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Walking Portugal's Wild Algarve

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Our Price From 3,415 Per Person
Exclusive Savings 239 Per Person
 Trip Length
8 Days
 Trip Starts
Monchique
 Trip Finishes
Sagres
8 Day Walking Portugal's Wild Algarve Itinerary (Exodus)
Countries Explored: Portugal
Trip Style
Walking & Trekking
Departures
Budget
Affordable
Max. Group Size
16
Pace
Easy / Leisurely
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
TSV

Overview

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on Exodus 8 Day Walking Portugal's Wild Algarve. Passing wild beaches, whitewashed villages and towering cliffs, the Rota Vicentina is one of the great hiking routes in Europe. We’ve handpicked the very best walks from this extensive network, visiting some of the few remaining undeveloped shores of the Algarve. The adventure starts in picturesque Monchique, where medicinal waters and a thermal spa make the town an ideal place to ease into the trip.

Transferring to the coast, we walk on quiet cliff trails (used by local people to access the beaches...read more and best fishing spots) and end in the town of Sagres. The refreshing coastal breezes and inviting landscape make walking in this remote corner of Europe truly reinvigorating.

Itinerary

This trip starts in Monchique in the heart of the Algarve, approximately a one-hour drive from Faro. This small town is a quiet, peaceful place but the central square has a welcoming atmosphere with fountains and flowers. We stay in the Caldas de Monchique area, home to alkaline thermal springs that have been popular since Roman times. Stay: Hotel Villa Termal Caldas de Monchique – Pure (or similar).

We have a morning transfer (approximately 20 minutes) to São Romão Church, where we start with a relatively short hike of the Alferce Loop, which has superb views throughout. There's an optional visit to the Moorish castle ruins of Castelo de Alferce, which stands on a hilltop in the eastern border of Serra de Monchique, offering a strategic defensive position and expansive views. Archaeological work here reveals a long history of occupation, from the Bronze Age to the Islamic Medieval period (8th-10th centuries CE).

In the afternoon, we explore Studio Bongard Ceramics in Monchique. This tranquil space features ceramic sculptures, blending exotic and rustic elements and allowing visitors to explore the gallery, studio and gardens. Stay: Hotel Villa Termal Caldas de Monchique – Pure (or similar) (B/L).

Monchique is in a region strongly marked by agricultural and forestry, which has resulted in a mosaic landscape of vegetable gardens, orchards and quercine tree groves. We hike the areas surrounding the town, giving us a chance to experience this fertile landscape.

Later, we visit a traditional olive oil mill for a tasting. The olive oil produced in Monchique is celebrated and this particular mill has been producing some of the best since 1953. Today, three generations of the family are actively involved in the operations of the mill, helping to produce a premium olive oil.

In the afternoon, we transfer (approximately 45 minutes) to Arrifana. Stay: Hotel Vale da Telha (or similar) (B/L).

This morning, we transfer (approximately 35 minutes) to Carvalhal Beach, the start of today's walk. The cliff face on this stretch of the walk is particularly interesting as it's composed of schist and greywacke – the consolidation of sand, clay and volcanic ash which accumulated on an ocean floor more than 300m years ago.

This whole coastal region is believed by many to have a special energy, and it was here the fado artist and singer Amália Rodrigues sought refuge and inspiration for her songs. Along the walk, we may also spot traces of nocturnal mammals, including the Egyptian mongoose (locally known as escalabardo), weasel, beech marten (papalvo), badger, genet and rabbits.

Before reaching Odeceixe, we take a break on Ponta em Branco (White Summit) so named for the colour of the sediments that form its top, marking the border between the Alentejo and Algarve regions. This is considered one of the most scenic points in the entire region with views over Odeceixe Beach, with the mountaintop of Fóia and Monchique as a backdrop. We then stop at the vineyards of Vicentino for a wine tasting before transferring to our hotel near Arrifana Beach. Enjoy a refreshing dip in the swimming pool or a drink on the sunny terrace before dinner. Stay: Hotel Vale da Telha (or similar) (B/L).

Today is a free day to choose from the many optional activities available in the area. You may decide to go on a guided visit to Arrifana Beach, Ponta da Atalaia, Monte Clérigo and Aljezur (payable locally). Alternatively, you may book a surfing class in this popular surfing destination. While your tour leader will not accompany you on your free day, they can help you book the optional activities. A self-guided walk around Arrifana is also possible (7. 5mi/12km loop). Stay: Hotel Vale da Telha (or similar) (B).

Today we travel further south and transfer (approximately 30 minutes) to the village of Carrapateira, the start of today's short circular walk. Along the circuit, we come across various viewpoints with superb vistas of the sandy beaches of Bordeira and Amado plus the ruins of an ancient Islamic fishermen's settlement.

On the first part of the trail, we walk through undulating dunes carpeted by lush vegetation and aromatic wild plants including thyme, yellow amaranths, rosemary, lavender, crowberries, blue pimpernel and sea lavender. We then walk along the limestone cliffs for most of the trail and may get the opportunity to spot cormorants, a wintering bird and expert angler that consumes almost 2lb (1kg) of fish per day.

In the afternoon, we transfer (approximately 20 minutes) to the village of Sagres, at the extreme western tip of the Algarve. Although primarily known as a surfing destination, Sagres has a lot more to offer. You may decide to spend the rest of the day in one of the pristine sheltered beaches. Stay: Memmo Baleeira Hotel (or similar) (B/L).

Surrounded by foaming Atlantic breakers, Cabo de Sao Vicente marks the most southwesterly point of Europe. The final walk from Sagres out to the edge of the continent should prove to be one of the highlights of the week. Surrounded by coastal scenery, we follow a wild trail along sandy paths and gorse-strewn meadows to the very edge of the Iberian Peninsula. Setting off from our hotel, we head to the start point of our walk, near Beliche Beach.

We set out across towering cliffs and ravines covered with native vegetation. We pass by the golden beach of Beliche then, after a short section inland, Telheiro Beach, a place of extraordinary geological interest thanks to the rock composition of the cliffs. The last section of the path continues along the clifftop before a memorable arrival at Cabo de Sao Vicente, where we find a lighthouse, museum and small bar offering wonderful photo opportunities.

It's only a five-minute transfer back to Sagres, where we can choose to visit the imposing sea fortress at sunset or relax with a cold drink on the waterfront, watching fishermen mending their nets. You may decide to book an optional dolphin-watching excursion along the coast (weather and season dependent). Stay: Memmo Baleeira Hotel (or similar) (B/L).

This trip ends in Sagres today. If you'd like to spend a little more time in this beautiful part of Europe, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay (B).

Trip Inclusions

  • Discover dramatic cliffs, gold-sand beaches and quiet trails
  • Enjoy a mill visit and olive oil tasting
  • Sample wines with a tasting at Vicentino vineyards
  • Stay in authentic whitewashed villages, including Sagres
  • Reach Cabo de San Vicente, the most southwesterly point in Europe

  • Seven nights in three- and four-star hotels
  • Five days of guided walking and one free day
  • All transport by private cars or minibus
  • All breakfasts and five picnic lunches
  • Tour leader throughout

  • Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
  • Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
About Exodus Travels
About Exodus Travels

Hit the trails with Exodus - from challenging peaks to leisurely coastal and countryside walks. Read more

Exodus Trip Leaders
Exodus Trip Leaders

Exodus chooses their Leaders carefully. Professional, dedicated and are passionate about sharing their home countries. Read more

Accommodation with Personality
Accommodation with Personality

Wherever possible, Exodus chooses properties that are locally owned and that reflect the area you are visiting. Read more

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Note
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Exodus. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Exodus. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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