Walking in Algarve
Walking in Algarve
Walking in Algarve
8 Days Starting in 37.133591,-7.643002 and ending in 37.019355,-7.930440
Visiting: Portugal
Tour operator:
Tour code:
956
Recommended For:
Group size:
1 - 10
Tour operated in:
EnglishTour Overview
An eight day, self-guided holiday walking in Algarve, exploring an array of land and seascapes, including Ria Formosa Natural Park, the Rivers Gilão and Monchique massif. Walk through traditional coastal villages such as Cacela Velha or Monique and to superb beaches of Cabanas and Bordeira. This walking holiday dips in and out of the coast, giving a chance to explore inland orange and lemon groves, but also traditional coastal whitewashed towns. Stay in four different hotels, giving you plenty of time to explore the Algarve's best kept secrets, with luggage transfers
Itinerary
Arrive at Faro airport, where you are met and transferred to your accommodation in Tavira (40mins). Depending on arrival time, take a stroll through this historic Algarve town, known for its beaches and traditional Portuguese buildings with their ornate doors, windows and roofs. You have the option to take a boat to Tavira island, with its famous long beach.
Accommodation: Authentic Tavira Hotel or similar in Tavira / upgraded hotel: Sao Paulo Boutique Hotel
Day 2: Ria Formosa Natural Park 8 or 12km
You are transferred (20mins) to the village of Cabanas on the coast, close to the border with Andalucía. From the 17th-century Sao Joao da Barra fort, the trail runs alongside the lagoon of Ria Formosa Natural Park, where sandbanks and barrier islands form a unique ecosystem between land and sea. Thousands of birds come to this area during their migration between Europe and Africa. Visit the village of Cacela Velha, built on a fortified rocky outcrop, with views over the entire coastline as far as Spain and the beach on the island of Cabanas (swimming is possible depending on the season and the tide). You are met by your driver in Cacela Velha and are transferred (20mins) to Tavira.
Walking for the day: 8 or 12km
Accommodation: Authentic Tavira Hotel or similar in Tavira / upgraded hotel: Sao Paulo Boutique Hotel
Day 3: Santa Catarina and Monchique massif 10km
You are transferred (30mins) to the village of Santa Catarina, where your route through inland Algarve begins. Walk through olive groves, almond trees, cork oaks, carob trees and past many beehives This area is known for the production of olive oil, ceramics and medronho, a brandy typical of the region. In the afternoon, you are transferred from Santa Catarina (1h 30mins) to Caldas Spa resort in the Monchique massif.
Walking for the day: 10km, ?150m ?150m
Accommodation: Hotel Central or similar in Caldas de Monchique / upgraded hotel: Pure Monchique Hotel
Day 4: Mount Picota 10km
The granite massif of Monchique rises to an altitude of 900m on the edge of the ocean, giving it a unique microclimate and ecosystem. After passing through cork and eucalyptus forests, today's route heads towards Mount Picota at an altitude of 780m. Along the way, use the opportunity to take in the view of the entire western Algarve. The walk ends in the village of Monchique. Take a stroll through the narrow streets to discover the church with its 16th century portal or its Carmelite convent. At the end of the day take the taxi transfer (10mins) from Monchique to Caldas de Monchique.
Walking for the day: 10km, ?600m ?400m
Accommodation: Hotel Central or similar in Caldas de Monchique / upgraded hotel: Pure Monchique Hotel
Day 5: Ingrina beach – Sagres 16km
After your 45mins transfer, the walk begins at Ingrina beach, where you continue west along the coastline to the small port of Sagres via beaches and inlets. The route goes through the village to get to Sagres fortress, an important maritime monument, located on a narrow headland that extends out into the Atlantic Ocean. After taking time at the fortress, head to your accommodation in Sagres.
Walking for the day: 16km, ?350m ?350m
Accommodation: Hotel Mareta Beach House Boutique Residence or similar in Sagres / upgraded hotel: Pousada de Sagres
Day 6: Vicentine Coast 12km
You are transferred to Carrapateira, a fishing and surfing village in the heart of Vincentine Coast Natural Park. Cross a flowered dune ridge to reach the beach of Bordeira. The hike continues along the eroded coast, where some storks still manage to nest by the sea, a phenomenon unique to Vincentine. Return to the village of Carrapateira and visit the small Terra e Mar Museum which is dedicated to traditional farming and fishing, followed by your transfer back to Sagres.
Walking for the day: 12km, ?200m ?200m
Accommodation: Hotel Mareta Beach House Boutique Residence or similar in Sagres / upgraded hotel: Pousada de Sagres
Day 7: Saint Vincent Cape 15km
Transfer to Vila do Bispo, a traditional barnacle fishing village. This walk goes through wild heathlands, along cliffs to the south-western most point of Portugal – Cape Saint-Vincent. Each year during the migrating season, a bird-watching festival takes place in Sagres in October. The festival takes place on the first week of October and is Portugal’s largest nature event. Inside the lighthouse, there’s a small maritime museum that’s worth visiting. From the lighthouse, you are transferred (1h 30mins) to your final accommodation in Faro.
Walking for the day: 15km, ?100m ?200m
Accommodation: Hotel Solalgarve or similar in Faro / upgraded hotel: Luxury guesthouse Opus One
Day 8: Departure
After breakfast, you are transferred to Faro airport and departure.
Check out our Q&As
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We are part of the 'Safe Travels' initiative.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes, as long as you can reach the next location.
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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)
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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.
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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.
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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
Book with Confidence
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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.
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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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