Tavira isn’t just a town—it’s a masterpiece you can step into. From ancient Moorish architecture to swoon-worthy golden sands, this 8-day hiking tour is a feast for the senses. We’ll stroll through orange groves, discover flamingo-filled salt pans, and wander on trails where history breathes life. From the artisans of Santa Catarina to the panoramic views of Zimbral’s peak, every step leads to another story. And just wait until we hit Tavira Island’s pristine sands. Pure bliss. History buffs, nature lovers, and anyone with a sense of adventure, this trip has your name written all over it!
Step into the heart of Portugal’s Algarve with this Tavira-based hiking holiday. Explore ancient Moorish streets, coastal trails, and stunning valleys bursting with wildflowers. Every evening, return to a 4-star hotel for a perfect blend of relaxation and modern comfort. With guided walks that include highlights like Tavira Island’s pristine beach and the salt pans of Santa Luzia, this is the chance to immerse yourself in both the natural beauty and cultural charm of East Algarve.
You’ll have a Meet & Greet at the hotel in Tavira on arrival at 6pm. If time allows, an introductory walk will be offered.
Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Tavira
Today, we’ll have a wonderful countryside walk through open rolling hillsides. Spectacular views allow a remarkable appreciation of the inland Algarve. We’ll walk through picturesque villages and descend to finish in a low fertile valley full of orange orchards.
Meals: Breakfast
Hiking: 15 km / 9.3 mi, about 5 hours
Elevation: +200 m / +656 ft, -400 m / -1,312 ft
Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Tavira
Our walk takes us through Tavira’s saltpans, which use centuries-old traditional methods to extract high quality salt, and today the salt is used by renowned celebrity chefs. We’ll take a relaxing break in the fishing village of Santa Luzia with its attractive waterfront.
From there, we’ll walk along Tavira Island’s beach, regarded by many as one of the finest in the world with its vast stretches of golden sand and sparkling blue waters.
Meals: Breakfast
Hiking: 15 km / 9.3 mi, about 4 hours
Elevation: +300 m / +984 m, -300 m / -984 m
Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Tavira
Day 4 is an ideal opportunity to relax and enjoy the attractions of Tavira and its surroundings. You can walk and sightsee independently or visit local places of interest. From Tavira, there is a wide variety of sightseeing and points of interest available.
Those interested in birdwatching may want to visit the Castro Marim in the marshes of the “Reserva Natural do Sapal”, famous for their flamingos.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Tavira
Day 5 is reserved for a classic coastal walk following the inner shoreline, and a visit to the iconic village of Cacela Velha, the only cliff of the East Algarve where we’ll enjoy amazing vistas of the Ria Formosa and the Ocean.
In Cabanas, we’ll stop for a well-earned rest in one of the many cafés lining this spectacular waterfront. Later on, we will return to Tavira.
Meals: Breakfast
Hiking: 9.5 km / 5.9 mi, about 2h30
Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Tavira
We’ll start the day with an inland walk through one of the most beautiful and interesting valleys in the Algarve. Santa Catarina is one of the centers for the production of carob, almond, fig, olive oil, and medronho (traditional firewater), and the surrounding countryside where we’ll hike reflects this.
We will also pass along artisanal brick and tile workshops which use the high-quality clay of this region since the Roman era to produce the renowned Santa Catarina tiles.
Meals: Breakfast
Hiking: 12.5 km / 7.7 mi, about 3h30
Elevation: +200 m / +656 ft, -300 m / -984 ft
Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Tavira
Today, we’ll have a walk following the Algarve’s Ecovia. We’ll pass by old estates with orange, fig, and almond orchards, and through the salt pans of Fuzeta, where we will also be able to watch birds, all in a quiet and tranquil area.
Meals: Breakfast
Hiking: 17 km / 10.5 mi, about 4h30
Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Tavira
This is the final day of the Tavira hiking tour. We’ll say our goodbyes and depart individually. Goodbye Portugal!
Meals: Breakfast
Included:
Not included:
This Tavira, Portugal hiking holiday is suitable for everyone, but relatively good walking shape is expected. You should be able to comfortably walk from 9 km / 5.6 mi to 17 km / 10.5 mi on walking days.
Hiking consecutive full days can be quite strenuous. In preparation for your hike, it’s recommended to do some 5-10 mile (8-16 km) walks – including some uphills and downhills with a loaded backpack.
For more hiking adventures in Portugal, click here!
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 Tavira, Portugal hiking holiday is Tavira. To get there, most people fly into Faro Airport (FAO/LPFR). From there, you can take a shuttle service, public transport, or rent a car to reach Tavira.
Once you’re there, you will meet your guide at 6pm on Day 1 at your hotel in Tavira.
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:
Basic
Flexible
Super Flexible
