Guided Walking Holidays – The Ultimate Coastal Algarve Walk
Small Group Walking
Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights
Availability: Available soon
Grade: Moderate (4/8)
The Ultimate Coastal Algarve Walk: From East to West Crossing Stunning Landscapes is a Guided Walking Tour in some of the Algarve’s most spectacular coastal scenarios.
You’ll see that are still places with more flamingos than tourists, and where centuries-old traditions are part of daily life. Tavira, Portimão, and Lagos are the centers of our fantastic walking and sightseeing tour.
Highlights
Groups accepted with a minimum of 6 pax
Spectacular hikes in the Ria Formosa Natural Park, marshes, and along the East Algarve coast
Charming historical towns of Tavira, Portimão and Lagos
Typical fishermen villages and ways of life
The protected area of Alvor Estuary is rich in wildlife and especially interesting for birdwatching
Amazing hikes in the cliffs, hidden caves, and grottoes following scenic Ocean trails in the West Algarve
A fantastic itinerary of walks developed and perfected by local resident
Portuguese tour leaders, very knowledgeable of the region
The hospitality and warmth from the local population
Portugal is known for its gastronomy and wines, and in the Coastal Algarve you’ll be delighted with the freshest catch of the day and a great variety of quality wines
Professional guide to lead the tour and make sure everything runs smoothly
In the tranquil East Algarve, secluded beaches can stretch for many kilometers with no one in sight and the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve teems with birds and sea life; tourist activity is secondary to the wildlife and work of the fishermen and shellfish farmers.
The West Algarve is more populated but has cliffs, volcanic hills, and dramatic limestone escarpments. This diversity is complemented by the local flora and fauna that flourishes in its mild sunny winters and long hot summers.
Anchor cemetery in Barril Beach Tavira, A real treat. One of the finest beaches in the world
All this, combined, makes walking in the Coastal Algarve a fascinating experience with surprising sites and landscapes.
Tavira, at the center of the Eastern Algarve, mixes old-Portuguese charm – cobbled streets, bougainvillea-hung balconies – with a workaday fisherman’s riverfront.
Its ruined castle, churches and elegant merchants’ houses provide cultural interest, while the eight-mile beach, across the salt marshes of Ria Formosa Natural Park, is a perfect chill-out zone. The River Gilão estuary meets the Ria Formosa and the Atlantic ocean in a tranquil and rich scenario, dotted with colorful traditional fishing boats.
Whitewashed walls west Algarve village. A delightful mix of traditional Portuguese architecture with deep-rooted Moorish influences.
Portimão, on the banks of the River Arade, was traditionally a center for sardine fishing and processing. Today the city’s old and once bustling fishing docks have been remarkably transformed into a scenic promenade, leading to the quaint and tree-lined plazas of the old town. Bordering this is pleasant pedestrian shopping streets, a series of historic buildings, and a tantalizing selection of cafés, bars, and restaurants.
Walking in Lagos center. The cosmopolitan city of Lagos, once a landmark of the Portuguese Discoveries, and refuge of pirates.
Lagos is a city that, from early on, was a gateway to the Mediterranean. It was from its wide bay, encircled by the fine sands of Meia Praia that Gil Eanes set off, the first to round Cape Bojador; it was here that privateers like Sir Francis Drake hid, and galleons full of gold and precious stones from the Americas or spices from India put into port.
These are the three centers of our fantastic walking and sightseeing tour.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Faro
Transfer from airport to Hotel.
Depending on our arrival time, a short introductory walk around town will be offered.
Free time until the evening meeting and dinner.
Dinner will be taken at a local restaurant.
Tavira has over 30 beautiful churches A true joy to explore with its plethora of historic buildings and decorative churches, all of which are set around charming plazas and pretty cobbled streets.
Day 2 – Cacela Velha and Cabanas Walk
An easy walk, close to the coast, starting in the beautiful old village of Cacela Velha, following tracks and quiet lanes to the picturesque old fishing village of Cabanas.
Here fishermen still continue their craft, mixing harmoniously with the visitors crossing to the island and the golden beaches. Here too we can rest, enjoy good food and drink whilst enjoying the sunshine by the colorful waterfront.
We continue back to Tavira, through the saltpans where we may see an abundance of wildlife along with the traditional craft of salt extraction.
Dinner will be taken at a local restaurant.
Distance: 14km; 8.76mi / Ascent/descent: 65m/-66m
Azure lagoons of the Ria Formosa Natural Park. Ancient trails take us past pretty coastal villages such as Cacela Velha and Cabanas de Tavira.
Day 3 – Santa Luzia & Tavira Island
A real treat as we walk along with one of the finest beaches in the world and visit the small fishing village of Santa Luzia with its abundance of fishing boats bobbing in the gentle waters of the channel.
This circular walk from and returning to Tavira crosses to Tavira Island via local ferry/water taxi and returns to the mainland on a floating pontoon bridge. Not just a day’s walking but a real day’s holiday as well!
Dinner will be taken at a local restaurant.
From Ferragudo´s Light House we follow a stunning coastline westwards to Portimão & Praia da Rocha. We visit en route the charming and very traditional village of Ferragudo before continuing into Portimão itself.
Dinner will be taken at a local restaurant.
Distance: 6.5km;4mi / Ascent/descent: 21m/-21m
Whitewashed walls west Algarve village Take a Classic coastal walk following the inner shoreline and visiting the iconic villages.
Day 5 – Alvor & Rocha Walk
Today we offer a fantastic coastal walk taking in the superb sandy beaches and dramatic headlands between Alvor and Portimão, including the much-photographed beach at Praia da Rocha, one of the best in the Algarve.
The rock strata are particularly varied and very 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.
Dinner will be taken at a local restaurant.
Ferragudo Fortress. A walk along the coast featuring spectacular rock formations, caves, beautiful quiet beaches, rugged cliffs with unforgettable seascapes, and quaint fishing villages.
Day 6 – Vale de Lama / Hotel change
We walk through the gentle countryside to the salt pans on the Alvor Estuary with its abundant birdlife. We then parallel the extensive Lagos beach where, at any time, we can drop down to the sea for a rest and a swim. We crown the day arriving in Lagos with its beautiful waterfront and old historic center.
Dinner will be taken at a local restaurant.
A wonderful walk along the cliff tops with stunning views all around. The highlights of the area are the spectacular rocks, coves, and caves that have been relentlessly carved and shaped by the pounding waves. You can look down on the famous grottos. Looking inland you can see the remnants of old farmhouses and land divisions that marked the territory here when it was once the only source of income. Porto de Mós and Ponta da Piedade cafés provide welcome refreshments.
Dinner will be taken at a local restaurant.
Located a 5-minute walk from Tavira’s bustling town centre, Maria Nova Lounge Hotel – Adults Only enjoys a quiet hillside location. Its modern rooms feature a private balcony. Facilities include indoor and outdoor pools.
Maria Nova Lounge Hotel’s rooms are decorated with tiled floors, wooden furniture, and large windows. All rooms have a minibar, satellite TV, and an en suite bathroom. The rooms have panoramic views.
The Bar Panorâmico offers an extensive list of cocktails and stunning views over Tavira.
Portimão: Hotel Globo (3***)or smiliar
This modern design hotel on the Algarve Coast offers panoramic views of the city of Portimão and the River Arade. It features a stylish rooftop restaurant and a gym.
The bright rooms at Hotel Globo are decorated with modern furniture. They include a flat-screen TV with cable channels and a work desk. Some rooms have a spacious seating area with sofas and armchairs.
Lagos: Aqualuz Suite Hotel Apartments (4****)or similar
With its privileged location, 1km away from the closest beach, the Aqualuz Suite Hotel Apartments**** is a modern hotel, embellish with light coloured furniture and open door areas. The hotel features spa facilities, a courtyard with four swimming pools and a rooftop terrace. The Club Restaurant serves authentic Algarve cuisine and has an outdoor terrace overlooking the pool.
All rooms offer satellite TV, an en suite bathroom with a hairdryer and air-conditioning.
What's included
Accommodation
7 nights in a twin standard room for two pax (3 stars hotel)
3 nights in Tavira (4 stars hotel)
2 nights in Portimão (3 stars hotel)
2 nights in Lagos (4 stars hotel)
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 (Lunches can be bought from local shops)
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 walking holidays and Self-Guided walking 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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