Walking in Portugal - Remote Coastal Trails

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'. Our base for the week is Casa Azul, a short walk from Mareta Beach and the centre of Sagres town. 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 an 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 Bordeira, approximately thirty minutes away. After a short introduction on the local culture and native plants of theregion, we make our way through grassy hills, enjoying the tranquil setting before descending to the wild Atlantic coast. We stop for lunch near the beach, then continue onwards to explore the headland. The views of the dramatic rocky coast are breathtaking and make for some fantastic photo opportunities. From here we head inland again and end the walk at the lovely village of Carrapateira where we can relax in a local café before heading back to Sagres by taxi. Today's leisurely 13 kilometre/8.1 miles walk is expected to take around 4 hours with 150 metres/492 feet of combined ascent and descent.

We arrive to the coastal village of Bergau by taxi for the start of our walk along this dramatic coastline.We spend today traversing along the coastal path, admiring the turquoise waters and native plant life. We make a lunch stop over looking the beautiful coastal town of Luz before continuing our route east. There will be a swim opportunity at Porto Mos, or the chance to enjoy a drink at the beach bar. En route today, we see the fascinating rock formations, including the photogenic rock arch at Ponta da Piedade, just south of Lagos, before ending our walk at the lighthouse. The view of the cliffs, lighthouse, and coast are absolutely magical. After spending some time absorbing the view, we return to Sagres by taxis. Today's moderate 13 kilometre/8.1 miles walk is expected to take around 4 hours with 180 metres/590 feet of ascent and descent, along a coastal path.

After breakfast we travel the short distance to the cliffs near Vila do Bispo village by taxi. From here we follow the long distance marked coastal trail 'Rota Vicentina' along dramatic cliffs famed for their unique geological formations formed by millions of years of geological processes including erosion, tectonic activity and sedimentation. Sea stacks, arches and folded rocks are a regular feaure as we head 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. In the evening we'll have dinner in a local restaurant and try the Caldeirada - a traditional hearty Portuguese fish stew. Alternatives will be available for those who do not eat fish. Today's moderate 15 kilometre/9.3 miles walk is expected to take around four hour and a-half with 150 metres/492 feet of ascent and 260 metres/853 feet of descent along a marked trail.

Today is a free day to relax on the beach or discover the lovely, historic town of Lagos, exploring the 15th century fortress, or seeing the fish auction that takes place there during the early afternoon. Alternatively there is the option of a boat trip to see the Benagil Caves from Arcacao de Pera.

Today is a more challenging walk along the Seven Hanging Valleys trail. Prepare to be captivated with spectacular coastal scenery today, unique to the Algarve region. After approximately 1 hour's drive to Albandeira Beach, we join the trail traversing along the coastal cliffs, famous for its natural arches, limestone stacks and numerous caves. We continue the trek around beautiful secluded beaches and pristine waters below, whilst spotting a variety of local birdlife above. There will be elements of scrambling during a few short sections of the route. The trail rises to pas Alfanzina lighthouse before arriving at Carvoeiro, our end destination. Today's moderate 10 kilometre/6.8 miles walk is expected to take around four hours with 400 metres/1312 feet of ascent and descent, with some steep sections.

This morning, we take taxis to Ingrina, a sheltered sandy beach well known for surfing. From here we take the coastal route hugging the headland, and appreciate the wild coastland. There will be plenty of opportunity to spot local bird and plant life during our walk today. Stopping at a remote a beach for a short rest, we can watch the surfers and relax before continuing on the coastal path, enjoying our final views of the enchanting Atlantic ocean. There is a chance to swim in the beautiful waters at Praia do Marinhal, our final destination, or it is only a 10 minute walk back to the hotel for those that are ready. Today's leisurely 10 kilometre/6.2 miles walk is expected to take around 3 hours, with an ascent and descent of 150 metres.

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 an airport transfer today, you need to depart from Faro Airport (FAO) which is around 1 hour 30 minutes' drive from the hotel.