Algarve Walking Tour: Walk Along the Coast in Portugal

Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival in Sagres

  Welcome to Portugal! Your guides will arrange a group transfer from the Faro Airport to Sagres, a picturesque town located in the Algarve region, known for its stunning cliffs, beaches, and rich maritime history. Check into your hotel and use the rest of the day to stroll around town or rest.

  Sagres holds significant historical importance as the site of Henry the Navigator’s school of navigation in the 15th century, which played a crucial role in the Age of Discoveries. Today, Sarges attracts visitors with its natural beauty, dramatic coastal scenery, and the iconic Cape St. Vincent, the southwesternmost point of mainland Europe.

  Accommodation: Four-star hotel
  Meals: Dinner

  
• Day 2: Alvor estuary

  The Alvor estuary represents an astonishing ecosystem and it’s a superb example of Portugal’s ancient heritage. The tidal cycle determines the rhythm in the river mouth marsh, and when the tide goes out, countless birds and shellfish gatherers rush over the sand deposits, where a myriad of small creatures become trapped in the small lines of water! The presence of Roman ruins of Abicada shows the importance of this lagoon system for human settlement through the ages.

  After a 40-minute drive, our journey starts near Figueira and then we walk south through the Alvor River Estuary. We will walk through the toad marshland, where it is possible to watch some birds and enjoy a panoramic view over the estuary, finding some cattle along the way. Then we cross the stream and enter the EBIO, a biodiversity path until we arrive in Alvor. Once there, we follow waterfront roads until we reach the boardwalk of the western sandbank that protects the lagoon from the sea. Here, we take the circular path through the dunes to witness dynamic habitats in which the sand and the plants are in permanent equilibrium.

  Meals: Breakfast and dinner
  Walking: 5.5 miles / 9 km, 5 hours
  Elevation: +131 ft (+40 m), -131 ft (-40 m)
  Accommodation: Four-star hotel

  
• Day 3: Sagres

  We’re not only in the far southwest of Portugal, but also in Europe. Sagres has numerous lovely beaches with high vertical cliffs. The magnificent historical constructions like the Lighthouse of Cape Saint Vincent and the Fortress of Sagres stand out along the outstanding landscape to tell the history of the Portuguese Empire overseas.

  Leaving the hotel, we will cross this beautiful town and visit the Sagres Fortress. From there, we will walk west along the coast and over the mesmerizing golden cliffs, exploring beaches, coves and small bays. For centuries, this path was used by the fishermen, and today it is one of the favorites of locals and tourists. We end our walk at the Cape Saint Vicent.

  Meals: Breakfast and dinner
  Walking: 7 miles / 11 km, 3 hours
  Elevation: +594 ft (+181 m), -594 ft (-181 m)
  Accommodation: Four-star hotel

  
• Day 4: Monchique Mountain Range

  The igneous rock massif of low mountains is famous for its diverse and indigenous wildlife, which we’ll hopeful spot. The panoramic landscape over sea and mountains is gorgeous, marked by small charming picturesque villages. Valleys and ravines are crossed by freshwater streams and springs. On the top of the Alferce hills, the ruins of the old castle hold back the history of one of the most important Islamic sites in the south of the country.

  A one-hour drive will take us to Alferce. The path starts next to the main church and heads north while we get a view over the amazing Demo Valley and the whole Monchique Mountains, as well as small glimpses of the sea and the distant water mirror of the Odelouca and Arade dams. After a long zigzagging descent, the path gets to the junction of Barranco do Dem and the Monchique stream, crosses the water line, and then starts a long climb until the archeological site of Cerro de Castel de Alferce, and Islamic fortification which was probably erected in the 9th century AD. Afterwards, we will go downhill again, towards Alferce on paved rural paths.

  Meals: Breakfast and dinner
  Walking: 5.9 miles / 9.2 km, 4 hours
  Elevation: +1,614 ft (+492 m), -1,585 ft (-483 m)
  Accommodation: Four-star hotel

  
• Day 5: Free day in Sagres

  You can spend today in a small quiet village away from the crowded cities of Algarve—Sagres! Spend your day on the beach or choose one of the many activities available like kayaking in the ocean or boat trips for dolphin and whale watching!

  You can also take a bus directly to any other city along the western coast of Algarve. We recommend a visit to Lagos to see the ancient Roman and Moorish walls, the picturesque white houses and cobbled streets, or the harbor, an important part of the Portuguese empire overseas. You can also go a little further to Portimao. This lively place is one of the hotspots of Algarve where you can enjoy vibrant streets with all kinds of shops and amazing restaurants.

  Optional activities: Sea kayaking or a private boat tour to Grotto Caves

  Meals: Breakfast and dinner
  Accommodation: Four-star hotel

  
• Day 6: Vicentine coast

  Today we’ll enjoy a walk across a different part of Algarve. This natural park is the longest stretch of the protected Portuguese coast, and it’s sprinkled with numerous pristine beaches with hidden accesses and framed by glorious schist and limestone cliffs. The robust rocky coastline, the strong shifting sea undulation, and the scarce vegetation create a magnificent natural landscape.

  A 50-minute drive will take us to the charming Amoreira Beach. South of the Aljezur stream, we will get on the Fishermen’s Trail. Heading south, always by the sea, following the paths used by locals to access the beaches and fishing grounds, we’ll walk for a couple of hours. Almost at the end of our walk, we will pass the ruins of Arrifana Fortress, before we enter this picturesque village.

  Meals: Breakfast and dinner
  Walking: 5.6 miles / 9.1 km, 3 hours
  Elevation: +682 ft (+208 m), -538 ft (-164 m)
  Accommodation: Four-star hotel

  
• Day 7: Hanging Valleys trail

  This is a trail of stunning views, hidden coves, and spectacular views with beautiful sunsets over the Atlantic Ocean. Feel the gentle wind, smell the fragrant local flowers, taste the salty air, listen to the enchanting waves and be mesmerized by the fabulous horizon of turquoise waters and golden beaches!

  It will take us around one hour to arrive at Centeanes, which is where our path begins. We’ll start our trail, going up and down beautiful small valleys. The path is not technically difficult, but there are a few places where the terrain is slippery. The coastal trail passes the Alfanzina Lighthouse and rises above Carvalho Beach. Along the way, there are many gorgeous lookout spots where we’ll see limestone stacks and natural arches around beaches like Benagil and Corredoura.

  Meals: Breakfast and dinner
  Walking: 4.9 miles / 8 km, 5 hours
  Elevation: +1,066 ft (+325 m), -1,066 ft (-325 m)
  Accommodation: Four-star hotel

  
• Day 8: Departure

  Our gorgeous Algarve tour comes to an end after the final breakfast. If you’d like to stay longer in the area, feel free to ask us for recommendations!

  Meals: Breakfast