Algarve Secrets Walking Holiday in Portugal

Day 1 - Arrival in Sagres

Individual arrival in Sagres (optional transfer from Faro to Sagres and from Tavira to Faro). 

Day 2 - Costa Vicentina

The walk  starts in the Costa Vicentina Natural Park, a wild place where nature and history combine, creating impressive landscapes.  Experience the great diversity of the habitats and high biodiversity of flora and fauna as this hike travels from the mountains to the Atlantic West Coast.

Approx. Distance 11 miles (17.5 km)

Day 3 - Serra de Monchique

From the majestic landscape of the Atlantic Ocean, climb to the highest point in the Algarve, the Monchique Mountains. Enjoy this superb walk through the area often nicknamed the "Algarve garden" with its stunning views and wooded hills, criss crossed with crystal clear springs and fragrant with the scent of orchards .

Approx. Distance 7 miles (11.5 km)

Day 4 - Barrocal

Experience the Barrocal, the transition zone between the coast and the mountains. Covered in Orange Groves, Fig Trees, Carob and Almond the area is known as Bierra-Serra and is the main supplier of agricultural products of the Algarve. The sweet and fruity scents are ever present but change with the seasons first orange blossom, now almond then fig.

Approx. Distance 9 miles (14.5 km)

Day 5 - Ria Formosa

Walk by the sea through the Natural Park of Ria Formosa, one of the seven natural wonders of Portugal. The park is characterised by the sandy coastal dunes that protect a wide lagoon area stretching along the coast from Ancao to Castro Marim. The combination of river water, the tidal estuary and the salt marshes creates an idyllic landscape of dunes, islands and waterways which is the ideal refuge for wildlife.

Approx. Distance 9.5 miles (15 km)

Day 6 - Serra do Caldeirao

Head through the mountains do Caldeirao the area which connects the Algarve to the Alentejo region. The hills are called the 'other Algarve' by the local people. Step back in time where the pace of life is slower and traditional arts and customs are passed down through the generations. The landscape here is dotted with tiny villages of whitewashed houses and fruit and cork trees.

Approx. Distance 12 miles (19.75 km)

Day 7 - Baixo Guadiana

In this hike, enjoy the unique and tranquil beauty of the natural Algarve  Continue to Alcoutim where the river Guadiana forms the border between Portugal and Spain. Learn all about the ancient heritage of past civilisations and the explore the well-preserved castles and architecture.  The river Guadiana, ever present, empties into the Gulf of Cadiz is still supplying ancient trade routes and large vessels can be seen coming from all over the world..

Approx. Distance 15 miles (24 km)

Day 8 - Depart:

Return home or stay a few more nights in the Algarve.

Key Details:

• This tour has an 8 day, 7 night itinerary
• This tour starts in Sagres and ends in Baixo Guadiana
• The total walking distance of this tour is approximately 64 miles / 102.25km

• Daily Distances 11.50 – 24 Km

• Temperature - Blessed with over 300 days of sunshine, the Algarve offers excellent temperatures to enjoy a walking holiday at any time of year. Average temperatures vary between 15 degrees in January until the 30 degrees in August and 20 degrees in November.

• 4* Hotels

• Extra Nights Available

During your walking tour in the Algarve you will discover lots of exciting things including:

• Monchique Mountains - The highest point in the Algarve
• The Natural Park of Ria Formosa
• The emblematic River Guadiana
• Historic towns and villages
• Stunning coastlines
• Beautiful countryside
• Explore the traditional fishing villages

Getting to Faro:

By Rail/Bus – It's easy to reach Portugal by train from London, by early morning Eurostar from London to Paris, a high-speed TGV from Paris to Irun on the Spanish frontier, then the famous Sud Express overnight to Lisbon, with sleeping-cars, restaurant & bar, the civilised way to reach Portugal.  Or you can take Eurostar and TGV high-speed train to Barcelona, stay overnight, then take a high-speed AVE train to Madrid and the overnight Lusitania trainhotel to Lisbon.  This website can help with information and tickets https://www.seat61.com/Portugal.htm.

By Car – Unfortunately, there is no direct ferry to Portugal, so you can either: Take a ferry or go by the Channel Tunnel (Eurotunnel) to France and then drive to Portugal or take a ferry to Spain and then drive to Portugal

By Air –  There are several airlines who fly direct from the UK to Faro or Lisbon Airport (with connections to Faro by Bus or Train). Sagres is the furthest of the Algarve’s beach resorts from Faro airport and unfortunately, there is no easy or direct method of travel. The distance from Sagres to Faro airport is 120km and the simplest method of transport is to hire a rental car or to organise a pre-booked airport transfer (there is an optional arrival and departure transfer available). Both train and coach services operate out of the town of Faro 4km to the east and this is the cheapest method to reach Sagres but does involve 2 connections at Faro and the town of Lagos.  These website will help with your planning.

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