Via Algarviana - Portugal Walking Holiday

Day 1 – Independant arrival at Alte (You can opt for our transfer service from Faro airport.)

Welcome meeting.

Day 2:  Salir to Alte 

Transfer from Alte to Salir to the of start this route (15m).

This is the 7th sector of Via Algarviana.  Salir and Alte are two typical villages of inland Algarve. During the walk you will see the Rocha da Pena, a Local Protected Landscape.  You cross country roads, pass through tiny villages and fruit orchards, all characteristic of the Algarve’s “barrocal”. On arrival in Alte, you can rest and refresh yourself in the “Fonte Grande” (Large Spring) and “Fonte Pequena” (Small Spring).

Approx distance 16.2 km (10.7 miles)

Day 3:  PR1 – São Bartolomeu de Messines Cultural Walk

Transfer from Alte to São Bartolomeu de Messines to start this route (15m).

On this circular route, you climb “Penedo Grande”, where there are magnificent view. The landscape is dominated by cork-oak trees an important local income. In the rainy season you may have to take your boots off to cross Gavião river. The path continues along Arade River until you spot the Funcho dam on the horizon. At the end of the walk, take time to visit São Bartolomeu de Messines, an ancient and cultural town in Algarve’s inland.

Approx distance 13.2 km (8.2 miles)

Transfer from São Bartolomeu de Messines to hotel in Silves (20m). Luggage transfer to hotel in Silves.

Day 4:  PR3 – Trilho da Foia

Transfer from Silves to Fóia to start this route (50m).

Heading into Monchique’s mountains the scenery changes. This circular route, starts and ends on Foia peak, the top of the Algarve at 902m. In this area of heavy rainfall there is an immense botanical wealth. The terraced hillsides are built on slopes to control erosion, for agriculture and grazing areas of goats and cows.

Approx distance 7.7 km (4.78 miles)

Transfer from Fóia to hotel in Caldas de Monchique (25m). Luggage transfer to hotel in Caldas de Monchique.

At the end of the day there is a well-deserved treat, a thermal circuit in Caldas de Monchique’s Spa.

Day 5:  PR6 – Marmelete Trail

Transfer from Caldas de Monchique to Marmelete to start this route (25m).

This circular route around Serra de Monchique passes cork-oak trees and chestnut tree woods.  It follows the bank of “Barranco do Passil”, a stream filled with lush, verdant vegetation. Climb past a eucalyptus forest to the Picos viewpoint, where there is a panoramic view of the coast. At the end of the day visit “Casa do Medronho”, to taste the region’s typical drink “Medronho” a strong fruit brandy.

Approx distance 9.4 km (5.84 miles)

Transfer from Marmelete to Caldas de Monchique (25m).

Day 6 – Rocha Delicada Trail

Transfer from Caldas de Monchique to Mexilhoeira Grande to start this route (30m).

Today is spent by the coast around the Ria de Alvor, a pllace of great ecological importance: The Ria de Alvor is the most important estuary in the western Algarve.  With about 350 hectares of sandbars, silts and salt marshes the Alvor estuary serves as shelter for many species of bird as well as a spawning ground for numerous species of fish and shellfish.

This circular route follows a dirt road until the views open up over the salt marshes and Odiáxere river. Then explore the wetland, lagoon and marshes and, at low tide, watch the local shellfish gatherers collecting clams and other molluscs on the banks of Ria de Alvor.  During the winter months this area is visited by flamingos and other migrating birds.

Approx distance 8.1 km (5 miles)

Transfer from Mexilhoeira Grande to hotel in Lagos (30m). Luggage transfer to hotel in Lagos.

Day 7 – Raposeira’s Cliffs

Transfer from Lagos to Raposeira to start this route (30m).

The last day of walking on this tour is spent in the Southwest of Portugal, a very well preserved and protected area . Head to Vila do Bispo municipality, to the village of Raposeira to start this circular walk. This is an area of ancient Neolithic occupation with a great concentration of megalithic monuments.

After leaving Raposeira village the trail heads along a valley with lush vegetation where the small river Benaçoitão flows towards Barranco beach. Listen to the choir of birdsong before stopping on Barranco beach to recharge your batteries.

There is an out and back extension here towards Ingrina beach and Ponta da Fisga.  Its well worth the effort though as there  are wonderful views over the coast. Back at Barranco beach the path continues to Padrão Menhir and Milrei Menhir.

Approx distance 19.2 or 14.7 km (11.93 or 9.13 miles)

Transfer from Raposeira to hotel in Lagos.

Day 8 – Depart (You can opt for our transfer service to Faro airport.)

Key Details:

• This tour has an eight day, seven night itinerary
• This tour will start in Alte and end in Lagos
• The total distance of this walking vacation is approximately 74km / 46 miles

During this walking tour in Portugal you will experience:

• The diversity of the Algarve
• Three different environments: mountain, barrocal & coast
• Stunning coastlines
• Wildlife

Getting to Portugal:

By Air: The closest airport in located in Faro. From there you can hire a car, or travel by public transportation.