Portugal’s Algarve is where land runs out and adventure begins. With its golden cliffs, hidden coves, and the wild Atlantic lapping at its shores, this place has lured explorers for centuries—and you’re next! We’re talking Moorish old towns, bustling markets, and hikes through landscapes so stunning they’ll make anyone jealous. From the flamingo-dotted wetlands of Ria Formosa to the rugged Vicentine coast, this trip is a deep dive into Portugal’s untamed south. Add in year-round sunshine, world-class seafood, and a little lighthouse magic at Cape St. Vincent… Yeah, this is the good stuff. The only question—why haven’t you joined in yet?
Golden cliffs, rolling dunes, and waves that have shaped centuries of exploration—this is the Algarve, where every step tells a story. Our journey takes us from the tranquil islands of Ria Formosa to the untamed beauty of the Vicentine Coast, where dramatic rock formations meet the endless Atlantic. We’ll stroll through historic fishing villages, climb sun-drenched coastal paths, and end at Cape St. Vincent—the last sight sailors had before setting off into the unknown. Add in fresh seafood, lively markets, and trails that weave through Portugal’s most stunning landscapes, and you’ve got an adventure worth every mile.
Upon your arrival in Faro, you’ll be transferred to your accommodation in central Faro. You can have a nice dinner at your own expense, and then it’s time to get ready for the adventure ahead.
Accommodation: Faro Boutique Hotel
You’ll meet the guide at 8:30am, and travel by train to Olhao (20 min), one of the main fishing ports in the Algarve. We’ll visit the old town of Olhao and the market with its well-stocked stalls. We’ll go on a ferry, which will cross the Ria Formosa Natural Park to the small island of Culatra.
After lunch in a typical “tasca”, the sandy alleys of the small island village of Culatra lead to the ocean. A long, wild beach (swimming opportunity) leads to the lighthouse in Farol. We’ll return to Faro by boat.
Meals: Breakfast, picnic, dinner
Hiking: 10 km (6.2 mi), 3 hours
Accommodation: Faro Boutique Hotel
We’ll transfer (30 min) from Faro to Loulé, a beautiful historic town in the hinterland. The labyrinth of alleys leads to the lively covered market of Loulé. In a beautiful neo-Moorish building, the stalls are full of fish, fruit, and vegetables that have made the Algarve famous for millennia. It is also an opportunity to discover the richness of local crafts, largely from the Moorish heritage, such as pottery and basket making.
The minibus will then take us to the site of La Rocha da Pena for a hike in this limestone massif with a Mediterranean feel: scrubland, cork oaks and holm oaks, olive trees, and carob trees. The site is also home to some couples of Bonelli’s eagles. We’ll transfer to Faro for a good night’s sleep.
Meals: Breakfast, picnic, dinner
Hiking: 10.5 km (6.5 mi), 3.5 hours
Ascent: +480 m (+1,574 ft)
Descent: -480 m (-1,574 ft)
Accommodation: Faro Boutique Hotel
On Day 4, we’ll transfer to Lagos (1.5 hours), the city that sent the first caravels to discover new continents in the 15th century. We’ll have a tour of this beautiful white city, its pedestrian streets, its stunning squares, and its monuments before going to the Ponta da Piedade, famous for its ochre cliffs and spectacular arches and caves.
The route follows the coastline on paths or footbridges built against erosion to the beach of Porto de Mos, and then to the village of Luz, which means “light”. Later on, there’s a transfer to Sagres.
Meals: Breakfast, picnic, dinner
Hiking: 10 km (6.2 mi), 3.5 hours
Ascent: +350 m (+1,148 ft)
Descent: -350 m (-1,148 ft)
Accommodation: Hotel Mareta Beach
From the port of La Baleinière, this day’s coastal hike allows us to discover the secret coves and beaches nestled in the limestone cliffs of the southern coast of the Algarve. Fig, almond, and olive trees bear witness to the challenges of agriculture and irrigation, initiated in this region by the Romans and then perfected by the Moors.
There are many swimming opportunities on the small, protected beaches of Barranco, Ingrina or Zavial. Later on, it’s the return transfer to Sagres.
Meals: Breakfast, picnic, dinner
Hiking: 12-15 km (7.4-9.3 mi), 3.5-4.5 hours
Ascent: +250 m (+820 ft)
Descent: -200 m (-656 ft)
Accommodation: Hotel Mareta Beach
Transfer to the Vicentine Coast Natural Park, which is home to about 1000 plant species, a real refuge of biodiversity. In the shade of the umbrella pines, we reach the beach of Bordeira and its dune ridge, then walk along the spectacular cliffs of this wild and steep coastline to the small village of Carrapateira. The café terraces bring together local fishermen and international surfers in a relaxed atmosphere.
Meals: Breakfast, picnic, dinner
Hiking: 12 km (7.4 mi), 3.5 hours
Ascent: +200 m (+656 ft)
Descent: -200 m (-656 ft)
Accommodation: Hotel Mareta Beach
From Sagres, enjoy a hike on the “promontorium sacrum” the south-westernmost point in Europe, surrounded by multicoloured moors and along cliff edges overlooking wild coves. Passing by the superb beaches of Ponta Ruiva and Telheiro, we reach the mythical Cape Saint-Vincent, the edge of the world! To end on a high note, a visit to the fortress of Sagres is a must, a real “Nasa” of the fifteenth century from which the Portuguese set off to discover the world. Dinner on your own.
Meals: Breakfast, picnic
Hiking: 13 km (8 mi), 4 hours
Ascent: +200 m (+656 ft)
Descent: -200 m (-656 ft)
Accommodation: Hotel Mareta Beach
Day 8 marks the end of this hiking adventure in Portugal. Be ready, because 3.5 hours before the flight, you’ll be transferred to the airport in order to depart back home.
Very professional service coupled with great customer care.
Included:
Add-ons:
Not included:
This Portugal Algarve Vicentine coast tour is rated moderate, which means that a good fitness level is required for this adventure. Expect to hike up to 15 km (9.3 mi) on hiking days, and up to 4.5 hours of hiking per hiking day. You’ll gain up to +480 m (+1,574 ft) in elevation.
You can find detailed day-by-day elevation changes in the itinerary.
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Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
Group sizes and pricing
Hiking in Portugal can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements
If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
The starting point of your Portugal Algarve Vicentine coast tour is Faro. To get there, most people fly into Faro Airport (FAO). From there, you can take a shuttle service, public transport, or rent a car to reach Faro.
Once you’re there, you will meet your guide at 8:30am on Day 2 in Faro. Your guide will provide more details before the adventure starts.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!
Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.
Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!
Deposits
You can secure one of the set dates with a 30% deposit upon booking. The remaining 70% of the trip price is to be paid 90 days prior to departure, at the latest.
Cancellations
Booking fees are non-refundable in all cases. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options:
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Flexible
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One of our most memorable trips with our kids.