Western Algarve walking holiday

Transfer to Ponta da Piedade, a remarkable geological site with arches, chasms, cliffs and ochre coves that form this point, once an important processional site. The route follows the coast, passing through the pretty village of Praia da Luz, the "beach of light", skirting cliffs (no danger), pine forests and crossing small valleys covered with aromatic plants. The ocean is omnipresent, but erosion always offers another facet of this superb South Atlantic coastline. Burgau and, on arrival, Salema, are still fishing villages, as evidenced by the boats that have been pulled up on the beaches.

Walk : Ponta da Piedade > Salema | 5h | 18km - 11 miles | Elevation : +/-500m
Meals included : breakfast
Night : Salema

From Salema, we climb inland to Figueiras, a village surrounded by fields, orchards and mills, as agriculture complemented fishing in this region with its strong tradition of self-sufficiency. The hike joins the coast along paths that cross garrigues and pinewoods in a very Mediterranean atmosphere to Zavial beach, surrounded by cliffs of multicolored rock. Transfer back to your accommodation in Salema.

Walk : Salema > Zavial beach | 4h | 10km - 6 miles | Elevation : +/-250m
Meals included : breakfast
Night : Salema

After a short taxi transfer the fishermen's paths lead along the cliffs and through multicoloured moors rich with the scent of aromatic plants, and from creeks and coves to beaches. It is possible to swim, weather permitting! The itinerary takes you to the port “da Baleeira” which as the name suggests, used to be a whaling port for hunting sperm whale.  At Sagres point, the fortress of the same name built from the 15th century, is a mecca of history and geography.  Legend has it that it was here, on the edge of an abyss, that Henry the Navigator had a vision of Portugal's maritime expansion project towards the other continents. 
We recommend visiting Sagres fort (not included in the walking time) 

Walk : Ingrina > Sagres | 5h | 16km - 10 miles | Elevation : +/-400m
Meals included : breakfast
Night : Sagres

A private transfer will take you to Carrapateira, a fishing and surfing village in the heart of the Vincentine Coast Natural Park. You cross a flowered dune ridge to reach the small river of Bordeira and the long beach of the same name. The hike continues along the eroded coast, where, amazingly, some storks still manage to nest by the sea, a phenomenon unique to Vincentine. You return to the village of Carrapateira where you can include a visit of the small “Terra e Mar” museum dedicated to traditional farming and fishing. Transfer back to Sagres.

Walk : Carrapateira loop | 3h30 | 12km - 7 miles | Elevation : +/-150m
Meals included : breakfast
Night : Sagres

Transfer to Vila do Bispo (10 mn), a barnacle fishing village. Endemic dwarf palms, cushion plants, junipers or rockroses nestle in cliffs of all colours and stand out against the shades of blue of the ocean. The Cape lighthouse, the Roman "promontorium sacrum" is grandiose. You are standing on the edge of the world : Cape saint Vincent! Inside the lighthouse, a small maritime museum allows you to travel a little further in time and space. Return by taxi to Sagres (8 min). Enjoy a great swimming back in Sagres.

Walk : Vila do Bispo > Cape Saint Vincent | 4h | 15km - 9 miles | Elevation : +100m/-200m
Meals included : breakfast
Night : Sagres

Transfer from Sagres to Faro. End of your trip in Faro. Depending on your deprature plans, enjoy some time in this peaceful little city on the edge of the lagoons and salt flats of the “Rio Formosa”. 

Meals included: breakfast

. Faro, the capital of the Algarve deserves a visit at the beginning or end of your stay !
The preserved inner city is largely pedestrianised, with storks nesting over certain monuments and Jacaranda trees. Take the time to stroll in the pedestrian streets of the centre adorned with typical Portuguese mosaic. Near the marina, the old city "Vila dentro" - behind the city walls - is a gem of Pombaline architecture of the 18th century. The Cathedral, the Chapel of the Bones and the City Museum are worth a visit, and there are several possibilities to discover the Natural Park of the Ria Formosa departing from the marina. The islands of Farol, Culatra and Deserta are very close to Faro and boast lagoons, sandbanks with turquoise waters, barrier islands with dune cords and inifinate beaches. From the marina you can take a boat out to these islands. Kayak excursions or guided boat trips are possible.

. Tavira is one of the most charming towns in the Algarve. On the banks of the river Gilão, its beautiful traditional houses, medieval old town, sub-tropical gardens and lively squares make it a great place to be. The superb beaches of Barril, Cacela Velha or Tavira Island are accessible on foot, by boat or kayak.