Walking the Algarve's South West
11 Days Starting and ending in Portugal
Visiting: Portugal
Tour operator:
Tour code:
W10AV
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Trip Styles:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Discover the South-West corner of the Algarve on our self-guided walk following coastal footpaths and inland trails.
Itinerary
Arrive at your hotel in the coastal town of Sagres.
Day 2: Sagres to Pedralva 15km/9.5mi/4hr or 17km/11mi/5hr
After a 30-minute transfer you'll start today's walk, following the Fishermen's Trail to the cliff tops and the glorious Amado beach. You'll make your way to Carrapateira - perhaps stop for a picnic lunch or sample one of the village's snack bars - before following the Rota Vicentina past one of the Algarve's best viewpoints, on your way to Pedralva.
Day 3: At Pedralva
The choice is yours today. You could relax and explore this charming village or purchase some picnic supplies and follow one of our suggested walks! A cliff-top route takes you back to the beautiful Amado beach; you'll enjoy breathtaking views out to sea, with the return leg offering valley and forest views as far as the Serra de Monchique. A shorter walk takes you along the Marreiros plateau where you'll enjoy far-reaching views over the rolling countryside below.
Day 4: Pedralva to Vila do Bispo 13km/8mi/3.5hr or 18km/11.5mi/5.5hr
After an enchanting walk through pine and eucalyptus forest you can choose from two routes. One follows the Rota Vicentina and pretty meadows to Vila do Bispo, whilst the longer route makes a horseshoe loop into the Costa Vicentina Natural Park, to the Praia da Barriga (Barriga beach), set at the end of a long and lush valley and backed by dramatic cliffs.
Day 5: At Vila do Bispo
Today you could wander the quaint streets of the village or choose to follow one of our suggested walks. Perhaps take in the cliffs and viewpoints above Vila do Bispo, or walk through a landscape of rolling hills and gentle valleys, through the village of Raposeira, to the Guadalupe Chapel which is thought to be one of the only Knights Templar buildings left in Portugal.
Day 6: Vila do Bispo to Cabo de Sao Vicente/Sagres 16km/10mi/4.5hr
The undoubted highlight of today is making your way to the south-western tip of Europe - Cabo de Sao Vicente. Following country lanes and coastal trails, you'll enjoy some superb scenery en route and feel on top of the world when you arrive! Take a tour of the lighthouse, visit the museum, or relax with a drink in the bar before we transfer you (5 mins) back to Sagres.
Day 7: At Sagres
If you can tear yourself away from the hotel pool, why not take a walk to the Ponta da Atalaia and Ponta da Baleeira headland today? You'll experience wonderful views over Sagres' impressive fortress and the Mareta and Martinhal beaches. Alternatively, head straight to Martinhal Beach for a stroll on the sand and a drink at one of the bars!
Day 8: Sagres to Lagos 12km/7.5mi/3.5hr or 16km/10mi/4.5hr
It's stunning scenery and seascapes all the way today as you follow one of the Algarve's most beautiful coastal walking trails. A 20-30 minute transfer takes you to one of two possible starting points, depending on which length of walk you choose. The route takes you through the picturesque fishing villages of Burgau and Praia da Luz with their whitewashed houses and picture-perfect beaches - perhaps stop for lunch at one of the bars or restaurants or enjoy a beachside picnic.
Day 9: At Lagos
It's just a 20-minute walk from your hotel to the Old Town of Lagos. Here you'll find the C14 walls protecting a tangle of cobbled streets full of shops, bars, cafes and restaurants, along with ornate churches, some interesting museums and the pride and joy of Lagos - its bustling marina!
Day 10: Lagos / Figueira to Sagres 15km/9.5mi/4.5hr
Today's walk has some fabulous scenery! After a transfer (20 mins) to Figueira, you'll follow a route through rolling countryside to the cliff-top headland above Praia do Zavial, before continuing via the beaches of Ingrina and Barranco up to the Sagres plateau. Cross the tiny Praia dos Rebolinhos before a final stretch along Martinhal Beach back to your hotel - take your boots off and enjoy the sand between your toes!
Day 11: Leave Sagres
Meals
All continental breakfast and 5 evening meals
Accommodation
Hotel Memmo Baleeira (4 star)
This designer hotel is perfectly situated overlooking the stunning bay on the edge of Sagres. The rooms are minimalistic in design and feature all amenities. The restaurant here prides itself on serving the best of the local seafood, whilst the hotel offers free use of the Turkish bath, sauna and indoor pool, the perfect tonic after a day exploring this stunning area.
Aldeia da Pedralva (3 star)
This is a magical place, a real find. In 2006 the village of Pedralva was a ruin with houses just left to rot by owners who no longer wanted to live in the countryside. However, Antonio Ferreira, after initially deciding to buy a couple of houses, eventually renovated 24 which have been beautifully restored to create 24 rooms. The village itself is surrounded by verdant nature parks and offers great walking and cycling possibilities. Food here is rustic Portuguese, simple in terms of ingredients but mouth watering in terms of quality, flavour and freshness.
Hotel Mira Sagres (3 star)
The Mira Sagres is an historical pension in the fishing village of Villa do Bispo and a regular haven for journeying pilgrims making their way to Cape St Vincent. The fascia of the pension has now been lovingly gentrified and in keeping with the local tradition, has now been stylishly whitewashed, it also boasts an impressive indoor pool. On a good day from the high terrace at the hotel you can see Sagres in the distance.
Pousada de Sagres Infante (4 star)
The Pousada de Sagres, Infante, is a lovely hotel with 270 degree views of the Atlantic sea below. On the west side there are great views of Sagres Fortress and Cabo de Sao Vicente in the distance. The hotel has a lovely outdoor pool with views of the fortress, there are also massage rooms and a large lounge. The rooms all have balcony or terrace and sea views.
Costa DOiro (4 star)
Tucked away just a kilometre from Lagos old town this lovely hotel offers a relaxing tranquil stay. The rooms are different depending on which villa you stay in mixing a multitude of Portuguese and colonial designs. Food here is a real Portuguese affair including a complete breakfast section of Portuguese specialities. It is easy to walk to Lagos old town, the Dona Ana beach, one of Portugal's best and the famous light house at Ponta da Piedade.
Travel
Out: British Airways Gatwick to Faro various times, then transfer to hotel 90 mins at 12:30 17:30. Return: Transfer to Airport 90 mins at 10:45 15:45 then British Airways Faro to Gatwick various times.
Single Supplement
Add 300 single supplement
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Headwater requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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