Tour Description
Walking Close to Nature in the West Algarve is a Self-Guided walking tour for those who love to explore and be surprised. Walk among the lush greenery of woodlands, or on top of magnificent cliffs against a backdrop of ocean blue, always in amazing locations full of wildlife. Our base is in Carvoeiro, a picturesque coastal resort town.
The walks in this exciting self-guided tour offer an interesting mix of coastal and countryside scenery so that you can experience this special part of the Algarve.
Wine estate West Algarve. Recommended visit to a wine estate for a wine tasting.
The tour is based in Carvoeiro, a coastal resort with much to offer, including pristine beaches, a traditional Portuguese ambience, and an extensive selection of restaurants and bars. Carvoeiro is a walker’s paradise with numerous hiking routes and trails that follow the rolling inland hills and spectacular coastline.
The West Algarve landscape is known for its rugged cliffs, caves and grottoes, beautiful beaches, and seaside fishing villages. This is still an important way of life in this area, naturally devoted to tourism, yet with many secrets to unveil. Along the coast, fishermen go out to the sea for sardines and octopus, and at low tide, you can see people scavenging for seafood.
This backdrop of real life is one of the best layers of your self-guided walking holiday in the West Algarve!
Amazing Coastal Walks Carvoeiro, stunning coastal scenery, in some iconic paths of high cliffs with crystal clear waters beneath..
Inland, up in the lush green hills, you will see a way of life that has disappeared from much of European countries, where days revolve around the seasons. Our walks visit areas apart from normal touristic routes, giving us an insight into the traditional Algarvian way of life as we walk through ancient farmland, smallholdings, and fragrant orchards.
The light and weather on the West Algarve are fantastic, even during the winter months, making it a lovely region for walking and nature activities. In the small cobbled streets of picturesque villages, you’ll find whitewashed houses, cafes, and a tranquil way of life.
Walking in the cliffs. Amazing colours that pictures do not do justice, you have to see it to believe it!
Another star highlight is the Seven Hanging Valleys walk, which has been recently elected the ‘best hiking destination in Europe’ by the online portal European Best Destinations. Boasting magic sea caves, secluded and almost deserted beaches, colourful flora, and impressive rock formations, this trail will spoil you with impressive coastal views.
Whichever part of the West Algarve your walking trails lead you, you will find a welcoming, friendly people, excellent local wines, and delicious food, from the freshest of fish to regional dishes packed with flavour.
To get under the skin of the West Algarve and to see it at its best, enjoy our cherry-picked walks, for they combine all the ingredients for a perfect walking holiday while giving a real sense of place.
Surely is for it that we offer this walking tour: Walking Close to Nature in the West Algarve, based in Carvoeiro.
Our self-guided walking tours are thoroughly designed and include all the information you need, from detailed maps and route notes to a 24h hotline. The accommodation, airport transfers, and transports are included in the walking program.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Faro
Fly to Faro and transfer by road to Carvoeiro, taking approximately 1h.
Whitewashed walls west Algarve villages. Richly decorated façades with elaborated tiles, carved stonework, and wrought-iron verandas
Day 2 – Senhora da Rocha Walk
A fascinating walk between two popular resorts giving us insights into the rural villa culture of this region.
These gentle tracks and quiet lanes take you through the sleepy rural countryside dotted with fields and trees and pass villas large and small where people from all over the world have made their home.
Note: We suggest taking the time to drop down to Senhora da Rocha viewpoint, with its fabulous views over the beach and the sea.
Walking time: 2h45; Distance: 11.2km/6.95mi; Ascent/Descent: +83m/-120m; Min/Max Elev.: 12m/90m
Atlantic boardwalk, at the top of a promontory with fine-looking views.
Day 3 – Ferragudo Walk
From Ferragudo, we follow a stunning coastline westwards to Portimão and the stunning Praia da Rocha.
This area is famous for its exclusive and elaborate villas. Our walk along this spectacular coastline lets us see why.
Take time during the walk to visit Ferragudo one of the most attractive and popular villages in the area.
Walking time: 2h15; Distance: 9.3km/5.77mi; Ascent/Descent: +33m/-30m; Min/Max Elev.: -1m/29m
Ferragudo Fortress. Typical fishermen’s village and ways of life.
Day 4 – Armação de Pêra Walk
This imaginatively designed walk in the rolling hillsides just inland from Carvoeiro invites you to visit and appreciate an area hidden from normal tourism. This is an insight into the traditional Algarvian way of life, one that revolves around ancient farmland, smallholdings, orange orchards, and the “dry” orchards so typical of this area.
Walking time: 2h45; Distance: 11.2km/6.9mi; Ascent/Descent: +101m/-115m; Min/Max Elev.: 34m/93m
Walking in the cliffs, where the landscape is formed by cliff-top paths, volcanic hills, and dramatic limestone escarpments.
Day 5 – Free day
This is an ideal opportunity to relax and enjoy the attractions of the Algarve. You can walk/tour independently, or visit local places of interest. From Lagos, there is a wide variety of sightseeing available (we can advise and/or recommend options according to your interests). Keen bird-watchers may wish to visit Sagres to the West, or the Ria Formosa, in the East Algarve.
Countryside West Algarve, inland you can see the remnants of old farmhouses and land divisions that marked the territory.
Day 6 – Lagoa Walk
Located between the sea and the hills of Monchique and Caldeirão, Lagoa is the centre of the viticulture of the Algarve. The soil characteristics and the region’s dry weather produce high-quality wines, appreciated for their complexity.
Our walk wanders amongst the quiet, fertile, Barrocal landscape dotted with fields and smallholdings. Watch the surroundings evolve, as you near the coast of Carvoeiro, into a landscape of beautiful villas set in gardens bedecked with flowers.
Walking time: 2h30; Distance: 10.2km/6.38mi; Ascent/Descent: +61m/-91m; Min/Max Elev.: 13m/79m
Secluded Beach West Algarve Walk. The rock strata are particularly varied and very colourful, from white limestone to red sandstone.
Day 7 – Seven Hanging Valleys Walk
Elected as one of the best walks in the world, this fantastic coastal walk takes you to one of the most famous and dramatic sections of the Algarve coastline. Towering cliffs, sea caves and grottos, superb sandy coves, spectacular headlands, and domed caves lined with beautiful sandstone strata.
Walking time: 2h30; Distance: 9.8km/6.1mi; Ascent/Descent: +-305m; Min/Max Elev.: 2m/47m
View from the cliffs. These different rocks support a wide variety of flora and, in spring, there are impressive displays of wildflowers.
Day 8 – Individual departure or extra days
At a convenient time, departure to Faro Airport or Faro Train station.
Info
Hotel Cavoeiro Plaza
Hotel Cavoeiro Plaza
Hotel
Hotel Carvoeiro Plaza (3***) or similar
The informal Hotel Carvoeiro Plaza is located overlooking the local square of Carvoeiro, a typical Algarvean village. Within walking distance of shops, restaurants, and entertainment and yet only 50 meters from the beach. The outdoor pool features a sun terrace with sun loungers and a bar.
All rooms are equipped with a private bathroom, satellite TV, air conditioning, central heating, and tea/coffee making facilities.
A rich buffet breakfast is served in the morning with a variety of hot and cold dishes. Guests can enjoy light snacks on the poolside terrace.
