Algarve Trails Hiking Week in Portugal

Airport shuttle from Faro to the Eco lodge.

Light buffet lunch, followed by a short circular walk of the local area.

Free time: take a fresh dip in the Atlantic or stop by the beach bar.

Dinner.

The first walk is an introduction walk, where we get to sample the terrain and meet the other walkers. It starts at the lodge and climbs out of the valley, slowly gaining views of the surrounding hills.

In spring, you will enjoy the white and pink flowering Sistus.

It won’t be long until we reach a high point and catch sight of the Atlantic ocean in the distance. The track will slowly wind its way towards the coast passing through pine forests and cow meadows.

Then, we will turn down through a eucalyptus forest until the valley opens up to a beautiful long white beach, where we will stop for lunch and a dip in the wild 0cean.

After lunch, we will climb from the beach onto the sea cliffs and then continue towards Carrapateira, a small coastal fishing town, for a welcome refreshment.

You will have a chance to explore before returning to the lodge for an African bush shower or a drink on the deck.

After dinner, we will walk to the hamlet of Pedralva for a drink and some exploration.

Walk gradient: mainly flat, very few small hills

Difficulty: Easy

Average walk duration: 4 – 4.5 hours

Transfer: 5-10 minutes

The walk begins at Zavial, famous among surfers. We will climb from the beach onto the sea cliffs. The south coast is far less rugged than the west coast. Calm turquoise seas, colored flowers, and the occasional white fishing village, gives it a Greek feel.

The path follows the coastline, leading up onto the eroded sea cliffs or ambling down onto the sandy white beaches which are dotted with large rock formations.

We suggest you bring a bathing suit to enjoy a few dips in the sea.

We will enjoy lunch in a hidden cove with a light offshore wind.

After lunch and exploring an impressive sea cliff fortress, we will continue walking  inland Figuera, a sleepy Portuguese village, where we can stop for a refreshment.

We will then leave Figuera via a small  road that will take us through Portuguese farmland. The trail then winds its way back to Zavial beach following inland paths and tracks with amazingviews of the historic Cabo St Vincente. We will go through an artesian Portuguese pottery shop on our way back to the lodge.

Evening cheese and wine tasting before dinner.

Walk gradient: variable, lots of ups and downs

Maximum height gain: 60m

Difficulty:  medium

Average walk duration: 5 – 5.5 hours

Transfer: 15 to 20 minutes

The fourth walk begins at the lodge, the route runs parallel to the river, often crossing it, flanked by a landscape of hills, part of the unspoilt nature reserve of Cabo St Vicente.

The trail passes through Vilarinha, a hamlet lost in time, surrounded by a landscape sculpted by stooped Portuguese farmers, quaint white houses, and rolling cow meadows.

From there, the trail will take us uphill toward the summit. With a view of the valley behind and the ocean ahead,  we will take the zigzagging path down the hill to the village below,  where we will stop for lunch in an authentic Portuguese Bistro\cafe.

Crossing the village after lunch, the route will lead us through large sand dunes and then we will  walk across a long beach with the option of a quick swim.

Below, huge sand dunes and fishermen looking for oysters will dot the view. The route ends just off the beach at a local cafe with freshly made juices and other refreshments.

We will enjoy an early diner and then head to Sagres, Cabo St Vincente, to watch the sunset on the most south western point of Europe.
(free lunch)

Walk gradient: mostly flat

Difficulty: medium
Average walk

duration: 4.5 hours.

Transfer:  5 minutes

The walk begins at Ingrina, a small south-coast hamlet.  From there, we will follow a trail that runs next to windswept cliff tops and long stretches of white beaches on the path to Sagres.

Sagres is the most south-western point of Europe. Famous explorers, such as Christopher Columbus, considered it “the end of world”, the place where they launched their expeditions.

A strong culture and history are present in Sagres, which boasts a fortress, an ancient monastery, and menhirs.

We will end our walk at ‘Alice’s’, the best gelateria, for a taste of delicious homemade ice cream made from only natural ingredients.

Options afterward include exploring the town or heading down to one of the town’s beaches and enjoying the sea and warm sun.

Walk gradient: mostly flat.

Difficulty: Easy to Medium.

Average walk duration 4.5 hours.

Transfer: 15 minutes

Free day.   Options include visiting Lagos, exploring independently or choosing an activity, which can be:

• Kayaking in a beautiful river estuary

• Learning to climb

• Surfing

•  Exploring Lagos

We will drop you off at Lagos after breakfast and collect you at 4 pm.

A day trip activity costs 45 euros pp, and includes transfer, guide, and equipment.

Lunch at a seafood restaurant in Lagos or after paddling enjoy a local seafood meal with spectacular views.
(free lunch)

In the evening, dinner is at an authentic Portuguese restaurant in Pedralva.

On the last day of the tour, we will enjoy some of the most impressive scenery on the Portuguese coast. Hidden white coves, meandering fisherman’s trails through an unspoiled natural coastal scenery. Crashing Atlantic waves against black cliffs will be part of the day’s scenery.

We will set off from  Villa do Bispo village, at the beach of Castellejo.  We will follow sea cliffs and beaches for several kilometres before turning inland for a short while until we stop for lunch, on a completely hidden beach only accessible by foot.

We can enjoy some swimming or body surfing in the bay, or just sit in the shadow of the cliffs.

Then, after crossing a series of four coastal valleys, the strenuous walking will gift you the most impressive views of the tour.
We will finish at Amado beach where we can stop at a cafe and have the chance to relax.

In the evening a seafood dinner is hosted at the lodge.

Walk gradient: variable, Maximum height gain 100m

Difficulty: Medium to Difficult

Average walk duration: 5 – 6 hours

Transfer: 10 minutes