Holidays in Carvoeiro: Discover the West Algarve Walking Trails
Small Group Walking
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Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights
Grade: Moderate (4/8)
‘Discover the West Algarve trails’ is an 8 day guided walking tour, based in Carvoeiro.
This is a walking tour for those who love to explore and be surprised! We´ll walk among the west Algarve’s lush greenery of woodlands, on top of magnificent cliffs against a backdrop of ocean blue and always in amazing locations full of wildlife!
This is a walking tour for those who love to explore and be surprised! We´ll walk among the West Algarve’s lush greenery of woodlands, on top of magnificent cliffs against a backdrop of ocean blue and always in amazing locations full of wildlife!
Carvoeiro, our center for this week, was in the past a small fishing town. Nowadays it thrives with visitors looking for good seafood, blue warm waters, and fabulous photographs of its magnificent scenery!
Seven Hanging Valleys Walk, is a scenic coastal trail in Algarve, Portugal
For this walking week, we have selected a mix of walks through coastal, mountain, and inland scenery that will present us with different facets of this beautiful area and its diverse landscape.
From the “classic” sections of the Algarve coast with its perfect sandy beaches and rugged headlands of Portimão to the splendorous old towns like Silves and Lagos, the walks in this tour take us to all the right places so that we may discover the huge welcoming heart of the Algarve.
Our varied offer ranges from the verdant hills around the small town of Monchique where we have fine views over the surrounding hillsides to the small local villages where working life continues as it has for centuries. Around here carob and olives are cultivated on farms and smallholdings, along with oranges and other citrus fruit, pomegranates, almonds, and an abundance of other produce.
Dramatic Views from West Algarve cliffs
Our search for the hidden gems of the Western Algarve continues as we reach Sagres in the edge of the Parque Natural da Costa Vicentina, the most south-westerly point of Europe where there is a chance to appreciate and most certainly view the abundant birdlife on one of the most important migratory routes of spring and autumn.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival
Fly to Faro and transfer to Carvoeiro. If time allows, an introductory walk will be offered.
Seven Hanging Valleys Walk. Hike along the coastline east of Carvoeiro
Day 2 – Estômbar & Silves
Our walking day program starts in the traditional village of Estômbar. Along the fertile valley of the River Arade, perfumed with the orange blossom scent, we follow quiet tracks and paths, enjoying the impressive natural landscape.
On the way, we visit the ecological park Sítio das Fontes, one of Algarve’s hidden gems, teeming with birdlife. Throughout the park, we find the largest limestone springs in the Algarve and an old mill house.
Our walk ends in Silves, a historical city, and the ancient capital of the Moorish Algarve, where we’ll have time for a relaxed lunch and to sightsee.
Known by the locals as the “Garden of the Algarve”, Monchique’s hills are amongst the highest points in mainland Portugal.
Standing in complete contrast from the rest of the Algarve, this is a green wooded area, decked in cork, chestnut, pine, and eucalyptus trees. Enriched by its rivers, small streams, and refreshing springs, the valley floors are rich and fertile, yielding an abundance of fruit and vegetables.
In the small and quaint village of Monchique, you will discover traditional skills and handicrafts like the distinctive hand-knitted sweaters and the unusual wooden chairs. Here, you may also want to taste the famous Medronho, a spirit distilled from the Strawberry tree, traditional to Monchique.
Between Alvor and Portimão, there are superb sandy beaches and dramatic headlands. The scenery is majestic, the rock strata are varied and colorful, from white limestone to red sandstone. These different rocks support a wide variety of flora and, in spring, there are impressive displays of wildflowers.
Our walk will provide us with some of the most beautiful views of the coastal Algarve landscape, blessed with vibrant colors and blue waters as far as our eyes can see.
Distance: app 9km/5.5mi; Ascent/descent: 107 m/-86 m; highest point: 42m
WDay 5 – Praia da Luz & Lagos
Praia da Luz is a small village near Lagos, famous for its white sandy beach and its imposing landscape, with the Atalaia hill standing 109m above sea level.
From the top of these massive cliffs, witnesses of the geological history of the cliffs below, the views are staggering and need to be seen to be understood.
In the distance, our eyes glimpse the lighthouse of Ponta da Piedade. Here, the famous sea caves are to be found and visited by many small boats carrying visitors from nearby Lagos.
Our walk finishes in Lagos and we will have time to sightsee in this attractive town that was an important Roman settlement called ‘Lacobriga’.
Distance: app. 11km/6.8mi; Ascent/descent: 260 m/-263 m; Highest point: 95m
Just north of Lagos, away from the sea and the urban life, we find the National Forest of Barão de S. João. This protected area is home to staggering views, endogenous tree species, and small local communities.
Our walk covers the two sibling villages: Barão de S. Miguel and Barão de S. João.
These charming, rural, and peaceful villages are characterized by the typical white houses with a colored border around the windows and doors.
Our last walking day fittingly culminates in Sagres, the most westerly town in the Algarve.
This area of intensely dramatic cliffs, opening onto a vast horizon of sea and sky, was the last sight of Europe for the explorers setting forth on their fearsome voyages beyond the horizon.
We finish our walk-in Cabo de S. Vicente, whose spectacular cliffs were once believed to be the end of the world.
Shared ensuite room with a traveling companion of the same sex
Single supplement available with a surcharge
Extra nights available on request
Meals
7 buffet breakfasts at the Hotel
7 Dinners with drinks included
Transport
Meet & Greet Airport Transfer to the hotel on the first day – group transfer
Transfer from the hotel to the airport on last day – group transfer
All transports to walks and activities (as outlined) with dedicated driver and vehicle
Additional transfers are available on request at an extra cost
Tour Leaders
Dedicated English speaking local tour leader
The tour leader will assist and guide the group throughout the holidays, handle all the arrangements and other needs that might arise, making sure that you don’t have to worry about planning your days and you can enjoy your holiday
Each evening, your tour leader will discuss the details and program for the following day
Walks and Activities
Walks according to program
Exclusions
Any services not listed as included
Flights to and from Portugal
Meals, tips/gratuities, baggage, or personal insurance (except as outlined)
Admission fees to castles & attractions or events (except as outlined)
Personal expenses
Supplements
Guide services inside monuments
Insurance
You must be adequately insured to join our Guided holidays and Self-Guided holidays. We do not insist that you insure with us but we require that you are adequately insured for the nature of your holiday.
BeCool Travel has partnered with WorldNomads.com to keep you traveling safely. WorldNomads.com Travel Insurance is designed for independent and adventurous travelers, with coverage for overseas medical expenses, cancellation, baggage, and other expenses.
Please consult our Travel Insurance page, where you’ll be able to get more detailed info about insurance requirements and an immediate quote for your trip.
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