Highlights:

  • Stunning coastal paths along the wild Atlantic Ocean
  • Cape St Vincent, Mount Foia, Faro, Sagres
  • Portuguese seafaring center
  • Exceptional local cuisine featuring fresh seafood

This stunning coastline is a world away from the busy resorts in the east. The wind-brushed coastal paths run beside miles of glorious beaches, which curve into perfect, peaceful swimming coves. Inland, old Portugal still exists, with white villages and carob, fig and almond trees. This is a landscape of nationally protected nature reserves, pristine beaches, wild coastlines, jagged cliffs, and is home to Europe's most south-western point, Cabo de Sao Vicente (Cape St Vincent).

Sunday Overnight: Hotel Eva

Meet at our waterside hotel in Faro, overlooking the marina and a national park. Welcome Dinner at a nearby restaurant.

Monday Overnight: Villa Termal das Caldas de Monchique Spa Resort

Start the day with a transfer to the fishing port of Olhao, where we visit the lively fish and vegetable market. A boat takes us to Culatra, one of the tiny sandbar islands off the coast with no vehicles and no roads. We'll walk on the beach with stunning water views to the lighthouse and have lunch nearby. We return Faro with the option to visit the old town center or relax at the hotel pool.

Tuesday Overnight: Villa Termal das Caldas de Monchique Spa Resort

In the morning, we transfer to Rocha de Pena for a scenic hike with panoramic coastal views and an amazing variety of wildflowers. After lunch in the Moorish medieval castle town of Silves, we take a walk through town and transfer to our hotel on Trs Irmo beach.

Wednesday Overnight: Pestana Alvor South Beach

Today's walk takes us to the trail of the Seven Hanging Valleys, one of the most scenic hiking routes in the Algarve. We'll walk along massive limestone cliffs eroded by the sea, stopping to explore hidden caves, sinkholes and majestic sea arches. After lunch in Carvoeiro, depending on conditions at the time, we can walk to the wildlife habitats in the Ria Alvar Nature Reserve, or discover other scenic spots and white sand beached in the area.

Thursday Overnight: Pousada Infante de Sagres

A short transfer takes us to Lagos with its old town castle and 15th century slave market. We follow the coastal path to iconic Ponte de Piedade, one of the most beautiful rock formations in the Algarve. After a visit we proceed via Praia da Luz, to Praia da Salema for lunch. Then walk via the exquisite and secluded Praia da Ingrina enroute to our next hotel.

Friday Overnight: Pousada Infante de Sagres

Spend today walking further along the southern coast, exploring the sheltered coves, beaches and grottos unique to this area. It's the ideal spot for a picnic lunch. Later, we'll visit the sheltered beach at Praia das Furnas, with numerous caves, galleries, rock protrusions and grottoes carved by the sea.

Saturday Overnight: Pousada Infante de Sagres

Set out on an all-day walk to Cape St Vincent. Count on spectacular ocean views from cliffs that rise 250 feet above the sea. With its proud seafaring history, this part of the Algarve is as interesting as it is beautiful. Most of the area is now a National Park, with scenic coastal trails winding through flowering rock rose and South African ice plant; where massive folded and eroded cliffs continue to be lashed by the mighty Atlantic, and migrant birds, gannets, dolphins and whales plunder the rich sea life offshore. In a word: amazing. Farewell Dinner at our hotel.

Sunday

After breakfast, The Wayfarers provide a transfer to Faro Airport.
Moderate
"What a beautiful place. I loved it all. The Fado singer took us over the top with her voice." KB
Terrain: Level coastal paths, well-trodden forest tracks, a boat journey, some steep inclines & descents, highest altitude 3,000ft, one morning 1,500ft elevation (vehicle transfer optional for this section). 7-12 miles of walking per day.

TRIP DETAILS

7 nights from
US $4,495.00
per person, double occupancy
(Single Supplement US $695.00)
Our Wayfarers friends' Price is US $4,270.00

Dates

From Apr 26 to May 3 (more dates)
Request booking
Arrival: Faro
Departure: Faro
The Algarve April 2020 Map

Hotels - Where we stay

Hotel Eva

Hotel Eva

Located in the heart of Faro, light and airy Hotel Eva offers a superb view of the picturesque marina and the sea. The bedrooms are decorated in cool, contemporary tones and offer en suite bathrooms, air conditioning, safe, hairdryer, LCD TV, phone, minibar, desk, WiFi and cable internet access. To relax, there is a terrace swimming pool and a health club.

Villa Termal das Caldas de Monchique Spa Resort

Villa Termal das Caldas de Monchique Spa Resort

Resembling a white village nestled among the Natural Park of Serra de Monchique, Villa Termal is an elegant and charming spa hotel, ranged across five unique lodgings, furnished with 18th and 19th century pieces. The rooms are tastefully decorated and each offers en suite facilities, air-conditioning, television, and telephone. With a courtyard surrounded by trees, the Villas Restaurant 1692 offers local, fresh produce, presenting creative modern portuguese cuisine. The thermal and hydrotherapy spas offer a range of treatments using the natural alkaline waters from the Monchique hills.
Pousada Infante de Sagres

Pousada Infante de Sagres

The Sagres Pousada is located on the cliff tops overlooking the Atlantic, yet within walking distance of the fishing town of Sagres. This modern Pousada has a maritime feel and no wonder with spectacular views towards Forteleza Sagres, the Sagres Fortress, built atop Sagres Peninsulas southern tip to protect the town from North African raiders and where Prince Henry the Navigator devised his 15th century expeditions to the uncharted seas around the western side of Africa heralding in the golden era of Portugal exploration. Sitting by the magnificent swimming pool, above a beautiful sandy beach, guests are completely removed from the hustle and bustle of daily life. The Hotel Sagres has 51 rooms many with superb sea views. All rooms have air conditioning/heating, minibar, bathrobes, hairdryer, safe, telephone, cable TV and some have internet access. The restaurant of the Pousada Sagres has earned an excellent reputation for its cuisine featuring local produce and seafood.

Start planning your trip

What Is Included in the Price of My Vacation

  • Full-time services of staff - Walk Leaders and Walk Manager
  • A backup vehicle for resting walkers and moving luggage
  • Comprehensive Travel Information Package and Reading List
  • Diverse itineraries with an emphasis on history, geography, culture, peoples, flora and fauna
  • Demonstrations, wine tasting, admissions to museums and historic sites
  • All ground transfers (ferries, cable cars, trains, etc.)
  • Maps and unique souvenirs to commemorate your trip
  • First-class accommodations with cultural and historical interest
  • All meals - with choices - (Special dietary requirements? No problem!)
  • Wine with dinner
  • On-trail snacks and refreshments
  • All gratuities at hotels and restaurants