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Walking Portugal's Wild Algarve

Name: Walking Portugal's Wild Algarve
Brand: Elife Travel
Price: 2650 USD
Availability: InStock

-16%

Country:

Portugal

Flight:

Not included

Favorite

Tour id:

135976

Operator:

Exodus Adventure Travels
Length:

8 days
Group size:

16 pax
Age:

16 to 99

06.09-13.09.25 guaranteed
27.09-04.10.25 guaranteed
11.10-18.10.25 guaranteed
01.11-08.11.25 guaranteed
07.03-14.03.26 guaranteed
28.03-04.04.26 scheduled
11.04-18.04.26 guaranteed
09.05-16.05.26 guaranteed
23.05-30.05.26 scheduled
13.06-20.06.26 guaranteed
05.09-12.09.26 guaranteed
19.09-26.09.26 guaranteed
03.10-10.10.26 scheduled
14.11-21.11.26 scheduled

Itinerary

Passing wild beaches, whitewashed villages and towering cliffs, the Rota Vicentina is one of the great hiking routes in Europe. We’ve handpicked the very best walks from this extensive network, visiting some of the few remaining undeveloped shores of the Algarve. The adventure starts in picturesque Monchique, where medicinal waters and a thermal spa make the town an ideal place to ease into the trip. Transferring to the coast, we walk on quiet cliff trails (used by local people to access the beaches and best fishing spots) and end in the town of Sagres. The refreshing coastal breezes and inviting landscape make walking in this remote corner of Europe truly reinvigorating.

Tour program

Day 1

Start in the thermal spa town of Monchique

This trip starts in Monchique in the heart of the Algarve, approximately a one-hour drive from Faro. This small town is a quiet, peaceful place but the central square has a welcoming atmosphere with fountains and flowers. We stay in the Caldas de Monchique area, home to alkaline thermal springs that have been popular since Roman times. Meet at the hotel reception at 6pm for the welcome briefing. Accommodation: Hotel Villa Termal Caldas de Monchique – Pure (or similar)

Day 2

Alferce Loop walk and ceramics art gallery visit (breakfast,lunch)

We have a morning transfer (approximately 20 minutes) to São Romão Church, where we start with a relatively short hike of the Alferce Loop, which has superb views throughout. There’s an optional visit to the Moorish castle ruins of Castelo de Alferce, which stands on a hilltop in the eastern border of Serra de Monchique, offering a strategic defensive position and expansive views. Archaeological work here reveals a long history of occupation, from the Bronze Age to the Islamic Medieval period (8th-10th centuries CE). In the afternoon, we explore Studio Bongard Ceramics in Monchique. This tranquil space features ceramic sculptures, blending exotic and rustic elements and allowing visitors to explore the gallery, studio and gardens. Accommodation: Hotel Villa Termal Caldas de Monchique – Pure (or similar)

Day 3

Walk the landscape surrounding Monchique; olive oil tasting (breakfast,lunch)

Monchique is in a region strongly marked by agricultural and forestry, which has resulted in a mosaic landscape of vegetable gardens, orchards and quercine tree groves. We hike the areas surrounding the town, giving us a chance to experience this fertile landscape. Later, we visit a traditional olive oil mill for a tasting. The olive oil produced in Monchique is celebrated and this particular mill has been producing some of the best since 1953. Today, three generations of the family are actively involved in the operations of the mill, helping to produce a premium olive oil. In the afternoon, we transfer (approximately 45 minutes) to Arrifana. Accommodation: Hotel Vale da Telha (or similar)

Day 4

Coastal walk to Odeceixe; admire fascinating rock and cliff formations and some of the best beaches in Portugal; wine tasting in Vicentino wines; transfer to Vale da Telha (breakfast,lunch)

This morning, we transfer (approximately 35 minutes) to Carvalhal Beach, the start of today’s walk. The cliff face on this stretch of the walk is particularly interesting as it’s composed of schist and greywacke – the consolidation of sand, clay and volcanic ash which accumulated on an ocean floor more than 300m years ago. This whole coastal region is believed by many to have a special energy, and it was here the fado artist and singer Amália Rodrigues sought refuge and inspiration for her songs. Along the walk, we may also spot traces of nocturnal mammals, including the Egyptian mongoose (locally known as escalabardo), weasel, beech marten (papalvo), badger, genet and rabbits. Before reaching Odeceixe, we take a break on Ponta em Branco (White Summit) so named for the colour of the sediments that form its top, marking the border between the Alentejo and Algarve regions. This is considered one of the most scenic points in the entire region with views over Odeceixe Beach, with the mountaintop of Fóia and Monchique as a backdrop. We then stop at the vineyards of Vicentino for a wine tasting before transferring to our hotel near Arrifana Beach. Enjoy a refreshing dip in the swimming pool or a drink on the sunny terrace before dinner. Accommodation: Hotel Vale da Telha (or similar)

Day 5

Free day; enjoy an optional circular walk to Arrifana Beach or other activities such as surfing (breakfast)

Today is a free day to choose from the many optional activities available in the area. You may decide to go on a guided visit to Arrifana Beach, Ponta da Atalaia, Monte Clérigo and Aljezur (payable locally). Alternatively, you may book a surfing class in this popular surfing destination. While your tour leader will not accompany you on your free day, they can help you book the optional activities. A self-guided walk around Arrifana is also possible (7.5mi/12km loop). Accommodation: Hotel Vale da Telha (or similar)

Day 6

Circular walk around Carrapateira; enjoy ocean views and the sandy beaches of Bordeira and Amado; transfer to Sagres (breakfast,lunch)

Today we travel further south and transfer (approximately 30 minutes) to the village of Carrapateira, the start of today’s short circular walk. Along the circuit, we come across various viewpoints with superb vistas of the sandy beaches of Bordeira and Amado plus the ruins of an ancient Islamic fishermen’s settlement. On the first part of the trail, we walk through undulating dunes carpeted by lush vegetation and aromatic wild plants including thyme, yellow amaranths, rosemary, lavender, crowberries, blue pimpernel and sea lavender. We then walk along the limestone cliffs for most of the trail and may get the opportunity to spot cormorants, a wintering bird and expert angler that consumes almost 2lb (1kg) of fish per day. In the afternoon, we transfer (approximately 20 minutes) to the village of Sagres, at the extreme western tip of the Algarve. Although primarily known as a surfing destination, Sagres has a lot more to offer. You may decide to spend the rest of the day in one of the pristine sheltered beaches. Accommodation: Memmo Baleeira Hotel (or similar) Upgrade to a sea-view room today – speak to your sales representative for more details

Day 7

Final cliff walk to Cabo de Sao Vicente, the southwesternmost point in continental Europe; afternoon optional visit to Sagres Fort (breakfast,lunch)

Surrounded by foaming Atlantic breakers, Cabo de Sao Vicente marks the most southwesterly point of Europe. The final walk from Sagres out to the edge of the continent should prove to be one of the highlights of the week. Surrounded by coastal scenery, we follow a wild trail along sandy paths and gorse-strewn meadows to the very edge of the Iberian Peninsula. Setting off from our hotel, we head to the start point of our walk, near Beliche Beach. We set out across towering cliffs and ravines covered with native vegetation. We pass by the golden beach of Beliche then, after a short section inland, Telheiro Beach, a place of extraordinary geological interest thanks to the rock composition of the cliffs. The last section of the path continues along the clifftop before a memorable arrival at Cabo de Sao Vicente, where we find a lighthouse, museum and small bar offering wonderful photo opportunities. It’s only a five-minute transfer back to Sagres, where we can choose to visit the imposing sea fortress at sunset or relax with a cold drink on the waterfront, watching fishermen mending their nets. Accommodation: Memmo Baleeira Hotel (or similar) Upgrade to a sea-view room today – speak to your sales representative for more details

Day 8

End Sagres (breakfast)

This trip ends in Sagres today. If you’d like to spend a little more time in this beautiful part of Europe, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.

Tour Details

accommodation

We use three unique hotels, all with a swimming pool and two with spa facilities. The hotels we normally use are listed below. Upgrade to a sea-view room on Day 6 and Day 7 of the itinerary – speak to your sales representative for more details. Monchique: Hotel Villa Termal Caldas de Monchique – Pure (nights 1-2) This 22-room boutique property with mountain and valley views sits within the Villa Termal Caldas de Monchique Spa Resort. That provides easy access to plenty of excellent amenities, including an outside pool, several green areas and the Thermal spa. There’s also a restaurant serving a mix of traditional Portuguese and contemporary cuisines plus a selection of bars. Aljezur: Hotel Vale da Telha (nights 3-5) Modest but well suited for our adventures, Hotel Vale da Telha has a relaxed atmosphere and modern rooms with balconies. When it’s time to relax, head to the pool area, where you’ll find shaded loungers on a spacious wooden sundeck. Sagres: Memmo Baleeira Hotel (nights 6-7) Enjoy vistas of the Atlantic Ocean with a stay at this four-star design hotel. There are 144 rooms and suites along with an outdoor pool, plus a spa, heated indoor pool, Turkish bath and sauna.

flights

International flights are not included

guide

Group leader

insurance

Insurance is not included. Travel insurance is required for this tour. Please make sure you are adequately covered.

meals

All breakfasts and five picnic lunches are included. The picnic lunches will include a mix of sandwiches, cheeses, cured meats and fruit. During the week, we get the opportunity to sample delicacies and traditional dishes from this region, including fresh seafood and fish. The local speciality from the sea is gooseneck barnacles (also known as perceves); taken from the bottom of submerged cliffs, they are harvested by hand using a dangerous and traditional method, which involves one of the two collectors dangling from a rope attached to the clifftops! Away from the sea, the dried hams, salamis and cheeses are excellent. Good quality meat is also always on the menu. Vegetables are plentiful but, although vegetarian dishes are available in traditional restaurants, the choice may be limited.

optional

Sagres - Dolphin Watching approx. €35 per person (season and weather dependent)
Sagres - boat trip approx.€30 per person (season and weather dependent)
Sagres Fort €3 per person
Arrifana - Surf lesson 1/2 day approx. €30-35 per person

others

— Travel insurance — Single accommodation (available on request) — Visas or vaccinations

Airport transfers (for those travelling on meeting our group flights)

transport

Airport transfers are by private minibus. During the week, we have included some short transfers by private cars or minibus to take you to the beginning of the walk or back to our hotel after a day of walking.

Good to know

Currency

€

Euro

Portugal

Customer reviews

Operator

4.4

Faq Tour

How can I book a tour?

You can order a tour on our website by selecting the desired dates and clicking the “Confirm dates” button. You can also contact our sales department by phone or email.

Which payment options are available?

We accept credit cards, bank transfers and other popular payment methods.

Can I change or cancel my reservation?

Yes, changes or cancellations are possible, however penalties may apply depending on the time before the tour starts.

What documents are required to participate in the tour?

You will need a passport with a valid visa (if required) to visit countries along the tour route.