Groups accepted with a minimum of 6 pax
In the tranquil East Algarve, secluded beaches can stretch for many kilometres with no one in sight and the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve teems with birds and sea life; tourist activity is secondary to the wildlife and work of the fishermen and shellfish farmers.
The West Algarve is more populated, but has cliffs, volcanic hills and dramatic limestone escarpments. This diversity is complemented by the local flora and fauna that flourishes in its mild sunny winters and long hot summers.
Anchor cemetery in Barril Beach Tavira
All this, combined, makes walking in the Coastal Algarve a fascinating experience with surprising sites and landscapes.
Tavira, at the centre of the Eastern Algarve, mixes old-Portuguese charm – cobbled streets, bougainvillea-hung balconies – with a workaday fisherman’s riverfront.
Its ruined castle, churches and elegant merchants’ houses provide cultural interest, while the eight-mile beach, across the salt marshes of Ria Formosa Natural Park, is a perfect chill out zone. The River Gilão estuary meets the Ria Formosa and the Atlantic ocean in a tranquil and rich scenario, dotted with colourful traditional fishing boats.
Whitewashed walls west Algarve village
Portimão, on the banks of the River Arade, was traditionally a centre for sardine fishing and processing. Today the city’s old and once bustling fishing docks have been remarkably transformed into a scenic promenade, leading to the quaint and tree-lined plazas of the old town. Bordering this are pleasant pedestrian shopping streets, a series of historic buildings, and a tantalising selection of cafés, bars, and restaurants.
Walking in Lagos centre
Lagos is a city that, from early on, was a gateway to the Mediterranean. It was from its wide bay, encircled by the fine sands of Meia Praia that Gil Eanes set off, the first to round Cape Bojador; it was here that privateers like Sir Francis Drake hid, and galleons full of gold and precious stones from the Americas or spices from the India put into port.
These are the three centers of our fantastic walking and sightseeing tour.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival to Faro
Transfer from airport to Hotel.
Depending on our arrival time, a short introductory walk around town will be offered.
Free time until the evening meeting and dinner.
Dinner will be taken at a local restaurant.
Day 2 – Cacela Velha and Cabanas Walk
An easy walk, close to the coast, starting in the beautiful old village of Cacela Velha, following tracks and quiet lanes to the picturesque old fishing village of Cabanas.
Here fishermen still continue their craft, mixing harmoniously with the visitors crossing to the island and the golden beaches. Here too we can rest, enjoy good food and drink whilst enjoying the sunshine by the colourful waterfront.
We continue back to Tavira, through the saltpans where we may see an abundance of wild life along with the traditional craft of salt extraction.
Dinner will be taken at a local restaurant.
Distance: 14km; 8.76mi / Ascent/descent: 65m/-66m
Day 3 – Santa Luzia & Tavira Island
A real treat as we walk along one of finest beaches in the world and visit the small fishing village of Santa Luzia with its abundance of fishing boats bobbing in the gentle waters of the channel.
This circular walk from and returning to Tavira crosses to Tavira Island via local ferry/water taxi and returns to the mainland on a floating pontoon bridge. Not just a day’s walking but a real day’s holiday as well!
Dinner will be taken at a local restaurant.
Distance: 17km;10.51mi / Ascent/descent: 21m/-21m
Day 4 – Ferragudo Walk /Hotel change
From Ferragudo´s Light House we follow a stunning coastline westwards to Portimão & Praia da Rocha. We visit en route the charming and very traditional village of Ferragudo before continuing into Portimão itself.
Dinner will be taken at a local restaurant.
Distance: 6.5km;4mi / Ascent/descent: 21m/-21m
Day 5 – Alvor & Rocha Walk
Today we offer 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 colourful, from white limestone to red sandstone. These different rocks support a wide variety of flora and, in spring, there are impressive displays of wild flowers.
Dinner will be taken at a local restaurant.
Distance: 9.41km;5.85mi / Ascent/descent: 87m/-87m
Day 6 – Vale de Lama / Hotel change
We walk through gentle countryside to the salt pans on the Alvor Estuary with its abundant bird life. We then parallel the extensive Lagos beach where, at any time, we can drop down to the sea for a rest and a swim. We crown the day arriving in Lagos with its beautiful waterfront and old historic centre.
Dinner will be taken at a local restaurant.
Distance: 10km;6.3mi / Ascent/descent: 17m/-32m
Day 7 – Praia da Luz to Lagos
A wonderful walk along the cliff tops with stunning views all around. The highlights of the area are the spectacular rocks, coves and caves that have been relentlessly carved and shaped by the pounding waves. You can look down on the famous grottos. Looking inland you can see the remnants of old farmhouses and land divisions that marked the territory here when it was once the only source of income. Porto de Mós and Ponta da Piedade cafés provide welcome refreshments.
Dinner will be taken at a local restaurant.
Distance: 9.9km;6.2mi / Ascent/descent: 306m/-293m
Day 8 – Departure
Transfer from hotel to Airport.
Info
Maria Nova Hotel, Tavira
Hotel Globo,Portimão
Hotel Aqualuz, Lagos
Hotels
Tavira: Maria Nova Lounge Hotel (4****) or similar
Located a 5-minute walk from Tavira’s bustling town centre, Maria Nova Lounge Hotel – Adults Only enjoys a quiet hillside location. Its modern rooms feature a private balcony. Facilities include indoor and outdoor pools.
Maria Nova Lounge Hotel’s rooms are decorated with tiled floors, wooden furniture, and large windows. All rooms have a minibar, satellite TV, and an en suite bathroom. The rooms have panoramic views.
The Bar Panorâmico offers an extensive list of cocktails and stunning views over Tavira.
Portimão: Hotel Globo (3***) or smiliar
This modern design hotel on the Algarve Coast offers panoramic views of the city of Portimão and the River Arade. It features a stylish rooftop restaurant and a gym.
The bright rooms at Hotel Globo are decorated with modern furniture. They include a flat-screen TV with cable channels and a work desk. Some rooms have a spacious seating area with sofas and armchairs.
Lagos: Aqualuz Suite Hotel Apartments (4****) or similar
With its privileged location, 1km away from the closest beach, the Aqualuz Suite Hotel Apartments**** is a modern hotel, embellish with light coloured furniture and open door areas. The hotel features spa facilities, a courtyard with four swimming pools and a rooftop terrace. The Club Restaurant serves authentic Algarve cuisine and has an outdoor terrace overlooking the pool.
All rooms offer satellite TV, an en suite bathroom with a hairdryer and air-conditioning.
Insurance
You must be adequately insured to join our Guided walking holidays and Self-Guided walking holidays. We do not insist that you insure with us but we require that you are adequately insured for the nature of your holiday.
BeCool Travel has partnered with WorldNomads.com to keep you travelling safely. WorldNomads.com Travel Insurance is designed for independent and adventurous travellers, with coverage for overseas medical expenses, cancellation, baggage, and other expenses.
Please consult our Travel Insurance page, where you’ll be able to get more detailed info about insurance requirements and an immediate quote for your trip.
