Remote Coastal Trails of Portugal

Our trip begins in the coastal town of Sagres, a small tranquil town with a picturesque harbour and several nearby beaches. This historically important port, linked to the early Portuguese explorers. It was here that Prince Henry the Navigator built his navigation school during the 'Age of the Discoveries'. His fortress, Fortaleza de Sagres rebuilt in the 18th century, can also be seen from our hotel. Our base for the week is Hotel Navigator, overlooking the sea and a short walk from Mareta Beach and the centre of Sagres town. The spacious apartment rooms are simply furnished, all have a kitchenette, sitting area and small balcony.



For those arriving on time our Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 7pm for the welcome meeting and for those that wish, there is the chance to go out for dinner. There are no activities planned today, so you are free to arrive in Sagres at any time. If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive at Faro Airport (FAO) which is around one hour 30 minutes' drive to the hotel. Should you miss the meeting, your leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up.



If your flight arrives early in the day there is s a choice of local restaurants and bars, and a town beach within a short walking distance of our hotel.

For our first walk we travel by taxi or minibus to the village Carrapateira, approximately forty minutes away. From here we follow a trail along the coast, then head inland to the pretty village of Bordeira where we can relax in a local café before heading back to Sagres by taxi or minibus.



Today's easy 13 kilometre walk is expected to take around four hours with 100 metres of ascent and 70 metres of descent.

Today is a more challenging walk along the Seven Hanging Valleys trail with spectacular coastal scenery. It's a one hour's drive to Marinha Beach where we join the trail, walking along the coastal cliffs looking out to natural arches, secluded beaches, limestone stacks and caves at Benagil beach. The trail rises to pass Alfanzina lighthouse before arriving at Carvoeiro beach. At the end of the walk, you can relax at Carvoeiro beach or take an optional boat trip with amazing views into the Benagil sea-cut caves.

Today's moderate 10 kilometre walk is expected to take around three-and-a-half hours with 150 metres of ascent and descent, with some steep sections.

After breakfast we travel the short distance to the nearby town of Vila do Bispo and onto the local beach, Praia Castelejo by taxi. From here we follow the long distance marked coastal trail 'Rota Vicentina' along dramatic cliffs to the lighthouse at Europe's most south-westerly point Cabo Sao Vicente - the subject of many local photographs. From here we return to Sagres in taxis. Sunset in this area is a stunning spectacle and worth making the effort to see.



Today's moderate 14 kilometre walk is expected to take around four hours with 150 metres of ascent and descent along a marked trail.

Today is a free day to relax by the hotel pool, explore the local area further or take the opportunity to join a dolphin watching boat tour. There is also an optional walk.

We arrive to the coastal town of Burgau by taxi or minibus for the start of our walk along this dramatic coastline to the resort town of Lagos. En route we see the fascinating rock formations, including the photogenic rock arch, at Ponta da Piedade just south of Lagos. After sometime exploring the lovely old centre of the town and taking refreshment we return to Sagres on the public bus.



Today's moderate 16 kilometre walk is expected to take around four-and-a-half hours with 100 metres of ascent and descent, along a coastal path.

This morning we take taxis to Ingrina, a sheltered sandy beach. From here we walk back to Sagres along the unspoilt coastline with the opportunity to stop for a swim in the sea along the way.



Today's easy 11 kilometre walk is expected to take around three hours, along a flat coastal path.

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Sagres.

There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Sagres at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you need to depart from Faro Airport (FAO) which is around one hour 30 minutes' drive from the hotel.