The Ultimate Coastal Algarve Walk – 12500G

Groups accepted with a minimum of 6 pax

The Ultimate Coastal Algarve Walk: From East to West Crossing Stunning Landscapes is a Guided Walking Tour set in some of the Algarve’s most spectacular coastal scenarios. You’ll see that are still places with more flamingos than tourists, and where centuries’ old traditions are part of daily life. Tavira, Portimão, and Lagos are the centres of this fantastic walking and sightseeing holiday.

In the tranquil coastal East Algarve, the beaches can stretch for many kilometres with few people, and the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve teems with birds and sea life. Tourist activity seems secondary to the work of fishermen and shellfish farmers.

Tavira, our first centre, mixes quiet and charming cobbled streets lined by flowered balconies, with the action at the riverfront.

The River Gilão’s estuary meets the Ria Formosa and the Atlantic ocean in a relaxing and rich scenario, dotted with colourful traditional fishing boats. The castle, the dozens of whitewashed churches, and the elegant manor houses provide cultural interest.

The eight-mile beach, across the salt marshes of the Ria Formosa Natural Park, was elected one of the best in the world and is the perfect chill-out zone.

On the other hand, in the West Algarve, the coast surrenders itself to the power of the Atlantic Ocean.

Here the landscape is formed by cliff-top paths, volcanic hills, and dramatic limestone escarpments topped by a carpet of colourful flora changing with the seasons.

Portimão is our first base in the West Algarve, where most of the Algarve population is located. Sat on the banks of the River Arade, the town has a history of sardine fishing and processing. The old and once bustling fishing docks have been remarkably transformed into a scenic promenade.

The quaint tree-lined plazas of the old town show a pleasant collection of historic buildings and pedestrian shopping streets with terraced cafés, bars, and restaurants.

We then head to Lagos, a city that, from early on, was a gateway to the Mediterranean.

It was from its wide bay, encircled by the fine sands of the Meia Praia Beach, that Gil Eanes set off, the first to round Cape Bojador.

It was also here that privateers like Sir Francis Drake hid, and where galleons full of gold and precious stones from the Americas were put into port.

The stretch of the wall bordering the marginal (waterfront) is beautiful, and in the old town, you can find shops, restaurants, tons of history and culture. Last but not least, Lagos comes alive at night with street artists and bars for every taste with live music.

Whichever part of the coastal Algarve we visit in our walking trails, you will find welcoming, friendly people, excellent local wines and delicious food, from the freshest fish to regional dishes packed with flavour.

Enjoy our cherry-picked walks, specially designed for this tour, as they combine all the ingredients for a perfect walking tour while giving a real sense of holidays.

The Algarve Ultimate Coastal Walk is led by a professional local guide with deep insider’s knowledge of the region. The personal insight that the guide shares with you can make each turn more exciting, and each new vista richly rewarding.

Adds immeasurably to your appreciation of the region, the flora and fauna, the history and the legends, and the ways of the local people.

The dinners and accommodations are at locally owned businesses. It’s an important part of your holidays, especially with the excellent Portuguese cuisine and wines!