Algarve Life Sciences Center

★★★★★ 4.4/5 (4,781 reviews) Very Good

About This Museum

This isn't your typical, stuffy museum where you just look at things behind glass. The Algarve Life Sciences Center is a wonderfully hands-on place where you're encouraged to touch, ask questions, and really get a feel for the local nature. It's a modest but fascinating spot that feels more like a guided exploration than a silent walkthrough. You'll find everything from slimy sea creatures to some surprisingly charming eight-legged locals.

Collection Highlights

The star of the show is definitely the touch tank, where you can gently handle creatures from the Ria Formosa lagoon. They also have a dedicated arachnid exhibit that might just change your mind about spiders! The rest of the collection focuses on the unique natural history of the Algarve region.

Visitor Information

Plan for a guided tour—it's the best way to experience the place and get all the cool stories from the passionate staff. It's located just off the main drag in Faro, so it's super easy to pop into after exploring the old town.

Architecture & Building

Housed in a simple, functional building that feels more like a friendly science lab or field station than a grand museum.

Contact & Location

Address: Centro de Ciência Viva do Algarve, Rua Comandante Francisco Manuel, Faro (Sé e São Pedro), Faro, 8000-138, Portugal

Phone: +351 289 890 922

Website: Visit Website