The Algarve From West to East, Self-Guided Walk
The Algarve From West to East, Self-Guided Walk
The Algarve From West to East, Self-Guided Walk
8 Days Starting and ending in Faro
Visiting: Faro, Sagres, Bordeira, Aljezur, Odeceixe, Rota Vicentina, Monchique, Lagos, Alcoutim, Laranjeiras, Tavira
Tour operator:
Tour code:
W07AV
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 9
Physical rating:
Leisurely / Moderate
Age range:
8 to 99
Special diets catered:
Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Tour Overview
Starting the first half of your week in the coastal town of Sagres and finishing in the city of churches, Tavira, highlights include visits to some of the Algarve's most varied and interesting beaches (including Odeceixe, which is the one of the most photographed and most popular beaches in the Algarve), exploring the maritime history of Portugal and Europe in Lagos and Sagres, and walking along the banks of the Guadiana River.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive In Faro
Location: Faro, Sagres
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Memmo Baleeira
Meals Included: Dinner
Drive to Sagres, the beautiful coastal town where you will spend the first
four nights.Â
Day 2 : Bordeira And The Beach
Location: Bordeira, Bordeira
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Memmo Baleeira
Meals Included: Breakfast
From picturesque Bordeira, a valley trail takes you through eucalyptus and
giant reeds to the cliff tops above the vast expanse of Bordeira Beach with
its impressive sand dunes. The views are breathtaking! Descend to the beach,
where you'll walk along the crashing surf to explore the dunes and meandering
river estuary. Your return is along a sandy trail through the scented pine
forest of Bordalete and the floodplain of the Bordeira River where
bell-toting cattle graze lazily.Â
Day 3 : Aljezur And The Amoreira Cliff-Top Loop
Location: Aljezur
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Memmo Baleeira
Meals Included: Breakfast
A short but spectacular walk to two of the Algarve's most varied beaches and
their unique rock formations sculpted by the Atlantic. Stroll through
Peaceful valleys and pine forest to reach the flower-strewn coast. Descend to
Carruagem Beach with its swirling rock ridges and rock pools. Then take the
sandy cliff trail to Amoreira Beach, one of the finest sweeps of shoreline in
the region. After your walk, head to Aljezur to wander the cobbled streets
and visit the ruins of the Moorish hilltop castle for superb
views.Â
Day 4 : Odeceixe And The Fishermen's Coastal TrailÂ
Location: Odeceixe, Rota Vicentina, Odeceixe
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Memmo Baleeira
Meals Included: Breakfast
Just over the border in the Alentejo is the attractive village of Odeceixe.
You set off on the Rota Vicentina Pilgrims' Trail alongside the irrigation
canal. Reaching the Atlantic, head along the wild and rugged coastline on the
stunning Fishermen's Trail to the beautiful beach of Odeceixe - one of the
most photographed in Portugal. Head back to Odeceixe alongside the river and
through meadows to explore its narrow cobbled streets and tempting
cafes.Â
Day 5 : Heading East
Location: Monchique, Lagos
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Pousada de Tavira
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today you make your way to Tavira, your base for the next three nights.
Choose to do a walk en route or visit one of the interesting villages or
towns. Monchique or Lagos are both worth a visit, the small village of Saint
Luzia near Tavira is famous for octopus restaurants or head to Tavira for
lunch and explore the town in the afternoon.Â
Day 6 : A Walk Along The Guadiana
Location: Alcoutim, Laranjeiras
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Pousada de Tavira
Meals Included: Breakfast
You head east, maybe stopping at the town of Alcoutim with its 14th century
castle and small international ferry! Then to Laranjeiras, where the walk
begins along the banks of the Guadiana River, passing pretty white villages
and almond and olive groves. You'll climb between holm oaks and stone pines
to a wonderful picnic spot. It's then on through the Laranjeiras ravine full
of tamarisks, lavender and carob trees, spotting golden orioles as we
go.
Day 7 : Don Quixote Trail
Location: Tavira
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Pousada de Tavira
Meals Included: Breakfast
A longer walk today, which is packed with interest and contrasting scenery
and sights - first following the river through orchards and vineyards, then
passing through cork oaks, cistus and pine plantations, to reach a wonderful
view point over the Odeleite River. Heading down to the river there is a
lovely picnic site to enjoy a break. Following on passing holm oaks and two
windmills is evidence to the life in the area known as the Serra.Â
Day 8 : Leave Tavira
Location: Tavira, Faro Airport
Meals Included: Breakfast
It is a 35-minute drive back to Faro airport. *Note: This is an idea of your
itinerary; we have more walks for you to follow in our notes. Our Algarve
representatives will explain everything at your welcome briefing. You can
easily add extra nights in either hotel or shorten the holiday if you like.*
What's Included
-
Car hire (if booking a flight inclusive package)
-
Route notes and mapsÂ
-
A good chioice of walks on each day
-
All accommodation
-
All breakfasts and 1 evening meal
What's Not Included
-
Car hire (if booking a land only package, available for a supplement)
-
Single supplements
-
Visas and vaccinations
-
Travel insurance
Food
All breakfasts and 1 evening meal. The local speciality from the sea is the Barnacle Perceve, this is not taken from the bottom of boats but the bottom of submerged local cliffs, it is harvested by hand using a dangerous and traditional method, which involves one of the two collectors dangling by a rope from the top of the cliffs! They are a bit of a delicacy not too dissimilar to mussels. Away from the sea the dried hams, salamis and chourico are as good as anything that Spain or Italy can produce. The strange sounding bread sausage Alheira is very good, invented by the Portuguese Jews during the Inquisition to avoid persecution, bread and non-pork products are used. Good quality meat is also on the menu, beef and pork are of a high quality and lamb in season is superb. Vegetables are plentiful and with big harvests of almonds and oranges, fruits are in good supply alongside another local vegetable, the sweet potato. The Algarve’s other surprise is the quality of cheese; from mild to strong using cow, goat or sheep milk there is a great range of cheeses for all tastes, Queijo de Cabra do Algarve, is a particular favourite.
Accommodation
You'll stay in two hotels of contrasting styles: in Sagres, sitting on the cliffs above the Atlantic Ocean, is the modern boutique 4-Star Memmo Baleeria, and heading east in Tavira is the 4-Star Pousada de Tavira, a former C16 convent, which has now been tastefully converted into a lovely hotel.
Check out our Q&As
-
What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?
4-Star
-
Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Minimum 8 Years or above age people can go on this tour.
-
Are vaccinations required for this tour?
There are no specific health risks.
-
Do you require a visa for this holiday?
No visa required for British passport holders.
-
Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
-
What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
Exodus has been trading since 1974
-
What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.
-
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.
-
Can I join the tour once it has departed?
You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.
Reviews of this Operator
Book with Confidence
-
Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Exodus allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus, 43 days before departure.
-
Low Deposit
Exodus requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
Why book with tourhub?
Safe & Secure
Your money is protected in an external trust until you travel.
100% Guaranteed Refunds if your trip is cancelled.
The safest way to make overseas, multi-currency payments.
Guaranteed Best Value
Industry leading discounts, we won't be beaten on price.
No cancellation or amendment fees from tourhub.
(Operator terms may apply)
Expert Knowledge
Reliable & unbiased advice from travel experts.
Direct contact with the tour operator via our messaging service.
Inspiration & advice from a community of 6000+ real travellers, influencers & content creators.
Trusted Service
Official partners & licensed agents of 1000+ tour operators worldwide.
Don't just take our word for it...
"Tourhub: Friendliness, Professionalism & Integrity I would happily give tourhub a 6* review if I could..."