Walk the Algarve's Wild West
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Experience Overview
Far beyond the 'developed' Algarve in Portugal's most southerly Atlantic corner, lies the Sagres Peninsula, a startlingly pristine region of golden beaches, imposing cliffs, swaying flower meadows, dramatic coastlines and tree-lined paths. Locals here offer a warm welcome and hold on to the traditions of rural life. The easy-to-follow trails take in rich verdant valleys, pine forests and rugged coastlines, making exploring on foot amazingly rewarding. Birdlife also abounds here with endemic and migratory species passing through from Africa and Northern Europe. With winter very similar to spring, you can enjoy the warm temperatures of the Algarve from October right through to May.
Profile
— 6 nights hotel-to-hotel accommodation — 3 Days walking — All continental breakfasts and 3 evening meals — Headwater Navigation App — Luggage transfers between hotels
At a Glance
— 6 nights hotel-to-hotel accommodation — 3 Days walking — All continental breakfasts and 3 evening meals — Headwater Navigation App — Luggage transfers between hotels
Trip For You
EXCELLENT CHOICE FORFood lovers, wine lovers, flora & fauna, bird spotting opportunities, art & history, swimming opportunities, couples, coastal routes Classification: Self-GuidedAverage daily distance on move on days: 16.8km (10.7miles). No. of days Walking: 5Terrain: Mostly gently undulating with a couple of short but steepish descents/climbs on most days. Walks are mostly on a mix of coastal paths and tracks and woodland trails. Sections follow the Rota Vicentina and Fishermens Trail. Vehicle Support: This is a self-guided trip for those who prefer to walk independently, but with our assistance to take out the stress of the logistics and planning. We arrange your accommodations, provide you with a map and route notes so that you can walk at your own pace. It is important that you are happy reading maps and following route notes, we make these as accurate as possible and they are regularly checked. As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. There may be others on the same departure date as you, but you will not be organised together. The route notes contain a 24-hour emergency assistance telephone number should you need it and in emergencies. Your route takes you to the fishermen's village of Carrapateira, along a mix of coastal and inland paths amid bird and orchid-rich forests to remote Pedralva. From this white village you follow the Rota Vicentina, a national trail interlinking with the Fishermen's Trail that starts in the Alentejo. It hugs beaches and cliffs all the way to Cabo de Sao Vicente, the farthest flung corner of Europe.
Group Description
As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. Your luggage is transferred and route notes and maps are provided. Please note: the walking and luggage transfers included in this tour are subject to a minimum of 2 people (in total) booked on the departure. A supplement (payable in advance) to cover these transfers and sole occupancy of a room will apply if only 1 person travelling on a departure date.
Eating Drinking
All continental breakfasts and 3 evening meals Three dinners are included and the local cuisine is a sumptuous mix of fresh fish, local meats and fresh vegetables, accompanied by tangy cheeses and quality chouricos; all complemented by a superb choice of Portuguese wines. 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 chouriço 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.
Transportation
We have included transfers on some of the days to either take you to the begining of your walk or back to your hotel after a day of walking.
Joining Instructions
Flight inclusive prices include our standard flights/transfers British Airways Gatwick to Faro 09:00/11:50 Oct & Apr-May, 13:15/16:05 Nov-Mar, (transfer to hotel, 75 mins, provided). Return: Air Faro to Gatwick 13:00/15:50 Oct & Apr-May, 17:00/19:50 Nov-Mar. Business/club/first class seats are available on request. Alternative transfersIf you require alternative transfers (because you will be arriving at a different time to our standard flights), then we can usually arrange these for you (there may be an additional charge).
Transfer Details
Standard transfersFor flight inclusive bookings transfers are included from Faro airport at 11:50 Oct & Apr-May, 16:05 Nov-Mar, and back to Faro airport at 09:30 Oct & Apr-May, 13:30 Nov-Mar. Transfers are available at a supplement for land only bookings.
Weather Information
Coastal areas of Portugal can be known to be quite windy. However, the climate here is long, warm summers and mild winters, with most rain falling in the winter months, but possible in all other months. Seasons are marked, with pleasant temperatures in the spring, in the summer and in the autumn. Heat waves can push up temperatures between mid June and September.
Spending Money
— You will need spending money for meals not included in the itinerary and all drinks. We suggest €25 per day to cover a few drinks if not then €10 per day. On the days where lunch or dinner is not included expect to spend €10-€15 for lunch and €15-€35 for dinner.
Highlights
— Walk beside the crashing Atlantic; follow the Rota Vicentina and Fishermen's Trail — Relax in an eclectic mix of hotels, from a rustic village conversion to a chic 4 star hotel — Delicious, typical Algarvian cuisine — Excellent for bird-spotting (over 190 species); carpets of wildflowers — Look out from Cabo de Sao Vicente lighthouse, Europe's most southwesterly point
Trip Details
Product Code: 22809
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: walking.
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Budget
Tour Operator:
Exodus Travel
Supplier Code: W06AV
Starts:
Finishes:
Duration: 7 days
Departures: Not Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Unknown
Includes
— All accommodation — All continental breakfasts and 3 evening meals — Headwater Navigation App — Luggage transfers between hotelsAccommodation
HotelsAll your hotels have pools, and range from designer chic above the bay in Sagres, to country village style in Pedralva, where every house in the village has been restored to provide rustic accommodation. In Vila do Bispo you stay in a traditional pensao (coaching inn), now beautifully modernised, that was once a stopping-off point for pilgrims on their way to the Cape.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $2520 ($360 /day)
Itinerary
Arrive in the characterful coastal town of Sagres in time for your dinner. (Staying in Hotel Memmo Baleeira, Half Board)
After a 30-minute transfer you'll follow the Fishermen's Trail, passing pines and gorse as you head to the cliff tops and the impressive Amado beach, an internationally renowned surf beach. Make your way down to the village of Carrapateira, with its bars and restaurants offering a great lunch stop. Do take time to visit the interesting Land and Sea Museum for an insight into the history of the village and its fishing economy. You'll then pick up the Rota Vicentina passing one of the Algarve's finest viewpoints, following a lovely trail through the Sinceira Valley and the course of the River Sinceira, as you make your way to charming Aldeia da Pedralva and your own village house for the next two nights. (Staying at Aldeia da Pedralva, Half Board)
You can be as active or as relaxed as you like: spend time unwinding in the pretty village or enjoy one of two optional walks. Follow a lovely cliff-top trail back along to Amado beach or take a smaller loop along the Marreiros plateau with great views of the Algarve's highest point. (Staying at Aldeia da Pedralva, Half Board)
There are two options for today, both setting off through a forest of pine and eucalyptus as you follow the Rota Vicentina, then a meandering trail through flower meadows leading you along a path and down to the pretty village of Vila do Bispo. The longer trail adds a wonderful horseshoe loop heading into the Costa Vicentina Natural Park, to Praia da Barriga (Barriga beach) with its impressive cliffs and crashing waves - the perfect picnic spot. (Staying at Hotel Mira Sagres, Breakfast only)
The cosmopolitan coastal town of Lagos is a short bus ride away; encircled by 14th century walls, the stone work and architecture within is a delight. Ornate churches date from the 13th century, and tangled cobbled lanes lead to discoveries around every corner. Alternatively, you may wish to follow one of two walks, one taking in the cliffs and viewpoints above Vila do Bispo, the other a real gem of a walk through a landscape of rolling hills and gentle valleys through the village of Raposeira to Guadalupe chapel, thought to be one of the only Knights Templar buildings left in Portugal. (Staying at Hotel Mira Sagres, Breakfast only)
Surrounded by foaming Atlantic breakers, Cabo de Sao Vicente marks the most south-westerly point of Europe. The walk out to the edge of the continent should prove to be one of the highlights of your week! You are spoilt with amazing coastal scenery on this wild and unpopulated route that follows sandy paths and gorse-strewn meadows to the very edge of the Iberian Peninsula. At the Cape there is a lighthouse, museum and small bar, offering wonderful photo opportunities. It's a short transfer (5 mins) back to Sagres where you can relax with a cold drink on the waterfront, watching fishermen mending their nets. (Staying at Hotel Memmo Baleeira, Breakfast only)
The tour ends after breakfast in Sagres.
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Tour Operator
Exodus Travel
It’s all about adventure That is what Exodus was founded upon 50 years ago, and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on. At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved. This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday. Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments. See our history page for more details about how we began and how we have grown over the past 50 years. Never travelled with Exodus before? Visit our New to Exodus page for some useful, first-timer information.
In Business Since 1974
Reviews
Trusted Customer - Traveled, March 2025
The holiday was really well organized. The app was very useful and worked really well, with very clear instructions, which were easy to follow. Marta from A2Z was very friendly and gave excellent support.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/25/2025
Trusted Customer - Traveled, March 2025
The instructions were very clear and complete. The app made it easy to find our way. The rating of the activity level was accurate. The accommodations were very good, although the hotel in Sagres was fancier than necessary. It was easy to communicate with Marta.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/22/2025
Trusted Customer - Traveled, October 2024
Well- researched, great variety, brilliant app, very helpful and friendly representatives and staff at all the hotels we stayed in. All the organization was perfect, no hitches or problems, great communication.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/19/2024
Patricia Pearl - Traveled, February 2024
Route finding - the app worked perfectly. Local agent Lea pleasant and efficient. We had sunny weather. No rain. The scenery at the coast is stunning. We experienced fantastic wild flowers at every turn. Lots of interesting birdlife. Trails not difficult. Accommodation excellent.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/09/2024
Dorothy Crossan - Traveled, January 2024
Once again I really liked the choice of hotels. I like hotels that are quirky and friendly and this has been the case on this holiday. I really like the app for guidance while walking and think that GPS should be available for every walk. I like the freedom to be self-guided and the app provides the necessary reassurance to help me feel confident about striding out on my own. Going on a self-guided walk with an organized timetable means that I bump into other travelers doing the same route in the evenings. I like this as I don't feel on my own while also being entirely independent. I am becoming a bit addicted... :)
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/10/2024
Tracey Groves - Traveled, August 2023
Fourth holiday with Headwater over the years. Always very enjoyable and exciting destinations. Great routes and we visit places we would never have seen otherwise. Thank you.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/16/2023
HAWKINS - Traveled, April 2023
We thoroughly enjoyed the whole holiday. The walking was very varied taking in stunning coastal scenery, verdant valleys and beautiful natural landscapes. The locals were friendly and the accommodation and food were all brilliant. We especially loved staying in the 'slow village' of Pedralva. We would thoroughly recommend this excellent trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/13/2023
Mrs. Pittam - Traveled, April 2023
A superb walk along a magnificent coastline & through countryside alive with wild flowers & butterflies in this lesser known part of Portugal. The accommodation chosen is delightfully varied - part luxury/part simple. Quality food in terms of breakfast & evening meals. Both the written walk notes & maps together with the GPS App are very accurate & helpful. The staff & service provided from start to finish and during the holiday was professional, knowledgeable & pleasant. This is our 6th walking holiday with Headwater. We will definitely book more.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/22/2023
Mr. Cheney - Traveled, March 2023
Very well organized and a beautiful area to explore. Local rep was excellent and highly recommend this holiday where you choose the mix of walking and relaxing.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/11/2023
Mrs. Hilton - Traveled, March 2023
Having never tried a holiday like this we were a little apprehensive, but we needn't have worried. Thanks to Headwater's meticulous planning we can highly recommend 'Walk The Algarve's Wild West' - it was a most memorable experience from start to finish. The delightful scenery meant the walks were all hugely enjoyable, with only a couple of slightly monotonous sections which were thankfully short. We went in late March when the flowers and birdlife were at their best, as was the weather. As the maps are not exactly OS standard, the app proved to be invaluable. We were amazed by the quality and variety of the three hotels, especially in Sagres and Pedralva. And while Vila do Bispo may not be the most exciting town, we had two exceptional evening meals in the local restaurants. All transfers ran like clockwork and Headwater's local agent, Lea, could not have been more helpful. We are already perusing the brochure for next year's adventure.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/25/2023
