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Walking Tours

 Walking the Secret Algarve

Portugal

7 nights 1 Departure Available

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Uncover the Algarve’s hidden gems on this group walking tour that highlights windswept coastal paths, bird-spotted natural parks and pine-scented peaks

Overview

There’s more to Portugal’s famous Algarve than blue-flag beaches, golf courses and swanky resorts. Scratch beneath the surface of this holiday mecca by visiting the wild western coast, where you’ll ramble through protected parks and traverse trails along burnt-orange clifftops home to lighthouses and forts. Stay in the port town of Lagos with its mosaiced lanes and church-studded squares encircled by 16th-century walls. From here, the Atlantic’s surf-worthy monster waves have carved elaborate sea arches and rock stacks along the coastline, culminating at the nearby Ponta da Piedade. 

Each day, your group will embark upon relaxed walks along coastal trails that lead through whitewashed fishing villages where you can pick up some of Portugal's signature pasteis de nata, creamy custard tarts. Stop at isolated golden coves on your way to Sagres, where a striking lighthouse marks the most southwesterly point in Europe and a kaleidoscope of seabirds nest; here you’ll discover Portugal’s nautical past and the remains of a 15th-century fort. 

However, it’s the Cabo de São Vicente Nature Reserve that really steals the show. Follow trails through the reserve’s seaside villages, across desolate dunes and remote countryside that flourishes with spring wildflowers, to cliffs overlooking honey-hued coves. Finally, for aerial views of the Algarve’s paradisical coastline, head inland, spiralling upwards to the Monchique mountains where trails lead through dense forests to Roman spa towns and the 902-metre-tall Foia peak – the Algarve’s highest – which offers unblemished coastal views.

Highlights

  • Witness the humbling power of the sea
  • Enjoy the remoteness of the Algarve’s less-known beaches
  • Walk to Cabo de São Vicente
  • Explore the region's rich migratory birdlife
  • Admire Ponta da Piedade’s impressive rock formations
  • Gorge yourself on delicious local custard tarts

Itinerary

Day 1 - Fly to Faro and transfer to Lagos

Fly to Faro and transfer to the 4-star Tivoli Lagos Algarve Resort located in the charming harbour town of Lagos for seven nights. There will be an evening brief with your tour leader, followed by a welcome dinner.
(D)

Day 2 - Enjoy a coastal walk from Burgau village to Lagos

Burgau to Lagos walk. A short transfer brings us to former fishing village of Burgau, where cobbled streets and whitewashed fishermen’s cottages overlook a pleasant sandy beach. From here a spectacular coastal walk leads back to Lagos, passing surfing beaches other points of interest like Ponta da Piedade’s lighthouse and famous rock formations. The sea views are spectacular, making this gentle route a great introduction to walking in the area.
(B, D)

Walking distance: 8kms (5 miles). Elevation: 80m ascent/120m descent.

Day 3 - Transfer to Carrapateira village and walk along the panoramic trails

Praia da Amado walk. Transfer to the village of Carrapateira, a surfer’s paradise on the Algarve’s west coast. We walk along the quiet trails of the inner Algarve to the dramatic cliffs overlooking the beautiful sandy beach of Praia de Amado. You’ll enjoy plenty of panoramic views of the ocean and coastline. After a refreshing drink in Carrapateira we transfer back to Lagos.
(B, D)

Walking distance: 11kms (6.75 miles). Elevation: 80m ascent/80m descent.

Day 4 - Travel to Praia do Zavial before exploring Sagres

Praia do Zavial to Sagres walk. Transfer to Praia do Zavial with its beautiful sweeping sandy beach and impressive rock formations. Our walk follows dramatic coastal trails above eroded cliffs and passes several quiet coves on the way to Sagres, located at the extreme most western tip of the Algarve in one of the most remote regions of Portugal. The route passes many ancient standing stones, or Menhirs, evidencing human settlement of the area since Neolithic times. Explore the old town of Sagres before transferring back to Lagos.
(B, D)

Walking distance: 10kms (6 miles). Elevation: 120m ascent/90m descent.

Day 5 - Enjoy a day at leisure to relax or explore

Free day. Spend a relaxing day visiting the town and enjoying the beautiful beaches of Lagos. Or if you feel more adventurous, take the train to Portimão to visit the museum located in an old cannery dating back to the end of the 19th-century. Then admire the original gothic portal and the beautiful interior of the Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição, located near the Jesuits Church and College, arguably the most beautiful building of Portimão.
(B)

Day 6 - Walk from Monchique through the Serra de Monchique mountain range

Foia Peak walk. Transfer to Monchique, a small town in the northern Algarve known for its fine views. From here we walk through the volcanic mountain range of the Serra de Monchique to the summit of Foia, at 902m its highest peak in the Algarve. On a clear day you can see from Cabo de São Vicente and the Atlantic Ocean in the west, to Faro in the east and the Serra da Arrabida Natural Park near Lisbon.
(B, D)

Walking distance: 9kms (5.6 miles). Elevation: 280m ascent/280m descent.

Day 7 - Walk along the Rota Vicentina trail to Cabo de São Vicente

Cabo de São Vicente Nature Reserve walk. Transfer to Vila do Bispo, a quintessential Algarve village full of narrow streets, whitewashed houses, and peaceful cafes. Our final walk follows the Rota Vicentina rural trail, initially inland through peaceful countryside before reaching the coast and the top of the rugged cliffs overlooking Praia do Telheiro. The walk continues all the way to Cabo de São Vicente - the southwestern most point of Portugal and mainland Europe. From here we transfer back to Lagos for a final group dinner.
(B, D)

Walking distance: 6kms (3.75 miles). Elevation: 20m ascent/40m descent.

Day 8 - Fly home from Faro

Transfer to Faro airport for your return flight to London.
(B)

Notes:

Some walks may occasionally need to be altered or replaced in the event of adverse weather conditions.

Unique Experience

Accommodation

Here is a list of the accommodation you can stay in for this tour. Occasionally we use alternative hotels, or have a choice of hotels to choose from which will be detailed when booking.

Tivoli Lagos, Algarve, Portugal, Swimming Pool View

Tivoli Lagos Algarve Resort - Lagos

A modern 4-star hotel in the centre of Lagos with a free shuttle service to the private Duna Beach Club on nearby Meia Praia. Restaurant, pools, spa and bar. 296 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, minibar and satellite TV.

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Stay Extra Nights...

Add extra nights to your tour at the starting or ending hotel.

- Travel Guides -

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Dates and prices

15 Nov 25

7 nights

From £1945 pp

per person incl flight
Book now