Algarve – From Mountains to Sea

Algarve, Portugal

Holiday overview

Destination

Portugal


Type

Self Guided, Tailor Made


Difficulty

Easy to Moderate


Month

Jan - Dec


Price

£ 650 pp


Duration

7 nights


Walking in Algarve, away from the popular tourist spots, much of the Algarve remains totally unspoilt. Walking in Algarve allows you to explore so much of what this stunning area has to offer, from the gorgeous coastal paths to the rocky mountain cliffs.

Away from the popular tourist spots much of the Algarve remains totally unspoilt. This walking holiday begins in the mountains of Monchique, an area designated as an EC Natura 2000 site chosen for the beauty and rarity of the landscape. Because the area is so special you will spend three nights here before setting off southwards through remote foothills. Your walk for the next three days follows the coastal path with its spectacular views all the way to the fishing port of Sagres, famous for its links with Prince Henry the Navigator during the first days of Atlantic navigation and discovery of the West African coast. Much of the coast here and the coastal path lies within the Cape St. Vincent Natural Park, a protected area famous not only for its spectacular scenery but also its rare flora and fauna. Walking in Algarve is moderately easy walking for anyone of average fitness. The length of each days walk can be shortened if required. This is a flexible walking holiday.

 

Price:

October to March £625.00 per person. April, May, June and September £650.00 per person. Single supplement £150.00.

 

Included:

  • 7 nights accommodation in a twin/double room with en-suite facilities and breakfasts.
  • Transport to and from your arrival point in the Algarve.
  • Luggage transfers.
  • Comprehensive walking notes and emergency backup.

 

Not Included:

  • Flights
  • Drinks with meals
  • All meals that are not mentioned above.

 

Departure Dates:

This holiday can start on the day of your choice. Because of the mild winters and hot summers this walking holiday is available all year round EXCEPT July and August.

Day 1:

Arrival in the Algarve and transfer to Caldas de Monchique.

Overnight in Caldas de Monchique. (Hotel Central)

 

Day 2:

Today you take the local bus to Monchique town where your walk begins, it is walk of two halves: firstly a circular walk through cork woods and valleys to the east of the town and then time for some exploration of the town before following old trails and paths through old hamlets back to your hotel

14 kms/8.6miles. Overnight in Caldas de Monchique.

 

Day 3:

Monchique Town to the south slopes of Picota (the second highest peak in The Algarve), a circular walk through some of the most beautiful scenery in the Serra de Monchique with spectacular views down to the coast.

17 kms/10.5 miles. Overnight in Caldas de Monchique.

 

Day 4:

There is a transfer to the start of the walk: The scenery is somewhat different today as you pass through The Budens wetlands home to a wide variety of birds. Then it is up onto the cliff tops, taking you along the coastal path to Salema passing medieval forts and Roman ruins along the way.

14 kms/8.6 miles. Overnight in Salema.  (Amare guesthouse or the Hotel Salema)

 

Day 5:

You take the local bus to and from this, wonderful circular walk on the west coast where the raw and wild beauty will win your heart, your walk starts and end in the small town of Vila do Bispo and all of the walk is within the Cape St Vincent Natural Park,

19 kms/11.8 miles. Overnight in Salema.

 

Day 6:

Walking from from the hotel you’ll head through the Cape St Vincent Natural Park, following the coastal path and ancient tracks to Sagres. There are wonderful cliff top views along the way and later in the walk you will drop down onto beautiful, quiet beaches,

16 kms/9.9 miles. Overnight in Sagres (Hotel Mareta View)

 

Day 7:

The final day of walking runs just inland from the coast to Cape St Vincent taking in the coastal fort of Beliche along the way. You then return to Sagres by taxi or bus.

13km/8.1miles. Overnight in Sagres

 

Day 8:

End of holiday after breakfast and transfer back to Airport.