-História in the Algarve

Along the 1 km forest trail on the Gambelas campus, you will pass through several themed stations, each focusing on a different aspect of prehistoric life. Expect a relaxed, exploratory atmosphere where you can move at your own pace.

Activities and demonstrations include:

• Prehistoric cooking – learn how people in the Palaeolithic might have prepared food, and see how fire and simple tools were used.
• Stone tool making – watch how versatile tools were created from stone and understand why these technologies were so important.
• Art and decoration – create pigments, try your hand at painting and make shell beads, inspired by prehistoric artistic traditions.
• Handling real artefacts – carefully handle genuine archaeological objects under the guidance of researchers.
• Treasure hunt for kids – younger visitors can search for hidden prehistoric images along the trail, turning learning into a game.

As Tomos Proffitt, the ICArEHB researcher responsible for the event, explains, the goal is not to build a museum but to offer a “tactile experience of being human”. You are encouraged to feel the weight of stone tools, smell the smoke of a prehistoric-style fire and realise that the science of the past is very much alive in the Algarve today.

Practical information

Dates and opening times

Dia da Pré-História takes place on 30 May 2026, running from 10:00 to 17:00. It is a daytime event, so it fits easily into a spring or early summer Algarve itinerary.

Tickets and entry

Entry to Dia da Pré-História is free, but advance reservation is mandatory. The organisers ask all participants to book their place before attending. On the day, you should bring:

• Comfortable walking shoes suitable for a 1 km forest trail
• Sun protection (hat and sunscreen)
• Water and light snacks or a packed lunch
• A curious mindset and readiness to explore

How to get there

The Campus de Gambelas belongs to the University of Algarve and is located just outside Faro, in the central Algarve. This makes Dia da Pré-História easy to combine with a city break in Faro or a wider Algarve holiday.

Many visitors choose to drive, as having a car makes it easier to reach university campuses and explore the region at your own pace. If you are flying into Faro Airport, it is worth taking a look at options to compare car hire at Faro Airport so you can move freely between events, beaches and towns.

From central Algarve resorts such as Vilamoura, Quarteira or Albufeira, Gambelas is a straightforward drive inland towards Faro. Taxi and ride-hailing services are also commonly used in the area, but journey times and prices will depend on where you are staying.

Tips for making the most of your visit

• Allow enough time – the trail is only 1 km, but you will want to stop at each station, ask questions and let children explore.
• Dress for the outdoors – the route passes through a forested area, so wear comfortable clothes and footwear suitable for uneven ground.
• Stay hydrated and snack-ready – bring water and snacks, especially if you are visiting with children.
• Combine with other activities – use the event as a starting point to plan more things to do in the Algarve, from historic towns to coastal walks.

Make a day of it in the Algarve

After exploring Dia da Pré-História, you are perfectly placed to discover more of central Algarve. Faro’s old town, nearby beaches and nature areas can easily fill the rest of your day, whether you prefer relaxed sightseeing or a sunset by the sea.

If you are staying longer, use this event as a cultural highlight within a broader Algarve itinerary that balances history, nature and the region’s famous coastline.