Portimão: Walking in the West Algarve

Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival in Faro

Fly to Faro and transfer by road to Portimão, taking approximately 60 minutes.

West Algarve, Walking in Silves

Day 2 – Estômbar and Silves Walk

This walk ends in Silves, the ancient capital of the Algarve with an iconic castle.
We start in the traditional Algarve village of Estombar. Along the valley of the River Arade, we visit the Ecological Park of Fontes, an attractive local beauty spot. Here we find the largest limestone springs in the Algarve. At Sitio das, Fontes visitors can see a water mill, learn more about the local flora and fauna while walking along an educational trail.
The route itself enables us to explore this river valley following quiet tracks and paths so we can appreciate the diverse habitats and wildlife.

Walking in the cliffs

Day 3 – Seven Valleys Walk

Today we offer a fantastic coastal walk taking in one of the most famous and dramatic sections of the Algarve coastline. Towering cliffs, sea caves and grottos, superb sandy coves, and spectacular headlands including the much-photographed Benagil domed caves lined with beautiful sandstone strata.
All this can be seen during this stunning walk to finish along Carvoeiro’s renowned elevated boardwalk.

Ponta da Piedade where the famous sea caves are to be found

Day 4 – Alvor and Praia da Rocha

Today we have a full program with a fantastic coastal walk taking in the superb sandy beaches and dramatic headlands between Alvor and Portimão, including the much-photographed beach at Praia da Rocha, one of the best in the Algarve.
The rock strata are particularly varied and very colorful, from white limestone to red sandstone. These different rocks support a wide variety of flora and, in spring, there are impressive displays of wildflowers.

Walking in Lagos center

Day 5 – Ponte da Piedade and Lagos

We continue our coastal theme with a spectacular walk starting from the small village and resort of Luz.
On this walk we follow a coastal path to Lagos, visiting on the way Ponta da Piedade where the famous sea caves are to be found and visited by many small boats carrying visitors from nearby Lagos.
The walk finishes in Lagos and we will have time to sightsee in this attractive town that was an important Roman settlement called ‘Lacobriga’. A variety of ancient Roman & medieval ruins remains, including the old slave market.
The town center, which is enclosed within 5th-century walls offers a modern and well-equipped marina that dominates the seafront and the town is now firmly positioned as a center for tourists from all over the world.
We have an opt-out at Ponte de Piedade allowing people to have a little more time to sightsee in Lagos.

West Algarve walking

Day 6 – Barão De São João

We head back inland for a walk that takes in the villages of Barão de São João and Barão de São Miguel.
These charming, rural, and peaceful villages are characterized by the typical white houses with a colored border around the windows and doors.
This and the traditional Algarve chimneys demonstrate the many years of Moorish occupancy of the area.
We have an opt-out at lunchtime allowing people to relax and explore the fascinating village of Barão S. João.

Dramatic Views from West Algarve cliffs

Day 7 – Sagres and Cabo de São Vicente

Our final day on the western Algarve fittingly culminates in Sagres, the most westerly town in the Algarve.
This area of intensely dramatic cliffs, opening onto a vast horizon of sea and sky, was the last sight of Europe for the explorers setting forth on their fearsome voyages beyond the horizon.
We will also visit today the nearby Cabo de S. Vincente whose spectacular cliffs were once believed to be the end of the world.

Windmill Algarve

Day 8 – Departure

At a convenient time transfer to the Airport.