Algarve Coastal and Historical Trails

Algarve Coastal and Historical Trails

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Algarve Coastal and Historical Trails

8 Days Starting in Zambujeira and ending in Cabo de São Vicente, 8650 Sagres, Portugal

Visiting: Zambujeira do Mar, Odeceixe, Aljezur, Praia da Arrifana, Carrapateira, Vila do Bispo, Cabo de São Vicente

Tour operator:

The Natural Adventure

Tour code:

132

Group Type:

Independent

Guide Type:

Self Guided

Physical rating:

Medium, Moderate

Age range:

18-80

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:
English

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

Rota Vicentina is a network of walking trails in south-western Portugal along the most beautiful and best-preserved coastline of Southern Europe. The second half of the Rota Vicentina complete route goes through the beautiful Algarve region. Our Algarve Coastal and Historical Trails walking holiday in Portugal invites you to explore the unspoiled landscapes and seascapes of Portugal’s south-western coastline combining sections of the Fishermen’s and Historical routes.

Highlights

  • The historic castle towns and whitewashed villages

  • The rolling countryside covered in cork, carob and almond trees and citrus orchards

  • Cabo de São Vicente – the most south-western point of continental Europe

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Zambujeira Do Mar

Location: Zambujeira do Mar

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Rosa dos Ventos or similar

Meals Included: No Meals

Zambujeira is a charming fishing village, famous for its picturesque cliffs, beaches, surf and fresh fish. In the evening, have dinner in one of the restaurants overlooking the sea.

Day 2 : Zambujeira - Odeceixe

Location: Zambujeira do Mar, Odeceixe

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Casas do Moinho or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

This is one of the most popular hiking routes used by the fishermen going South, heading to Odeceixe, the first village in the Algarve region. You’ll find plenty to explore, passing by Carvalhal Beach, the residence of the famous fado singer Amália Rodrigues and the locally famous harbour of Azenha do Mar, and these are just some of the highlights. After recharging your batteries at Azenha do Mar’s seafood restaurant, you will have the energy to continue your journey to Odeceixe, where the bridge over the river sets the border between Alentejo and Algarve regions.

Walking for the day: 18km, 6h ↑260m ↓280m

Day 3 : Odeceixe - Aljezur

Location: Odeceixe, Aljezur

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Vicentina Hotel or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

From Odeceixe you keep walking south near the coast, passing through the small agricultural village of Rogil, where you’ll be able to try their famous sweet potato. After that, you will keep going south until you reach the village of Aljezur.

Walking for the day: 22km, 6h ↑400m ↓400m

Day 4 : Aljezur - Arrifana Beach

Location: Aljezur, Praia da Arrifana

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hi Arrifana or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today you will follow the Fishermen’s Trail and explore the way into Arrifana beach, with amazing views over the ocean. Wonderful place to spend some time enjoying the beach.

Walking for the day: 18km, 5-6h ↑600m ↓600m

Day 5 : Arrifana Beach - Carrapatiera

Location: Praia da Arrifana, Carrapateira

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Pensão das Dunas or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

Leaving Arrifana, you will walk south in the company of both sea and mountain, a beautiful walk enjoying the hills, dunes and flat sandy beaches from the top of the cliffs. A very primitive and untouched part of the route, which will offer a big diversity of species along the way. A blooming garden during spring time, with amazing colours from butterflies and all the different flowers, and with beautiful foliage during the fall, providing blackberries and wild strawberries to the walkers.

Walking for the day: 23km, 6h ↑400m ↓500m

Day 6 : Carrapateira - Vila Do Bispo

Location: Carrapateira, Vila do Bispo

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel Mira Sagres or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

This day brings again beautiful colours, hills meeting the sea, beautiful meadows in the valley’s bottoms, small rivers running towards the ocean and temporary ponds, extremely important for the local biodiversity. There will be opportunities to watch some unique bird species, especially as you approach Vila do Bispo.

Walking for the day: 21km, 6h ↑300m ↓200m

Day 7 : Vila Do Bispo - Cabo De Sao Vincent

Location: Vila do Bispo, Cabo de São Vicente

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Mareta View or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

The last stage of your walking adventure will take you to the most south-western point of continental Europe. Also a destination for many pilgrims following the steps of St Vincent. This is a good area for bird watching, so pay attention and keep your binoculars ready.

Walking for the day: 19km, 5h ↑210m ↓280m

Day 8 : Departure

Location: Cabo de São Vicente

Meals Included: Breakfast

Return home or individual stay extension.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    7 nights accommodation in small hotels, as described

  • Meals

    7 breakfastst

  • Luggage transfers from hotel to hotel on all walking days

  • Recommended restaurants list

  • Detailed holiday information pack including GPS-checked and regularly updated route descriptions and maps

  • GPS tracks to use via our smartphone navigation app

  • Phone assistance by our local office/representative

What's Not Included

  • Airfare and connecting land transfers

  • Lunches, dinners, drinks and snacks

  • Travel insurance

  • Personal expenses

  • Local tourist taxes and entry fees (payable on-site)

  • Any items not explicitly listed as included

Check out our Q&As

  • Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?

    This will be provided on all documentation

  • Difficulty and terrain

    This holiday is appropriate for seasoned walkers and requires a reasonable level of fitness; average walking time is 5-6h per day (20km). Some stages can be optionally shortened The routes are on waymarked paths and trails, including walking on sand and dirt roads, and in general, the itinerary is very easy to follow. We strongly advise you to follow only marked trails and never try to shorten the path through the unknown and unmarked terrain. We will provide you with detailed road notes and maps, and you can call our local assistance phone number. More detailed info on route navigation will be included in your holiday information pack.

  • Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?

    Yes we can, please contact us for details

  • Is there a supplement for solo travellers?

    This holiday is available for solo travellers; a supplement will be charged as accommodation and luggage transfer costs are not shared (we never mix and match – solo travellers will be accommodated in single rooms). If you’re travelling in a group, a supplement applies to group members who would like to have a room of their own

  • When to go

    This trip is available in February – beginning of June and mid-September – November. Best months to visit are March – May/June and October – November. The flexibility of self guided holidays means that there are no fixed dates and you can start your trip on any date during the season. The region is benefiting from the Mediterranean climate which brings long, warm and dry summers and very mild winters. The region receives more sun each year than California. The spring season is warm, with temperatures averaging around 20C to 21C across the season. The autumn is typically warm and pleasant, cooling slightly by November. Late-season sun-seekers can still be found sunbathing throughout the autumn, enjoying average daily maximum temperatures ranging from 26C in September to 19C in November. December is winter’s wettest month with 96 mm of rainfall through the month, typically. Whilst the winter season is warm – expect the air to feel cool to mild, although you might find temperatures in the sunlight to be as high as 20C – the days are much shorter, with an average of nine hours of daylight in December.

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    All guides are English Speaking

  • Are flights included in this tour?

    No, international flights are not included

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    The Natural Adventure was founded by people who love hiking and cycling in wild and wonderful places. Places that we want to keep that way. Responsible tourism has, therefore, been at the heart of what we do since the get go.

  • Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?

    In April 2020 as a response to the COVID-19 crisis, we launched the Support Local Communities Initiative. We have enabled an option when booking a tour for customers to make a donation to support our local partners. 100% of the donations go directly to our local suppliers.

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    Whether you’re travelling on your own, as a couple, a group of friends, or a family, our self-guided holidays allow you the freedom to choose your own holiday companions.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Our self guided walking and cycling holidays typically include: Accommodation, Breakfasts, Luggage transfers, Detailed holiday information pack including GPS-checked and regularly updated route descriptions, road notes and maps, 24/7 phone assistance by our local representative and/or our central office

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    We are part of the 'Safe Travels' initiative.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    Yes, as long as you can reach the next location.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Accommodations in double or twin rooms (solo travellers are usually accommodated in single rooms at an extra cost; we never mix and match)

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    If possible, and entirely at the discretion of the Tour Operator, a change of the dates may be possible without charging an amendment fee, provided that it is requested at least 30 days before the departure date. In some cases, we will still have to pass to you any non-refundable charges imposed by our suppliers. In all other cases, change of dates will normally be treated as a cancellation.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    All places have been carefully checked by us and their quality is regularly monitored. We have selected accommodations that offer friendly service, clean and comfortable rooms and local flavour.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    The Natural Adventure was founded in the UK in 2009, by Peter Duncan, former UK Chief Scout and BBC Blue Peter presenter, and Alex Pazderski, an avid hiker and acclaimed expedition kayaker. Both natural adventurers and keen explorers of wild places and trails, remote communities and responsible tourism partners, Peter and Alex founded our company inspired by the responsible travel values t

Reviews of this operator

Kicki Neely  

Walking Fishermens trail in western…

19-Sep-2022

Walking Fishermens trail in western Portugal will be a memory for life. We loved every minute of our week. All arrangements worked perfectly, from accommodation to luggage transport to questions we had before setting off. Our local agent met with us before we started the walk and we felt very reassured by his local knowledge and support. All accommodation was different, local, clean, friendly and easy to find. Very good value for money. I can really recommend Natural Adventure company and we will be back for more adventures. Many thanks Kicki Neely and friends

Marian Wilkins (Google Reviewer)  

A friend and I did...

25-Jan-2024

A friend and I did the Alps to the Riviera walk in France at the end of 2021 and it was the best holiday experience either of us has ever had. It’s an amazing way of immersing oneself in the countryside and getting the full flavour of the country away from the tourist attractions. The Natural Adventure Company made perfect arrangements for us, gave us clear directions and was just a call away, to sort out any issues. The walk gave us incredible memories that will enrich us for a lifetime. I am in the process of booking my next wonderful adventure and I can’t wait to get started!

Cynthia Shinn (Google Reviewer)  

I have been working with...

26-Feb-2024

I have been working with The Natural Adventure for a few years now and it's been a flawless experience. I have now booked 4 different trips (4th to happen in April 2023). Accomodations have been great and local operators (bikes, hiking guides and boats) have all been great. The rates are very fair and trip selections are great. Hoping to see some boat bike options in Greece and Turkey!

Ellen Taylor-Powell  

Great communications, customized trip

20-Aug-2022

This is our first time using Natural Adventure to plan a hiking trip in Europe. I wanted an 8-day hike to start on a certain date to explore a northern region of Portugal. They were so accommodating - customized our trip to meet our needs with responsive communications and full itinerary; everything has been taken care of. We look forward to the trip!!

Linda Giovine (Google Reviewer)  

We hiked the Kerry Way...

02-Jun-2022

We hiked the Kerry Way with Natural Adventure and it was terrific. Outstanding views and good Irish weather. Some days were longer than expected due to placement of Bed and Breakfasts. Hosts were warm and helpful even dried our gear and shared local secrets. Irish hospitality in high gear.

Tim Fuhs (Google Reviewer)  

My wife and I booked...

14-Sep-2023

My wife and I booked the Lechweg short break hike with the natural adventure company this Fall and we’re very happy with our experience. I noticed one of the reviews questioning what they (natural adventure co) provide. That’s a fair question and from my perspective as a USA citizen, they provided a very important liaison/conduit role into the EU that would be prohibitive or downright impossible for a non EU citizen hiking/biking in Europe. In addition, I have found that in dealing directly with a few European companies directly, information does not always flow as smoothly as we like. The natural adventure company’s communication style fit our liking perfectly in that we receive a fast and thorough response with every question. They are prompt and helpful. They did subcontract with another company for boots on the ground support but the hotel reservations and itinerary were in house. We would definitely use the natural adventure company again no question.

Beverley Young  

Highly Recommended

03-Aug-2022

All the way through from booking, correspondence afterwards and now a wonderful holiday. The Natural Adventure have been helpful and have provided a brilliant holiday. The hikes each day are cracking, maps & routes are detailed and easy to follow. The hotels are great too. Completely love our holiday! Would definitely use The Natural Adventure again and recommend.

Jeroen van kesteren  

This was our first ever cycle holiday…

17-Nov-2022

This was our first ever cycle holiday so expectations where high. And Natural Adventure delivered with a vengeance. Everything was so well organised and friendly. Our contact at HQ Dalila was friendly, concerned and lightning fast in her responses. The trip itself was well designed to show you a lot in a short timespan but dayly distances where very doable leaving lots of time to divert or spent in the lovely overnight towns. The hotels ranged from cosy and homey to lavish and extravagant which was a real nice surprise at every end of the day. We will defintely be back for more! TNX SO MUCH GUYS!

Nigel Homer (Google Reviewer)  

Just finished our around Zugspitze...

20-Jun-2022

Just finished our around Zugspitze walk. The walking was not too strenuous through an amazing landscape. Hotels were of a good standard and food generally excellent. I would definitely recommend to anyone who was reasonable fit.

James Bailey (Google Reviewer)  

AVOID OR BOOK DIRECT Whilst I’d...

02-May-2024

AVOID OR BOOK DIRECT Whilst I’d 100% recommend hiking the Camino, unfortunately I couldn’t recommend The Natural Adventure Company to anyone. We signed up for the Relaxed Portuguese Camino - however, the organisation was woeful. None of the private transfers showed up, the welcome pack wasn’t delivered on time, and many of the hotels were well-below standard - including one where the manager was extremely aggressive to both us and other customers. During the trip, there was no proactive support from the Natural Adventure, and their customer service was appalling. Even after the tour, I tried to contact the company to draw their attention to the myriad of other 1 star reviews for the hotel in question - which includes reviewers stating the hotel owner physically assaulted them - but unfortunately they weren’t interested. As other reviews have pointed out below, you should also beware that The Natural Adventure simply subcontract the entirety of their tours to other providers. So if you still want to sign up for this tour, you could cut out the middle man and book the EXACT same tour directly with Portugal Green Walks - for less money!

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    The Natural Adventure requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 42 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of the natural adventure charges.

    Up to 42 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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